Traditions | Old & New

I have to chuckle a little when I hear the word tradition, so I'm thinking I should share why.  We were living in Ft. Leavenworth, KS--a lovely town, by the way--where our Sam was in preschool at St. Paul's. It must have been just before the holiday season as they were discussing family traditions in class.  When I picked him up from school one afternoon, his teacher asked if I could hang around for a bit.  Oh dear, what on earth has he done is surely what I was thinking at the time.  Anyway, she explained that they were sharing their family traditions for the holidays and that Sam had said ours was to 'clean the house and light smelly candles when people came to visit'.  HA!!  Mrs. B thought I might get a kick out of hearing his response, the teachers thought it was hilarious.  Most kids had said they go to Grandma's, have a turkey dinner, open one present Christmas Eve, etc.  Not Sam.  He had considered our protocol when having company, any time of year, as our family tradition.  I suppose he's right, as it's probably the one thing we consistently do to this day.  As my mother-in-law would say, 'out of the mouths of babes'!

So, what are our traditions?  Over the years they've varied greatly, mostly depending on where we live at the time.  For years, soon after we married, we lived in Germany and our tradition was to spend the holidays at home as it was too expensive to travel overseas.  There was always space-available travel, but we had no desire to potentially be stuck in airports with little ones the entire time, still worlds away from family with no guarantee of ever arriving at the destination.  UGH!!!  We loved our Christmas' in Europe though, so much so that I often catch myself wishing we could go back.

On Christmas Eve Gregg makes his signature chili--no recipe, just a lot of this and that--and we attend a candlelight church service wherever we are.  Then, we spend the rest of the night wrapping the last-minute gifts before falling asleep with tape in our hair.  We're awoken in the morning by the smell of coffee--brewed using the timer setting, learned that from experience--and at least two of the kids pleading with us to get up, Santa has come.  Stockings are opened first, then a break to put the pigs-in-a-blanket in the oven, finishing with presents one person at a time.  Our Christmas dinner also varies based on location.  If we're close enough to drive, we share the meal with family and exchange gifts after.  If not, we keep our meal very basic--ham, potatoes, something green and dessert.

Puzzles.  I think this is something we do no matter where we are.  We call it the 'Christmas puzzle', and I will stay up all night to finish once it's been poured on the table.  If I do happen to go to bed before it's done, you can bet I won't leave the house we're visiting until it's complete.  And if I do, then I'll be back at Spring Break to finish it up--Judy will attest to that!!

This year we changed it up a little.  To start, the boys didn't shop for each other.  Instead, they went shopping together, purchasing items for 2 children on The Giving Tree rather than spending so much on one another.  The 24th was spent much the same way, except Gregg did the grocery shopping and all the last-minute gift purchases--hallelujah!!  He also followed a new recipe for loaded baked potato soup, instead of chili.  It was fantastic!!  We went to the 11pm candlelight service at the  church I grew up in, rather than the one we attend now.  I caught up with a few friends that I haven't seen in years and my family got a glimpse at one of my childhood traditions.  The biggest difference this year, and I mean BIG, is that we got to sleep past 7am before being dog-piled awake to open presents.  It was one of those 'you know you're getting older' moments we had only dreamed of!  We've yet to do a puzzle, but the holiday isn't over so I probably shouldn't write that one off.

I don't know if the last couple of days will define how we do things next year, or the year after, but it really felt good to live in the moment and not be stuck doing something just because that's what we've always done. While I love a good tradition, I'm all about exploring new ones.  Look out 2014!!!

What are your favorite traditions?

*disclaimer--I did clean the house and light smelly candles this week for our one-and-only visitor, the jolly 'ol guy wearing his red suit.  Some traditions are hard to break!

Christmas in Germany

As you've probably read from previous posts, it's been busy around here.  I'm sure it's no different in your homes as well, because once again, 'tis the season, right?!  For several days, a few of us from Gregg's office, spouses included, have been working on table decorations for a holiday hall party at the MP School.  Each organization tied to the school was given a table, or four, to decorate however they chose.  We decided upon a Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas Market in Germany theme.  It's a tradition many of us military folks are fond of, visiting as many as we can from the end of November to Christmas Eve, while living in Europe.

A typical Christkindlmarkt has rows and rows of little huts that sell anything from candy and sweets to ornaments and handmade wares.  The favorite of most is the Gluhwein, mulled wine, stand.  As it's usually quite chilly this time of year, warm wine makes it much more bearable to be standing in the cold temps to partake in this tradition.  There is a non-alcoholic version called Kinderpunsch, which needs no translation I'm sure, that I made for our table yesterday. When you buy a glass of either drink at a market, you get it in a mug that is printed for that town specifically, the year included.  A deposit is given at the time you purchase your beverage, and given back when you return the cup.  We, as did most tourists, kept ours from time to time.  I pull them out at the holidays as yet another reminder of our 8 years and countless trips to market.

If you saw my last post, then you probably noticed some of the cookies I decorated had holes for ribbon, German phrases or funny shapes to them.  That particular batch was used to adorn our tables backdrop, created to resemble one of the little stalls found at a Christkindlmarkt.  There were hearts with 'CDID', Army speak for where Gregg works; trees that said 'Frohes Fest', German for 'Merry Celebration'; and crossed pistols, which represent the MP Corps.  We also used nutcracker soldiers, a Santa and lebkuchen(gingerbread) tin for props, all from my collection.

As good as our decorating skills were, our food donations were even better.  Somehow, our theme carried on in our dishes too.  We had brats(Nurnberger) with crusty rolls (brotchen), German potato salad, green salad with oranges and pomegranates, maple-bacon scones, fudge, tea cakes, a huge assortment of candies and mulled punch.  What an AMAZING turnout from people as busy as me!!  And did I mention we took 3rd place??  Even better than that though, I got to meet and work with a group of great people that I'm so grateful to know!!

A little blurry, but you get the idea...

If you ever find yourself in Germany at Christmas, don't miss one of these fabulous markets.  Some of the smaller, more quaint villages are even better than the huge, more famous ones in the cities.

White Christmas?

Whoa, we've had some kind of weather these last couple of weeks!  So far, our kids have missed 3 full days, and two half days of school.  I think we have had more snow/ice than the whole of last year, in just over a week.

I absolutely love a snow day, when you can cozy up with cocoa and a good book.  Unfortunately, we're so busy not even bad weather can slow us down.  'Tis the season, right?  After another round came through Friday night and into the morning hours Saturday, we traveled to our sons college town, 2 hours north, to visit and do some shopping.  We wouldn't have ventured out in those conditions ordinarily, but it was our only day to spend time with him before he comes home Christmas Eve. We made it there and back just fine, but I felt like one of those crazy people that ends up in a ditch and we all wonder what was so important they had to be out driving.

I wish I'd have taken pictures on the drive, it was absolutely breathtaking.  For some reason I always feel the need to have an extra set of eyes on the road when the conditions are questionable,  so  fumbling with  my camera was out.  The landscape was blanketed in white.  It reminded me of a puzzle scene, one we've done at Christmas.  Wonder what's on the radar for Dec. 24, perhaps more snow?  We can only dream...

Our first snowfall

Out my kitchen door

A quick peek up the street as it was coming down

What's Been Going On

We've had a busy few months, eight actually, since my break with blogging.  I'm not sure why I was away for so long, maybe this post will shed some light on the matter.  Looking back, I should have shared so much of that time.  Maybe I'll pick some of the events and build posts on those later, but for now here is what we did from March-December.

2013 in Review

*hosted college friends for weekend *skied/snowboarded near St. Louis *took the train to Glenwood Springs, CO for ski/boarding/mineral spring vacation *celebrated 16th birthday *got a shelter puppy *went to Pella, IA for tulip time *planted flowers *lego robotics camp at MU *trip to NE *heart procedure *car accident *July 4th *outdoor movie nights *trip to PA *made a quilt *cooking class *wood floors re-finished *painted 1st floor *celebrated 20th anniversary *celebrated 19th birthday *trip to England & France *bought new truck *Halloween Party *re-decorated bedroom *created Church directory *trip to Nashville, TN *Thanksgiving in Glasgow, MO *decorated for Christmas *got loads of snow/ice *celebrated 13th birthday *made tons of cookies *participating in Church pageant...and the years not over folks!!!

All I Want for Christmas...

  I really wanted to share this Christmas, 2011, as many don't know what it's like to be separated during the holidays.  Also, I wanted everyone to see this amazing place we spent time at.

Two years ago we were on our second year living in Pennsylvania, one of our favorite assignments, while Gregg was deployed to Afghanistan.  We made the decision for him to deploy that year for a couple of reasons.  First, we had been on the move at a fairly fast pace--3 years/3 different places--which meant 3 different high schools for our oldest.  Pennsylvania was a one year assignment, so you guessed it, a fourth move in 4 years/4 high schools.  To ensure Jake would get to spend his senior year in Carlisle, this was our only choice.  The second reason, and beyond our control, it was his turn to deploy.  You can never say putting a loved one in harms way makes sense, but for a military family, these are the decisions we are faced with.  And, unfortunately, it made sense for us that particular year.

Our one- year started in June, just a day after school was out for summer.  This was also part of the plan, crossing our fingers he would be back for Jake's graduation the following June.  Another positive to the situation, we live for the positives people, was that mid-tour R&R fell around Christmas time.  Woohoo!!!  Fairly early on in a deployment, leave forms are submitted to get everyones R&R requests on a calendar.  This was one of the first times he put in for the two weeks that took us through Christmas and New Years.

Summer and Fall passed quickly, all 3 playing soccer had something to do with that.  And we had made some wonderful friends in Carlisle, who helped us keep the whole year in check.  December was upon us, the boys and I decorated the house--we picked out a real tree--and all the gifts were purchased and wrapped.  The only thing left was for our husband and father to return and  to celebrate the birth of Christ as a family complete.  If my memory is correct, the call came in on Dec. 18 that he would arrive at Dulles airport, 2 hours away, at 6am the next morning.  We loaded up the car that afternoon and stayed near the airport, shuttling over in the morning for our reunion.

Everything went off without a hitch, we even got to meet the Afghan General that Gregg worked for as he escorted him back to be with his family who are living in the US.    When we returned home after a quick hotel breakfast and a little bit of shopping on the way, a welcome home sign had been hung on the house by friends who were hiding inside to surprise our soldier.  It was a great day, as you can imagine, but the day our 2-week countdown began.

The schedule was tight, a lot of activities to pack into a short amount of time.  To begin with, our dear friends K & B--haven't asked if I can name them in the blog--gifted Gregg and I with an overnight stay at a resort in the Allegheny Mountains of southern Pennsylvania.  We went right away, the day after he returned in fact.  These friends also looked after our boys-- I hear stories of a parmesan cheese shaker incident that night, hmmm.  Anyway, what an AMAZING gift that was.  If you ever find yourself traveling through Pennsylvania, GET OFF the turnpike and drive the 3 miles to this little town and resort.  You don't have to stay there, although I highly recommend it, but you should stop and tour the hotel.  There are a few dining options--we enjoyed each one--and a beautiful spa you can spend the day in even if you just get your nails done.  Thanks K & B, love you guys!!!

The rest of our time with Dad was spent watching movies, opening gifts, playing games, eating and just enjoying family.  There was a little trip to Virginia to share a meal with our new Afghan friends,  followed by an overnight in Philly with K & B and family.  They gave us the locals tour of all the sights, including a Rocky style photo-op at the Art Museum.  The New Year came and went and we found ourselves back at the airport, this time sending him back into the fight.  Honestly, the hardest thing I've ever had to do, several times over.

A glimpse at R&R

Fast forward six months and we were back at the airport, going to graduation, moving to Missouri and sending our eldest to college.  So much happens in a year, especially when you're able to look backward at it.  While I wish we didn't have to go through the separations and leaving good friends we've made, I wouldn't trade this life for another. Please hold tight to your loved ones this year, continue to pray for peace and remember all those serving and unable to be home for the holidays!

Catching Up

Wow, a LOT has happened since I last posted.  I suppose I need to figure out how to make this the weekly priority I had intended.  March turned out to be super busy as I've been away a couple of times-- once to my parents by myself and later to Colorado for Spring Break with my family(more on that soon).  I've added the pics of Mom's lovely lady, adorned in green. I also added one of the entire buffet as she does decorate the whole top as well.

I know it's well past the St. Patrick's holiday and even Easter--can you believe I forgot to take a picture of her Easter/Spring-scape when we passed through on our trip--but until she creates a blog of her own, I'm going to publish her creations.

The weekend I visited was very cold and they had so much snow on the ground.  We had a very low-key weekend because of the weather--walked to the local bakery for lunch Saturday, Church on Sunday--perfect way to relax!  We did tackle a puzzle that I didn't get to see finished, which bothers me to no end.  It was of a pack of white/grey wolves in a snowy forest--so an entire white and grey puzzle really.  I think it got completed within the week, as my Dad wouldn't put an unfinished puzzle away.

I'm really enjoying these short weekends in their little town, can't wait to see it in bloom and hopefully take some pics outside.

 On one of my visits I stopped at an antique mall on the way home, think I blogged about buying a couple of paintings.   I love old oil paintings and they both remind me of our days living and traveling in Europe. I still haven't framed them, and don't know if I will frame one of them.  I would like to find an old, possibly gold frame that can be cut down to fit the one above.  The castle on the hill below has an old string hanger and I think I'll keep it that way for a while--or until I find a wall that will be its forever-home, in my forever-home.  

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Spring week!!!

California Dreamin'

 I started this post a couple of weeks ago, on a day much like today--overcast and raining. While snow is what's coming down now, cold and yucky was the common denominator.  Our youngest son, Daniel, was home from school that day with flu-like symptoms and I spent much of the afternoon hovering nearby.  The computer happens to be in the family room, near the couch, perfect for me to work on uploading photos from the "good" camera.  While doing so, I discovered all the vacation photos my husband took of our trip to California in October.  Man, if that didn't send me off to day-dreaming mode and I knew I had to share.  I had posted some of the pics that I took with my phone on Facebook, but didn't realize how many more we actually had.  Well, something interrupted me in the process of writing this--still can't recall why I didn't make it back--and here I am again thinking about our beautiful, 8-day trip to the West coast.

Like I've said, Gregg returned home from a year-long deployment in June and right away we moved back to the Midwest.  We took a family vacation just before the move, but hadn't been away ourselves since 2006.  After discussing where we would both like to go, we settled on Napa Valley.  We're wine drinkers--white, red, sweet or dry--prefer it to just about any other alcoholic beverage.  Given that we wouldn't be taking our kids to wine country, this seemed like the perfect getaway.  

Please forgive the long string of photos, I'm keeping the captions brief because of it.  Enjoy!!

Ghirardelli Square

Cioppino at Tadich Grill--San Fran's oldest restaurant

View from Water's Edge hotel in Tiburon--sunset

Morning walk in Tiburon, hotel 2nd bldg. on left

Ferry Stop, next door to hotel

Cafe near Water's Edge

Morning Walk--Golden Gate from Tiburon

Lunch in Yountville

French Cafe--waiting to be seated

McKenzie Mueller Vineyards--Napa

McKenzie Mueller 

Grape skins fermenting

Pushing down the skins at Hopper Creek in Yountville

Tasting on patio at Hopper Creek

Hess Barrel Room  

Cardinale Winery

Traditional Home Magazine Napa Showhouse Tour

Wine Tasting in Sonoma County

Alexander Valley Vineyard Cave Tour

AVV Cave Storage

Wine and Cheese Pairing--Alexander Valley

Gregg--Alexander Valley 

Me--Alexander Valley

October Vineyard

Muir Woods near Mill Valley

View from Highway 1

All photos taken by us