Happy Birthday

Some of you may be surprised to know that this is actually Krista's and my shared blog and not her personal one. Obviously, Krista does the great majority of the posting these days, but I wanted to take the opportunity to post today, to honor her on her birthday. This marks the thirteenth time I've had the opportunity to celebrate her "special day" with her. I can truly say that it has been a privilege and, by far, one of the greatest blessings of my life to have known her these past thirteen years. I look forward, Lord willing, to many, many more!

Yesterday the boys and I went gift shopping for her. Krista's favorite part of the gift may very well prove to be the afternoon she had at home to herself. Our family tradition is that the birthday girl (or boy in all other cases -- at least until the baby arrives) gets to choose whichever restaurant they want to eat at on their birthday. Krista is chosing Subway, which may not seem like the fanciest choice, but it is fairly new to us here in Graz and she really likes it (so do I but, it is her opinion that counts today). I have a feeling that we will also mosey down to the Christmas market which is close to Subway. When we get back home this evening we will honor Krista in the truest way I know how, by decorating the Christmas tree. Honestly, she would have had it up weeks ago, if I would have let her. She absolutely loves Christmastime.

So happy Birthday Babe! I love you so much and would be lost without you. Hope today is truly special for you. You're the best!!!

Danny

The twinkles in my eye...

There are days as a mom that I just don't know how I'm gonna make it thru the day without blowing my top. It's usually due to lack of sleep, full schedules, a to-do list that is way to long, or that I've forgotten to say 'no' to a few things and so I'm running in all directions while trying to keep the house functioning (laundry, dishes, cooking, etc). When I allow these things to happen-- my most favorite people suffer-- and that is wrong.

When we first moved here I never turned down an opportunity to get out with new friends or have coffee with someone or have play dates, etc. I needed to meet people and well, we did move here to start a ministry. Don't get me wrong... I've not lost sight of why we moved here and don't think that I have all the friends I need here either. But I am not being a good wife or mommy when I give my best attitude to people that I meet with and then take my stress and how I'm really feeling out on my family. It's true what they say... "we hurt the ones we love." I think it's because we take advantage of the 'unconditional' love we get from our spouse or kids.... we abuse it. I know I do. Not intentionally mind you... but my actions or the sound of my voice certainly aren't reflecting Christ. What this is saying to my boys is that I care more about what a friend thinks or a stranger thinks of me than with the people I share a house, hugs and kisses or our NAME! So I'm learning to say 'no' to a few things. Letting the boys chill out at home after a long morning in school in another language instead of going out straight away and not making it home till dinner time. We still have play dates, but I just can't have something going on every. single. day. It's not healthy for us. Every family is different so I'm not saying that those who are constantly on the 'go' or have sports coming out of their ears are wrong... just that our family in this moment thrives on our down time. We can see it in the boys moods. Also, with another baby on the way I'm glad we're realizing this and making some changes. Danny appreciates it because it gives him more time to study for Sundays.

I know one thing.... these days would happen a lot less if I kept a steady walk with God. I'm not saying I'll just ooze sweetness to everyone around me because I had my "quiet time" with God. Because it's a constant battle to stay focused on what is really important in life. I just want my boys to know that though I'm not perfect (well, they already know that... 5 & 3 years old and they've heard Mommy apologize to them many times), but that God is my main focus. He keeps me grounded and level headed.

Danny & I have been encouraged numerous times by the boys sensitivity to God and what His presence means to us as a family. It's a proud moment that we must be doing something right and a HUGE eye opener too. On one hand we're proud that they sensed the need to pray for 'such-n-such' or remember a detail to a Bible story that we weren't sure they were even listening to. But then it also hits us-- they are taking everything in-- they really are paying attention! What a responsibility we have as parents. This isn't something that has suddenly dawned on me... but just felt the need to type it all out.

I have absolutely no idea why I started writing this. I loaded these adorable photos of Nate & Micah and was going to just go on and on about how funny and sweet they are to me (and they ARE!), but my fingers just started typing something else. This has been out of the ordinary for me to write. I usually just mention how we are, what we're doing, or just brag... but felt compelled to share something that's been on my heart. It's not always flowers and smiles here... haha. So, sorry if it seemed jumbled or just not making much sense... it did to me (no jokes those of you who know me well).

Now on to a funny story: Nate was sick on Sunday. After Danny & Micah left for church, Nate was really complaining about his tummy hurting, so I said let's pray about it. He was more than happy to pray and is usually the first to pray about what some might call the "little things". Well, after a morning of keeping a bowl close by, laying on the couch with his favorite blanket and pillow... he asked for some food. While he was eating I suggested he also thank God for making him feel better (we've been discussing the not just asking for stuff in life by God or even by people-- the holidays are coming, ya know, but being thankful too). So he says, "I will... tonight when I go to bed and pray." I told him that was fine, but we didn't have to wait to talk to God at just meals or bedtime. I gave examples of how I talk to God when I'm driving, cleaning the house, eating, etc. I explained that God knows everything, sees everything, and hears everything-- the good stuff and the bad stuff (a few examples were given like how we treat our brother when mommy or daddy aren't around or our attitude when told to obey, etc). He turned around, looked at me real serious and asked, "Does God listen when I'm telling my friend a secret?" I said, "Yes, He knows everything you do." Nate was a bit shocked. He then said, "But if I'm telling my friends something it's a secret... no one else is supposed to hear it!" I assured him that I didn't think God would tell the other kids what he told his friend... his secret was safe. He looked a bit relieved, though maybe not completely satisfied. haha. Ohhh, Nathan. I love how your mind works sometimes.

Now for pics of the twinkles in my eye!!!

A work in progress,

Krista

Happy Thanksgivingl

This year Danny & I out did ourselves, yet again. Both of us cook about 50-50 as it is and we both have things we make better than the other so Thanksgiving dinner was no different. We were supposed to have friends over for the big dinner, but they had to cancel so it was just the 4 of us. Actually, it was very nice and fun with the boys.

I did learn that, though no one else was bustling around the stores here like they would be in the US, it's still a bit hectic when you can't find an ingredient that is normally on the shelf. I had one can of cream of mushroom soup and that's all I needed, but I like to have a "just in case" one. Also, we make just about everything else you can imagine from scratch that I didn't want to mess with soup when I knew I could find it at the store... but nope... not Wedneday night. haha. Go figure.

Yesterday I also had a Dr. appt. and Baby Girl is doing great and growing! She'll be here before we know it!

It was sad not having football playing in the background all day, but Danny & I commented that the food is cooked, eaten, put away, kitchen is clean, boys have been bathed and now all that is left is chatting with family and then we can sit back... eat slices of our favorite pies that we baked for each other and enjoy the game!!!

Hope your day is going well... its not quite Noon for the CST people. If you aren't with family, know that we understand. If you are blessed to be around family... savor it for us. We are thankful for our little family and our extended family that loves and supports us all the way!

-krista-

You had to be there...

Picture this:

I've taken the boys to get haircuts. Nathan is getting in the chair and since the place isn't busy Micah wanders around. I'm talking to the lady about what I want with Nate's hair and notice Micah standing frozen, staring at a girl that's washing something in the sink. He has a look of confusion, maybe even... horror. I walk over to him and the girl is washing a mannequin's head (she's obviously in training and had colored the hair). Then it hits me! All my 3 yr. old son sees is a head with hair and no body attached! He doesn't break eye contact with it, but says to me in a low whisper... "Mommy, what she doin'?" So after some explanation he watches her finish rinsing, dry, and stick the head on a stand and begin to comb thru the hair. If you're not laughing, then I guess you had to be there :) Danny & I had sure had a good laugh.

Next mental picture:

It's bedtime. We're tucking the boys in and having those last minute conversations ;) We have a stuffed Chick-Fil-A cow that wears the famous sign "Eat mor chikin". Well, Nate asked what the writing said and Danny read it. Thus, began the conversation about what that meant and why it was funny. The look on Nathan's face was priceless when Danny said, "Hamburger is made out of cow." He then began to ask what other things were made from animals.

He said, "What's made out of chicken?"

Danny answered, "Chicken nuggets. So are the chicken wings we had the other night." (Nate's eyes are getting bigger with every revelation).

Nathan asks, "What kind of animal is bread made out of?"

Ohhhh, boy do we have fun with these 2 guys!

99 and counting down...

We have left triple digits and now it's 99 days till my due date! I had my glucose test today (passed of course) and quite a bit of blood drawn (I do not like that part!). Nathan has said numerous times that he is so excited about a new baby coming. Micah just wants to know "is it today?" haha.

Danny is feeling a little better today, but he has had some kind of stomach bug for the last 2 days. I am really praying no one else gets it. We do NOT need another sickness to go thru this household, the last bout took for-ever to move on!

Well, I need to finish disinfecting the house and do more laundry.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Micah!

Is it really his 3rd birthday?!? October 12, 2006 is the day we welcomed Micah Daniel into our family. It was 2 days before my Mom and Papa's birthday and due date, but the Dr. said he needed to come on the 12th. My water was getting low and the Dr. wasn't comfortable waiting 2 more days. We had a rough couple of months in the beginning finding out what Micah needed, he was just a cranky little guy ;) But oh what a funny guy he is too! Micah is our shy, likes to be near family, open with his emotions (the good, the bad, and the ugly), lover of cars and superheroes, wrestling enthusiast, Nate's shadow, a curious, always asking 'WHY?", likes to eat--anything, a cuddler, vocal about things he dislikes, nap-lovin', Kindergarten attending, little ball of energy--all BOY!

We are blessed beyond what we deserve to have 2 sons who are the twinkle in our eyes. Thank you, Lord for the privilege to raise these boys. We pray we are always pointing them to You.

Birthday Party with Friends

Family Night Birthday Party, October 12th

Ahhh, Saturday!

I'm sitting at our dining table writing a blog with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee cake, and complete silence. Danny took the boys down to his office to watch a video that he needs for his lesson tomorrow in church with the older kids. What a guy!

We were supposed to go to hockey training this morning, but Nathan has a bit of a cough and stomach trouble so he said he'd like to stay close to home. I like watching him ice skate and chatting with the other families, but a break to be home and prepare for Sunday would be nice too.

I'll break in the 'catch-up' part of the blog and just tell how we're all doing. A little over a month ago Nathan was sick (but you never know with him because he doesn't stop and it wasn't really bad to begin with). Well, by the time we even knew he was sick, he gave it to Micah and me. Now we really caught it and were so very ill. I didn't really have any state-side OC meds left that were safe for pregnancy so I thought I'd just tough it out. Boy-o-boy did I learn what toughing it out meant! Micah (we had meds for him) & I both had fevers, aches and nasty, nasty coughs, along with runny noses. I had trouble keeping water down. But that just lasted for a day or two. Our moms already know this so don't go giving me speeches about being a sick pregnant woman and not running to the Dr. ;) haha. I knew it would be rather pointless to go to the Dr. here because they don't medicate easily (for which I'm thankful). Danny finally got a little taste of it a couple of weeks ago, but I do believe we're all on the healthy side of this 'bug'. I still cough and blow my nose, but I'll take that any day after what the last month has done to us.

The hardest part about all of that was we still had church services to plan. Danny does the teaching for the adults and older kids, I teach the little ones and do a craft of some sort and also lead all the music (I bought a guitar over the summer and I'm really, really praying for a good guitar teacher because I do not like singing with cd's). I also bring coffee and some yummy baked goodies. We build and tear down each and every time (which I know many new churches do, but I guess our boys aren't quite to the helpful stage yet-haha). The breaking-down part is easy because the people who attend are so wonderful to help out. The older kids keep the little ones busy and I get to chat with the ladies while the men help Danny :) We have some awesome families that attend! The unity that is constantly growing amongst everyone is so cool. Nathan wishes all his friends from Kindergarten would come... I tell him to invite them and see what happens.

Micah just finished his 2nd full week of Kindergarten (it's really pre-school). How did he do you ask? Well, the only day he did NOT cry and scream when dropped off was Friday of that first week. The 2nd week the only day he DID cry was Monday. YEAH! It's really only those first few minutes. He usually gets up just fine, gets dressed, eats breakfast, etc. (because he did all of this when we were only taking Nate, so the only change is he stays at school instead of riding back home). But when you pull up to the school.... " I don't want to go. I want to stay with you and help you at home.... (sniffles begin) I'm gonna miss yoooouuuuu!" Then he will NOT get out of the car. Danny, thankfully, has done most of the morning runs. I'm pretty tough about not caving in to the boys about stuff I know is ultimately good for them, but Micah just has these adorable, soul searching eyes that melt my heart. He also gets up close to you in a cuddly sort-of-way and just looks at you and puts his hand on your arm or face. Awww.....! But week 3 will begin on Monday and I'm confident we're past the emotional break downs... we may still have a day here and there, but I think he's fine now. I would be concern if their teacher said that he carries on all morning and when we pick him up he's still showing signs of tears. But that very first day at pick-up time his response to us (after a big smile and hug) was, "what are you doing here?" On days it doesn't rain we pick him up from the playground and I find him by the sound of his laughter. He's made some friends and already picked up some German phrases. Yeah... I'm thinkin' Micah is gonna be just fine. Nathan is sure proud to have a brother with him and in his class (their classes are kids ages 3-6 yrs. old). Their teacher said Nathan is sooo sweet with him and makes sure Micah knows what's going on, etc.

Thank you, Lord for such awesome kids. They amaze me!

ps-- wasn't really sure where to stick this in, but one morning Micah was particularly not wanting to go to Kindergarten. While I was in the bathroom brushing Nate's hair, Danny went to get Micah's jacket and shoes on. Well, the next thing I hear coming from the boys room is, "Micah! Put your clothes back on... you have to go to school today and you can not go naked." Oh the laughs that boy brings us. I can just imagine what was going thru his head. "They're not listening to me... I don't want to go... they can't make me go if I'm not dressed.... I'll take all my clothes off and then we'll be too late to go." LOL!

A Daughter

It's a... GIRL!!!

So, we've actually known since September, but I've been swamped and trying to get this blog updated in some type of order, and then we all got sick. But yes... a GIRL!!

The boys are ecstatic! Really. They don't know anything else but 'brothers', so a sister would "mix it up". haha. Nathan's reasoning is that we already have a boy (Micah) :) Here are a few things the boys have said or done that have made us laugh/smile: Micah asks almost daily if the baby is coming today. Nathan has a couple of name choices that are sweet. They both have picked out something when shopping with Danny and have talked him into buying it for the baby. Nathan wants to paint the baby's room pink (I'm not a real pink-y person). Micah thinks it's funny when I say the baby is kicking me. He is a bit confused why he gets in trouble when he tries to kick or rough-house with me. Nathan wanted to put his hand on my belly the other day when I mentioned she was moving a lot. Well, as soon as he did the baby stopped (of course). I told him she must be shy. He puts his face right up to my belly and yells, "Don't be shy!! We're family!" It was so very funny and precious at the same time.

I think I'm in a bit of denial... I've had 5 1/2 yrs. experience as a mom to boys. Even though I've "oooh'd and aaah'd" over the girlie stuff thru the years, it now feels weird to think I'm buying for 'my girl'. haha. Danny is excited-- he teases that he's nervous because of what the future means for the father of a girl, but we can't wait to see what this little girl brings to our family.

We're so thankful that so far this pregnancy has gone smoothly and there have been no signs of problems. December will be a year since we lost our last baby and are so happy that God has allowed us to have another child.

Here's a sonogram picture of OUR DAUGHTER!!

Comments

So my counter says people are reading this... fun! I am really trying to get back in the swing of blogging. A couple of things: Feel free to comment or give a shout out :) Also, if you comment and don't have a blogger account.... no problem, it'll show up as 'anonymous', but do type your name after your comment. Someone not too long ago asked a question and I had no idea who it was. For those of you from supporting churches, you're going to find family stories and day to day life here... not any direct ministry updates- in case you're wondering (those are sent via email to those signed up for them or directly to supporters). Sooo, thanks for taking an interest in our family and happy reading!!

-the management-

Roller Blades

Danny found roller blades on clearance (really unbelievable clearance price!) shortly after Nathan began learning to ice skate and it has helped him a lot with finding his balance. Micah wanted to join in the fun so he got a pair of roller skates that you can wear with your sneakers... just strap them on! It lasted for a couple of weeks this fall. But lately its been soooo rainy and cold that they haven't been able to be outside.

I'm obviously still playing catch-up with the blog... but in about 2-3 more posts I should be in 'real' time ;) LOL!

-krista-

SUBWAY!

Subway arrived in our city the end or so of April if I remember correctly. It. was. so. delicious. Here are the highlights:

Subways breads (they have great breads here, but not the soft American style that I have at times missed when eating sandwiches)

Ranch dressing. (I have dry packets for home.... but nice to have it ready made for my sandwich!)

Doritos. ( IF and when you find them at the Trendy Candy store here-- they are VERY over priced and from a tiny store)

Free refills. (not common here at. all.)

Chocolate chip cookies that tasted like they were from the US. (homemade are best of course... but nice to have fresh, warm, melt in our mouth cookies that I didn't have to make!)

Ice Skating/Hockey training

I'm so glad Nathan has been able to try new things. He played his first sport this past Spring, Soccer (fußball/football to most of the world). This Fall he is trying Hockey... though it's more like learning to ice skate with the hockey attire on your body (he's thankful for the padding!). He seems to really enjoy this more. Danny & I love watching him improve every Saturday. He had never been on the ice before and the first week he did better than I would've after a month of attempts! Nathan is having fun doing this partly because his good friend, Fabian is also learning with him. Fabian used to attend the same Kindergarten then his family moved to a nice house this summer, but out of our district. But thankfully we still see each other often. They have become very good friends and we have spent a lot of time together because our boys (they have 2 boys in the same age brackets as our boys) get along so well. Their family has even visited our church services. Nathan & Micah really like it when Fabian & Felix are anywhere we go :)

Getting suited up.

Ready to hit the ice!

The first timers get to use a cone to help them stay on their feet.

Standing....
..not standing.

Not just standing, but SKATING!!

Handsome guy!
The 4 boys... such cute kids!

Fall days with Friends

Here are just some sweet pics of Nate & Micah with their good friends, Emily & Nina. I first met Karen shortly after we arrived in Austria, 5 yrs. ago. We hit it off and have been great friends ever since. Nathan was a baby at the time and as the year went on Karen found out she was going to have her first baby. About 2 weeks before Nathan's 1st birthday, Emily was born. Nina is just 5 months younger than Micah and Karen's 3rd daughter, Mia was born in May of this year. Karen and her hubby, Hannes are wonderful people and we're so happy God placed them in our lives.

Nathan attempting to teach Emily baseball. It was funny!

Micah and Nina

Karen teaching the kiddos Hopscotch.
Nathan's turn.
Street art with chalk.
They're just too cute!

Kindergarten time

September 14th was Nathan's first-last day of Kindergarten. Next fall he will be a "Schulkind" (school kid). I wasn't really sentimental or weepy on his very first day of Kindergarten when he was 3 yrs. old. Partly because Nathan has never really been shy or afraid of getting into a social situation. But this year I was a little weepy (not in front of him... just the realization of how grown up he's becoming. Yes, the pregnancy hormones may have something to do with it). When I think back... he was 3 and didn't know German well enough to have a conversation and knew NO ONE in his class. What a trooper! Danny & I are so proud of him.

This year he is very excited about showing Micah around. We thought about holding back on putting Micah in at 3 yrs. because as most of you know every child is different and that is definitely true in our family. Micah is friendly, but shy and a mommy/daddy's boy if anyone is around that he doesn't know... sometimes even people he's met. We knew taking him and leaving him would be different (Nathan walks in and usually forgets to say 'bye' to us). But those characteristics also made us think that it would be good for him to go while he has a brother there to help him. So Micah turned 3 on the 12th of October and will (did) begin Nov. 2nd. I'll write more on Micah's first 'real' day soon.

ps-I'm almost done with the 'catching up' of this blog ;)

Vote for the Bears

Hey everyone please take the opportunity to vote for my football club. We could win 10,000 EUR in sponsoring from snickers which would be a great benefit to our young organization.

It's in German so here are the instructions:

1. open this link (Styrian Bears - http://www.snickers.at/HIeJrHR7Iz)
2. click "jetzt voten"
3. click "als Gast voten" (or you can register if you want)
4. enter the security code and then click "voten"

You are allowed to vote daily. Also, from the main link you can watch a short video clip by clicking "Movie ansehen"

Please Vote! And please pass this along!

Thanks,

Danny

Micah and a Bike

Sometime mid-summer we bought Micah a bike at the flea market. He was riding in a little tractor and he just couldn't keep up with Nathan (who during the Spring learned to ride without training wheels). Bikes are ridiculously expensive here, so for a boy who we figure will not be riding this same bike next summer, we opted for a 'new to us' version :) Micah was so very excited. He loved that it was 'his' bike, nevermind that it is not really 'cool' looking in terms of what could've been (my thoughts... not his), but we put the training wheels on and off he went! He loves his bike and being able to have a better chance at catching Nathan. Micah also enjoyed giving his brother a 'ride' on the back... it was very entertaining :)

I love my boys.

Start to Finish

Our Garden--

Hard working guys!
Here are the 'snake graves' as one friend called them :) haha!





Some of the produce we were able to grow. Not everything made it... we're learning.

Just having fun...

The boys have their moments where they do act like little... well, if you're a parent you know I'm not thinking "angels". haha! But they have many moments where they are the best of friends.

Broken

The first dishwasher we ever had in our home was here in Austria. Wow! I was so excited... I think a part of me voted for renting this house because of it ;) But right now it's broken. I'm very sad. My hands are even more sad :(

Rabbit-sitting

Friends went on vacation for a few weeks in August and asked us to rabbit-sit. The boys were very excited, though Nate was over it pretty fast. Micah took to the rabbit more. The first morning they saw him, Danny was cleaning out his 'house' and let the boys take turns holding the rabbit. Nathan asked what his name was and we actually weren't sure. So I said, "Mr. Rabbit." Nathan didn't care for that since he knew that wasn't his real name. So I texted the family on my phone and got the name. I told Nathan and he ran outside to the rabbit and said, "Hi Elias!!! My name is Nathan." I got a good laugh out of the introductions that were on hold till he knew the correct name.

The absolute funniest thing about this whole rabbit-sitting story is the first morning that Micah met him. Danny is petting the scared rabbit that is shedding like crazy and talking to Nate about this and that... when Micah--as serious as can be asked-- "Daddy, do we have batteries?" Danny of course is confused as to how that pertains to caring for the rabbit. He asks Micah and the answer he gives had us laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes! Micah replies, "We need to put batteries in the rabbit so he can talk to me."

I kid you not.

Many times over the weeks we found Micah outside just talking to Elias the rabbit. Most mornings before breakfast he was outside asking the rabbit how he slept and was he doing ok, etc. Very sweet.