Paying It Forward

Last night I was so happy to be sitting on my couch, watching TV and doing absolutely nothing.  I know you know where I'm headed with this.  It was 7:41pm when my phone rang, a friend that lives up the street calling.  She asked if I was busy, and I thankfully said no, then told me that she and her daughter were parked outside and wondered if I had anything to make sugar cookies with.  Her little girl needed a dozen or so for school today, the commissary was closed and Walmart is an hour there and back from our homes.  I knew I did, had the ingredients anyway, and told them to come on in.  It didn't take me long to figure out that she wasn't quite sure how to make them either.

Hmmm...my wheels started turning and I offered to call my son, who works near Walmart, and ask him to pick up a roll of dough--the slice and bake type.  I suggested that this was probably the easiest option at that time of night.  Well, Sam didn't answer as he was working, so I quickly went into 'what-to-do mode'.  I knew what to do and didn't even hesitate to say, "we'll make them here, give me a few minutes to clean up the dishes from our hall party and we'll knock it out".  I could see the relief on their faces, which told me I had made the right decision.

They headed back up the hill so B could eat and shower, she had been to gymnastics, and I could get my itty-bitty kitchen in order.  By the time they got back to my house, the dough was made and board floured for her to start rolling.  I used my mom's recipe, but halved it since it makes A LOT, and we truly did knock-out 3 or more dozen cookies in no time.  The last batch she sprinkled with colored sugar to share with her big brother at home.  I think they left a little after 9:00, and I was back on the couch, with my feet up at 9:20.

While I was tempted, at one point, to give them what they needed to make the cookies, I felt it was more important to go the extra mile.  All week I've gotten help from others for one task or another, and helped some in return. As tired as I was, it was one of those times that I knew I would get back so much more than I was giving.  And, I did.  We talked and laughed for over an hour, I got to teach someone something new and do one of my favorite things--baking cookies--at the same time.

PLATTER of chocolate-dipped pretzels I made to help a friend yesterday afternoon

Tea rings my friend was making for gifts

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.

Cookies & More Cookies

Next week can't come soon enough!  Somehow all of our holiday parties are in one week, which means on the off-day that there isn't an event, we're getting ready for one.  Here's a look at some of the things we've been making at our house...

Homemade Gingerbread

This was my favorite!!

So, that's what I did last night and this morning.  What are you all baking in your homes for the holidays?

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!

12 Days -- Post-A-Day

Yep, I'm back!!  I know, crazy, huh?!  Thought I'd challenge myself to this post-a-day, not only to slow myself down and reflect upon what we're doing this month, but to catch up on what's been going on since April.  I can't believe it's been so long, where does the time go?

I started thinking about blogging again as I was decorating our house for Christmas.  I was going through my phone pics and camera--I use the photos to remember how I decorate year-to-year as we move so much nothing ever goes up in the same place--and thought it would be nice to share those with everyone.  Pulling out all the stuff we've collected really brings back the memories of the MANY places we have lived, or traveled to.  I especially like finding the crafts and such that my children have made through the years, goodness, how they have grown!

Last year I used these photos of their art/craft projects from their younger school days as our Christmas card collage.  I had intended to take a snapshot of us together at some point in the fall and it just never happened.  With Jake away at school, we weren't all together much and I realized I didn't have a single family photo since the beach.  Well, that one had girlfriends in it and I wasn't ready for a card like that.  Smile.  I loved how it turned out, lots of nostalgia in these simple things.

Jacob circa 2004

Jacob made the Santa painting in what I believe was 5th grade, I'll have to double-check that.  Gregg's mom has always thought it should have been on a gift bag, like some we saw of child-art at a dollar store one year.  Lacking gift ideas one Christmas, I copied it onto photo paper, full-sized, and had them matted and framed for our Moms that year.  Love when you can give a gift like that!  Last year I had a couple of more copied, smaller though, and just had the matting done for a store bought frame.  Have been holding out to frame the original, think I'll frame one more full-sizer for Jake and then I'll do mine.

Sam 2001

The banner/handprint tree is Sam's work from pre-school at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Leavenworth, KS.  Loved that place!!  They did the best things with the kids, wish all of mine could have gone there.  Hard to imagine his hand being so small. Sniffle.  Harder to imagine he sat still long enough to make all of those handprints.  Chuckle.

Daniel 2004

And last, but not least, is Daniel's handprint/snowman ornament.  How darling is that?!  They painted their hands white and had the children cup the little ornament in their palm, wrapping their fingers around the side.  Then they got to decorate each "snowman" finger with colored paint pens.  It just so happens their are five of us, so he said each snowman was someone in his family.  Cry.  We still laugh about one of the stick-arms looking like a gun, Dad is in the Army you know.  

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of the creativity that spills out of our home.  It warms my heart bring those years back to life every holiday season!!