Until Mission Accomplished

So gross!

2010-05-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

When Christel-Ann was an infant, I would ask her "how big are you?" (Wie gross bist Du?) and she would raise her arms in the air and say "this big" (sooo gross). Had to think of that yesterday as she climbed into the passenger seat, messed with my preferred radio and was trying to figure out how much time she needed at the library. She had her laptop and packed and was ready to meet some friends for a study group. Parents were not welcome and it was requested that I don't roam the library checking on them every so often. And shocking enough, the library had no problems with a couple of 6th graders doing their work alone, even suggesting that they (library personnel) would really be the only help those kids needed. So I went across the street to the mall and wandered around for an hour trying not to check my watch every 5 minutes.
Long story short, they got a lot accomplished on their project, and I was thinking about the days when you would go to the library with paper and pencil and there she was with her laptop and her friends had their thumb drives that they loaded the information on.

Note To Self

2010-04-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

Don't sign up for "refreshments" at the first meet of the season. Here I am the eve before Christel-Ann's first track meet and I was the parent that got out of the car to pick up athlete from practice and therefore signed myself up for refreshments for tomorrows meet.
I found a 5 gallon cooler with a drink spout in the garage and will fill that up with Gatorade and water, will add a bucket or 2 of ice just before I leave and should be good. I am afraid the usual fare at running events is rather uncool (bananas/orange slices and pieces of bagel) but I'm not participating in a "cool parent" competition either.
I'm pretty annoyed by seeing all kinds of sweet and fatty foods around my Girls sporting events and am simply refusing to cooperate. Gatorade for the Middle School Track Team is one thing, but for the little PeeWee Soccer Players? Along with a bag of Chips? Hate to break it to these Kids, when its my turn, it will be a bottle of water and Appleslices or some whole grain crackers instead of a candy bar.

Fish

2010-02-15T18:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Co-worker:

I commend you for being a good steward of company time and finances by choosing to bring in leftovers and eating at your desk, possibly answering business phone calls, e-mails over going out to eat. However, next time you bring in fish, it would be much appreciated if you would utilize the microwaves in the break room and eat in the common area.
Thank you so much.

Love, me

P.S I was pretty close to throwing up for the better part of the afternoon.

Christel-Ann & the Circus

2010-01-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

Christel-Ann came home a few weeks ago announcing that there is a Field Trip planned to the circus.
I have never been to the circus, my parents didn't take me because of my allergies and as an adult I never felt the need to support animal cruelty.
Now that Christel-Ann was supposed to go she started asking why we "never go" to the circus as a family, I explained and she got on her computer and did some research. She made up her mind pretty quickly that she did not want the Field Trip to happen at all, and if, she would not attend.
She wrote a letter to the teacher, but the show had to go on, the 6th Grade was circus bound. She talked to her friends and some said they would stay behind with her as well. As time drew closer more decided that they would see the show after all, but Christel-Ann stuck to what she believed in and stayed behind and was pretty happy with herself.
I was afraid she would regret throwing the permission slip away, or be upset that all of her friends had a good time, but she came home from school content that she had not participated.
Boasting with self confidence, I am very proud of the young woman she is becoming and liking the decisions she is making.

Peace on Earth - Merengue Style

2009-12-09T05:57:00.001-08:00

Christel-Ann asked to make her own sheet of Merengue

Travelling

2009-11-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

The little Doener Tier is waiting for his departure. He is not quite sure wether to feel protected by that M16 in the background or be worried that he will end up as a Kebab?

Paul's Address

2009-10-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

Won't be published here.
But if you want to know where to send coffee to, send me an e-mail.
He layed over in Ireland and Mannis (I am not sure where that is, but when he called upon google, it came up with google.kg) and was moved forward earlier today.
Time difference to Eastern time is +9 1/2 hrs.

The Adventures of the little Doener Tier

2009-10-19T17:15:00.001-07:00

Doener's Dad is leaving tonight. The brave little Doener is going on this adventure with him. From time to time you will be able to read about the adventures this little fella as he will accompany Doener's Dad to Afghanistan.
Emma-Louise has actually adopted Doener from Doener's Dad, but since he is leaving she wanted him to take Doener "and send pictures". To ease this deployment for the girls and help them see that he is "at work", what he does and where he lives.

News, News, News

2009-06-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

I have accepted a job offer in a different organization of my current employer.
This is very exciting news, it is a big promotion for me and a completely new challenge.
I will be working very closely with major airworthiness authorities, for the most part the FAA and EASA, and support the certification process of our engineering division.
It means that I will be moving away from Product Support and the Main Campus, it means that I will never occupy the new office I was supposed to move to that had a view of the runway, but it also means that I will move into our Research and Development facility that is only about 10 minutes from our house, my new office has a window overlooking the woodlands. Not a bad view either!

Opposites attract!

2009-06-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

No words needed?! The Mini Cooper and MC's Kat. I wanted a pictures of these 2 since we realized that the colors are almost identical.

CRCT Test or Grundschulabitur

2009-05-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

In the State of Georgia, all 5th Grade students have to pass the CRCT test in order to advance to 6th Grade, regardless of their GPA.
The students are tested in the following subjects:
English, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies
5 days of intense testing has come and gone and 3 weeks later the preliminary results are in! She passed, and passed "exceeding the standard".
Christel-Ann is going to Middle School next School year.
Now we are looking forward to the end of the school year, Emma-Louise is "almost a Kindergardner" and will celebrate that with a Party on June 4th. And June 12th will be Christel-Ann's "Bridging" ceremony marking the end of Elementary School. But to me it seems like yesterday that Paul came home from Iraq at 2 am in the morning and surprised Christel-Ann with his presence on her first day at Wuerzburg American Elementary School in Germany. Emma-Louise was still 6 days away from being born!

Care to guess?

2009-04-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Which one is Georgia and which one is her brother Gasper?

Our Lanai

2009-04-26T14:21:00.001-07:00

My little piece of heaven, especially on a cold evening. The Lanai with our Hot Tub. It's still a little bit plain, but the plants are one step in the right direction....

Family Picture

2009-04-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

There we are! All 4 of us at Bree and Dustin's wedding!

Cutting up the dancefloor

2009-04-20T03:19:00.001-07:00

Notice that Paul is dancing with his two Girls but there is not a picture of him and I dancing? We did, but the Girls were busy taking pictures of other things when we were on the dance floor. They took some crazy pictures! Christel-Ann had such a good time that she has requested to go to "adult parties" more often now.
Emma-Louise is dancing with Bree. Finally. Finally Emma-Louise could show Bree that the color of her fingernails matched the wedding colors (PINK!). And she just wanted to "uhh and ahhh" over the dress and dance the night away.
No one was safe from dancing with Emma-Louise. I believe she had every willing soul on the dance floor at one point and time. And if nobody was willing to dance with her, she danced by herself. Here she is with the father of the bride.

Key West Impressions

2009-04-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

White Sand, turquoise water, life is good in the Florida Keys!
The Lighthouse in Key West
One of the many, many colorful flowering bushes
Bahia Honda State Park

This was our first Sunset in Key West

In charge....of the bubbles

2009-04-19T05:45:00.001-07:00

After the ceremony Emma-Louise's job began: she handed Bubbles to all the guests. All the guests. No exception. She did not take "no thanks" for an answer. Think she looks sweet? Looks aren't everything. You just don't know how dedicated and serious she can be. She means business! If she has a job, it will get done. Unless it has something to do with cleaning up her room....

Violinist

2009-04-19T05:34:00.001-07:00

5 months of practice have come to an end. The wedding was yesterday. During the seating of the guests she played "Waterfall", the prelude was "I whistle a happy tune", processional was "Simple Gifts". The bride was walked down the aisle to the "Canon in D" and the finale was the "Ode to Joy". It was an amazing process to see the excitement in her face when Kathy asked her to play at Breee's wedding, then the dedication with which she practiced her songs and she was not the least bit nervous about her big performance. More pictures to follow....

Georgia Dawg

2009-04-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Don't even think about the University of Georgia Bulldog!
Here she is at 3 months old.

I have pictures

2009-04-11T04:46:00.001-07:00

But they have not been downloaded on my computer.
We are doing well. April 1st friends arrived from Germany and we went to spend part of Spring Break in the Florida Keys. Key West is a piece of paradise. White sand beaches, turquoise water, balmy weather (90's when we were there) and just simply island life attitude! We watched some amazing sunsets, relaxed, chased Iguana's (Emma-Louise) went kayaking and enjoyed every moment we were there. The kids were good sports on the way to and from the Keys (no short drive!)
But now we are halfway back to reality. Only half way because Paul is still on vacation, the Girls still have Spring break, our friends are still here, but at least I went back to work. Oh and Georgia, who could not go with us and stayed at her brother's house, is back home. She doubled her weight, now 18 pounds and counting.....
I went back to work, means that I still have a job. Certainly not something that is to be taken for granted. My department has seen the first rif (reduction in force) of a full-time employee in 20 years.
But on to happier things. Week-end! It rained overnight, we are planning on going to the Flea Market, color eggs, possibly spend some time at the beach (need to check the weather forecast, it rained early this morning) and some more relaxing.
The Girls have had a great time with their friend "Emilie". Emilie is exactly 2 weeks younger than Emma-Louise. They have played countless hours on the beach, enjoyed some good shopping, a few nights in the Hot Tub, a Baseball game with Fireworks, a trip to Build-a-bear for each to have a memory of this special time together, and tomorrow will be a fun-filled Easter!
As I am typing this the rest of the family is still asleep, it's just me and the dog who is going nuts with a toy.
I hope everyone has a great week-end and I promise that there will be pictures soon!

Meet Georgia:

2009-03-20T17:48:00.001-07:00

Georgia is our almost 10 week old Golden Retriever Girl. She is a sweetheart!

ERAU

2009-03-09T17:10:00.001-07:00

ERAU stands for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
I have been accepted into their degree Program and will be pursuing a degree in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in international relations. Yay me! Yay me?
The semester starts next week.
Someone very special pointed out to me that one of my favorite quotes is:
"The impossible is often the untried"
So true.
I am going to manage raising my daughters, being a wife, maintaining house and property, working full time, volunteering, hobbies, friends as well as living a more scholarly life. Not in that order, but something like that, guessing that priorities will shift, especially as Paul deploys again.

Grosstante-Grandaunt

2009-03-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

I bet that when you read the title of this blog post, you didn't think of me.
It's me. Grandaunt. Something like that anyway.
The daughter of Paul's cousin had a baby. I remember Victoria as a little girl when I was visiting with her dad and wife and Paul's Aunt and Uncle. Paul is even more spooked because he remembers Victoria being born! Grandma Louise missed becoming a Great-Great Grandmother by just a few months. I think she would have liked that. It would have supported her view of herself as an "old, old lady".
Welcome to the world Luis!

What's happening?

2009-02-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

Lots!
But where to start?
Emma-Louise is enjoying Pre-K very much. She is such a curious child, a real sponge when it comes to information. Her brain must resemble that of an elephant. She does not forget. Anything. Ever. We had a parent-teacher conference last week, no surprises. She is doing a great job with her letters, sounds and her numbers. She is much more mature than Christel-Ann was at her age, but let me attribute that to the fact that she has an older sister.
Christel-Ann can use some prayers. We turned in her Middle School application. Slots at our Middle School of choice are lottery only. 100 available slots and over 400 applicants. Luckily our zoned Middle School is our second choice for her, if Christel-Ann does not win a slot at Oglethorpe, then she will be going to Mercer. Christel-Ann is in the middle of a big science project. She doesn't want me telling "the entire world" about this, but I am allowed to say that it is a "marine themed science project". She is busier than usual practicing her violin. In just a few weeks, okay a couple of months from now, she will be in a wedding. Not just in a wedding. She will be the violinist. While the guest are coming in, taking their seats, she will play "Whistling a happy tune". The wedding party will walk in to "Simple Gifts". The bride chose the Canon in D major as "her" song for her Daddy to walk her down the aisle. Once pronounced Mr & Mrs, Christel-Ann will play the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, the Ode to Joy. Christel-Ann hasn't been able to take her C-Ayak out much, the weather has not been pretty here lately. Last week-end she had an opportunity to volunteer, while Paul and I were running the Tybee Island 5Miler, she was staffing the Half-Marathon Finish line and handing medals and water to the finishers. Just prior to the start, I introduced some of my running coworkers to her, and once they finished, they looked for her and let her give them their finisher medals and water.
Myself, I am plenty busy keeping up with the 2 girls, and working, making plans for upcoming visits. Most exciting news from the past few weeks, one of my best friends from High School is expecting a Baby! I ran the 5 miler and have a 10k coming up in 2 weeks, and then 2 5k's in March. I am really ready for a vacation! We will be heading to Key West in the beginning of April with friends from Germany.
Paul is keeping a odd schedule these days, he works "part time". Mondays he works whole days and the rest of the week he does half days and spends the other half going to school (Troy University). His unit is not doing much, he has a couple of great NCO's that work for him (and some not so great...) and sometime in the near (?) future the training will begin again.
That's all from us for now. I wish I had pictures to share but I don't.

My Boss...

2009-01-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

..is not a people person. That's ok, he's on the road most of the time anyway and we do not see him much. When he is around and comes by your office, it usually means that your workload just doubled. Does that sound familiar to anyone? Especially appreciated: randomly assigned projects. Most of them really special projects! I have a method to my madness. I volunteer before I am voluntold. Makes life a lot easier, a lot of times. I really like volunteering when it makes sense (does that make sense?)...and so I did just that about 10 days ago. Not saying that I shouldn't have, but I was plenty busy and then took work home. Now the project is complete, just has to be sustained (guess whose job that is). Along the way "the boss" and I exchanged some emails that didn't always have the friendliest of tone (neither his nor mine), but while there is a lot to say about him, one can tell him just about anything (I know, I do!). Today he shows up at my desk and hands me an envelope and dissapears again. I looked at that envelope for quite a while before I decided to open it. It was a handwritten "Thank You" note and a Gift Certificate for the Chart House, a local Seafood Restaurant. Very nice! Happy eats to me!

Fairy Godmother

2009-01-19T16:02:00.001-08:00

Christel-Ann has her own, very own, laptop. She has an e-mail address and will get a messenger account, since she has an integrated webcam. She is doing research for her science project right now, but I think she really wants to webcam with her buddies!
I think I mentioned before that I want to be Christel-Ann when I grow up!

Here is my favorite quote from her:
"My favorite birthday gift is the laptop, but I like my kayak too"

11

2009-01-13T18:20:00.001-08:00

Christel-Ann is 11! It was Tuesday, it was cold and rainy. Just like today.
She had her choice of breakfast (Biscuit, Eggs, Bacon and Cranberry Juice) and went to School. Paul took Snacks to her Classroom and I got off early to make some preparations for dinner.
In lieu of family we had a few friends over, ate dinner together and ice cream cake for dessert.
Just as Christel-Ann started to unwrap presents, UPS rang the doorbell and delivered a gift from her Grandparents in Germany. Perfect timing.
Christel-Ann got what she asked for: a kayak. Actually she got the paddles today, we are going to pick it up together on Thursday. The kayak is all that she asked for and that's what she got, a pair of comfy lounge pants and tickets to the movies. Emma-Louise bought her tickets to go see "Hotel For Dogs". She asked for money and gift cards to a popular outdoor store (Bass Pro) because she wants to pimp her new ride (the kayak) with a comfortable seat, cup holder, paddle harness etc.

Just a picture

2009-01-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Summer of 1977 is my best guess for the date on this picture.

After the deployment is before the deployment

2009-01-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

If you are stalking me on Twitter you already know. Paul will be going on his next deployment later this year. November. Paul called me right away and while the wheels were turning in my head, and I know I don't "like" deployments. It is working out just as good as it could. Paul will leave right before our 14th anniversary but he will be BACK right before our 15th. We can put Christmas decorations up together, the girls and I can go to California for Thanksgiving (one of my best Thanksgiving celebrations ever was in 2007). He will be here during Christel-Ann's first few months in middle school and be back (or gone again) when she goes on to High School. He can take R&R during Spring break and we can meet up in Germany. And all else will fall into place as well. It always does.

Insurance Hassle

2009-01-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

I should feel very lucky to not only have health insurance, but also have primary and secondary health insurance and rarely having to pay out of pocket. Typing this I am already feeling guilty to even feeling the least bit hassled by my latest adventure.

As I started typing I started to feel worse about complaining about such a blessing. I am very grateful to have health insurance for my family.

That's all.

2009

2009-01-01T05:49:00.001-08:00

Happy new year!
Frohes neues Jahr!

Emma-Louise

2009-01-01T05:41:00.001-08:00

While in utero, I referred to Emma-Louise as Emma-Lou'. I have not called her Emma-Lou' since the da before she was born. To me she doesn't look like Emma-Lou'. It's either Emma-Louise (e not silent), Louischen oder Emmalise (leftover from times when she couldn't say her name right).
Funny thing, now that she can write, she writes her name likes this:
Emma-Lu or Emma-Lou. Almost never the -ise.

Ideas, ideas, ideas

2008-12-26T18:45:00.000-08:00

I need ideas.....do I?
Christel-Ann's birthday is fast approaching. The theme has been decided on:
"Spa Sleepover"
Now what. Guest list is almost complete, we are looking at 8 girls.
My idea is to have different "wellness-stations" (hair, nails, facial), a "spa" buffet (fruit kebabs, cucumber sandwiches, smoothies) for lunch and the well liked junk (pizza) for dinner. A good soak in the Hot Tub for everyone and some chick flicks to watch before bed. A breakfast buffet in the morning and some yoga to wake up.
Now I need to figure out how to pull this off. The beach room downstairs is the main location, the Girls will bring their robes, swimsuits and sleeping bags. I have an idea of little goodies to give to the kids that will be a part of the wellness stations. What I don't know yet is
a) how will I pull this off (assuming Paul is going to hide off-shore)
b) how the invites should look like
c) what kind of goodie holder to use
d) any other detail.
I will ask Christel-Ann to pick colors, decide if she wants a cake or cupcakes etc.
This is where living close to family would be beneficial. I would totally love to enlist the help of my sis', have my niece be one of the guests, or give my favorite sister-in-law a chance to get away from her boys.
Now go ahead and give me your input!
By the way, she is asking for a kayak.

Roger Rabbit & Bugs Bunny

2008-12-25T05:34:00.000-08:00

2 very surprised and happy Girls!

Emma-Louise with Bugs Bunny

Christel-Ann and Roger Rabbit

2008-12-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

21 Degrees Celsius on Saturday, the Girls didn't really want to put on the long sleeve shirts.

Is it too late to be nice?

2008-12-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

My favorite sister-in-law sent this to me. I love her.

When in Savannah, you must eat:

2008-12-13T03:40:00.001-08:00

At "The Olde Pink House"
Last night Paul and I had a "Date Night". It was our 13th anniversary and we were looking at doing something really special. And while we have overlooked our anniversary in years past due to other Christmas Parties etc This year we did it! We decided we would go "somewhere else" not to one of our favorite places, we wanted to do something "Savannah". We found parking (wow!) and strolled through a few of the beautifully decorated squares of downtown Savannah. Reservations were a really good idea! We were a little bit early and decided to pay a visit to the bar. Paul treated me to one of my faves (yes, y'all know that now I would describe the perfect Martini) a Rasberry Martini and Paul enjoyed an Alsterwasser. The bartender Josh was a good guy, he just served Paul's special request. The Olde Pink House was built in 1771 as a private residence which makes the dining experience very interesting. We were seated right in front of a fireplace at a table for two. Very romantic. The menu was very southern, heavy on the seafood, Paul had a hard time deciding. We ordered the fried Brie with Red Pepper Sauce, green apple and grilled Baguette as an appetizer. Paul went with our attendants recommendation for his entree. A crispy scored Flounder with Apricot Shallot Sauce, creamy Grits and steamed Spinach. I don't do fish unless I know it is right out of the water and decided to go with a New York Strip Steak, Bordelaise Sauce, caramelized onions, twice baked potato and asparagus. My steak was a perfect medium rare and Paul received expert instructions on his Flounder. very good indeed, I did try it! At one point we must have mentioned the occasion to our attendant. Because our dessert was served on a small platter that was decorated with a Chocolate "Happy Anniversary" and an additional candle was placed on our table. We took a picture with Paul's cellphone, but I am not sure that I can upload it to the blog. After this fantastic Dinner we walked around downtown for a little while. Savannah is such a wonderful city. We really enjoy living here!
Happy 13th to us. And many more.

Laundry room - check

2008-12-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of our laundry area right after we moved in in the late summer of 2006.

We added some storage bins in 2007:

And here it is as of tonight. We took out washer and dryer to lay tiles, then stacked the dryer on top of the washer, cut the shelf in half, put one shelf on top of the existing shelf. Added counter top. We already had all the little hanging basket things and the rack that slides out and holds our laundry soap and bleach.

I think we are going to enjoy the Christmas Season as a Family before going back for more projects.

Help me out! ("challenged" foreigner here)

2008-12-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

We got a letter from Christel-Ann's school. Since she has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, exemplified worthy character and has maintained a commendable attitude, she is cordially invited to join the National (junior) Beta Club.
And while I'm a mean googler, I would prefer some real life insight into this Club.

Christmas tree

2008-12-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

No picture of ours (yet).
Growing up we had one Christmas tree. It was decorated with many different ornaments, ornaments that my parents had collected through the years, some came from my Grandparents, some were bought traveling, some where made by my sister and I. We always had a real tree and for the longest time nothing but real candles. My Grandfather insisted of a bucket of water next to the tree and preferred to stay in the living room with the tree while the candles were burning. A childhood friend of mine always had a "color theme" for her tree. I admired that (it was in the days when I didn't mind that such things cost a lot of money!).
And then I was introduced to the concept of more than one tree and I was intrigued by it!
To make a long story short, this year I have a second tree! Well actually fourth. Both Girls have a tree in their room. But I have another full size (6.5ft) tree in my house this year. It is in the guest room. It is white. It is getting a theme. Beach. I am ready for my 'rents to send me a ticket to the funny farm. But I love it. Now we have to take a lot of tropical vacations to collect ornaments from all over to decorate that tree. So far there isn't much on the tree, but I am hoping in a week or 2 I will have some ideas and something to show to everyone.

The mistery of the boot

2008-12-07T04:41:00.000-08:00

Someone left a comment asking about the pneumatic boot and how it became a member of our family for the past 4 weeks.
Christel-Ann chose not to obey the rules of our trampoline. She injured herself. However throughout the week-end she limped inconsistently and continued to jump on the trampoline, we didn't think much of it. She was "a mess" that week-end, from time to time complaining of a sore throat, a headache, her ankle hurting, but then she played like she was "just fine". On Monday she went to school and by 10:00 am the nurse called to please take her to the Pediatrician. The Pediatrician gave her a shot for strep throat and quickly referred her to the Orthopedist who diagnosed an injured growth plate (luckily no fracture). We are in the run for the parents of the year award. In our defense, Christel-Ann can hear "symptoms" and experience such within seconds. She tried to convince me that she had an enlarged prostate at one point and time after listening to a commercial.
The pneumatic boot was worn "all the time" if she had to take more than 10 steps, she was quite bummed about it (especially because the accident happened right before her cruise) but disciplined.
Thursday night she was so excited about her appointment with the orthopedist. She packed her "other" shoe with her book bag, she was sure that on Friday Dr K would take the boot away from her and diagnose her as healed.

Nikolaus

2008-12-06T16:34:00.001-08:00

Once again the Nikolaus made his way to Georgia! Yesterday Christel-Ann had her final appointment with her Orthopedist and after 4 weeks she no longer need the pneumatic walking boot that has been her constant companion for the past 4 weeks. However she decided it would serve one last purpose: to leave out for the Nikolaus that usually finds our children nice enough to treat them to something.

Floor!

2008-12-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

The job is done! Tile done, baseboards done. Now onto the next project: our laundry area is getting a little face lift.

Black Friday

2008-11-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

I think the "tradition" of getting up way to early (on a day off), waiting in (long) lines in the cold, is a pretty awful one. I don't do it. Well...I did it once. 2006 I got the Target add and they had a great "Early bird" sale on a few items that were on my list so I did the getting up early thing. Last year I was alone with the Girls and this year I wasn't feeling it. But as the day went on I decided to drive to South Carolina (less Sales Tax) and check out a few sales. I was successful for Christel-Ann. I found the object of her desire: a CD Player that she can mount on a wall (slim design). It is also a Radio and an Ipod docking station. Now I am not sure that it will play her Shuffle, but will see. And the best part: I paid less than $50 for it! I found the CD she is asking for and one for Emma-Louise and a CD with Christmas songs to add to our collection. A new decoration for the front yard and then the hunt was on for some "Christmas clothes" for the Girls. I don't do all the miniature formal gowns, we don't have fancy events to attend with our children, and spending that kind of money for pictures? Don't think so. Anyway, Target had nothing suitable, on to the Outlets, where I found less than formal clothes, but again nothing they would wear regularly. I am not quite sure what I was looking for, but I wanted something not necessarily the same thing but style/color wise it needed to match. No such luck. What I found for Emma-Louise wasn't cool enough for Christel-Ann, and really I didn't find anything for Christel-Ann that I thought she'd wear. Eventually I gave up on my idea of red/green something and found some really cute clothes at Old Navy. On Sale. The colors match the Blog. Pink and Green. And plain red shirts. Now how difficult was that? Plain red shirts.
The rest of Black Friday was spent decorating the house for Christmas. Photos should be coming later today.

How do you like it?

2008-11-28T05:23:00.000-08:00

The new Blog layout?!

Stalk us! (If you want)

2008-11-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

http://twitter.com/SavFam06

Go ahead, be brave, stalk us and try and keep up with us...

Thanksgiving Meme

2008-11-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

1.Do you cook all or part of the meal? Every single bite of the meal will be cooked by either me or someone who is coming over.
2. Do you eat at home or go to someone else’s? This year we are staying home and are having company over. But there is no method to our madness. Last year we went to California, we have eaten at the Dining facility and in Restaurants. It just depends...
3.Describe your perfect bite?Mashed potatoes, , stuffing, tiny bit of turkey and cranberry sauce on top. PERFECT!
4.White meat or dark? White only.
5. Stuffing with giblets or without? Seriously? Disgusting! Oh maybe that's the reason why I only cook Turkey breasts and not the whole bird!?!
6.Anything you won’t eat at the Thanksgiving meal? No, if I put it on the menu it means that I like it and will eat it!
7.Carve Mr. Gobble at the table or serve on a platter? On a platter!
8.Favorite pie? Pumpkin Streusel Pie
9. Formal or Country China? Formal
10.Your menu:
Turkey
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole
Rolls with Butter
Green Bean Casserole
Stuffing
Cranberry Chutney
Cranberry Sauce
Ham
Orange Jalapeno Glaze
Pumpkin Streusel Pie
Pear Cake
Pumpkin Mousse Cake
11. Favorite leftover? Everything
12. Extended family, friends, both or just the immediate family for dinner? Just the immediate family and friends this year. But the more the merrier!
13. Do you dress up a bit or just dress casual? We usually dress "nice" but casual. This is one holiday that's about family relaxing and enjoying, not being prim and proper for me.
14. After dinner, do you go to the latest movie or watch football on TV or just a turkey induced snooze? The guys will surely be watching football, however no TV during Thanksgiving Dinner!
15. Do you watch the Macy’s Parade? Always have it on in the background.
16. Christmas decorations up before or after? No Christmas until the day after!
17. Black Friday shopping or sleep in? This year: sleeping in and then it's time to decorate for Christmas and bake Christmas cookies with the Girls! No Black Friday shopping this year.
18. Any special Thanksgiving tradition? Not really. We just go with the flow.
19. Favorite thing about Thanksgiving? It’s such a wonderful day and usually surrounded by family and loved ones! I do most of the prep the day before. The meat, rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing are the only things that need prep that day. We spend it playing, talking, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. I LOVE THANKSGIVING!
20. Favorite Thanksgiving memory? I don't think I have one special one....every Thanksgiving is my favorite Thanksgiving. Well except for Thanksgiving 1997, that went seriously wrong.

Christmas Wishes

2008-11-26T15:42:00.001-08:00

What are the kids asking for this year?
Christel-Ann would like to have her own computer, a CD Player that she can put against the wall, several CD's, a few books, beading stuff, clothes, a subscription to National Geographics Jr to name a few of her "ideas".
Emma-Louise is asking for: everything her sister put on her list and a Nintendo DS, like her sister has.

The Amazing Race

2008-11-23T17:09:00.000-08:00

The world stands still on Sunday night.
20:00, Chanel 6, I am watching "The Amazing Race".
It would be so totally awesome to be able to participate.
My Sis'. I think we would totally rock. Who knows, maybe I will apply for the 14th season. Maybe we will get picked. Sis' be ready!
There are such adverse teams. I admire the mother and son team. No question, I would go with my Papi in a heartbeat. My Mom? Never ever. By the way, she would never ever want to do it either.

Promise

2008-11-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

We promise that we will keep our "Day Jobs". But we do a really good job laying tiles.
After we ripped out the old flooring. Old...our house is new...we prepped the floor and laid out the tiles, figured out how they had to be put down and then we got busy with the chalk line, mixing quickset, laying the first tiles, putting down the accent tiles, cutting tiles, mixing thinset, laying down more tiles, and the evening went on until it was 10pm and we decided to call it a night. Friday the work continued, and Saturday I decided I had enough. I skipped out on Paul, who had only the most difficult to cut tiles left to do. My friend and I went to "Christmas in the South" Bazaar where way too creative people sold their mostly overpriced merchandise that had a Christmas spin to it. One of my favorite: wooden rockers. I dared to inquire about the price. $899.00 and up, I quickly got up and wished that fella a good and prosperous life! The there were the signs, coasters and wall hangings with beautiful and funny sentiments, lots of jewelery, some food, hideous sweaters, great toys, and lots of things Christmas, making me wish I was just a little more creative. Hummingbirdfeeders made of interesting old bottles, windchimes made of old silverware and talking about old bottles (think wine), they seem to be the "latest and greatest" reshaped into a flat surface, they were sold as cheeseboards.
Today the 4 of us took the day off and spent it at nearby Ft McAllister with our friends Alex and Cassie. We went one a hike through the woods, including me jumping on Paul's back when an Armadillo spooked me, Emma-Louise getting a "big hug" by a Staffordshire Terrier (yes I was terrified) and Christel-Ann doing all of this with her pneumatic walking boot. Back at the house we enjoyed Cassie's homemade chicken noodle soup, the girls watched a really cute movie about fairies and leprechauns in ireland featuring Whoopie. Cassie and I enjoyed the fireplace and Alex took Paul for a bikeride.
Tomorrow our project will be closer to finished as we will grout the area and by the end of the week the grout will be ready to be sealed and we can move all of our things back and go on living until we have another great idea for a project. The new rule is as follows: don't start a project unless you are prepared to spend twice the money and at least twice the amount of time completing it!
By next week-end you may get to see a picture. Don't hold your breath, Thursday is Thanksgiving. The girls and I will be off on Wednesday, doing some of the cooking/baking that can be done ahead of time.

Runway

2008-11-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago a runway extension project of Runway 9 was planned, Runway 9 is the main east-west Runway at the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport(which, by the way, has no scheduled commercial travel going to international destinations at this time). The Runway needed to run through a small family plot, and when the family of the deceased was contacted about relocating the graces, they denied. Those graves are of the original owners of the property that has now become the airport. The gave markers remained exactly where they were. Runway 9 is the only runway in the United States (worldwide?) that has grave markers in it.

I find that story fascinating and really need to find one of our pilots and hitch a ride to take a picture!

Sneak Preview

2008-11-16T09:47:00.001-08:00

That is the accent tile.

We opened one of these last week.....

2008-11-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

It started simple. We painted the kitchen. Same color, just washable paint. Then we had leftover paint and the hallway needed some touch ups. We had just a little bit of paint leftover...just enough for the small entryway downstairs, when you first come in from the Garage. That was the project for Tuesday, Paul and the Girls were off, I went to work. By break time Paul called to inform me that he was taking off the door frame. We used to have a door at the bottom of our stairs, but never really liked it, it was always in the way, we took the door off in January and never regretted it and were not planning on putting it back. Once the door frame was off, Paul had to get drywall etc to fix the wall. More paint because now he had a much bigger area to paint. AND: underneath the door frame there was not flooring. We were planning on tiling that area "eventually". Now we had to do it. And not just the entryway, but now we have to tile the entire area that has the Linoleum flooring. Shoe closet and the laundry room. That means I had to decide on tiles that I will like "forever". Research about the different kind of floor tiles, price comparison, what color grout to pick. We went to Home Depot and found a lot of tiles that were "out of the question". And I was certain that Granite was the right choice for us. Nancy (Coworker) suggested that I look on our Intranet Discount Page. Several businesses in the area give discounts to our Employees. I did and there was one wholesale flooring company that operates as a Club (think Sams/Costco etc) that offers free membership and 30% off the final price to GAC employees. Yesterday I asked a friend of mine who had recently finished a tiling project (and has learned some valuable lessons along the way) to give us her opinion. Natural stone/granite was quickly out of question...$20 a tile wasn't going to happen even after the discount. Pech. We did find a tile that both of us like and I got my heart set on an accent tile that we "have to have". While the can of worms is open, Paul will stack our washer and dryer and install more shelving in the laundry room. Since we are busy down there...why not? But please, please, please let that be it. I would really prefer not doing any home improvement projects during the Thanksgiving Holiday! I am hoping all will be complete next Sunday and I can post some pictures for everyone.

Back from the Bahamas

2008-11-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Do you know why 2 beautiful girls do that to their faces? Me either!

The three Ladies got their hair done. Definitely Different, maybe their way of preserving a little bit of the summer feeling.

Christel-Ann had an awesome time on her first cruise, and really enjoyed the Bahamas. The Girls had a great time together and they explored the ship, enjoyed unlimited food and drinks, a lot of entertainment and time spent together!

Election '08

2008-11-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

Paul has exercised his right to vote per absentee ballot a while ago, so election day meant nothing to us, but the end to the political messages on radio and tv. And I am so glad that election day has come and is almost gone.

Both Girls had the day off from school and in the evening we started watching the election coverage. While I was in the kitchen cooking Christel-Ann would yell out certain states and who was in the lead. Emma-Louise was playing with her marbles in the kitchen.
Christel-Ann:"If it's up to Kentucky McCain will be our new president"
Emma-Louise:" John Wayne is our new president?"

That's all from me on the election '08.

So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good-bye

2008-10-28T19:00:00.001-07:00

Christel-Ann is packing her suitcase again.
Going on vacation again.
Not taking along her sister or parents. Again.
Her friends parents invited her along on a cruise to the Bahamas next week. They are leaving Thursday and returning on Monday.
So here it goes....departing from Jacksonville on Thursday, they will spend a "Fun day at sea" on their ship, the Carnival "Fascination". Saturday they will spend all day in Nassau on the Bahamas, Sunday they will spend a half day in Freeport on the Bahamas and return to Jacksonville on Monday. The ship has a Hollywood theme and amenities such as a Minigolf course (yeah, not kidding!) to only mention one...
Must be nice being Christel-Ann.
Go ahead and click here for more info...or don't or you will want to go.
http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_fascination/default.aspx?shipCode=FS
Paul is trying to convince me that cruises are for the newly wed, overfed or almost dead and we fit into none of those categories and simply won't be able to take a cruise...

Cousins

2008-10-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Emma-Louise, Granddaughter #3 for both Paul and my parents

Christel-Ann, Paul's parents first Grandchild, #2 for mine but Granddaughter #1 for both

Kaitlyn, Grandchild and Granddaughter #2 for Paul's parents.

The three female Ramus Cousins. Christel-Ann, Kaitlyn and Emma-Louise.
Julia (Paul's sister) is Kaitlyn's Mom.
When Paul was in California with the Girls, he met his parents and niece and they had these pictures taken.

$$$ Rant $$$

2008-10-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Girls started dance class in the beginning of September, our neighbor did the studio shopping for us and found a dance studio in relative close proximity with reasonable prices, discounts for siblings, convenient class hours. We were aware of some start up costs as the girls wanted to do "dance" rather than just ballet. "Dance" consists of classical Ballet, Tap and Hip Hop. They needed leotards, tights, Ballet shoes, tap shoes, all times 2. So far so good. Once we paid for registration, September classes and initial clothes, October rolled around and their first performance for which they needed the performance clothes. Leotards with embroidery, different color tights, black shoes. More money. Now we are getting close to November, and if we thought that we would only pay for classes this month, we were wrong. Costumes for the End-of-year recital (May 2009) have to be ordered this month...and you guessed it! Paid. $85 per girl. This stopped being fun a couple of weeks ago when Paul was joking that he can never go without paying for one thing or the other. No joke!

Halloween!

2008-10-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Friday is Halloween and we are invited to a "BYOP" (Bring your own poison) and Potluck Party. This is an adult party....I am thinking about doing some Jello shooters with Gummiworms as our poison, and as far as food goes I think this is pretty creepy:

"Moldy" Bread simply add green and blue food coloring to pieces of french bread, and then lightly dust with flour. Yuck!

Or how about some Lady Fingers and Men's toes??

We have a Pumpkin Party at the Girls' school to attend and since I will be coming straight from work, I will just dress in all black and have a witches hat in the car. My contribution will be a lot less spectacular, simple but oh-so-good pumpkin bread.
In the evening Paul will take the Girls around the neighborhood, as usual, I will hand out candy. Then the Sitter is coming, and off we are to see our (g)hosts Kim and Dave.
For the evening I think I will be going as "High Maintenance", Paul doesn't think that requires me to dress up....for that I will fix up his toolbelt with roses, chocolates, pretend cash and he will be the "High Maintenance caretaker". Best halloween costume ever was a lady toting around a box of Lucky Charms with a knife stuck in the middle and blood running from the knife. What was she?
A cereal killer!

I'm not 34

2008-10-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

Just sayin'....
I had a great birthday, my children made breakfast for me and served it to me in bed (a little early, but the thought counts, right!?), my employer had a Family Day during the day and in the evening we met a few friends for Dinner, Drinks and Dancing. The picture was taken early in the evening while we were waiting at the bar for people to arrive....

And this is one of the last pictures of the evening

Shark

2008-10-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Tongue Fold

2008-09-30T19:03:00.001-07:00

My Mom can fold her tongue, I can not. Paul can fold his tongue, Emma-Louise can not.
And Christel-Ann can not just fold her tongue, but twist it sideways at the same time!
I don't know if I should admire this strange ability? It was worth photographing and posting a message. Now try it and post a comment if you can do this!

Herb Garden

2008-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have been growing my own kitchen herbs in various containers, but usually ended up at the grocery store for one herb or another "all the time". I finally dedicated an area to be our herb garden and Paul built it for me!

Fall in Georgia

2008-09-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

Fall is the reward for surviving summer! The hot and humid summer days that have been blanketing Savannah for the past couple of months are no longer, the air is crisp enough to think "Fall", baking apple pie instead of eating heaps of ice cream.
This past week we had several "less than ideal" days, the convertible stayed closed, the umbrella came a long on most days, but that was okay, because the week-end rewarded us with the most gorgeous weather. An awesome breeze and we have the air condition turned off and the windows open instead. It's been months since we've been able to do without the a/c. The Girls are playing outside, Christel-Ann went to a sleepover to a friends house and Emma-Louise is playing "only child" and loving the attention! She has the neighborhood children to herself, doesn't have to share.
Saturday night Paul and I went with friends on a little "cruise". Put the boat in at Houlahan's Boatramp on the Savannah River and cruised through the port.
Dave, who is a former Navy guy was finally captaining a boat, who knew he had to get out of the Navy to do that!

Felt like home, seeing the giant container ships loaded with "Hamburg Sued" containers and the industrial development on one side of the river. That there's a wildlife preserve on the other side was not like Hamburg, but I was looking on the port side.

It was a very nice late afternoon, warm enough to be out in short sleeves and sandals (uhm yeah shorts too).

We cruised along the Savannah River and looped around Elba island

as the sun started to go down it got cooler on the water

we headed to River street, docked the boat and headed to Wet Willies for some chocolate Thunder (sorry, no picture) and then to the Oyster Bar for Dinner.
Back to the boat

and cruised back to the boa tramp. We idled along a container ship that was unloading a yacht

I played captain some

but really preferred being with the passengers

Back to the boat ramp, said our good-byes and went home. Emma-Louise had planned to sleep at her friends house, but when she saw that we were home decided that she would rather enjoy some time being an only child. In the morning she requested her favorite breakfast and now she is anxious to be a little sister again! She sent Paul to pick up Sissi! Sunday afternoon and time to think about the week ahead. Monday the two ladies are starting Dance class and Christel-Ann's band practice will start this week as well. She is continuing to play the violin in the school orchestra but is also going to play the clarinet for the band.
Lots of things going on, life as usual.

Sea World

2008-09-23T17:13:00.001-07:00

Just a few pictures from Sea World! It is what Emma-Louise wanted. She wanted to celebrate her birthday with Shamu, she received a special button that read "It's my birthday". She was tall enough to go on a real ride! More details about the Sea World trip in the next few days.

Savannah, Cocoa Beach, Sweden and back

2008-09-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

Friday evening we drove to Cocoa Beach on the "Space Coast" of Florida.
Along came Gilberto, one of Paul's soldiers, and Lauren, our neighbors daughter and very good friend of Christel-Ann and Emma-Louise.
We drove to Cocoa Beach and spent the night. Saturday we got up early and went to Sea World. Sunday we first went to Sweden. Ikea. We spent a couple of hours at the beach, then headed back to Savannah. More about Sea World later....

Weather

2008-09-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

This time of the year is wonderful in Georgia! When I take the Girls to the bus stop at 7:30 it is a mellow 21C and during the day the day the temperatures don't rise much over 33C anymore, the evenings we enjoy on our deck without long sleeves. We are still weeks (months) away from true sweater weather, but I have bought a cute fall outfit...couldn't resist.
I run in the cooler morning hours and after getting home it is light long enough for a training bike ride. Did I mention that I got a bike? If any of you would like to see the beauty, google Giant OCR3 for women. Fast. Fun. I will likely add a picture later!
We are off to Florida for the week-end!

Daddy, was machst Du? (Daddy, what are you doing?)

2008-09-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is good! Paul took the Girls to school this morning. He walked the Girls to their classroom and Christel-Ann quickly dissapeared and Paul took Emma-Louise into her classroom and said "good-bye" then walked across the hallway into Christel-Ann's classroom to say "bye" to her. Upon entering, there was a slight look of panic in Christel-Ann's face. Paul exchanged some words with her teacher, looked around (I guess he was trying to see if he spotted "Alex") and then Christel-Ann asked in German, so that noone else would understand "Daddy, was machst Du? *pause* Du kannst jetzt gehen" (you can go home now).

Life as we knew it may be over!

2008-09-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Emma-Louise's birthday and life as we knew it is over. Christel-Ann got a "note" in class today. A note from Alex (short for Alexander). Asking for her phone number and if it would be okay to call. But right now he is in trouble and not able to call (now personally I think that is funny) but as soon as he has phone privileges again he would like to give her a call.
Yikes! We are lucky that Christel-Ann shows us everything that happened at school, including the note.
This shall be interesting!

4 no more!

2008-09-15T17:58:00.001-07:00

She is 5! And ready to go to school!

Her first piece of Real Estate!

Happy!

More about the birthday later!

4

2008-09-15T17:55:00.001-07:00

Emma-Louise is still 4 years old...

Birthday Wishes

2008-09-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Emma-Louise has always been a bit "strange". And she has always known what she wants. Wishes, if she has them, are precise. Christmas of 2006 she asked for 2 things. A pink Jogging Outfit and a pink Camera.
Yesterday she invited a friend and was asked what she would like and she immediately said "a stuffed animal". Just so happens that she has received a few stuffed animals from the friend and loves them all dearly (read: bed companions!). Another friend asked her today what she would like and she answered without a doubt in her voice "a brown Hairdryer to blow dry my hair". Isn't that great?

You never know what you are made out of.....

2008-09-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

...until you TRI!

I paid the bike store a visit today. Ordered the shoes. Tried on some TRI-gear and couldn't help but feeling like I was wearing "female hygiene products". Not sure if I will get used to "that" feeling and decided I will be able to swim, bike and run in the stuff I already own. Found a bike that I like....
October 26th. 3rd Savannah Triathlon. Still wondering if I should find some folks and do a relay team, but isn't that "cheating"?

Rock of the Marne Triathlon

2008-09-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Neither of us participated, but we were still active! Active volunteers, all 4 of us. We were in charge of one of the water stops behind the transition area. Emma-Louise was quickly enthused and was handing of water and Gatorade like a pro!

Christel-Ann and Paul were filling the cups, While Emma-Louise and I were handing them to the athletes.

Christel-Ann also made sure that all the cups ended in the recycling container!
Volunteering at a race was a great experience for all of us and we will definetly do it again at local races. But for now I am hooked. I want to do a Sprint-Triathlon. We met some amazing people! My admiration goes to a very nice couple, both well in their 70's that used this event as training for the ironman in Kona! Wow!

What's for Dinner?

2008-09-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

That:

Paul is still living the BeachBum kind of life. While I was at work he went fishing with a friend. Spend all day out on the boat on the Savannah River, enjoyed the sun and company.
Did I mention that I was at work?
Anyway, we are looking forward to Dinner.

I want my Uncle Klhani!

2008-09-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Kalani to everyone else but Emma-Louise will clutch her little bottle with pink sand and shells and make that very simple statement. Followed by "I miss my Uncle Klhani".

5th Grade

2008-09-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Surprise, surprise dear child...school is serious business! Until 4th Grade everything was just plain boring and easy. 4th Grade was a challenge and now this is the last year in Elementary School. Christel-Ann does have a homeroom teacher, Mrs Heaton, but she changes classrooms for Math, Science, Social Studies (and of course music, art, PE). She liked her teacher right away, however noticed that it's no more "lovey-dovey". Mrs Buckley, her 4th Grade teacher told them, tried to prepare them, but Christel-Ann and some of her friends are quite surprised at the difference. They have never been handed a syllabus. Surprise, surprise on the second day of school there was a math as well as a science test. Christel-Ann scored a 100 on both and had to admit that it was probably a pretty good idea to not let her be a mental loafer this summer!
Off to her last year at Elementary School and she does think it is kind of neat to see her little sister at lunch, she is not too cool to say "hello", but does make a point to let her know that she will be on the playground that is not for "little ones".

Pre-Kindergarten

2008-09-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

Or the German version "Vorschule".
Emma-Louise has a teacher, Mrs Heidi Schaffner, and a paraprofessional, Mrs Smith in her classroom. Most important part of her classroom routine is her "responsibility book". A small book that has a note about her day. She is to give it to us every day and we need to either write in it or simply sign it off. So far so good, she really enjoys putting on her uniform, going to school and making new friends. She is a little bit upset about not having any homework. Every day this week she has played in the "Science Center".

School Girls

2008-09-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

Pre-K and 5th Grade.
Both Girls are in Elementary School. Emma-Louise's first year and Christel-Ann's last year. And it does get better! Their classrooms are across from each other! Next week they will start riding the bus together and when they get to their wing, one (Emma-Louise) will go to the left and the other (Christel-Ann) will go to the right. And it does get better than that! Pre-K and 5th Grade have the same lunch schedule. They will see each other at lunch! More later...

Beach Bums

2008-08-20T17:39:00.001-07:00

Saturday the 3 took it easy, enjoyed the pool at Ann's place, the Lanai and catching up. Sunday they went to church, out to eat and to a viewpoint, UH and the pool again and then Paul and Emma-Louise went back to church with Kalani while Ann and Christel-Ann spend time together. Monday the 3 went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and Tuesday they were off to Waikiki and Diamond Head. Today they spend quite a bit of time at UH again, the Girls decided that this year was not the year to start college. Good thing, I am not ready to pay out-of-state tuition for both girls! It's family night for the Dept of Nursing and Ann is taking family :-)
I am waiting for pictures....or do I not want pictures?
And just to hawaiianize myself a little bit, the Hot Tub area is now known as our Lanai.
Fay is on her way, it doesn't look like I will get to spend much time at the beach this week-end. Good thing that she is turning towards Alabama, but we are almost guaranteed some good storms and plenty of rain.

Fay, Fay go away...

2008-08-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not up to having a Tropical Storm/Could-develop-into-a-hurricane sweep through my area and make short work of my week-end! Friday I want clear skies and sunshine.
That's all!

Quick Update

2008-08-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Paul and the Girls overnighted just north of San Francisco.
He "HAD" to get his fix:

I am actually starting to enjoy "me". It's quiet, I enjoyed making a Hawaiian Toast, the only bit of Hawaii that I was going to get :-) Probably as hawaiian as Dirndl and Lederhosen are German, but I do remember having pineapple at every meal while we were in Hawaii.

Up high in the Sky!

2008-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

That's where the rest of my family is....
On their way to Hawaii.
Really!
I am home alone. Someone has to work!
No seriously, I do not have anymore vacation days left and could not come along on this trip. Paul packed a suitcase (he's so awesome! He manages with 1 suitcase for 3 and I need 3 suitcases for 1!) and the carry-on luggage for the 3 of them last night, got up way early in the morning and drove to the airport, couple of hours later they were airborne and on their way. To the island. Paul has a chance to be "on the scene" were we began exactly 158 months later. How cool is that? Christel-Ann has already requested to visit the places Paul and I first met, go to the beach we went to, eat at the Mc Donalds we went to. There is some magic in the story of how we met to her. She asks about it a lot and has been wanting to go "there". And who wouldn't. Hawaii. So sweet.
And it's true, Paul took me to McDonald's! Our first "date"....well the "date" was the beach, but on our way back we stopped at McDonalds.
But back to the "story", I remember enjoying to hear about how my parents met. And water is involved in that case too. My Papi was a swimming instructor and taught both my mother and her younger brother how to swim. I never went to the pool where they met but don't recall if I ever asked either.
I am not sure what I am going to do with my time? Run, figure out how to cook for 1, work, catch up on some books, spend time in the pool. I miss them already!
What would you do if you had a week or two just to yourself? (Take a trip to Hawaii is not an option)

Watch out Washington....

2008-08-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here I come!
http://www.armytenmiler.com/

Thanks John & Patti!

Christel-Ann is home!

2008-08-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

Emma-Louise was not hearing that she would see her sister in the morning..she insisted....wanted to go. Christel-Ann was the last one off the plane and just strolled towards us. There was no holding Emma-Louise back, she blasted right past the "Do not enter sign" to embrace her sister!

Reunited!
Check out the large clock in the back...her flight arrived at 2:09 in the morning.

NOT happy

2008-08-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

This morning I started to track Christel-Ann's flight from Hamburg to Newark, she arrived 25 minutes early and called me right away. She was a bit upset because the Kid's lounge is not as posh as the one in Atlanta that she "is used to". She wasn't feeling well, had not slept on the transatlantic flight and just wanted to be home. Poor Girl, had 3 hours to wait around, couldn't explore the airport (she was upset that it was Newark and not New York too). Shortly before 13:00 I received a text message from her that she was "on her way". Her flight was scheduled to depart at 15:00, that seemed odd. I checked online, a previous flight was listed as "awaiting passengers". I was wondering if they had decided to put her on a different flight? I called CAL, ended up with someone who didn't exactly speak English and had no idea what a manifest was. I hung up. Called back. Next lady claimed she didn't have access to the manifest. Thanks, bye. Third time was a charm! English speaker and taking an interest that I was talking about a minor traveling unaccompanied. Out of the blue I get a notification that her flight has been cancelled. Unfortunately there was no match to our last name on the manifest of the previous flight, but she was "found" at the children's lounge. They had brought her from one lounge back to another, larger one. Now instead of arriving at 17:43 she is scheduled to arrive at 23:40. "Hanging out" at EWR for 13 hours. Too long. Airlines do not accept transfer of Unaccompanied minors from other airlines. Ugh. Trying to get her rerouted in Charleston was not successful either as that flight had been cancelled as well. Funny thing is...the flights were cancelled due to "weather at destination". And the weather was just fine, little front coming in, but nothing major.
Anyway she is still in Newark as of right now, her flight is already delayed again, she is now arriving at 12:18 am. I am not sure what I am going to do if they tell me that they are cancelling that flight also. I asked the nice Guy at CAL what would happen. I didn't like the answer. But what to do? I guess wait and see....and try and not sweat it.
Not really important, but we had a small "Welcome Home Party" organized. It will still happen...tomorrow...
For now I want her home. NOW!

Abby

2008-08-06T19:15:00.001-07:00

Emma-Louise is snuggling up with Abby. This is after she kept on "letting Abby out" because she liked curling up in the dog bed herself and didn't want to share with Abby. She is strange like that ;-)

Picture of Christel-Ann

2008-08-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

Christel-Ann riding "Bold"

So what is Christel-Ann up to?

2008-07-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

This week Inga (her cousin, my niece) and Christel-Ann are attending an Equestrian Camp. My sister and mother dropped off the Girls on Saturday and are picking them back up next week-end.My sister is taking her horse and is arriving a day early to take advantage of the beautiful area and ride herself.
Their day is spent with by riding lessons and excursions, taking care of their assigned horse and making friends with one of the other girls. 11 girls between the ages of 7 and 13 are spening this week together without their parents!

Thursday (I know it's Saturday)

2008-07-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

Thursday. Day 443 of the deployment. Paul's reunion ceremony was scheduled for 4:15pm. In the morning I called Flight Ops at HAAF, a good friend of ours is the Chief of Operations, and I ask him for a flight update on Paul, he said that the flight stopped in Shannon/Ireland again and was scheduled for a stop in Norfolk and would arrive in Savannah at 3:15, an hour of in-processing and then the reunion would be at 4:15. All good. I go about my day, go to lunch and when I return I get a call...familiar number...It's Bill! "Hey, just thought you'd want to know, Paul's flight is arriving at 1:36" This was at 1:06. I think I said "ok, thanks, bye" but I do know that I hung up, and left work in a hurry! I called my boss from the road to clue him in. At home I changed real fast, got Emma-Louise's sign, then picked her up and got to the Airfield in "record speed". Once there I was informed that the rear detachment did not notify families and the ceremony would still take place at 4:15. That was not what i wanted to hear, but I found another wife who was stationed with us in Germany, we let the kids run around in the reunion hangar and I took pictures as her husband returned home. His ceremony was an hour before ours. Emma-Louise must have been the most photographed child, holding her sign for Daddy.
And eventually the hangar doors were closed, drummroll, drama and then the hangar doors opened again and we were faced with a formation of around 200 soldiers in full "battle rattle" that marched into the hangar, being welcomed by a Staff member of the 3rd ID. The national anthem was played and though I have never been able to spot my soldier in a formation (really, never!) I was scanning the rows. And my eyes rested on this guy who really looked a lot like Paul. I sent one of his soldiers who was standing next to me (he had come home a week before Paul) to check if that was Paul.

There was a brief speech (Not sure what was said, I didn't pay attention), the Marne Song and the Army SOng were played and then we were "told" to welcome our soldier home. 4th row. It was him!!
We found his baggage before the ceremony

and had already loaded it into the car.

It was time for us to go home!

No words

2008-07-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up the deployment!

2008-07-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

2 weeks. Maybe less.
I am out of deployment-mood, right now it seems like he's on a training exercise, not on a deployment. The Coffeemaker is back in the kitchen, his beer is stocked in the fridge, I picked up his favorite "hygiene items" and it was just a little strange to be in the "male aisle". Now what's left to do before he comes home? Well...he reads this blog..should I admit that I pretty much took over the entire closet? Patti asked if I have a "To-Do" List for that I am still working on before he returns home. I don't. I need to clean the fish tank. I neglected that since Christel-Ann left. That's between her and Paul.
Friday night I went out with a couple of girl-friends, that was a lot of fun, but was not a "have-to" before Paul returned. It just worked out that way. The only thing I can think of is going to the movies next Friday with the Girls to see "Mamma Mia!" he wouldn't go. The other husbands have made it clear that "us girls" should go have fun, they have stuff to do. We will go out to eat, watch the movie, catch a few drinks together and maybe we will declare that as my "end of the deployment"-party. Paul's "Welcome Home" party is in the works...to all of you reading this and interested in coming to Savannah to seeing the man again(or just for a good time), it will be the week-end AFTER Labor Day.

(Half-) Birthday Week-end!

2008-07-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

Partytime in Germany!
My sister celebrated her birthday yesterday and Christel-Ann is celebrating her half-birthday today. My family does not get to celebrate Christel-Ann's birthday with her and since it is very close to Christmas, she often has a difficult time asking for presents. Celebrating her half-birthday gives her the chance to celebrate with her Grandparents, cousins and aunt and uncle (whenever I think of my sister as "aunt" or the German term "Tante" a not-so-well liked aunt of ours comes to my mind, so both my sis and I stay away from referring to the other as "Tante K.")
This year Christel-Ann has quite a celebration for her half-birthday, Diane and Elisabeth from Giebelstadt have come to Hamburg to celebrate with her. The two of them just visited with us in June:

Happy (Half-) Birthday to Katja and Christel-Ann!!

Blush

2008-07-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

4 parts Gin
2 parts Orange juice
2 parts Rasberry Lemonade
1 part Strawberry Daquiri

Mix in Blender, add some crushed ice.

Yum

Don't over-indulge. Trust me on that!

More Buddies!

2008-07-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

The "Gator Hole" at the Savannah Wildlife Reserve. 13 gators were visible at that location. Many more along the way, we stopped counting after 30.

Peek-a-boo?

This is very much zoomed and I was inside of my car! These Guys and Gals were friendlier than expected!

See you later....

I have a new Buddy!

2008-07-05T05:24:00.001-07:00

A green treefrog!

He hangs out with me when I hang up the laundry! I like him much better than the alligator snapping turtle that paid a visit last year.

Happy Red, White & Blue to you too!

2008-07-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

To me it is about friendship and BBQ :-)

Last year at least I made a red, white and blue cake. This year the cake is green.
We had breakfast with our neighbors and grilled out with them in the evening. Ribs, Cucumber salad, bread, tzatziki, baked potatoes were on the menu. German Beer. Emma-Louise could not be convinced to put on patriotic colors. The flag would be pink, green and glitter if it was up to her. I want to bet that this was out least patriotic 4th of July since celebrating it!

Paul @ work

2008-07-04T11:10:00.001-07:00

On the 4th of July a picture from Paul.
And the countdown ticker on the right hand side is incorrect! Paul should be home in less than 4 weeks!

Off again!

2008-07-03T17:00:00.001-07:00

This is where I wanted to insert a picture that my sister sent to me after she picked up Christel-Ann with our mother. Blogger seems to have a problem right now and it will not let me upload any pictures. Sorry!
So yes, last post was about Christel-Ann being off to California and now I am writing about her being in Germany!? Yes! She spent 10 wonderful days in California with Uncle Rich and Auntie Jennie. She went to San Diego, checked out the Zoo, went to Sea World, she enjoyed lunch at the beach with Auntie Jennie and Grandma Marilyn, a trip to the bead store, shopping, Disneyland part 1 to include her cousins and part 2 including her favorite uncle Rich and all the good rides! She's my girl! She sacrificed herself and went on my favorite rides for me! Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure Ride. She got to take everyone out for ice cream, spend time drawing with Marilyn and went to the park with Clay and Grandpa Dale. More shopping and some fun later she returned to Savannah Sunday evening! And Tuesday she was off to Germany...not without drama! I took her out for breakfast and as we were checking on our time she told me that her ear hurt! She does not tend to have ear infections, but that was not good news! We hurried to her Pediatrician's office. They kindly offered a 3pm appointment. Never mind that, since they could not squeeze us in, we headed for the Urgent care. There they guesstimated a 2 hour wait. What part of "have to be at airport in 45 minutes" did they not understand? Kind people in the waiting area insisted on her going ahead of them! No ear infection! Good news, but we left with decongestant, a prescription for antibiotics "just in case" and some ibuprofen! Once at the airport, I actually had to shift some things from the a to the b bag. I don't understand, if the 2 pieces of luggage are below the weight limit for the 2 pieces why does it matter if one is over 2 pounds and the other below 10? Christel-Ann is such a pro, made her way through security again, and waited for her flight. Delta boards UM's last, Continental takes them first. It was time to say Good-bye again! It does NOT get easier. She called from Newark, the children's lounge is not as posh as the one in Atlanta. Now she is in Germany, spending the first few days at my parents house, getting acclimated and sleeping in. A lot of excitement for her the last few days! She played Golf with her Omi today and went swimming at the lake. Meanwhile her little sister is missing her!

Off!

2008-06-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

Christel-Ann's flight took off on time and she is in Santa Ana now. Already went to the movies and is spending quality time with her little buddies. I do not have any pictures from her yet, but here she is this morning at the airport ready to go!