Happy Anniversary



I will love you until (and after, and always) my dying day. Happy 10th Anniversary!

We've Been Elfed!
Check it out! This is so cute!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1172903377

Boy or Girl That is the Question
We have never been extremely patient when it comes to finding out the gender of our babies. I have suggested to Morgan (half-heartedly) a few times that it might be fun to wait and be surprised. But we have a little tradition, and we don't want to break it. It started with Braden. The day we found out that he was a boy, we went out to lunch, and then went to the store and bought a little blue outfit for him to wear when he came home from the hospital. I save those outfits for the kids -- they don't become hand-me-downs for younger siblings. I will give them to them one day when they have a baby of their own.

As time has gone on, our tradition has changed slightly to include the older kids. When we found out that Liam was a boy, we went to Sonic (oh, how I miss their slushes!), and then went to the mall to buy his outfit. We hadn't yet told them what we were having. They went straight to the cute pink outfits. After a minute we said, "maybe we should look at this rack," indicating a rack of blue clothes. Braden said, "you mean it's a boy? Yes!" Lydia started to cry. She was okay, though, and a new tradition was born.

Well, because we see a German doctor, and they do ultrasounds at every single appointment, we have now had a couple of opportunities to find out the gender of this baby. Each time we get excited to find out, looking forward to the appointment for weeks. Each time, we have been disappointed, and have walked away not knowing much more than when we went in.

At our appointment last month, our doctor told us that the baby was "probably a boy," but she couldn't be 100% because the baby's hands were in the way. Yesterday, I didn't remind her of her previous prediction, and her new guess was "girl!" But she said, "PLEASE don't go out and buy anything pink!" This time, the umbilical cord was in between the legs, which could hide the boy parts. So the only thing we are sure of, is that there is a healthy, growing baby boy or girl inside of me. And that is all that really matters.

(But I am having another ultrasound on January 10th, and you can bet that I will be looking forward to that day!)

My Favorite Birthday Presents

My kids are all the birthday presents I need. Today is my 34th birthday. It is not one of the big ones (like 30 or 40), but after spending the last month helping Braden with his homework for the current math unit (they are studying estimates and rounding), it occurred to me this morning that this is the last birthday that can mathematically be rounded down to 30. Next year, if my age were a math problem, I would be 40! Thank goodness I am not living in a third grade text book!

This morning, as Braden and Lydia were passing my bedroom, they informed me that they were going downstairs. I had been kind of sick last night, and it was still pretty early, so I told them they could go down and watch a movie. A short while later, Liam woke up, so I went downstairs to find this:

They had been so disappointed that Daddy was going to be out of town for my birthday. They wanted to have a party and buy me presents, and bake a cake. He usually helps them with those things, but since he wasn't here, they took matters into their own hands. They never had any intention of watching a movie this morning. They spent the whole time looking for a box, choosing wrapping paper and bows, and preparing a birthday surprise for me.

They wouldn't let me open my gift until they had sung "Happy Birthday" at the top of their lungs. I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the gift. I have been given many gift-wrapped boxes of rocks, sticks, and other sundry items. But I knew whatever it was, I would treasure it. This is what was in the box:They had bought me these ornaments on a shopping trip with Morgan a few weeks ago, and Braden had hidden them in his room.

They are always very thoughtful like this. They are the most loving, sweet children. But what touched me more than usual, is that I had never expected this birthday to be the least bit special. I had known Morgan would be gone, and I am so far away from anyone who would care to do anything for my birthday, that I had all but forgotten about the day. But Braden and Lydia hadn't, and they made it special just by being my thoughtful, sweet babies.

This time with my children is the real gift. When you think about how short this time with them really is, it puts it all into perspective. If a person lives to be 85, less than a quarter of their life was actually spent living with their parents. An even smaller percentage of time was spent as a small child, and only a year as a small, helpless baby. During those long, sleepless nights with fussy babies, or those drawn-out temper tantrums, each minute can seem like an eternity. But the truth is, they are growing every minute, and each minute is precious. I always knew I wanted to be a mother, and today my precious children reminded me of what a blessing it is to be theirs.

More Christmas Fun

Morgan is gone this week, so I took the kids to the Landstuhl Weihnachts Markt by myself last night. They had a great time, and it was nice, because it was only five minutes away.

Here is Liam, all bundled up in his gear (see previous post).

After our bratwurst dinner we had a funnel cake. Liam was so cute eating bits of it that I put in his mouth.

Here is Braden drinking Kinder Punsch. It was just what we needed to warm up.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Most of us had a wonderful time at the Christmas Market last week, but Liam didn't seem to enjoy it as much as the rest of us. He was tired, hungry, and cold. I had some food for him, but there wasn't anywhere to sit and feed him. I had brought his mittens, but he wouldn't keep them on. His blanket kept falling off. He was just uncomfortable, poor little guy!

So Morgan and I decided that we wouldn't be able to take him out to another Christmas Market until we had a warmer set-up for him. This week I worked hard to make sure he was warm next time we went out. I sewed his mittens to his coat sleeves -- now his hands are always toasty warm. I bought a stroller blanket. It is really great, and keeps him so warm, even on cold mornings when we walk to the bus stop.

Last night we went to another Christmas Market, but I had learned my lesson from last week. Before we left, I fed him and bathed him and got him completely ready for bed. Then, when we got to the market, I bundled him up in his new gear, and away we went. We walked around the market for almost two hours, and he did great! He was so comfortable that he even fell asleep. He slept through getting buckled into the car, getting out of the car, being carried up to his crib, and then until morning.

Speaking of that, this week has been a landmark week for Liam. At 16 months old, he is just now learning to sleep through the night. He had been getting up several times a night, and we would be up together for hours every night. I was so tired all the time. This week it has all changed. He goes down to bed, while still awake, and puts himself to sleep. The past two nights he hasn't even woken up once for a drink of water. It is quite an amazing transformation, one for which I am extremely grateful. I am a much happier mommy now! And he also weaned himself from nursing this week, so the demands of being pregnant and nursing and being kept up by a fussy toddler have finally been lifted, and I am feeling more like myself now. I'm so proud of Liam!

Chizzzz!

When I pointed the camera at Liam the other day, he said "Chizzz!" He is a quick learner. I love this boy!

Okay, you may have all seen this on Nick Jr. (well, those of you with small children at home, anyway), but I had never seen it before. I found it on a blog that I follow, and when Liam saw it, he was mesmerized. I, too, couldn't look away, but it was because I was thinking, "this is the wierdest thing I have ever seen. I kind of like it."

I posted a couple of months ago about how squirmy Liam is when I change his diaper. It has only gotten worse, and it has extended to every time I try to buckle him into his carseat. It has gotten to the point where I cut back on my errands, just so I won't have to get him in and out of the car seat an extra time. I might be out at the BX, and think, "I need to go to the commissary for some milk . . . Nah, we don't need milk." It is really that difficult to put him into his seat! I once saw the Crocodile Hunter teach someone how to wrestle a croc so they could get straps around its mouth and body and move it to a different part of the park. There were arms everywhere as the two rangers wrestled the wild animal, but they finally succeeded. I often feel like that when wrestling with Liam, but I only have two arms!

So why do I tell you this? Well, there are some songs that tend to quiet Liam down during diaper changes and car seat buckling. For the longest time, various songs from "Nacho Libre" would calm him down. He would giggle as I frantically sang "Encarnacion" while trying to fasten the clean diaper to his body. Well, "Party in my Tummy" has reached that calming status. This morning, while rushing to dress him so we could get the big kids to the bus stop in time, I sang this song at the top of my lungs, and he let me change his diaper! He layed there and just looked at me and giggled as I sang, "Cheese! Yummy, yummy!" He loves it, so I love it too! Even if it is very strange.

Froliche Weihnachten!

Christmas in Germany is magical! Each village hosts their own Christmas Market (or Weihnachts Markt), some for several weeks, some for only a few days. We went to the Saarbrucken Weihnachts Markt on Saturday evening, and it was so much fun!

When we got there, the feeling of the Christmas Spirit was so strong -- the music, the smells (hot wine, sausages, cold air), the excitement on people's faces -- it was wonderful.

Shortly after we arrived, everyone seemed to be congregating in a central area, preparing their cameras, and directing their focus to a wire in the air, strung across the square. We couldn't understand the announcements, but we decided to wait and prepare our own camera. We weren't disappointed -- St. Nicholas visited us, on a sleigh attached to that wire! Lydia and Braden watched from atop Morgan's shoulders.

Each Weihnachts Markt has a nativity scene. This was the beautiful scene in Saarbrucken.

For dinner, we had (what else?) bratwurst! I just had to get a picture of the stand where we bought them from -- look at all those sausages! We also had hot "kinder puncsh" (children's punch), and bought a boot-shaped mug with 2007 Saarbrucken Weihnachts Markt written on it. Each market has their own mug, so we will collect them this season.

Our plan is to visit at least one market each week during the Christmas season. This will be a Christmas to remember!

Soccer Pictures

I just had to post these cute pictures. They loved their soccer seasons, and had a great time playing. I am enjoying more time at home with them now that the season is over. I just had a scary thought today -- what am I going to do when I have FOUR children playing soccer at the same time!?!

Look-alike Meter

I don't know about these results . . . Everyone knows (and if they don't, Braden will tell them) that Braden is Morgan's little clone.



Lydia does look an awful lot like me when I was little, but there are definitely some strong Hanners traits.



Lately, everyone has been telling me how much like me Liam looks. So Morgan, this is for you! He looks equally like both of us!

Lego Mania!

We finally had Braden's birthday party this past weekend. Morgan had been away for work on Braden's actual birthday, so we decided to wait until he was home to do the party. Every Saturday after that was filled with soccer activities, scout activities, other birthday parties we had been invited to, or family trips out of town. But finally, a month and a half later, we had the big party.

We decided this year to have a Lego party. Braden LOVES Legos! Lately, when he isn't at school, he occupies himself with either Legos or reading. When he receives a new Lego set, we know we won't see him emerge from his room until it is put together. When he is finished, he comes out and proudly displays his new creation for all to see. So it was only natural that his party this year would center around his favorite toy!

When the guests arrived, I had them sort Legos by color at the Building Station -- a long table we had set up. I had bought a big box of about 800 pieces on Amazon. After they all arrived, we had Lego pizzas and veggies and dip for lunch. I had bought some pre-made pizza crusts, and cut them into rectangles. Then I placed the pepperoni on the cheese to look like the "dots" on a lego.

After lunch, we played a lego relay race. The object of the race was to build the tallest tower. They liked this game, but were very excited to start building, so we moved on to that next. I let them create whatever they wanted from the Legos at the building station. They were all so creative. Their creations were part of their goody bags at the end.

After building, they went on a treasure hunt for their treat bags. I had gotten some Lego bags at LegoLand on our family trip last month, and filled them with candy, Star Wars colored pencils and pens, and some neat Lego magnets that I also found at LegoLand. They had so much fun following the clues through the house, into the backyard, and finally to their treats in the playhouse.We then had cake and ice cream. I made the cake as usual. I always make their cakes, and despite the fact that one of my Mom's best friends when I was growing up was a professinal cake decorator, and she taught me how to make really great cakes, I just don't seem to have the knack for cake decorating. But I can't bring myself to buy their cakes. I just have too much fun getting into the whole theme. I also don't want to pay half of the party budget on a cake, when I can use that money on fun favors and hats. But most of all, it is a labor of love. They love my cakes, and that makes me happy. This cake was just a simple rectangle with eight cupcakes on top to look like a Lego brick. I piped "Lego" on each cupcake, and it turned out pretty well.The kids all seemed to have a good time, and I was so happy after the party when Braden told me how much fun he had. I love planning parties for my kids. I don't know what it is, but the whole process makes me so happy. I love brainstorming with them when their birthday is still a few months away, and then spending those months looking for everything to do with their chosen theme. But most of all, I love to see the look of joy on their faces as we celebrate their lives.

Braden's BaptismBraden was baptized on Saturday, and it was such a special experience for all of us. I had been really emotional about it all week because I knew that we wouldn't have many in attendance. I was so sad that we were having his baptism so far from friends and family. It takes me a while to make friends, so we didn't really invite many people, and I was so worried that it would hurt his feelings that more people didn't come. I was also having a hard time thinking of who to ask for help with things like playing the piano. But in the end, it all came together.

It was a real family affair. I conducted the songs Braden had chosen, and Morgan played the piano (beautifully). Lydia gave the opening prayer, followed by a talk on baptism given by Morgan. Then, Morgan baptized Braden, and it was beautiful. After they dried off and got dressed in their suits, Lydia, Morgan and I did a special musical number. Morgan played the piano, while Lydia and I sang "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus." I had made a slide presentation of pictures of Jesus to play while we were singing, and I think it turned out really well. Lydia sang so loudly and clearly, and it was a real challenge for me to make it through the song without crying! It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about her sweet, strong voice singing, "I'm trying to be like Jesus, I'm following in his ways . . ." After the special number, I gave a talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and then Morgan confirmed Braden. It was beautiful, simple. I'm glad that it was just us. And between the Ward Mission Leader and his family, the Bishop, Primary president, and our good friends, the Seguins, there were plenty of people there, and Braden was happy.

After the baptism, we went into the gym for refreshments. We did it later in the day, and I didn't want people to have to go home and make dinner, so I made a ton of refreshments! We had pigs in blankets, a veggie tray, cheese and crackers, rice crispy treats and cranberry punch. All at Braden's request. The only thing that he really wanted, that I didn't make, was pumpkin pie. I told him I would make him a pie for home.

I think we will all remember this day as a happy one. I am glad that, even though we weren't surrounded by all of our friends and family, that it brought us closer as a family. It was so special to come together as a family and support Braden on his special day.

Our Baby

It is amazing to watch the growth of our baby. I have been so spoiled by my German doctor, because I have had an ultrasound at every one of my three appointments so far. That is just how they do it here, and I love it! The first ultrasound, at about six weeks, was just a picture of a little dot. But it was reassuring to know that the baby was developing in the proper place, and looked good. Two weeks later, at about eight weeks, it still looked like a little blob, but it was much bigger, and the heartbeat was visible. Because the insurance companies in the States don't pay for ultrasounds, I have usually had to wait until almost this point to even hear a heartbeat, and have sometimes wondered if I was really even pregnant! But there is no question that there is a growing baby in there this time!

Today was the first time Morgan has been able to come with me to an appointment this pregnancy, and I'm so glad he did! The visit was very short, but it was so fun to see our baby moving around, and to see all of his/her limbs, complete with hands and feet.

It is interesting, because when I was pregnant with Braden, that was all I could think about. It was much the same with Lydia, and then when I finally got pregnant again with Liam, the kids were old enough, and Morgan and I had been wanting it for so long, that we thought about it all of the time. But this time, there are times when I almost forget that I am pregnant (usually when I am not nauseated). I think it is because I am so busy running three children around to soccer, dance, music (Liam just started a Music Together class on Tuesdays), Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts (did I mention that I am Lydia's Daisy Girl Scout Leader? Am I crazy?!), etc. Also, Liam is still so little, and I am still getting up with him several times a night -- ugh! It doesn't seem quite real that I could possibly be expecting another one! But I am so excited, and so are Morgan and the kids.

I was interested to see Liam's reaction to a newborn the other day at his music class. There was a sleeping baby in her carseat, and he didn't notice her until the end of class. But when he did, he was determined to look at her and touch her, and screamed when I tried to pull him away. I'm sure he'll be a very attentive big brother.

I am going to have this baby in a German hospital. I have the option of using the American facilities, but our insurance also pays for the civilian doctors, so we are using them. The hospital, from what I hear, is very nice, and I even have the option of having the baby in water! I hear that it is very relaxing, and helps a lot with the pain. I am not decided, though, because I am not a big fan of being wet (I love to be in water, but I hate being wet and having to dry off afterwards). But the kids heard me telling Morgan about that option, and every once in a while they bring it up and beg me to "please have the baby in water!" We'll see!

The German system is different in that the doctors I see right now specialize in only prenatal care, and never deliver babies. So the doctor who delivers will just be whoever is on duty when I go into labor. But they do assign every laboring mother with a midwife who stays with her during labor and delivery, and even comes to visit us at home after we are discharged. I think it will be a great experience.

Real

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
-- The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams
Braden has a stuffed dog named Chester, who he received for Christmas from his Mom-Mom, one of his Great Grandmothers, when he was one. Braden loves Chester as if he were a real, breathing dog. And I am convinced that Chester is real now. He started out his life almost seven years ago as a fluffy, soft, shiny-eyed puppy. Now, his fur is matted, his stuffing is separating, and his eyes are scratched. But Braden doesn't see this when he looks at him. He is Braden's comfort and friend through all of the changes and trials he has had to go through. When Braden has had to be without his Daddy for years at a time, Chester has been there. When Braden has been scared to move and make new friends, he has always had his friend Chester. And it was Chester who comforted me on Braden's first day of kindergarten when I cried into his fur because I missed my boy.

But Chester has grown to also be a friend who Braden wants to share happy times with. We just spent the long weekend at Legoland Deutschland. Braden brought Chester with us in the car one morning when we left the hotel to go have fun at the amusement park. I told him he would have to leave him in the car, because I am so afraid of losing him. But he persisted, and we decided to let him ride in the basket of Liam's stroller. But Braden made sure that Chester could see-- he wanted to make sure that he was able to enjoy Legoland with us.

Of course, Chester comes from a long line of "real" friends. Before him, Morgan had an Eeyore doll (who is characteristically missing his tail).

My Kermit saw me through many years. I received him for my 6th birthday from my Uncle Bobby. I don't know why Kermit became so special to me, but I truly loved him. It may be that shortly after I received him my sister Lydia got really sick, and he was a comfort to me at that time. But Kermit ended up accompanying me to college, and then to Romania for my mission. My Dad decided that Kermit shouldn't be excluded from my wedding, so he dressed him up in a tie for the occassion. Kermit is even in some of the pictures! Kermit and Eeyore now sit in places of honor in our toyroom -- up high where they can't be played with, because they don't have any more "play" in them. But they still have love, and even though I love to purge and get rid of things that I don't use, they aren't going anywhere. They have earned a place in our family.

I am glad that Braden is still so sweet and innocent, and has so much love for his "real" friend. One day, Chester won't always be in the crook of his arm. He will grow up and Chester will be left behind. But I wouldn't be surprised if Chester one day has a place of honor in my grandchildren's playroom.

Third Time's the Charm
On Wednesday night, Liam reached another milestone. While we were waiting in the lobby at Lydia's dance lesson, he stood up, gained his balance, and then took three steps to me. I was so proud! He looked so cute while he was doing it, with the sweetest look of gleeful determination on his face. Since then, he likes to practice his new skill. Today, every time I clapped my hands and said, "yay!" he would stand up and try it again. He got up to five consecutive steps.

This was a milestone for me as well. Out of all three children, Liam is the first one to take his first steps to me. When Braden was little, he took his first steps at our friends' house. I was there, but he chose to aim his direction toward our friend instead of me! I started crying (because I was so happy and proud -- it didn't really hurt my feelings that he didn't walk to me), and our friends were confused. Until we explained that those were his very first steps. Still, when we see those friends at Church in Maryland, they mention how Braden took his first steps at their house.

Lydia chose to take her first steps while I was gone for only one hour to pick Morgan up from the airport. My friend Maia was visiting from Utah, and had offered to watch the kids at Morgan's parents' house for me while I went to pick him up. When we returned she mentioned that Lydia had been taking some steps. I couldn't believe I missed it! I hardly ever leave my kids, especially during their first two years, and she had chosen the one time I left her to take her first steps! Honestly, I was too excited to really be upset that I missed it, but I was beginning to see a trend. Well, Liam has now broken that trend!

I know that pretty soon I will be wondering why I was so excited for him to walk. But he is really fast on all fours, so I don't think walking is going to make him any more mobile. And maybe, just maybe, if he is standing upright rather than at ground level, he won't be enticed to put every little thing into his mouth. We'll see, I guess!

Potty ProblemsI just don't understand. How is it, that children, who love to push buttons, levers, knobs of all shapes and sizes, have such a difficult time flushing the toilet! My kids actually argue over whose turn it is to push doorbells, crosswalk buttons, and elevator controls. But do they flush? No! I feel like I am constantly saying, "Did you flush and wash?" Normally this isn't so much a problem, as a yucky inconvenience. But yesterday, it was a problem. Liam is a very curious boy, and I make sure that the bathroom doors are always closed because I have found him, more than once, playing with the toilet brush! Ewww! Yesterday, as I was making breakfast, I heard some splashing coming from the bathroom. Yes, splashing! Panicked, I ran to find him fishing around in the toilet, which is really quite a feat considering that German toilets only have about a cup and a half of water in them! He was reaching down in, swishing away. Had it been flushed? I'm afraid not.
I just had to post a picture of this contraption. It is in our powder room, or "the Boys' Room" as Braden calls it. Yes, it is a urinal. We have a urinal in our house! Something I never considered having, but it comes in handy around here!

Birthday Suit!

Well, not that kind of birthday suit! This is Braden in his new suit that Mamaw and Papa Hanners sent him for his birthday. He looks so handsome! He has been outgrowing everything we buy him faster than we can keep up with! He just turned 8, but we decided to put him in size 10 slim, and it fits perfectly. What a little man!

Happy Birthday Braden!

It seems like just yesterday that Braden was this tiny boy in my arms. Everyone warned me that they grow up amazingly fast, and they were right. I know that he still has lots of growing to do here with me, but I can't help but be amazed at how fast the past eight years have gone.

Braden, you bring so much joy into all of our lives. You have always been such a sweet, loving boy, and I have always been impressed by what a deep thinker you are. I am proud of all that you do, and all that you are interested in. I love it that your favorite type of book is "non-fiction" and how excited you always are to talk to your friend Alex about those books. How you pour over National Geographic magazines, and can spend hours making Lego creations. I love how you can talk endlessly about Transformers, even though I haven't got the slightest idea what any of it means (thank goodness for Daddy!) I love it that you can express your feelings so well through words, art and writing, like the time you drew a "feelings tree" in your journal. You are a great big brother. I love to see how much you love to play with Lydia. And you are so helpful with Liam. I also think it is wonderful that you want twelve brothers and sisters (but hope you'll settle for 3 or 4). I am so proud of you, and love you so very much.

In our church, the eighth birthday is very special. It is the age at which children can be baptized, and become members of our church. I am so happy that Braden has chosen to be baptized next month when Morgan comes home.

I am excited to see what the next 8 years have in store for us! We love you Braden!

My HummelsWhile I was taking Liam's lederhosen pictures (previous post) it struck me just how much he looked like a Hummel figurine! Hummels have played a big role in my life, and I wanted to share a little bit of my story on this blog.

When I was a little girl, my Grandma collected Hummels. She had a collection of about ten of them on the top shelf of her kitchen hutch. She and I loved each other very much, and had a special relationship, so when she died when I was six, I was heartbroken. Shortly after her death, as the family was discussing Grandma's will, I was told that she had left me her Hummel collection. I felt so special to have been left something, because I was only six, after all. My Grandpa said that he would keep them until we settled down one day (my Dad was in the Army, and we moved quite frequently).

Years later, my Grandpa passed away as well. Through some sort of misunderstanding, his new wife sold the entire Hummel collection before I could retreive them. I was just recently married, and ready to settle down finally, and had a home for the Hummels. At the time, I was devastated, because those Hummels had always meant so much to me. It was never about the actual figurines for me, but the love they represented. The fact that my Grandma loved me so much when I was so little, that she would leave me her prized collection, had always made me feel so loved and special. I eventually came to peace with the situation, and realized that although the figurines were sold, the love could never be taken away.

Now I have a new Hummel collection that means just as much to me because it has been given to me with just as much love as the original. My first Hummels came from my Aunt Dawn and Uncle Bobby, who, knowing the whole situation, wanted to help me start a new collection. That was such a thoughtful and sweet thing to do, and it means a great deal to me.

My more recent Hummels have come from Morgan's Mom, who saw how hurt I was when my Hummels were sold, and decided to recreate my collection. I had a picture of my Grandma's collection, so going off of that she has managed to track down all of the original ten. She has put so much effort and thought into giving me this collection, and has made me feel so loved in the process. As a bonus, she has developed a new interest, and has her own collection of Hummels now.

I posted these particular pictures of Hummels, because they show little boys in lederhosen! There is just something about short leather pants with suspenders that is just so cute! Berta Hummel saw it, and I do too!

Lederhosen!We couldn't help ourselves! But can you really blame us? We just had to buy our sweet baby a pair of lederhosen. We bought them last week at a huge bazaar, where we also bought Lydia a beautiful Bavarian dress (pictures to come). When we asked the lady about lederhosen for Braden, she said that she would have to special order them. We decided to wait and see what Braden thought of them first, and boy, am I glad we did! When I told him that we wanted to buy some for him, his response was, "Absolutely not!" Fortunately, I think we can get him a nice German vest or something so he won't be left out, and still won't have to be humiliated!

I was really hoping to do a nice photo shoot and get some quality pictures of him, but he was just a blur! He loves playing in the grass, and I couldn't keep him still for more than a milisecond! I am still waiting to get my portrait studio set up, so maybe when I can photograph him indoors (and have Morgan's help) I will be able to get some nice pictures. But I still love these pictures, because they show so much of his adorable personality. He is just such a busy baby, and rarely sits still, so they capture his true self!

TV

We haven't signed up for TV service here yet, which I was surprised to find has not been a problem for anyone in our family. After living in temporary housing for 2 months, without toys, friends, a car, we totally overdosed on Disney Channel and cartoons. We usually don't have cable, and do just fine with PBS (I love PBS Kids for the kids, and Masterpiece Theater is the highlight of my week). But whenever we travel, we love to watch the Disney Channel. Not just the kids. Morgan and I have been known to fall asleep watching "That's So Raven!"

So when we moved into our house, signing up for TV was just not a priority. We were too busy unpacking, getting ready for the start of school, traveling, etc., and we just never got around to it. We can actually sign up for Armed Forces Network (AFN) for free, which is probably what we will do. They have about ten channels, which is amazing to me! When I was younger and lived here, AFN was only 1 channel, and it was very limited (however, I never had to miss an episode of "The Electric Company." )

Morgan is gone for two weeks, and now I am really starting to miss TV! The kids still don't mind not having it, but they have friends! I never realized how much company TV can be when you are alone, and rarely talk to anyone older than 8! I have been watching different versions of "Pride and Prejudice" the past few nights (I never realized what a dreamy Mr. Darcy Laurence Olivier was!), but I can't help wondering what is going on on TV. Not that I follow any shows. I used to watch some of the crime dramas when Morgan was busy doing something else. He really doesn't like them at all for two reasons: 1. When you are dealing with crime at work all day, it isn't fun to watch it on TV, and 2. He gets extremely annoyed at how unrealistic they are, i.e. "They just sent that DNA out for testing an hour ago, and it's already back!?! That takes six months!!" I imagine it's similar to watching "ER" with a doctor. Kind of annoying.

Funny enough, though, I feel the same way about "Super Nanny." When I have finally read stories to, said prayers with, given cups of water to, kissed, and cuddled with my children, and have succeeded at keeping them in their beds, the last thing I want to watch is another mom struggling to get her kids to stay in bed. And like Morgan with the unrealistic DNA tests, I can't help but think "sure, they are obedient when a stranger and an entire camera crew are there. What happens when they leave?"

So, I guess the conclusion I am coming to is that I am not really missing anything, am I? Maybe I should just stick with Mr. Darcy.

News!

I have added some fun things to my blog. Can you find them? I wanted to share this news with you all personally, but I don't have my e-mail addresses any more, and we are on the other side of the planet. So if you didn't get a phone call or a personal e-mail, it's not that I wasn't thinking of you. We will keep you updated, and look forward to sharing this experience with you all!

Fall Soccer 2007

We had a great kick-off to the soccer season on Saturday. For the opening ceremony, all of the teams paraded in front of the parents. Shortly after the ceremony, Braden had his first game.

Braden's soccer skills have been steadily improving with each season he plays. I was so proud of him as I was watching him really get into the game. At one point, he ran toward the ball and slid right into a kick. Now, I don't know too much about soccer, so I didn't realize that that is against the rules. But the father of one of the kids on the opposing team said, "That's not allowed!" and went as far as to call our coach on it. Our coach good-naturedly said, "they're still just learning" but the father actually accused Braden of doing it on purpose! Not wanting to start a heated shouting match, I quietly said, "I am pretty sure he just fell," but no one heard me. The coach ended up going out to talk to Braden, and I stood there, quietly fuming, when I overheard the father who accused Braden saying, "That Number 12 is pretty good, huh?" He may have accused my son of intentional illegal slip-kicking, but he said he was good! All was forgiven. He has tried so hard for so long, and he is finally really coming into his own with soccer. Braden's team, the Blue Dragons, tied the Eagles 1-1.

Lydia's team is called the Transformers, and her coach's wife made this incredible banner for the opening ceremony parade.

Lydia's game was next, and she had so much fun! She first played defense, and was unsure whether she could move from her position, so ended up standing where her coach had placed her for most of the quarter. But when he put her on offense, she was all over the field! My favorite moment was when she was running after the ball, and caught sight of me. As she was playing, she smiled and waved at me. I wish I could have caught that on the camera! The Transformers won their first game 3-1.

Open House

At their School Open House last week, Lydia's class sang a song for us, and then she showed us around her room.

Braden's class did a fun activity. They had all made self-portraits, and their teacher had numbered them and hung them on the board. Then all of the parents had to guess which portrait was of their child. Here is Braden with his portrait.

Lydia's First Day of Kindergarten

Lydia woke up bright and early on her first day of kindergarten. The night before, she had requested scrambled eggs, bacon and toast for breakfast, so here she is enjoying her meal. She had also helped me pack her lunch the night before, and laid out her clothes, shoes and barrettes.

The night before, for Family Home Evening, we read a book about starting kindergarten (which I could hardly finish because I was crying), and gave Lydia this locket. Before we gave it to her, we all put kisses inside it, so she could bring them with her to school and remember how much we love her.Here she is outside our door, ready to head to the bus stop. We wanted to drive her to school, but she was too excited to take the bus. I love taking pictures of the backs of my kids' heads. Someday I will have enough for a scrapbook! The moment she had been waiting for finally arrived! She followed Braden onto the bus, and was off to her very first day of school. But she knew the drill: turn and smile for the picture! I couldn't help crying as she sped away in her bus.

I remember when Braden started kindergarten. I was allowed to take him into his classroom and take pictures of him at his desk. I could hardly see through all the tears as I walked down the hall that day. It is not that I worry that they won't be treated well, it is just that it is such a huge milestone, and another step toward independence. Lydia obviously enjoyed her first day (and I survived it as well). Here she is at the end of the day, getting off the bus. After this picture was taken she did a happy dance and sang, "I love, love, love school!" I am so glad that she loves it.
And I'm proud of her progress and growth, and wonder if I am growing in a similar way as I help her to spread her wings and take flight.