Welcoming 2014

I'll be out tonight welcoming this new year with great company, lots of food, good conversation, and at least one (or ten) viewings of this gem, that is obviously lost to the English-speaking world but a New Year's Eve classic here in Germany. Enjoy and hope to see you all next year!

Holiday Recap

I know, I'm late. And I have to admit, I haven't even made a camera dump yet, so sorry, pictures still to come. But after all, I guess it's time to recap this wonderful last week (and yes, I totally took a complete computer break over the holidays).

Tuesday, 24th
We slept in, had a quiet breakfast, and an overall quiet day. In the afternoon, our neighbors came over and we had the first gift-giving. The girls loved their games and we played until dinner time. After dinner, the girls noticed that when Santa picked up their wish lists on Sunday, he had left something in their stockings that were hanging near the window: My Little Pony activity / sticker books!! They were happily playing until it was time for a bath and bed-time. Afterward, Richard and I exchanged our first gifts. I got a book of short stories collected by Neil Gaiman, one of our favorite authors, and Richard the new bassoon neck strap he asked for. Afterward we piled up the gifts under the tree and spent the evening watching the Nutcracker and going to bed early.

Wednesday, 25th
The rule was mandatory cuddling until the first light, and as soon there was just the tiniest hint of dawn (about 7ish) we got up. I couldn't get the camera out fast enough as the girls were already tearing through their boxes, gift wrapping was flying through the air, and there was lots of gasps and cheering. After the girls had opened all their gifts, Richard and I opened ours. He was truly surprised by the guitar I got him to play with Lily, who had also gotten her very own Lily-sized guitar. I got another Neil Gaiman book (seriously working on re-building our library!!) and a beautiful pair of diamond earrings; I obviously was a nice girl! After breakfast, Lily and I spent 3 hours setting up her Lego Friends pony ranch while hubby set up the Disney Princess castle for Violet and patiently helped her dress and re-dress her princesses. We watched Animaniacs, made bracelets, ate cookies, and had a great vegetarian risotto for dinner. After the girls had gone to bed that night, hubby and I spent some quality time together reading and had an early bed-time ourselves.

Thursday, 26th
My parents came for a visit and I made a traditional German holiday dinner of roast goose, bread and potato dumplings, pickled red cabbage and gravies. It was delicious. The girls got jammies and our parents announced that they had transferred some money to our account to buy bedroom sets for the girls and probably pay for our patio or some other project on the house. We were overwhelmed. Later, after we were stuffed from dinner we took a walk to the house to show my parents the latest progress. After the walk we enjoyed coffee, fruit punch, and holiday cookies. We really had a great day together! At night, the girls had their bath and went to bed while Richard and I enjoyed a movie and reading time.


We really had wonderful holidays with lots of quiet family time, good food, happy children, and lots of sleep.  Pictures will follow, soon, I promise!!

2013 In Review - Twelve Things Of Thankful

Our awesome Lizzi has sure outdone herself, taking the usual review to the next level. Thank you so much, Lizzi, I'm excited to revisit my own year and see what I have forgotten.

January:
Tons of cooking, baking, and a somewhat sobering realization right at the beginning of the year. And another scar added to my collection  :-)

February:
I completed my re-cap of Lily's birth 5 years ago, had a very unfortunate bout of physical depression, but still managed to pull myself out for a nice Valentine's date with the hubby. I celebrated my last 20's birthday and created a list of 25 things I'd like to do before turning 30.

March:
I found the FTSF-link-up and met Janine, something I'm incredibly greatful for. The hubby and I had a few great couch dates and enjoyed them properly! I also started to be more voiceful about being a family of Atheists. I have found that it is imporant to show that Atheists, too, are normal people, who want the best for their families and leave a better world for their children. And not to forget: I received my first Liebster Award  :-)

April:
We celebrated Missy Violet's birthday with a day trip to Munich to visit Sea Life. Hubby and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary and I gushed about the special bond between a dad and his daughter. We had our first ice cream of the year!

May:
Month of the Blog Every Day in May challenge. It definitely helped me getting into a blogging routine which I have maintained ever since. I shared some songs, some pictures, and some of my greatest challenges. Plus a broken toe, followed by an ankle injury.

June:
Summer arrived! My posts on whacky BMI-charts was featured on another blog, and we FINALLY received the building permit for our house!

July:
I found the TToT link-up and "met" the wonderful Lizzi! I bought new running shoes, and we got to attend a wonderful wedding with the most beautiful flower girls ever!

August:
Our family had a great vacation, and a number of wonderful guest bloggers filling in for me. I introduced the Doctor Who Wordless Wednesdays and finally made progress in my running routine.

September:
Big races, nazis in suits, and a nasty, nasty bronchitis. Healthwise, this was not necessarily my year.

October:
Hubby did well in his surgery; I recovered from the bronchitis and had a rocky start at work. I enjoyed two weeks of complimentary newspaper delivered to my door. Lily managed to amaze me once again with her kindness and clarity. We celebrated hubby's birthday and Halloween.

November:
Meet Survivor Girl! There was a serious rant about the lack of respect we as Atheists were receiving from Lily's teacher, and my mom saved the day for us. Holiday baking was kicked off, and then there was a little history of my Thanksgiving.

December:
Lily got a visit from the tooth fairy. I had my first tiny little link-up  and contacted a local humanist advocate group to finally stop the religious harrassment our family was facing in kindergarten. After a break for the holidays I wrapped up the year with Joy's awesome link-up.


Thank you so much again for this link-up, Lizzi!! May 2014 everything you wish and may not hope for any more!

Good Bye 2013

Another year has passed, I can't believe how quick 2013 came and (anlmost) has gone. Joy at I Can Say Mama created this wonderful link-up to wrap up this passing your and welcome 2014

Gained or lost weight?
Both. I found out during a routine doctor's visit that I had gained about 3kg from the year before. Then the bronchitis let me lose a whole lot of weight. Now the weight is going up again due to holidays

Predominant feeling in 2013?
panicked; the house was sometimes just too much. There were panic attack, there were tears, there was the wish to just get out of everything.

Predominant feeling for 2014?
optimistic; some time this year we'll move. It will be a little sad, but also exciting. Moving into the home where we'll raise our family, that is our very own.

Something you did for the first time in 2013?
Broken a bone.

Something you did again in 2013 after a long pause?
Ride a bike.

Something you unfortunately did not do in 2013?
Move

Word of the year?
Why?  - little children, you know  :-)

City of the year?
Erlangen, my favorite town!

Hair longer or shorter?
longer

More or less money spent?
much, much more!

Highest mobile phone bill?
we only have pre-paid phones  :-)

Hospital stays?
No real stay, but one trip to the emergency room due to a pretty deep cut.

(Fallen) In love?
Every day  :-)

Most called person?
My friend Kathrin

Whom did you spend the most beautiful time with?
the family

What did you spend most of your time with?
Work, spending time with the family

Song of the year?
No clue  :-)

Book of the year?
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

TV show/movie of the year?
Doctor Who.

Insight of the year?
Life is easier if you keep your cool.

Three things you totally could have done without?
Incompetent architects, town officials dragging their feet, delays.

Most beautiful event?

More short-sighted or more far-sighted than 2013?
More short-sighted, as usual.

The most dangerous thing you did?
I don't usually do dangerous things. I' boring..

The most expensive thing you bought?
A house.

The most delicious meal or food you ate?
The special crock pot tomato sauce Richard makes. It's beyond delicious!! And since I've finally bought a crock pot again this year, I finally got to enjoy that goodness again

The best party?
The wedding we were invited for. So much fun getting to witness two people joining their lives because of love.

The most important thing you wanted to convince somebody of?
Not to be scared.

The most beautiful present you gave to somebody?


The most beautiful present that somebody gave you?
Diamond earrings from the hubby. And of course all the crafts from the girls.

The most beautiful sentence someone said to you?
I love you.

The most beautiful sentence you said to someone?
I love you.

How will you celebrate New Year's Eve?
With another family we are friends with. We have been celebrating together the last 2 years and will continue the tradition.

What will you have for dinner?
Chili and lots of finger-food

What drinks will be in your glasses to clink?
Champagne and orange juice

Will you ignite any fireworks?
Maybe, not sure yet.

What are you going to wear? Comfy or glamorous?
Comfy with a little bit of new-diamond-earrings-glamour

Did you have any resolutions for 2013? And how about 2014?
I made a little list of 25 things I want to do before turning 30, if that counts as resolution. Besides that, I usually don't do them, because I don't want to stress myself. My daily resolution is to make that day as good as possible.

What are your wishes for the new year?
Health for our family, a good, fulfilling job for Richard, happiness.

In one word: 2013 was...
... a challenge, but a rewarding one, with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.


Thank you very much for coming up with this quiz, Joy! And a very Happy New Year to you!!

Challenge 2013: Book 12 - The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared

I heard it was funny, but somehow put off my the German cover. Then I read an excerpt of Jonas Jonasson's new book in my magazine, and got this book the very next day!

The Hard Facts:
Title: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared (yes, that's the title!)
Author: Jonas Jonasson
400 pages
Publisher: Hyperion, September 11, 2012
ISBN: 9781401324643

Find it at Barnes & Noble

The Story:
Allan Karlsson decides on his hundredth birthday that he is not old enough yet to celebrate it in the nursing home he lives at, and climbs out of his window. Trying to get as far away from the small town of Malkoeping, he heads for the local bus station, where he happens to get into the possession of a mysterious suitcase, which he spontaneously takes with him on the bus. He gets off in the middle of no-where, because that is how far his 50 kroner got him, and meets Julius, a petty criminal who lives all by himself in the old train station. They're sharing dinner and a couple of drinks when later that night the owner of the suitcase arrives to retrieve his possession. To cool his heated spirit, they park him in the cooling chamber, where they find him the next morning frozen stiff and quite dead. In order to escape whoever may follow the dead gang member to retrieve the suitcase, which they learned to contain 50 million kroner, they get moving on Julius' old handcar. The body is being stored in a shipping container headed for Egypt. n their lunch break at a hot dog stand, the two spontaneously hire the owner, Benny, as a driver and buy his old car to continue their journey. In the meantime, the search is on for Allan and the gang member; the police is quickly able to re-trace their steps, but are always just a little bit too late. During their journey, Allan tells his life story to his companions, of his time in a self-taught explosives-expert, his stay in a mental asylum, the time in Spain during the civil war, and his friendship with General Franco. As a gratitude for saving his life, Franco provides Allan with the funds to return to Sweden. Instead of boarding the ship to Sweden, he heads for America, where he helps solving the problem on how to build a nuclear bomb and befriends President Truman before heading for China on a mission to support the Kuomintang against Mao’s troops. Not appreciating how he is treated there, he decides to go back home to Sweden, but not without helping Mao’s bride to escape. He crosses the Himalaya by foot and ends up in Iran, where he is arrested. During his escape, he accidentally saves the life of Prime Minister Churchill and escapes to the Swedish embassy. A call to President Truman, who in turn  informs the new Swedish Prime Minister convinces the ambassador’s secretary to provide all formalities for his return to Sweden. Back in present-time, Allan, Julian, and Benny now not only run from the police who are looking for them in the disappearance of the gang member, but also from the other gang members, and end up at the remote farmhouse of Gunilla for the night. Benny falls in love with the “beautiful woman” and, as an almost-vet, helps her to heal her elephant Sonia’s leg. When Gunilla finds out that the police is searching for the three for murder, she is infuriated, but can be convinced to provide shelter for a few more days and then move on with them in a remodeled furniture truck that can accommodate Sonia. Just before they leave, the second member of the gang finds Allan and his friends, but before he can take use of his gun, he finds an untimely death under Sonia’s butt. After disposing of his body in the back of his car, which eventually ends up in a junk yard in Riga, the friends head off to stay with Benny’s brother, who can be convinced to forget their decade-long feud for a share of the 50 million kroner. On the way there, the friends are almost captured by the boss of the gang, but accidentally hit his car and decide, since Benny is an almost-doctor, to tend to his injuries on the way. Allan continues with his life story of meeting Albert Einstein’s mentally-disadvantaged half-brother Herbert, in Russia, where Allan ventured and involuntarily helps out Stalin with building a nuclear bomb as well. After ending up in a gulag, they manage to escape and flee into North Korea, where they meet both Kim Il Sung and Mao, who provide them with generous funds to thank him for having saved his wife. Yearning for some warm weather, the two of them end up in Bali where they spend their time sipping drinks at the beach. There, Herbert meets and marries Amanda, a lady of equal mental properties, who soon becomes governor of the island and later Indonesia’s ambassador to Paris. Her husband and Allan accompany her, where they get to witness a meeting between President Johnson and Charles de Gaulle before venturing back into Russia as a spy for the CIA. Soon thereafter, the Soviet Union comes to an end, and Allan once again returns to Sweden where he buys and blows up a house successfully taking revenge on a fox who had killed his cat, and eventually ends up in the bleak nursing home. After the gang boss recovers from his injuries, he, too, befriends Allan, and once the police tracks them down, they all present a rather plausible story to divert any suspicion from them. And since Sweden is not too pleasant for some people with too much illegal money, the all, including Sonia the elephant, return to Bali, where Amanda now owns a large resort. Benny and Gunilla marry, and later, Allan and Amanda also find their happiness together.

My opinion:
Glorious! Such a must-read. Do yourself the favor and get it for yourself or a loved one as a late holiday present, you won't regret it! Jonas Jonasson’s writing is witty, sarcastic, and refreshingly naïve. His characters are indeed characters, of a very unique kind. It is a joy to follow Allan through his life; his view on everything is always so positive, with an innate feeling for fairness leading his actions. He is notoriously uninterested in politics, which helps him get along with people, and people in power all over the world. One review called it the equally ingenious but polar opposite of the other Swedish star writer, Stieg Larsson, and it's definitely not an exaggeration. This book is definitely something for interested teenagers, as it also offers a quick and entertaining walk through 20th century world history, describing the big leaders of the world as what they truly are: just people.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone out there a very happy holiday celebration!

Holiday Memories

The winter holidays are celebrated differently in Germany. In our family, we celebrated a blended version of both U.S. and German traditions, leaving the backgrounds on why the gifts arrive when they do and how mostly to the girls’ imagination.

 As the girls are opening their gifts today in the evening of the 24^th, let me give you a glimpse in the German holiday traditions of my childhood.

My entire extended family lived within less than an hour, so the gifts could be hidden very well from me as there were never large boxes arriving during the weeks leading up to the holidays. On the entire 24^th, our living room, which is a separate room in my parents’ house, not an open living / sitting space as it is in most American homes, was locked to give the “Christkind” some privacy to prepare the room. At night, after the church service, my grandparents came over for dinner, and as my mom and grandma cleaned the dishes, my grandpa would read fairy tales to me from his ancient, big fairy tale book. Afterward, I had to go upstairs to my room to wait for the bell to ring and tell me it was time to go into the living room. Seeing the tree for the first time, all sparkly, lit with real candles, was magical. The gifts usually were placed on the couch (real candles, a small child, and wrapping paper are usually not a good combination for a quiet evening); I looked for my pile and started to unwrap.

On the evening of the 24^th I was always allowed to stay up late, play with my new toys, try on my new clothes, eat cookies, and sit with my parents and grandparents. The next morning was usually an early one for me; I let my parents sleep in and made myself a breakfast of holiday cookies (the best of the year!!) and went on playing with my toys. For lunch my grandparents came over again. My mom would either make a pork roast, turkey breast, or sometimes even a traditional German holiday goose.

On the 26^th, we would go to the traditional get together of my mom’s family at my other grandparents’ house, where there were more gifts, cookies and holiday bread, and playing with all my cousins.

I loved the holidays as a child, but I even love it more today, as I can be the onlooker watching our girls indulging in the holiday spirit. Giving is truly better than receiving!

Week In Review - Ten Things Of Thankful Gone Renegade Edition

Somehow it felt weird not having a TToT link-up this week. Or next. This is the time when many things happen, spontaneous, unexpected, happy things that I am incredibly happy for. And just as I was sitting there, I found that the link-up is not so much at pause as I thought...

This week, I am very thankful for:

1. Lizzi, for creating this link-up, even when she's not only in a bad place, but broke through rock bottom and is sitting at the bottom of a 50ft crap pit. You are an inspiration in your strength to continue, to set one foot in front of the next, no matter how strong the wind is blowing. I am thankful to know you, Lizzi!

(now to the more trivial but still important thankfuls this week)

2. The bus driver handing out little chocolate Santas this Friday morning. Oh my goodnes, it SO made my day!!

3. Lily not only bringing home a beautiful heart-shaped wire ornament but also inspired me to finally take down the fall / Halloween decoration from our front door and craft some paper snowflakes with ther and Violet.

4. A spontaneous dinner with our neighbors tonight. So unexpected but fun!

5. "Nightmare Before Christmas" on TV

6. No pre-holiday stress, no waiting in line at the stores on Monday.

7. Plenty of vacation time, and colleagues who are willing to come to work so I can spend almost 2 weeks straight at home.

8. Somehow managing to take the high road in a situation that simply infuriated me. I don't know how I managed, but I did..

9. Cuddling with the girls on the couch, reading good-night stories.

10. More small translation jobs, with a prospect of regular work in the foreseeable future. It's great to be able to translate again, and for being paid for it!


Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend!

Spirituality And Atheism

The longest night of the year has passed, a new cycle of the light has started, winter has begun, a time of reflection for me.

Earlier this year, talk show host Oprah excelled once again at spreading her unfounded, unreasonable, and unwelcome opinion: Atheists cannot experience awe unless they believe in a god and therefore aren't Atheists (watch the video here).

Thank you once again for dehumanizing us a little more. Let me tell you, dear Oprah, you couldn't be more wrong!

I am a firm Atheist, meaning that I do not believe in gods, a creator, or any greater being, onlooker, or decision-maker. But I do experience awe, amazement, and also a sort of spirituality.

According to the Oxford Dictionaries, spirituality is defined as "affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things" or "having a relationship based on a profound level of mental or emotional communion". 

I am in tears looking at pictures of the Aurora Borealis or the Eagle Nebula, experience the innocent, wise honesty of our children, or listening to a beautiful song. Throughout my day, I experience little moments of stillness and awe about the little things in life, sometimes as simple as a beautiful leaf or the color of the sky just before sunrise. But while religious people may praise their god or gods for it, an Atheist looks in amazement towards the universe, evolution, and perfectly randomly so many big and small things came together and composed this beautiful and unique world that it is today.

Wishing a good start into this winter, and a very Happy Holiday to everyone, no matter what you celebrate!

I'm Off Nerding

After a long, long, absence, Lisa McNamee is being revived tonight.  Have a wonderful start into this weekend!

Source

It's On!

Ok.. I like to think that I'm a very easy-going person. I'm opinionated, that may be true, but most of all I like to live according to the motto live and let live.  And I cannot stand if people try to interfere in how we live our lives. And I truly hate it, if they try it via our kids.  Since it's Lily's last year in kindergarten, her teacher there truly seems to be on a missionary trip on her.

These are the completely inappropriate things that have happened in the last month alone:
* She selected Lily to sing a solo during the church service they organized before the kids' lantern parade, fully knowing that we never attend any church service.
*A couple of weeks ago, Lily brought home a little coloring calendar from kindergarten, with bible quotes and "inspirationals" on every single page, with a pretty graphic illustration on the back on what sin and hell are, and that the only way to be happy is to be a Christian. Lily loves animals, and she loves to color, so there was no way we could just toss the calendar, opted to black out all the religious stuff instead.
* Telling Lily that this celebration is all about the birth of Jesus. Well, had she done her homework, she'd known that the pagan celebration is much older than Christianity, and next to none of the so-called "Christmas" traditions are Christian, but of pagan origins. Something else I'd like to put out there is that how it shall be possible to determine someone's birthday if even the year is unclear?
* Sending a porcelain baby Jesus home with Lily. This one was actually the little shove that pushed me over the edge. I'm sorry, but something like that is not welcome in our home.


We are Atheists, we are comfortable with our trust in reason, secular humanism, and science, we do not need to be "saved". We always accept people's faith, no matter what it may be. We have pagan friends, we have Christian friends, both Catholics and Protestants among them, Muslim friends, and of course friends all over the scale of Agnosticism and Atheism. It is possible to discuss religion respectful, or agree to disagree on that matter and just leave it be. But something I will never ever be able to understand is why som people just can't leave us alone. Is it because Lily has "recently turned into such a lovely girl" (quote her teacher) that she can't accept that someone can be raised without religion and be just as helpful, kind, supportive, and joyful as any other kid?

Well, as I've mentioned, it's on. I have contacted the local branch the Free-Thinker's Society in Germany, asking for support in how to handle the attack on our basic human rights of freedom of religion. I will contact other similar groups and I am prepared to take on the State of Bavaria, if necessary, to save kids in kindergarten or schools from unwelcome religious indoctrination of any kind. I will not look on any longer as our daughter is being abused as the play thing of a frustrated teacher on a mission. Enough is enough!

Wordless Wednesday - Holiday Edition

Won't be on next Wednesday, so, Doctor Who says Happy Holidays today. Stay away from snow men this winter!!

Holiday Cookie Recipe Swap (Link-Up)

I'm excited to present my first ever link-up! Thank you so much for your support in that idea. As I love to bake and try out new recipes, I thought that a pre-holiday recipe swap would be a good idea. I hope that many of you will join and help create a little online cookie recipe collection  :-)




Thank you all and Happy Holidays!

Modern Cooking - Cinnamon Stars

This cookie is one of the Germany classics, but I've never made it myself. I remember my mom making cinnamon stars once but I didn't care for them. When I was researching new cookies to try the last years and found cinnamon star recipes, I was just scared off my the idea of rolling the dough between two layers of plastic foil to be able to work the dough that is very sticky. No thank you!

This year I finally caved, and let me tell you, it's EASY! Not a mess at all, clean-up is a breeze, and the taste is simply heavenly!

Ingredients:
2 egg whites
1 pinch of salt
10 oz + 1 tbs powdered sugars
16 oz ground almonds
1 - 1 1/2 tbs cinnamon
1 tbs honey

glaze:
1 egg white
3.5 oz powdered sugar

Beat egg whites with salt very stiff. Add sugar and honey; beat until smooth and shiny. Fold in almonds and cinnamon. Let the dough sit for about 30 minutes. Cut a long piece of plastic foil; stick one half to the work surface with tape. Roll out dough in between the two layers of plastic foil to about 1/4 in. thick. Cut out with small cookie cutters (preferrable stars). Beat egg white for the glaze and stir in sugar. Ice the cookies with the glaze and bake at 300F for about 20 minutes (glaze should still be white and just start to take on color).

Let cool and try to store airtight in a cookie jar.

Enjoy!

Tip: if you like some extra spice, add a pinch of ground pink pepper.

Everything's Going South

Discussion at "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" (German edition) a couple of minutes ago:

Geography question.
Candidate: So, is Reykjavik left or right from us?
Joker: Well, from my perspective, it's on the "right"...
Candidate: So south?

Source

When I was in school, we learned how to read a map in 5th grade!

Week In Review - Ten Things Of Thankful 28

Lizzi, the wonderful host of the TToT, has written a whole list of ten thankfuls about this hop, and she couldn't me more right about it. Dedicating half an hour, or how ever long it may take each week to think about all the big and small things that have happened in my life has made a change to the better. And it is amazing how such a seemingly small thing in fact makes such a difference.

This week's thankfuls:

1. Witnessing my coworker singing at the company holiday party. Simply stunning!

2. Getting to witness following conversation between the girls 5:00 one morning in my bed:
V: I love you, Lily.
L: I love you, too, Violet!
V: You are my very best sister!!
L: Awwww, that's so cute of you, Sweetie!

3. Hubby being fabulous enough to go and buy My Little Pony coloring books at the store.

4. Decorating the tree together.

5. More baking.

6. Natural vanilla.

7. Lily teaching the ABC to Violet.

8. Once again Lily: The advent calendar in her kindergarten class contained a treat on Friday, but there wasn't enough for all the kids. She suggested to all that if everyone would share, there'd be enough for everyone. That is the spirit of the season, and I could not be more proud of this wonderful little girl!

9. Hubby being the most supportive and kind parter I could ask for. He goes along with so many of my whims and barely ever complains about my excentricities.

10. My wonderful neighbors who helped me with the grand holiday surprise for my wonderful hubby.



Wishing all of you a great weekend! And remember, if you're a fan of baking and delicious cookies, please join the Holiday Cookie Recipe Swap this Tuesday, December 17 here at Life, Unexpectedly!

Favorite Holiday Traditions

It's Friday again. This week was busy, but also dragged for some reason. I have gotten another translation order, a much smaller project so far. It seems as if business is picking up eventually.

Finally, the countdown to the holidays has started for good, and Janine and Kate are chiming in with this week's Finish The Sentence Friday:

My favorite holiday tradition is...

... the quiet family time we spent on the 25th. We get up VERY early, when the girls get up. After opening the presents we have a yummie breakfast, and spend all day playing, taking naps, cuddling. We have a small dinner, as usually my parents come over for the big dinner on the 26th. I love the feeling of being cocooned in, just the four of us. It's peaceful, it's quiet, it's warm, so full of joy and excitement. Can't wait :-)


What is your favorite holiday tradition? Join the FTSF and tell about it!

Wordless Tuesday - Late Edition

Somehow, yesterday felt totally like Thurday.. Sorry for not delivering your weekly dose of the Doctor, Susannah and Janine. I'll make up for it today  :-)

Source

In my opinion, he's been unterestimated. This late Wordless Wednesday is in honor of Doctor No. 9!

Do They Believe?

It's that time of the year, the season of coziness, of baking, and cooking, and eating, of getting together and enjoying each other’s company cocooned in our warm homes as the end of the year (and the dark season at the winter solstice on December 25 according to the Julian calendar) approaches.

It's the time of the year for our children to leave through toy magazines, stroll by the displays in the mall, and meeting Santa to tell them their wishes for the holidays.

Well, now it happened that Santa (or Saint Nick) visited Lily and Violet’s kindergarten to give them some chocolate santas and listen to their songs. When I came home from work Friday night, a slightly annoyed Lily met me at the door, complaining that they weren’t visited by the ACTUAL Santa, but it was only Manuel, their intern, in disguise. Violet, at the same time swore that the REAL Santa had visited her class.

A few years ago, when Lily was born, Richard and I discussed how to handle Santa, the German “Christkind”, Easter Bunny, and Tooth Fairy in the future. We strongly believe not to lie to children. On the other hand, we both remember fondly the years of being excited about the respective figures coming to visit at their appointed time. So we decided to let things go. To let them make their own experiences. To think for themselves what to believe in and what not. We do not heavily support either way, even though we are known to mention Santa or the Tooth Fairy on occasion.

I'm not sure yet how the experience with the false Santa  has affected Lily. We’re definitely going to make the wish lists and put them out for Santa to find. There will the customary “T’was the night before Christmas” good-night story on the 24^th. I know my parents will arrive with gifts that the “Christkind” has left at their house for the kids, and the in-laws will inquire on what Santa left for them under the tree.

Sometimes I think that they still believe in Santa and co. because they want to, not because they are deep-down convinced that they exist (except the Tooth Fairy, how else could possibly this coin have ended up under Lily’s pillow??). I don’t think there will ever be a “Santa isn’t real” talk at home; whenever they ask us whether they exist, we answer with the question “what do YOU” think?”, and leave it with that, because most of the time, they give themselves the best answers anyway.

Do your children still believe in Santa and friends? Do you support it or leave it up to them what to believe?

Out Partying

It's time for my office holiday party! I promise I won't drink too much, won't get food all over my clothes, won't give any embarrassing speeches, and be home before midnight  :-)

PS: I'm announcing a cookie recipe swap (link-up) next Tuesday, December 17 here at Life, Unexpectedly. I hope you'll all join in and share your very own recipes!!

RIP My Purse

My poor, faithful purse, which has been such a wonderful companion for the last few years, has drowned in a little bottle of elderberry liqueur...

On to finding a successor, that's willing to shlepp my stuff around while still looking great...



PS: would anyone be interested in a cookie recipe swap link-up?  Any thoughts?

Week In Review - Ten Things of Thankful 27

Weekend once more. I've been off the air for a few day due to professional reasons. The translation went well and I'm going to write my first official invoice!! Oh, and I'm planning on spending every single penny of this paycheck, just to celebrate it  :-)

Other things I'm incredibly thankful for this last week:

1. The first snow.

2. Spending an afternoon with Lily shopping and picking out our tree.

3. An awesome friend who invited us to the Cinderella musical she performs in. Next best thing to The Nutcracker if you're a little girl I'd say  :-)

4. Tons and tons of baking with the girls.

5. Finally been able to organize a D&D game again.

6. Hubby not getting hurt when he fell down the ladder this afternoon.

7. Having sent out all the holiday presents State-wards.

8. Spending my lunch-break with an Irish Cream Latte, writing holiday cards.

9. Cinnamon cookies. SO delicious!

10. Preparing dinner with the girls, and enjoying tons and tons for fresh roasted veggies.


Even though I was gone most of last week, I'll still take off tomorrow. Another Alien movie has arrived, which means date time!!  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Weekend Recap - Thanksgiving Edition

Friday's visit by the tooth fairy was the start in a fun and busy weekend:

Saturday:
Thanksgiving Day for us here in Germany! I started baking and cooking around 9 am, as the night before I had an ingredient for the pumpkin pie missing and the stores were closed already. So I had an early start Saturday. The food turned out wonderfully and the greatest joy of that day was to share it with a bunch of wonderful friends. Around 8, the house emptied again, we could calm the girls down and put them to bed, clean up, and prepare the advent calendar for the girls.

Sunday:
I got up with the girls at 6:30 am. I cooked them old-fashioned oatmeal with apple sauce, let them open the first bag of their advent calendar (yes, until December 24, breakfast WILL include chocolate!!), and watched a fairy tale movie with them. I love those lazy Sunday mornings! We played some games, had lots of couples., and after lunch, we prepared for the fun activity of the day: decorating the gingerbread girls (and man) and the gingerbread house. Let me tell you, the girls took full advantage of the "eat all the candy you want now instead of dessert after dinner" compromise. Violet ate 9 pieces of candy for each one she put on the house and paid dearly for it with a tummy ache later. Dinner was easy with turkey sandwiches and pumpkin soup. Despite the sugar rush, the girls went to bed at their normal time and hubby and I got to have a little movie date on the couch, watching The Thing (yes, he loves to watch horror movies with me!!).

Little announcement: I have just gotten in a major translation project that is due Saturday (yay for holiday money!!), so you won't see much of me until after the deadline!

Tooth Fairy Visits

Lily's been having a loose tooth.. since August!!  I don't know how she did it that is stayed put, until bathtime this Friday, when she spit it into the sink while brushing her teeth. A moment between terror and excitement was turned to excitement, followed by doubt about whether the tooth fairy would find her.. or would even bother to come visit her for only this teeny-tiny tooth.

Well, let me tell you, the tooth fairy found Lily, and she took that teeny-tiny tooth, leaving a coin in return. And from her running out of her room over-the-moon-excited with that little coin in her hand, I think it's safe to say, tooth fairy did her job.


On that topic, we had a little discussing while brushing Lily's hair tonight:
Lily: Mami, does the tooth fairy really exist??
I: I don't know, Lily.. What do YOU think?
Lily: Mami, I know the tooth fairy exists. She left me a coin, do you remember? That means she HAS to exist!!

Love my Lily!

Happy Turkey Day!!

Happy Turkey Day everyone! Thanksgiving at the Powell home is always celebrated the Saturday after the actual day, because the Thursday is not a holiday in Germany. And while I'm probably still running around like a rabid chicken, trying to get dinner ready, please sit back and enjoy the little poem my ingenious hubby has composed back in July:

Murder Turkey you're the one
You make stalking lots of fun
Murder Turkeys are disemboweling you

Murder Turkey joy of joys
When you eat me you make noise
Murder Turkey you've been hunting me it's true
I find a little fellow who's teeth and claws and oh god why?
It's eating me.
Murder Turkey clever girl you'll take over the world
Murder Turkey there's a whole pack of you
Murder Turkeys are disemboweling you.

Week In Review - Ten Things Of Thankful (26)

You see, Jak, I've caught up with Lizzi and everyone else!! Since FTSF is on break today due to Thanksgiving, I endulge in the Ten Things of Thankful a day early and, ince our Thanksgiving celebration is 2 days later, there will be a gem from hubby's feather for you all on Saturday.

This week, I'm especially thankful for:

1. The hubby, this incredibly funny, random, caring, and loving guy...

2. Lily not getting sick after her down-day last Sunday.

3. Violet bringing home little stenciled stars and handed each of us one. She was so proud..

4. Lily's tooth, which had been loose since August, has finally given up. Someone's getting a visit from the tooth fairy tonight!!

5. Purging, and making space by putting the summer toys away, just to find the holiday decoration. Yay  :-)

6. Coming home from work to find the girls having put away all the decorating and cook books for me. SO beyond sweet of them!!

7. Overleeping a few times and still not missing the bus.

8. Wonderfully frosted landscapes in the early morning.

9. Getting to say good-bye to a friend in person, and allowing the girls to say good-bye to their little friend.

10. A great late Thanksgiving dinner with great friends. We're really, really lucky!


Wishing you all a great weekend, and thank you so much, Lizzi, for hosting!!

My History Of Thanksgiving

My love for Thanksgiving started with the hubby. We had met just a week before Thanksgiving and since he was so far away from home and had just transferred into a new unit, I offered to substitute a Thanksgiving for him. That was 2005. My student apartment didn't have an oven, so I interpreted the dinner a little generously and we had a a turkey stir fry for dinner, with an quasi-proposal for dessert  :-)

My first real Thanksgiving as a host was the following year, 2006. We had 4 friends coming over and at the age of 22 I prepared my first Turkey with trimmings. And to my surprise it turned out well. No pies yet though! Later that day, we got to watch the Thanksgiving parade where the band marched as well.

In 2007 we were invited for Thanksgiving dinner. Our hosts' family situation was.. well.. interesting that day. The most memorable quote?
Grover: That's how I like women: pregnant, barefoot, and in the kitchen!!
Me (7 months pregnant): Hey, I wear SOCKS!!!

2008, our first Thanksgiving as a family of 3. The first celebration post-Army, at our new home in Washington. We were invited by friends who had just been transferred to the nearby Army post, we were definitely happy to have some familiar faces around. It was a huge celebration with many people who didn't habe family around. Lily, at 9 months, ate her first full Thanksgiving dinner!

2009 we spent with the people who had become our family in Washington. Lily was 18 months old and we were pregnant with Violet. The celebration can be called "pie-heavy". Two guests couldn't make it, and we had brought more pie than we initially said; we ended up having 6 pies for 6 adults and 1 Lily, glorious!!  And we got to watch the Ultrasound video on big-screen TV  :-)

2010 brought us to Germany, and we had our first Saturday Thanksgiving. We had it planned as a Thanks-You dinner to all of the people who helped us move and supported our new start. It was great, relaxing, and the start of a new tradition.

Ever since, we've been inviting new people each year to our table to spread the tradition. My best friend is an annual staple at the Thanksgiving dinner table, but besides her, we've had a new set of people over each year. And as every year, I am really looking forward to the dinner this Saturday.

Wishing a very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

Wordless Wednesday

Everyone's posting those nifty gift guides right now. Here's my tip if you think about arming up:

Source

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!!

Speechless And Sad

I know it's the season to be thankful, the season to rejoice, the season to ground oneself. And don't get me wrong, I am thankful, I am looking forward to this season, and I'm fully prepared to hole myself in with the family for a few days and ground myself.

But it is really, really difficult for me to be thankful, or happy, or enjoy myself and my family when I read something like that.

Joy over at I Can Say Mama has written a post about it, and I couldn't agree more with her. What the book written by Michael and Debi Pearl suggests in terms of disciplining children is simply too sick for me to wrap my head around. And I cannot fathom how parents, who should love their children, can bring themselves to listen to these people, who claim to be Christians and obviously run a very profitable charity.

Because of the "parenting" book these people have written, at least three children have died under horrible circumstances, dying from exposure and malnutrition or massive soft tissue damage from "harmless" beatings with platic tubing, which Mr. Pearl suggests in his book to be harmless but painful while not leaving marks on the child that could alarm the authorities.

This shows that they knew it was wrong. If it had been fine, why would authorities get alarmed? And why did those parents don't throw the book in the trash as soon as they read that passage. Were they so overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a parent that they grasped any straw there was or were they plain and simple sadists? How would any parent want that their children obey because they are terrified of them? I want our girls to love me, to hug me, to run over me when I come home because they're happy I'm back, not run into their rooms and hide as soon as they hear my foot steps. But exactly that is what's going to happen. Those poor children will be traumatized for the rest of their lives. They will probably not be able to trust anyone, as from earliest childhood on they learned that they couldn't. And this makes me so incredibly sad I have no words for it.

Surely, these people have not ever opened the New Testament, as it mentions how precious a gift children are. How can these people suggest to beat babies as young as 6 months? It is impossible to discipline or train babies that age. And no child of any age should be "trained". Children aren't dogs but human beings who learn by watching and imitating their parents and other people around them. I can already see so much of myself in our daughters, it is scary sometimes. They are the best mirrors in the world to how me who I am, and beaue of them, I try my best every single day to be a better person.

What I hope for during this season that people and companies wake up, raise awareness and stop these truly evil people from distributing their work of horror to any more people. In my opinion, the Pearl should be held accountable for all those children's deaths as accomplice. There is nothing to bring those poor children back to life, but it can save the lives of many others. Visit the page I linked to above, sign the petition, share the article, and raise awareness. Let's all make this world a little bit safer for the most vulnerable, but probably also most important members of our society.

Ready... Set... Bake!!

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  ;-)

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 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!!

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!

Wonderful Wordless Wednesday - Van Gogh Who?

(Source)

Your guess why we have prints of both Starry Nightsand Cafe Terrace at Night at our home  ;-)


Linking up with the ladies at the Mommy Blog Hoppers

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!!)

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.

(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!