Sights in our routine

Lately I've been taking pictures of our surroundings.  I want to look back and see how things have changed or grown.  So here are sights from some of our routine drives (going to school, grocery store, church, etc).

-krista-

Nate's Kindergarten-

Gas Station near our house-
My handsome hubby driving us around-
A place we take our car to get fixed/inspected.  The lady that runs this says she's a believer, but I think she's really searching for peace still.  The Browns church is basically right behind us (picture view) and she has visited!
One of the many Catholic chapels in our city-
I love the way you can be driving and suddenly a little forest will appear-
A grocery store we go to a lot, Nathan really likes it.  Some of you may recognize it as the sign for Aldi's.  They call it Hofer here.  Basically because it's a German store and the Austrians say they won't shop at a German store, so they renamed it?!?  
Still snow in the mountains and coming up to a "round-about".

A taste of my childhood... vocally.

I know I just posted a 'video' of sorts, but well, this one is about the PHILIPPINES! Unless you grew up there and learned the language this won't mean anything to you, but feel free to listen to the language and maybe you'll understand why I get so frustrated when I can't retain Tagalog and German together! The languages are night and day. They're singing about different locations (Palawan & Baguio--two places I lived a significant part of my childhood) and describing the Filipino people and inviting you to come and see. I told Danny that I can't actually translate all of it (I'm VERY rusty to almost having lost it completely- to say the least), but I understood most of it, to my surprise :)

We really hope to make a trip back there one day. Danny went with me the summer of '98 for a couple of weeks. I always knew that whoever I married had to see where I grew up... it's a must to understand some of my 'quirks' as Danny says ;) I want Nate & Micah to see the Philippines. One day.... 

Biyahe Tayo =Let's journey (at least that's what my memory is telling me it means)

By Your Side

I came across this group (Tenth Avenue North) and specifically, this song on a dear old friends blog.  I liked it so much I bought it on itunes.  I've mentioned in the past how music does something for me.  While I enjoy the get up and move music with my boys, this is something I like to listen to when I just want to be still.  Lately, I have needed to be reminded to just be still!  It's been a long couple of weeks and I'm tired.  This is a good reminder of Who is by my side....

March Madness--in Austria!

Danny picked up Nate from Kindergarten and when they arrived home we all played outside for a few minutes before going in for lunch.  I thought I saw a snowflake and Danny said he saw a few while driving.  Before we knew it the snow was coming faster and getting bigger!  It's after 6pm here and the ground/trees/plants/driveway are covered.  It's so pretty, but my goodness! We were so ready for Spring.... our neighbor was even out trimming his hedges this morning. haha.  So this is our madness in March. 

Outside our bedroom window--yard with the field next door:

Front yard/porch:

"I'm a soccer Mom"

Nathan has joined a Fußball (soccer, for our American readers) team.  We were invited by some of his friends/the parents from Kindergarten.  I hadn't looked into it yet and I'm glad they told me before it was too late.  We talked with Nathan about it and he was excited!  He had his first practice last night and enjoyed it very much.  The coach seems like a really nice man.  He's teaching them the fundamentals and rules, but making sure it's fun!  There are 3 other little boys from his Kindergarten playing on this team and it was nice to get to know those parents better while we watched the boys play.  So our world just got a little busier, but it'll be great for Nathan and for us as we're getting more involved in our community.  Just another way to share Christ in the everyday experiences!

Warm-up:

Lining up for turn to kick a goal:

Micah trying to be supportive--he wanted to play.
Talking about sportsmanship:
He drank a lot of water!

Zaylee -9 months

It's been awhile since I've bragged on my niece, Zaylee.  She is 9 months old and just a doll!!!  Look at her beautiful auburn hair :)  She is going to be a big sister about a month after she celebrates her 1st birthday.  We're anticipating the birth of a nephew!  Thanks for the pics Matthew & Zandra.

I can't get over how big her eyes are when she's looking at the camera!  So blue and pretty!

Trampoline fun

How cool is this?!?!  I found this via a Home Interior designer's blog.  

Spring is almost here!

We have a really fun park in our community and the boys really enjoy playing there.  It's a great place to let them get their energy out.  It's fenced so I know they can't run into the parking lot and it's a great place to meet up with other moms and their kids for play dates.  Last week we had some really beautiful days (weather-wise) and the boys really enjoyed having Daddy tag along.  

Danny has been working on things for this Sunday and teaching English to a gentleman twice this week.  I am, sadly very behind on my laundry.  I've had a busy week and I just didn't get around to doing a load a day.  Now my laundry room is full of mole hills!  Of all the house work to do, I don't really mind laundry, just don't like getting behind.  Now the kitchen-- I do NOT like.

We got a package this week from Danny's family.  What fun!  The boys received 'Transformers' on DVD.  I've been hearing a 4 year old singing the theme song most of his waking moments. During quiet time, playing with his toys, coloring, etc.  Well, today Micah started up in his own sweet little 2 year old vocab.  It's so funny.  

-krista-

A chance to listen and share

Last night I was invited to celebrate the 30th birthday of a new friend.  We met because our sons have become good buddies in Kindergarten.  My brain was on overload by the time I got home because of all the German I heard and spoke myself.  It's amazing how 4 years later my head still can't take more than just a few hours at a time :/

Anyway, I had the chance to sit with these 2 new friends and fellow Moms and talk about our kids and the struggles that come with motherhood.  As I sat there and listened to them talk I was just so thankful for the way God orchestrates our paths.  The people I've met in my lifetime are from all over the globe--and I do mean that!  Timing is always in God's perfect plan.  As we sat there one of the Moms turned to me and said so "What's your church like?"  Talk about a turn in the conversation!  Then for the next 30 minutes-- over what was supposedly "mexican food" (I'm from Texas and it was no where close to what I've tasted and would call "mexican food")-- I shared Christ.  I shared why Danny & I moved to Austria.  Why I believe in Christ.  I answered questions regarding the differences in our religious upbringing.  We talked for awhile about all these rules (legalism basically) as she called them.  I sensed the conversation was soon coming to a close so I briefly hinted that we had services this coming Sunday.  I wanted to get a feel for where they were in their search and then things shut down fast after I mentioned our upcoming service/Bible study.  Sooo, I'll keep being their friend and be available for coffee and stimulating conversation :)

It's a process here.  The fact that I've only gotten together with these ladies a couple of times and then was asked to celebrate a birthday is a huge step in gaining their trust and being welcomed into the circle of their friendship.  Being the social-bug that I am it made me feel good and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening.  

The future looks so promising with all these new friendships which God is constantly blessing me & Danny.  

-Krista-

In black & white

We spent some time one night last week taking pictures.  Our home church is putting together a pictorial directory and wanted us in it.  Aww....!  We can't wait to see it and all the faces of our church family.  We have a great home church.

So since I had the boys looking nice, I decided to get a few pics of my favorite guys.  I love the way they're such good buddies too.  Nathan is so good to say, "I love you" at numerous time through-out the day.  Micah's current phrase is, "Excuse me, ....." and he won't continue with whatever it is he's trying to say till he has your attention, so we'll hear "Excuse me....   excuse me... EXCUSE ME!"  It's too funny!

-Krista-

Just practicing

Last night I checked on Nate in the bathroom and as we were finishing doing business in there, I noticed wet wipes all over the floor.  But they weren't just in a pile... they were everywhere!  I asked him what in the world had happened (because they looked clean) and he said, "I was practicing 'Happy New Year'!"  

Huh?

So he reminds me of the episode on Full House, where Michelle (the adorable, youngest, little girl) is being told what New Years is all about.  She takes a box of kleenex and pulls tissues out and throws them in the air yelling "Happy New Year".  So for whatever reason he felt compelled to do that while he sat in the bathroom.

Well, Danny & I thought it was funny.