The good, the bad and the just plain silly...

We have felt your prayers and appreciate your comments, e-mails and phone calls.

We certainly know we are loved and not alone on this journey. Thank you.

So, here goes with the good, the bad and the just plain silly...

:: Good

Our Visas were renewed for another year. Praise God!

:: Bad

Luke continues to struggle with pneumonia and a low-grade fever and remains on antibiotics, an inhaler and out of school for the rest of this week.

::Silly

I was getting the water ready for Levi to get into the tub. He came upstairs and groaned, "Mom, I don't like bubbles!"

I said "ok buddy, sorry...I thought you liked bubbles"

Levi quickly responded with "no, cause then I can't duck!" (translated, dunk)

and then emphasized his request with..."until I die, NO bubbles!"

Imbalance...

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end...they are new every morning, new every morning, great is thy faithfulness"...
Lamentations 3:22-24

I am clinging to that hope right now.

It has been a long week of saying goodbyes to moms we dearly love,
finding out indeed that the cancer is taking over Neena's body,
the cleaning of 2 comforters, after Levi misses the garbage can placed right next to his bed,
and a hospital stay in a country that can at times like this, still feel very foreign.

Life feels very imbalanced right now. We are weary from sickness and our hearts are heavy.

I think it is timely that I have started reading, Found Art: Discovering beauty in foreign places, by Leeana Tankersley.

This is an excerpt of Lisa describing what she felt like when she first stepped off of the plane onto the foreign terrain of Bahrain,

"Change is horribly uncomfortable. Like the wrong pair of jeans, change pinches and squeezes in the most inconvenient places. A lot of wriggling and writhing is involved. Maybe even some sucking in and prone posturing. Just when you think you've fit in, you realize you're spilling over the top and sides in the worst way. Very, very little ease.
If I would have had the energy on the first night, I might have thought more about where I would fit in, not only in a new country but in a new marriage, in my relationships back home, in the new relationships I would inevitably forge in Bahrain, in whatever awaited us after this tour was over, in my faith. I might have thought through the transition more carefully and intentionally and acknowledged that loss is the little sister who always tags along with change. All of this was far too much to process in the moment, however, and I succumbed to the disorientation.
A bigger picture- the one I was unable to see and the one we are all unable to see when we're overwhelmed by the immediate intensity of change-surely existed. In a very short time, I would begin to get glimpses of the divine metanarrative containing some important invitations for me, none of which I would have had the slightest bit of time for in the equilibrium and orientation and familiarity and comfort of my former life in San Diego.
Though I had lost some safety and belonging and planted-ness in this uprooting business, I had gained a great gift -imbalance. Not until I was set on my ear did I begin to see life a bit differently. The bigger picture exists each and every day, but normalcy (and a few other things we will get to) had dulled my senses. Imbalance, once I was able to survive the initial shock of it, began returning my ears and refocusing my eyes, and life became literally breathtaking-as in, I was finally able to stop and take a real, live, sustaining breath."

Certainly, we are not experiencing all of the changes that the author is describing, but definitely the room of life is spinning and our equilibrium is off. We are trusting that God is refocusing our eyes on Him and is breathing new air into our lungs and that one day soon, we will look at this imbalance as a gift.

We were supposed to go skiing...

At least, that was the plan for this weekend. For well over 6 months now, we had planned to spend some days skiing with some of our Austrian friends since the kids were off of school all week. Brad returned from visiting his mom on Wed, my mom left on Thursday and we were supposed to take off that afternoon.

Obviously, the plans changed.

Luke had been running a fever off and on again for just over a week. None of us have felt quite right since our bout with the weird flu, so I really thought it was just a leftover symptom from that. Some mom I am huh?

Since our family Dr. only has certain hours, and we had missed them for that particular day...we decided that he needed to be seen and have blood work done. Brad took him to the hospital and they ran some tests, but nothing came back conclusive. His temp spiked again while he was there, so they knew something was wrong but told him to come back this morning to have more tests done. It was a chest x-ray that finally confirmed that he did have pneumonia and would in fact have to be admitted for IV antibiotics.

There is more to the story, but all in all, Luke is hanging in there. He still has a fever and has a hep lock in-but has yet to get IV antibiotics. We are not sure why and can't seem to get a straight
answer. He has received one dose of oral antibiotics and we are hopeful to get more answers in the morning.

Fortunately, he has a private room and Brad is spending the night with him. He was also able to enjoy some yummy kaiserschmarrn (which the hospital brought as a snack before dinner) and has not been too sick to play monopoly with Daddy!


Thanks for your prayers and get-well wishes!

*UPDATE*
3pm Saturday

Luke is home and resting. He was sent home with antibiotics and an inhaler. He will go back for a repeat chest X-ray on Tuesday to see if he can return to school.

Just in time!

Memoo has a loooooong history of pulling our kiddos loose teeth! Levi was so happy she was able to pull out his first loose tooth before she leaves in the morning! Hooray!!!

Different Routine...

This is the second year that Brad has gone to Florida to be with his mom, while my mom came to visit Vienna. It is not what you think...as they have a very good relationship, but it does give us special one on one time with our moms.

The routine is different when Daddy is gone.

Many dinners consist of popcorn and baths get put off for a few days. The kiddos also get to take turns sleeping with me (at least Abby and Levi do, as Luke "prefers his own bed" translated, "I am too old to sleep with my mom") It also helps when my mom is here, so she too can be added in the rotation.

Of course there are often melt-downs about whose turn it is to sleep with whom, and my patience often runs thin around bedtime...but for the most part it is a sweet time for all of us.

Levi sings and rocks himself to sleep, and Abby usually falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow. They both have their special blankets, a cup of water and secret handshakes. Sometimes it feels high maintenance, but often I can appreciate their little bedtime quirks, knowing that they are only little for so long.

Once they are long asleep, I love to stare at their faces, take in their sweet breath, wonder what they are dreaming about and pray over them.

And don't get me wrong...often there is more stress in the daily routine when Daddy is gone, so I also enjoy the QUIET!

Crafting- Part 2

With Memoo here, there has been all sorts of crafting going on. She has the patience for sewing and messes that I just don't have, and she is super creative! Check out some of the kiddos creations...

a scarf for Abby's doll and a Pokemon card holder for Levi...


It's so fun to have Memoo around :)

Project 365

One month down...

11 to go...

and this is way harder than I thought it would be!

Crafting- Part 1

If you aren't much of a crafter...but you want to do something fun with your kiddos- try making soap! It is super easy with quick results!

What you will need:

:: clear glycerin soap
:: dye and fragrance drops (for soap) (my mom brought the glycerin and the drops from the States for those of you who live here in Austria)
:: plastic trays, ice cube trays or muffin tins (we found ours at Ikea)

To begin-
* melt about 4 squares of the glycerin in the microwave until melted (less than a minute)

*then add the drops of coloring and fragrance that you desire, stir until mixed

*we sprayed our trays with Pam just to be safe, then we started to spoon in the melted glycerin

*let them sit for about 30 minutes

*pop them out of the trays...and Tah Dah...beautiful little soaps!

Cute ideas...

isn't this a cute idea...and this and this too

Memoo and I plan on crafting with the kiddos this weekend...

Happy Friday from Vienna!

Eleven...

Today our sweet Luke turns 11...

His name means "Bringer of Light" and that he does. He is almost always happy- no matter how much sleep he gets! He can be the last one to bed and the first one up and still greet me with "How did you sleep mom?" His tender heart is evident to everyone who meets him.

As soon as we found out we were pregnant with Luke, we chose a special Psalm and have used it as a guide to pray for him. Daily we pray for God's angels to protect and guide Luke in all of his ways...

He loves his family, friends, school and snow boarding and can almost eat as many spare ribs as Brad. Certainly he is more computer savvy than me already, and loves to make cards and write reports about things that interest him. Every night he listens to an " Adventures in Odyssey" CD, and definitely has a sweet tooth. His feet are now bigger than mine and it won't be long before he surpasses me in height too.

It seems like just yesterday that we were giving him his first hair cut... and now we have a hard time getting him to cut his hair at all... :)

Luke brings us so much joy and we are very proud to be his parents!

Happy Birthday Luke!

The way to start the day...

I love having my mom in Vienna! The longer we are here, the more I get to know the city and it is fun showing her some of my favorite things. This morning while the kiddos were in school, we met one of my friends and headed for breakfast at Groissböck. Seriously yummy breakfast folks.

The semmels are handmade and the orange juice is fresh squeezed. The soft boiled egg is cooked just right and the hot chocolate is delicious too. I really could eat this breakfast every morning and not tire of it!

Not only is it a cafe, but also a bakery. Any kind of Austrian sweets that you are hungry for, they have it!

They boast that they have the best Krapfen in all of Vienna, and I might have to agree!

Really?

To: Memoo
From: Milka

Ok- your luggage arrives and you bring peanut butter, Lucky Charms, chocolate chips and fruit roll-ups for the kiddos and I get this fleece?

Really?

She made it!

She made it!

Unfortunately, her luggage hasn't yet.

Good thing she carried on those Lucky Charms :)

Happy weekend...

Thanks for your prayers. We are doing much better.
Sorry for my little melt-down. I realize in the grand scheme of the events in Haiti, I really have nothing to complain about. :)

Brad presented his project for University and turned in our visa paperwork. Luke went back to school today and I am up and about disinfecting everything I can. We all are excited that Memoo arrives on Monday!

Now onto our plans for the weekend...

*more rest
*more laundry
*finish reading Scared, by Tom Davis


* more snuggling with Milka pooch
* continue catching up on Thank You notes
* whip one of these up (except that I can't sew)

*playing checkers with Luke (even though he will most likely beat me)
*watching American Idol with Abby girl
*making some waffles to celebrate the boys' birthdays
*going to worship at New City Wien

*and tickling Levi...because I love his little laugh!

Happy Weekend to you~

Taken up residence...

(This is a picture of the Wii babysitting the boys...)

I haven't left my house since Friday.

My bed has held me hostage since Saturday night.

A virus has taken up residence in the Hunter Haus and refuses to leave.

Brad had it first, then me, now Luke too.

It starts with the feeling like you are 100 years old and you have trouble walking...extreme joint pain like I have never had before. Then your fingers swell like huge sausages and you have a red rash that itches. Then you must lay/lie ( can never remember which is right) perfectly still or your body will remind you that every bone in your body hurts. It really is miserable.

Brad went to the Dr. to ask for some medicine for Luke and I, and left with a prescription for
something like Tylenol. Fortunately he fought with the pharmacist and she gave something like a strong Advil. Gee, thanks.

My swelling is down and my joint pain is much less...but I still feel like a truck hit me.

This is day 5. This virus is so weird. Brad has a TON on his plate right now with getting our visa paperwork ready to turn in, a project that he presented today, class all week, a sermon to prepare for and the jobs that I usually take care of, like packing lunches, doing the dishes and taking the kids to and from school.

I want it gone and life to return to normal.

Thankfully, Lindsay has come to our rescue and has gotten groceries for us TWICE and made us a delicious pan of ziti, which has served as dinner, lunch and most likely dinner again. :)

I am weary and getting very discouraged. So even though I have a little bit of my humor left...it is slowly fading and I need your prayers. Our entire family needs your prayers...

My little helper is turning 6!

This morning Levi helped me make his birthday cake. My little helper will be 6 tomorrow.

Really? SIX? He is growing up way too fast.

Here are a few things he currently loves...

*making us laugh
*all things playmobil
*his big brother (he loves Abby too, but he adores Luke)
*snuggling with his blue blanket
*Olivia Books
*Milka pooch
*anything chocolate
*real mail from the mailbox
*playing Wii
*socks on his feet
*puzzles
*secret handshakes
*singing himself to sleep, as he rocks back and forth
*helping me in the kitchen
*licking the beaters

Happy 6th Birthday Levi!

Out on the Streets...

This morning, a group of us from church and a few of our friends got together to make some lunches to hand out to some folks in need. We were able to provide a lunch, a new warm pair of socks, listening ears and prayers. As parents, it was humbling for us to minister alongside our children and share with them how blessed we truly are.

A big THANKS to all of you who prayed for us! Brad and I were feeling much better today and the rain and snow held off until the afternoon. Please continue to pray for the city of Vienna, and that the beauty of Christ's love would heal all that is broken.

What to do when you have the flu...

The past 2 days, Brad and I have felt pretty crummy. We think we have some sort of flu. A flu that has left us so achy that it has been hard to walk.
So I haven't been walking.

Instead, I have been in my bed reviewing crafts that I had previously bookmarked...hopeful that when my mom comes for a visit at the end of this month, we will be
*making some of these

* our own version of these soaps- http://www.alphamom.com/holiday/2008/12/snowglobe_soap_1.php

*and maybe even some of these... http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/05/diy-project-cardboard-stampede-w-ann-wood.html

(mr. linky isn't working so hot right now, maybe he has the flu too)

Guess what we got?

we
got
SNOW!!!

Lots of it!

Ready for routine again...

We have had a wonderful break...but I think we are ready for a routine again :)

All of the together-ness has taken it's toll on a few kiddos and even though school doesn't start up again until Thursday, Abby has had her share of "homework" lately...
(if you can't read it, it says "I will talk more nicely to my brother", and now after reading this, I am wondering if "more nicely" is grammatically correct?) Neena? teacher friends?

Birthday Highlights...

Today I turned 37. Wow, I can't believe I am that old either...
The kiddos let me sleep in, made me breakfast in bed and this yummy cake.

They also made me some movies using the iMovie feature on our Mac. I told them that is what I want every year now!

We ate a delicious lunch at Mr. Lee's in the Naschmarkt and they even served Milka some water...only in Vienna!

I am one loved 37 year old :)

(Now off to bed soon...as all this celebrating has made me pretty tired! Ha!)

Playing...

:: Settlers of Catan

:: ping-pong

:: with Milka pooch

:: with Papa

:: and even with our food

Today was especially playful and restful all at the same time...we have very much enjoyed our break and are fortunate enough to have a few more days!

Hope you all had a fun weekend!

Best Waffles Ever...really!

We have decided that these waffles will be our new New Year's Day tradition. This is my Grandma's recipe and really, I mean it when I say that they are the best. waffles. ever.

The recipe is a little high maintenance, but it is worth the extra work. I promise. They are delicious with regular syrup or even better with homemade blueberry sauce and whipped cream...whatever your preference.
So here is the recipe...in Grandma Pearl's wording

Light Crisp Waffles

3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup of cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
6 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 egg separated
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(we double the batch)

*Heat oven to 200 degrees
*Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder and soda in a medium bowl
*Measure buttermilk, milk and veg. oil in a 2 cup measuring cup- mix in egg YOLK and set aside
*Beat egg whites in a small bowl with an electric hand mixer to almost soft peaks
*Sprinkle in sugar and continue to beat egg whites until white and glossy. Beat in vanilla extract.
*Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until just mixed.
*Add egg white mixture to batter in dollups. Fold in with spatula until just incorporated.
*Add batter 1/2 cup to hot waffle iron and cook until crisp and "nutty" brown.
*Set waffle directly on rack in preheated oven to keep warm and crisp. (or just eat immediately like we do)

If you have any leftovers...you can freeze the waffles and then pop them in the toaster.



Here is one last look at the
best. waffles. ever.
just in case you still needed more convincing

Welcome 2010

We had a quiet New Year's at home...just the 5 of us. Around the table we sat, talking about the highlights of the 2009 and also sharing some of our goals for 2010. We ate, drank and were merry. Three of us made it until midnight and had a "blast" :) watching the fireworks explode over the city. It was lovely!

One of my goals in 2010 is to learn more about photography... so I thought it would be fun to take a daily photo: Project 365 (check out Flickr to learn more)

Here are some of my favorite photos of 2009


And now that January is finally here...we can begin the countdown until Memoo arrives!

Happy 2010!

Viel Glück

On New Year's Eve, I think it is pretty common for Austrians to give their friends good luck charms for the New Year. The charms come in many shapes and sizes...including pigs, four leaf clovers, ladybugs and mushrooms. Our neighbors brought us these little guys and wished us "good luck" for the New Year.

May you all have a Happy New Year!

Vacation...

Ah yes, the mountains. Our family escaped for a few days to find some much needed rest.
We had a lovely time, but came home even more exhausted than when we left. How does this always happen?

The kiddos did find time to enjoy their "snugglies" or whatever they are called...the best gift ever from the Glam Grams!

Levi and Daddy played "ninja"...

And there was lots of time spent on the slopes...

some on ski's and others on snowboards...


Now we are home, tired and a little sore and we have new mountains to conquer...laundry!

Christmas Eve Traditions...

After attending a candlelight worship service, we came home and the kids got to open one present...which is always matching p.j.'s

then we snuggled on the couch to listen to Brad read, "The Night Before Christmas"

we set out cookies for Santa...
then we sent the kiddos off to bed, so visions of sugar-plums can dance in their heads...
While Brad and I finish wrapping gifts, prepare the cinnamon rolls for the morning and watch a little "Elf"

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a Good Night!

*New*

*new* to the terrace...SNOW

At our Christmas worship service, we had many *new* folks join us for the first time

And for our devotional for the kiddos, we adapted a lesson from my *new* "What God wants for Christmas". The kids loved passing all of the figures around and setting up the nativity.

For our team Christmas dinner we tried a *new* restaurant called Camelot
Abby looks happy here doesn't she...really she just realized that we don't get to eat with forks...
the boys of course were thrilled!

our eating utensils...sans fork

LOTS OF MEAT!!!

We also exchanged gifts and I am loving my *new* candle holder from Lindsay

And from our family to yours...we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy *New* Year

P.S. Finally a *NEW* POST

Friday Favorites-Seeing Red

Happy Friday from Vienna!

Making and Baking...

This year we are trying to make as many gifts as we can. There has been lots of painting, printing and framing pictures of friends and the use of porcelain markers. We have made a lot of personalized coffee/hot chocolate mugs this year. :)

Peppermint bark is a Christmas staple...


So are chocolate drizzled pretzels (with a hint of peppermint extract)


Today the cookie baking begins, with Cranberry-Pistacio Biscotti from Realsimple.com and sugar cookies from Alton Brown.

Looking for a way to make great ornaments from your yearly Christmas photos? Check THESE out. I will attempt to make these after Christmas...

as we also have been making our church's front windows more festive and we have been preparing for our Christmas worship service...


If you are in the area, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20TH AT 4 PM, then stop by NEW CITY WIEN (located at Operngasse 28)

Worship with us and then stick around for Christmas music and goodies afterwards!