This weekend was kick-off for the holiday baking at the Powell home. The first two sorts of cookies are sitting on the counter and it smells so wonderful around here!
In the meantime, Lily was cuddling on the couch, refused to have any pictures taken, doing her best do get better again. Her temperature was back to normal again today, but she still stayed home from kindergarten just to give her an extra day to recover. She used the time to tidy up her room to a degree I have never seen before. She was so proud when we praised her for it today. Hope her cough will get better, tomorrow's her kindergarten outing to the woods, and we're not sure yet if she should go. The temperatures are around freezing today, and we had the first little flurries of snow. Winter is coming, folks!*
*Extra credit: name the source. No cheating ;-)
Monday, November 25, 2013
Ready... Set... Bake!!
Labels:
baking,
daughters,
kindergarten,
weekend
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Week In Review - Ten Things of Thankful 25th Edition
Happy 25th TToT-Anniversary!! The watchful reader (I count on you, Jak) will have noticed that I have jumped from number 18 (the 18th TToT I've participated in) straight to 25, because - let's be serious - 19 is not quite as memorable as a big, fat 25!! Thank you so much to the mother of TToT, the wonderful Lizzi. This link-up has definitely helped me to focus more on all the things in my life I have reason to be thankful for. Therefore, to honor this milestone in TToT-history, 25 things to be incredibly thankful for:
1. The first of my colleages at work being back. Finally, I'm not all by myself on my block again.
2. Lily taking so good care of her little sister. Watched Lily helping Violet get dressed this week, and another morning, both of them had lots of good cuddles in my bed after I had gotten up.
3. The library at my work. So many great books and DVDs, all free without late fees.
4. The cafe at my work. Nothing beats a good chai latte in the afternoon with my colleagues.
5. Getting to organize an afternoon of fun for Violet and her friend, who's going to move soon.
6. Great advice from wonderful ladies when I didn't know better.
7. Salmon for dinner earlier this week. Hubby always know how to surprise me ;-)
8. Getting the first proofs holiday pictures. They areso beautiful!
9. Spending a couple of hours browsing the home improvements store with the hubby while the girls played at the kiddy-land.
10. Being so in-sync with the hubby when it comes to picking out stuff for the house. It took us about 10 minutes to decide on the paint for the entire house.
11. Baking with the girls.
12. Being nearly done with my holiday shopping. I hate frantically running through stores the week before the holidays.
13. The house. It's been a hard, frustrating journey so far, but it has taught me so much in terms of patience, letting things go, and how well hubby and I work together.
14. A job that allows us to live comfortably on one income so we can spend a lot of time with the girls.
15. Clean water, access to medical treatment, a roof over our heads, clothes, food.
16. A supportive family I can rely on.
17. Friends, whether they are in Germany, in the U.S., or anywhere else, whether we have a long history together or just met a few months ago, whether we know in person or on the www only. All of them mean the world to me!
18. Books, writing, letters, language.
19. Love, laughter, kindnes.
20. A wonderful dinner tonight. My first Carbonara was a full success.
21. Art.
22. Our daughters' smiles.
23. Living in a country where I can live openly as an Atheist.
24. Another German Thanksgiving celebration next week.
25. And last, but not least: Lizzi for coming up with this link-up and providing the platform to come together every week to reflect on all the things, big and small, to be thankful for.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Friday Thankfuls
Friday!! How quick this week passed. Today, we have officially started the holiday baking season starting the dough for our gingerbread house. For the Finish The Sentence Friday, Janine and Kate pick up the theme of the week as the prompt:
Right now, I am thankful for...
... being able to have a job to leave at night.
... a supermarket down the street from our house to stop by to pick up last minute stuff on the way home.
... a wonderful hubby who makes dinner.
... having a nice, warm home, food on our table, a car, and enough money to afford little luxuries.
... our smart, beautiful, lovely girls, who love to bake with me.
... wonderful friends, both online and offline.
I'm definitely a lucky girl!!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Love From My Peers
In the last week, I was lucky enough to receive not one but two Liebster awards, and while those two aren't my first ones, I still cannot tell you how much appreciate it. It's a great pick-me-up always, being honored by peers, especially ladies I am totally fan-girling on!! Thank you so much, Lizzi "Miss Considerer" and Sandy from Mother of Imperfection. Thank you SO, SO much, ladies!!
As I was nominated by two ladies, I allowed myself to write one master-Liebster post, I hope you'll forgive me!!
Random things about me?? Great, I'm pretty random!
1. I have seen more of the world than of my native Germany.
2. I'm almost scared to like new music and seek approval from the hubby first.
3. My mom was surprised that I was able to bake and cook.
4. I pretty nearly failed math in highschool.
5. I used to work as a security guard at a rock festival.
6. I hate camping.
7. One day, I will take the LP-player and a good part of his records off my dad's hands, but he doesn't know yet :-)
8. I used to bartend at an Irish pub.
9. I'm a procratinator extraordinaire.
10. Weddings make my cry. No matter how cheesy, I can't help it..
11. I used to be the only girl at a martial arts dojo, and the guys did not have fun!
Here are Lizzi's questions:
1. What did you want to be when you were grown-up?
Ohh, many things.. Firefighter and vet were among them.. At 18 I realized what I really, really wanted to be is a translator, so I did the school, I passed the finals, and now work a corporate accounting job.. Still dreaming of one day translating a book...
2. If you could take any qualification in the world, what would it be, and why?
That's a really hard one.. I would love to have a certification as a speech therapist. Our older daughter is in speech therapy, and I see how much it changes her life. I am a passionate linguist and would love to give the gift of speech to others as well...
3. What's the most tired you've ever been?
Violet had a phase when she would wake up 5 or 6 times a night and wanted to be nursed. I had to get up at 6 in the morning for work.. I almost fell asleep during a workshop, it was horrible!
4. What was your last 'kairos moment'?
Holding our girls tonight. If I could pause time, it's the moment they throw their arms around me and rest their foreheads against my shoulder...
5. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Nutella on whole grain artisan bread. Very adult, isn't it?? ;-)
6. What is the most perfect number?
Seven
7. The last time you got given a present, what was the occasion?
I got a votiv candle holder today from Violet. She had made it in kindergarten, SO pretty!! No real occasion, just because it was Thursday ;-)
8. Which book do you keep coming back to?
Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg
9. What advice would you like to give the 'you' of ten years ago?
Don't worry, he's going to come along!
10. What part of 'now' would you like to remind the 'you' in ten years' time about?
The chaos, the fun, the exhaustion...
11. What was the last thing which made you catch your breath in awe?
Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt".. So beautiful, so sad, so strong..
And here's Sandy's turn:
1. Give me one word that describes you from your own point of view.
Opinionated
2. What is the gutsiest thing you’ve ever done?
Calling off the job interview for my absolute dream job to go on a first date with a certain dude..
3. Who has impacted you greatly but has no idea?
So many people.. Many bloggers sure have, my boss has, my daughters probably have impacted me the most..
4. If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
David Tennant, Anne Boleyn, Rosa Luxemburg
5. What do you like on your pizza?
Cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper
6. Do you have an irrational fear from your childhood?
Don't think so.. All my irrational fears were acquired later..
7. What is the one thing you use most in your house?
The toilet???
8. Miley. Smart cookie or doing a Britney/Lilo/Amanda?
Won't comment on that. Can't stand that person, so I think that time will take its regular course..
9. Have you ever bought something from an infomercial or and As Seen On TV item? If so, what?
Nope, but I love the question ;-)
10. What are you most proud of?
Being where I am today. In June of 2010 we arrived in Germany with 3 suitcases and about 10 boxes at my friend's house. But within 2 months we were completely back on our feet moving into our new apartment, having a great job, basically everything we hoped for.
11. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Cate Blanchet
Coming to my 11 Questions for you:
1. What is the most memorable holiday gift you've ever received?
2. What is better: giving or receiving?
3. Red wine or white wine?
4. If you could pick one period in world history, when would you love to live?
5. Pants or skirts/dresses?
6. Do you still own your favorite stuffed anima/doll from your childhood?
7. Where is your favorite place to be in your home?
8. What vacation did you enjoy most? Why?
9. You get a voucher for a vacation, where do you go?
10. Have you turned into the person you thought you would 15 years ago?
11. Which song describes you best?
And here's the rule breaker:
I won't nominate any bloggers in particular, because there are way too many great ones out there. I'm simply nominate everyone who would like to take part and is not completely put off by my questions. I'm looking forward to many, many responses!
As I was nominated by two ladies, I allowed myself to write one master-Liebster post, I hope you'll forgive me!!
Random things about me?? Great, I'm pretty random!
1. I have seen more of the world than of my native Germany.
2. I'm almost scared to like new music and seek approval from the hubby first.
3. My mom was surprised that I was able to bake and cook.
4. I pretty nearly failed math in highschool.
5. I used to work as a security guard at a rock festival.
6. I hate camping.
7. One day, I will take the LP-player and a good part of his records off my dad's hands, but he doesn't know yet :-)
8. I used to bartend at an Irish pub.
9. I'm a procratinator extraordinaire.
10. Weddings make my cry. No matter how cheesy, I can't help it..
11. I used to be the only girl at a martial arts dojo, and the guys did not have fun!
Here are Lizzi's questions:
1. What did you want to be when you were grown-up?
Ohh, many things.. Firefighter and vet were among them.. At 18 I realized what I really, really wanted to be is a translator, so I did the school, I passed the finals, and now work a corporate accounting job.. Still dreaming of one day translating a book...
2. If you could take any qualification in the world, what would it be, and why?
That's a really hard one.. I would love to have a certification as a speech therapist. Our older daughter is in speech therapy, and I see how much it changes her life. I am a passionate linguist and would love to give the gift of speech to others as well...
3. What's the most tired you've ever been?
Violet had a phase when she would wake up 5 or 6 times a night and wanted to be nursed. I had to get up at 6 in the morning for work.. I almost fell asleep during a workshop, it was horrible!
4. What was your last 'kairos moment'?
Holding our girls tonight. If I could pause time, it's the moment they throw their arms around me and rest their foreheads against my shoulder...
5. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Nutella on whole grain artisan bread. Very adult, isn't it?? ;-)
6. What is the most perfect number?
Seven
7. The last time you got given a present, what was the occasion?
I got a votiv candle holder today from Violet. She had made it in kindergarten, SO pretty!! No real occasion, just because it was Thursday ;-)
8. Which book do you keep coming back to?
Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg
9. What advice would you like to give the 'you' of ten years ago?
Don't worry, he's going to come along!
10. What part of 'now' would you like to remind the 'you' in ten years' time about?
The chaos, the fun, the exhaustion...
11. What was the last thing which made you catch your breath in awe?
Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt".. So beautiful, so sad, so strong..
And here's Sandy's turn:
1. Give me one word that describes you from your own point of view.
Opinionated
2. What is the gutsiest thing you’ve ever done?
Calling off the job interview for my absolute dream job to go on a first date with a certain dude..
3. Who has impacted you greatly but has no idea?
So many people.. Many bloggers sure have, my boss has, my daughters probably have impacted me the most..
4. If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be?
David Tennant, Anne Boleyn, Rosa Luxemburg
5. What do you like on your pizza?
Cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper
6. Do you have an irrational fear from your childhood?
Don't think so.. All my irrational fears were acquired later..
7. What is the one thing you use most in your house?
The toilet???
8. Miley. Smart cookie or doing a Britney/Lilo/Amanda?
Won't comment on that. Can't stand that person, so I think that time will take its regular course..
9. Have you ever bought something from an infomercial or and As Seen On TV item? If so, what?
Nope, but I love the question ;-)
10. What are you most proud of?
Being where I am today. In June of 2010 we arrived in Germany with 3 suitcases and about 10 boxes at my friend's house. But within 2 months we were completely back on our feet moving into our new apartment, having a great job, basically everything we hoped for.
11. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Cate Blanchet
Coming to my 11 Questions for you:
1. What is the most memorable holiday gift you've ever received?
2. What is better: giving or receiving?
3. Red wine or white wine?
4. If you could pick one period in world history, when would you love to live?
5. Pants or skirts/dresses?
6. Do you still own your favorite stuffed anima/doll from your childhood?
7. Where is your favorite place to be in your home?
8. What vacation did you enjoy most? Why?
9. You get a voucher for a vacation, where do you go?
10. Have you turned into the person you thought you would 15 years ago?
11. Which song describes you best?
And here's the rule breaker:
I won't nominate any bloggers in particular, because there are way too many great ones out there. I'm simply nominate everyone who would like to take part and is not completely put off by my questions. I'm looking forward to many, many responses!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Wonderful Wordless Wednesday - Van Gogh Who?
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| (Source) |
Linking up with the ladies at the Mommy Blog Hoppers
Labels:
Doctor Who,
van Gogh,
Wordless Wednesday
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
A Tale Of Two Songs
Hubby has introduced me to this song today!
One version is the original, the other a cover...
One is about drug use, one about aging...
One moved me to tears, the other bored me to sleep..
Guess which one is which... (no cheating!!)
Monday, November 18, 2013
My Day Off
Do you know, it somehow felt different, waking up yesterday, knowing that the computer would stay off that day, a commitment I made to myself and my family. It was a fun day, a busy day, something I'm looking forward to every Sunday from now.
So what did we do yesterday?
We had our family pictures taken (to come soon!)
The girls and I went to the bunny show in town, where I was maimed by a panicky bunny.
We baked (and ate) banana bread.
We cuddled and watched TV.
I tried a new recipe (probably won't do it again..)
And after the girl had gone to bed, hubby and I had a movie date.
And last but not least: I got to bed at a reasonable time.
I hope you all had a great start into this new week!
So what did we do yesterday?
We had our family pictures taken (to come soon!)
The girls and I went to the bunny show in town, where I was maimed by a panicky bunny.
We baked (and ate) banana bread.
We cuddled and watched TV.
I tried a new recipe (probably won't do it again..)
And after the girl had gone to bed, hubby and I had a movie date.
![]() |
| (Source) |
And last but not least: I got to bed at a reasonable time.
I hope you all had a great start into this new week!
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