Merry Christmas!!

Christmas has never been as fun as watching your own kids delve in and try to open all presents at once, at the same time trying to play with each new toy! We are truly blessed to have two wonderful children. I admit I was pulling my hair out dealing with them the closer we came to Christmas this year. Threats of calling Santa didn't seem to phase them the same as in years past. Roll actually asked for the number so he could talk to him as well! Rock follows his big brothers lead so this can create some interesting evenings in our house.

We shared the day with some close friends and new ones as well. It was truly enjoyable. The only damper was not having family near. The time difference creates a bit of a problem when trying to share your children's joy with grandmas and grandpas.

To those whom we have shared past Christmas's with, you were missed! Another pit fall to being in the military environment is that although we have many wonderful friends, once their tour is up, they move on. We miss each of you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

(J bought me an iPod!! He has already regretted that as I tend to get one tracked and he feels a bit left out. Although he wouldn't admit it, I think he is enjoying it as much as I and we may purchase one for him next!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Busy Week

Monday night was the last night for the winter league bowling. We tied for 6th out of 11 teams. After I hurt my ankle I had some terrible games that certainly didn't help. For the most part it was quite fun and we will miss our friends whom were our bowling partners.

Tuesday night Roll's school was invited to "open" a window at the old Rathaus (old court house). The whole school turned out and sang together. It was quite nice although at the end St. Nikolaus was there to hand out gifts and candy. This wasn't organized and it quickly turned into a mob. Roll was exhausted already so the fact that he was too small to fight the crowd and they ran out by the time he reached St. Nikolaus just made his night. Fortunately our friend was with whom the boys adore and she was able to cajole him out of his bad mood.

Wednesday night and Thursday I was visiting a good friend who is in the hospital.







Friday night was the Holiday Ball for the Vilseck, Hohenfels, and Grafenwoehr Training Area. J nor I have ever attended a ball and I thought it would give us a good chance to put our dancing lessons to use. The sappy side of me loved the idea of my guy taking me to a dance as I never had that in high school. We were all decked out for the night and really enjoyed ourselves. The best part was that many did not recognize me and thought J was stepping out on me. I had received cool welcomes until they realized it was me. J says they don't expect teachers to clean up so well:)









Saturday found us running around doing things we can't during the week. Spending time with the kids and cutting down our Christmas tree. Roll helped J cutting it down but Rock was a bit afraid of the saw. We couldn't decorate as we had dinner plans with friends who flew out this morning. After dinner we met up with other friends to celebrate her completion of her Master's
degree.



Today we woke early and headed to Vilseck for some much needed Christmas shopping! The boys did get to meet up with Santa and ensure that thier orders were heard. It was quite cute to see them intently conversing with Santa rather than screaming in fear.
Then upon our return the family crashed. When everyone was up and about we spent the rest of the day decorating the Christmas tree. Now the boys are in bed and I will soon follow. Tomorrow will be equally crazy as I am pretty sure Rock has "pink-eye". I will be glad to be on holiday so that I can rest. There is just too much to keep up with on my blog!

Weekend Wonder - Historic Christmas Market by Naaburg

Today the boys, J, and myself drove up to the old historic town of Naaburg. We heard through friends that there was a Medieval Festival this weekend. We had also seen advertisements for it throughout Weiden. They evidently have this yearly but we haven't been before so we thought it would a great idea to go today. When we arrived in Naaburg we immediately saw what appeared to be a Christmas market. After about five minutes we realized this couldn't possibly be what they were advertising as it was just a bunch of street vendors much like you would see at a Farmer's market. Sure enough after asking we found that we turned right off the autobahn but had we turned left, we would eventually have left Naaburg and came across the castle turn where the festival takes place in Guteneck.

Upon arrival we were worried that we had a made a poor choice and were thankful we were dressed warmly. This was due to the fact that the streets were lined with cars about 3/4+ mile from the festival and people were walking. We also passed a Shuttle Bus stop. Luckily we were able to park closer but still had a jaunt before arriving at the fest.

This was an impressive event. People were dressed in medieval attire and the entire area was transformed to create a middle age time period, knights, ladies, and all. By the time we arrived it was quite dark and fog had set in adding to the atmosphere. There were torches everywhere to light our way and such a crowd of people. The festival sports a menagerie of entertainment to include: flame throwers, jousting, trade work examples, theatre, mintrals, stilt walkers, dancers, etc. We were able to enjoy a man using glass balls that he rolled around his body and juggled. There were booths selling trade goods, alcohol, clothing, and food. Though some of the food was more comfort food for modern times, they did have several from the past as well. I myself enjoyed a fresh baked flat bread with garlic, tomato, and cheese. It was quite tasty! Of course we had hot cider as well. Unfornately for J they were sold out of Gluwein when we arrived so he enjoyed a beer instead.

They had a medievial camp showing how they may have lived at the time, an area for the animals, and other areas we did not get to see due to the large crowds. We did enjoy our time though muddy and cold as it was. We may attempt to go again next weekend but earlier in hopes of avoiding so many people or without the boys as the crush of people can be frightening to them.

The story behind this Festival is quite interesting. If you would like to read about it, check out the following link: http://www.historischer-romantischer-weihnachtsmarkt.de/en_index.php

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells...

Roll learned long ago and has now taught Rock the infamous "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" with great assistance from Daddy of course. Now rather than hearing their sweet voices singing Rock-n-Roll or more appropriately for this time of year, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, we hear "Batman Smells". The only endearing quality is their pure enjoyment and heart felt laughter. Can you ask for bigger smiles?

King Size Bed

Recently J and I finally bought a new bed. The old bed came with J and had seen better days. We finally decided on a King size bed rather than the Cal King. Our local exchange doesn't carry Cal King and it sounded like a head ache. Not to mention that the Day After Thanksgiving Sales were incredible for savings. We were getting a great deal! Many warned us that a King size bed is just too much for German housing but I was determined that for our peace of marriage, I wanted my own space for sleeping and J agreed. Of course we didn't really think it would be terribly difficult to get it up the stairs....

If our past neighbors are reading this, they completely understand what an undertaking that could be. Needless to say it was good that the children were not around. After much effort we managed to get the bed wedged tight in our winding staircase. Finally decided it would fit better the other way and had to shove it back down, turn it around, and start over. We finally got it up there and I am still thankful that the box springs come as two sections. After getting it settled on the box springs I just wanted to jump in an sleep! What a way to break a sweat!

I have found one fault with the bed now that we have had is almost a week. I don't want to get up! I have actually knocked my alarm off the side table in order to stay in bed a bit longer. Now this isn't unusual for a weekend, but normally I jump up during the week. Especially since J is off and I don't have to worry about the kids. I have the opportunity to go in early and get some extra things done for school. On the first night J commented that I "had my own zip code". This is nice as I like to take up real estate when sleeping and although he wouldn't admit it, so does J! Anyone who knows German housing understands that with a King size bed, we really don't have much room for much else although that is the next plan. There is a wonderful wood worker who custom makes furniture. We have already shared some ideas with him and maybe next year we can begin:)

It is funny how something as simple as a new bed can make me giggly. I find I can't wait to get home just to go to bed!

Cub Scouts

Roll is still going strong in Cub Scouts although Mom and Dad have found this is as much our adventure as his. When doing something like this at this age it is a real commitment as we must attend each function with him to include meetings. We still need to practice the Boy Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack in order for him to earn his Bobcat patch. Several of the scouts are my students and it is odd seeing Roll standing in formation with them. He still seems as if he is my little boy at times but he is the same age as these other boys and I expect a lot from them. When I stop to think I realize he how fast he is growing!

Soon Cub Scouts will include a new group called the Lions. This will be for Rock's age next year (Kindergarten.) Prior to Roll joining I wouldn't have even considered this but now that Rock sees what Roll does, he is jealous and wants to do the same. I do hope that they have fewer requirments as I can't see Rock memorizing the Boy Scout Promise or such. This has been great for Roll to learn how to be a part of a "team" and that you cannot always win (this he still struggles with.) This has also been a great way for Roll to associate with other Americans his age.

Tonight he worked on the flag ceremony and carrying the flag. He was quite proud although had difficulty due to his height in keeping the flag off the ground. We will also be visiting a museum this weekend and going to a semi-pro hockey game in Weiden. Busy, Busy!! And Christmas is just around the corner!

Weekend Wonder: Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Well I haven't kept up this past couple of weeks with the holiday but we went to Garmisch for Thanksgiving. Several other teachers went down as well and some other friends of ours so we enjoyed a large meal together in honor of Thanksgiving. It was nice although many other Americans had the same idea leaving the restaurant out of turkey by the time we ordered:)

While there we just relaxed. I tried to get in a bit of shopping but wasn't very successful. We just enjoyed being away from the rush and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Fortunately we had beautiful weather as well.

One heartstopping moment was when Rock decided to jump off a play structure from a height just over 5 feet. His knees buckled on impact and he didn't cry but I was concerned none the less. After assuring myself that he was okay, I calmly asked him not to do that again which he with equal calm replied "kay". Personally I think it scared him more than me and he was glad to be told not to do that again. Saving face you know...

The boys seemed to enjoy their time although the times they went shopping were not their favorite.

Weekend Wonder - Grafenwoehr Water Tower

Today Roll's Cub Scout group met at the infamous Graf Water Tower. We have been here now almost six years and before today had never stepped foot inside the tower. It is quite impressive. This tower sits central to the military post.

In 1907 Bavarian Prince Luitpold directed the establishment of a training area at Grafenwoehr. From 1909 - 1911 craftsman from all over Bavaria were brought to Grafenwoehr to build the water tower and the original post. From 1910 - 1999 it served as the primary means of delivering drinking water from local wells on post to the kaserne and the field camps. From June 1999 to present day the town of Grafenwoehr supplies water to the main post. The water tower continue to supply water to the field camps as the Grafenwoehr city water systems does not have the pressure needed to push the water that far. The tower has served as a Boy Scout hut, the Post Fire Department radio relay, the AFN (Armed Forces Network) transmitter site, and a parade reviewing stand for the Bavarian royalty among other things. We were informed that many dollars went into reinforcing the walls to hold two conference rooms within in the tower. One is a pretty fancy and up-to-date with all necessities. Rock stated upon entering the fancy conference room "This room smells like Grandpa's car!" The room does have a lot of leather.

The Tower has ten floors (including the attic and basement) and is 137 feet high. There are 2 water tanks with a total capacity of 55,723 gallons of water. Most of the water pipes are original. It is divided into three distinct regions. The first has 68 hand-cut stone steps that climb from the front door to the fifth floor landing. We could see where the stone cutters wrote number with chalk or charcoal on the back of the stones as an assembly guide for the builders. The next section has an 80-step stone spiral staircase that reaches from the fifth floor to mid-way up the ninth floor. The last section of the tower starts with a metal staircase that leads to the attic room that is the top of the water tower. There are several windows to look out as you climb and today's view was spectacular!

When we reached the top we found that the flies nest there. It wasn't terrible but Roll found it really easy to catch them. We did keep several alive in a bag that I happened to have handy. This sounds horrible but I still have that spider in my classroom and I felt it against what I am teaching the students to let it starve to death and I am still to afraid to let it go. It would die outside anyhow. This sounds incredibly crazy as I write this but I have found that although I am still fearful of them, I do find them fascinating and the whole experience has been somewhat therapeutic.

Remembering a Fallen Soldier and his family

Today marks two years since we received news that a friend of ours lost her husband. Only a year prior we shared Thanksgiving dinner with Heidi and Sean. Heidi was pregnant with their first child. The men were sharing Daddy "war" stories and advice with Sean. J was teasing him about the trials and tribulations of being a Daddy. Everyone was enjoying each other's company. A year later they had an adorable baby boy with which to share their love. Sean was serving in Iraq. November 13th his life was tragically ended.

Heidi has been a true heroine through it all. I am constantly amazed at her bravery and loyalty. She truly loved her husband and has done so much to keep her husband's spirit alive for her son. She is an inspiration to so many to include myself. Although we didn't know Sean well, we feel honored to have been blessed with the little time we had to share.

Please say a prayer for Heidi and Colin today as we remember CPT Sean Simms. Remember also that without soldiers like Sean we wouldn't have so many of the freedoms that we so easily take for granted.

A friend sent me this poem:

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, and who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

Tub Racing!

There is a new craze taking place in our bathroom almost daily now and it is termed: Tub Racing! It is often accompanied by the theme song to Acceleracers. The boys race their cars down the slope of tub to the other side. Amazingly this activity can keep the boys entertained for hours! I made the mistake of telling them that I didn't want them to do this thinking it may scratch the tub. They stopped but then began fighting over trivial little matters that only little boys find important. Of course as soon as they were told to go back upstairs, I could once again hear the theme song and wheels racing along the tub. (I have checked the tub and thankfully I don't see any damage from this sport.)

Today J and I decided it was time to make a dent in our house by cleaning. It has been pouring rain all day so we couldn't send the boys outside and they seemed really bored so I gave both of them a rag and told them to wash the stairs. This was great fun for them and soon they were washing anything available; heaters, cushions, door frames, refrigerator, trash cans...you name it and they thought of it. I only wished I had my camera available to take a photo of the two of them scrubbing the stairs together! Needless to say we ended up making a huge dent in the cleaning and I wouldn't be upset at having visitors.

As reward we pulled out the foam crocquet set and moved furniture and played a few rounds in the living room. It was a lot of fun although Roll still struggles with losing (I think he is more like his dad than dad wishes to admit).

The morning activities must have created some bond between the boys as they were playing in their room together creating a party for Mom and Dad. Unfortunatley they were supposed to be taking a nap. We had to pay to come to the party but were also paid in return for our attendance. Now if only I can teach them to fix dinner!