Florida bound...

Tomorrow we leave VERY early for a week long trip to Florida. We all are so excited to see our family and spend some time just lounging in the sun :)

It is pretty doubtful that I will update the blog while we are away, but I will continue my Project 365

The picture above:: Levi brought this home from school today and wanted to bring it on the airplane to give to the Glam-grams, I explained that we couldn't take it with us and said we would post a picture instead...he's a pretty sweet kiddo!

Words of the week...

I continue to struggle learning German. Sure, it is hard for me for, but I also don't like to "make" the time to study it. So while Spring cleaning, I came across these little magnets and decided that I would use them for learning German and help my kids learn the English spelling of the word...as their spelling could definitely use some practice. Maybe we both will learn some new things :)

Leslie and Felix-Sneak Peek

Stadt Park + Spring Weather + Adorable couple= Fun engagement shoot!
This was a first for me...but I was honored to take these :)

Easter Prep...

We have been doing a bit of Easter decorating lately. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the eggs and bunnies, and forget the true meaning of Easter, the death and resurrection of Christ.

Here and here are some great ideas for making your Easter celebration more meaningful.

What are some traditions that you and your family have for celebrating Easter?

First time away from home...

Yesterday, Abby left for a 3 day ski trip with her school. I know, 3 days is a long time right? Especially when it is the first time...

So we load up the car and I say, "Hey Ab, how are you feeling?"
Nervous?
Nope.
Scared?
Nope.
Excited?
Yes!
Ok, so I guess the 3 days will only be long for me...

Here we are waiting for the bus... take note that I am the only weirdo with a camera

Here are all of her necessities...her suitcase, skis, backpack and Hula Hoop :)
Yep, the Hula Hoop is for the talent show that they are having tonight...again, I am reminded that she will probably not miss us at all...boo hoo

Finally IT arrives...

Look at the size of this bus that my baby girl is going to ride on...crazy!

She walks on all smiles!

And they are...

off!

I miss her:)

A Little Lady...

Our baby girl is becoming quite the little lady!

Here are a few of the things she loves...
*her family and friends,
* helping anyone she can,
*all things vanilla,
*her American Girl Dolls,
*highlighting in her Bible
*horses
*watching American Idol
*writing her own songs
*one on one time
*any babies that she can get her hands on
*drawing and painting
*helping mom in the kitchen
*playing the guitar and piano
* and dolphins

Happy Birthday sweet Abby-girl!

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

Happy Birthday you snowboarding stud!

Hodge Podge

As Levi said in the car this morning on the way to school..."this has been the fastest week ever"!

*It has been full of normal life... breakfast dates with friends, horseback riding lessons, grocery shopping, laundry and homework (it is just so nice to everyone healthy)

*Our English Cafe was lots of fun and we had a good turnout...we will meet again for the next 2 Tuesdays in March

*Brad started a new class for his Doctoral studies that meets on Thursday evenings

*I signed up for a new German class that will begin in April...ugh

*and today we head out to the mountains for a retreat with folks from church!

A fun, full week. :)

Have a great weekend, and if you have time you should make these brownies! (and be sure to add some frosting too)

I was wrong...

I thought Spring was just around the corner...
looks like I was wrong!

This morning, the kiddos and I walked to Der Mann to get some bread for church this afternoon.
As we walked they couldn't resist all of that white stuff...


and it was all fun and games, until little Levi got smacked with some snow in the face

this was the group effort to help clean his face off...



these were the rewards for going for a walk with momma...

New...

:: Brad and I went on a date on Tuesday, and I had Bulgogi for the first time...delish!

:: Beginning next Tuesday, we will be starting, "English Cafe" nights at New City Wien. It will be an opportunity for University students to come and practice their English and drink some lattes.

:: Abby got some new ice skates, so we had to try them out at the Rathaus

:: and I'll leave you with another new salad recipe that we just tried out...

Pecan-Crusted Chicken salad with honey-mustard dressing

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

(put chicken in this mixture before adding the "crust")
2 egg whites
2 tsp. cornstarch
juice of half of a lemon

"crust"
3/4 c. finely chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne

Dressing:
1/4 c honey
3 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. minced shallot
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
juice of 1/2 lemon
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Prepare chicken breasts by halving and pounding
Whisk egg whites, cornstarch and lemon juice together.

Dip chicken in the egg white mixture and then the pecan mixture (the crust)
Saute until browned and then roast until cooked through

Serve the chicken with mixed greens and
1/2 c thinly sliced red onion
4 oz. feta or goat cheese crumbled and then add honey-mustard dressing

(taken from the magazine "Cuisine at home")

Today...

Yep- I am home alone today for the first time since the beginning of January! That's when all of the germs invaded and took over the bodies of our children...and they were all home from school at different times...until today!

Today:: I feel like a new women...not having to do breathing treatments, check temperatures, pour antibiotics, or put in nose drops!

Today:: it's just me and Milka... our dog who thinks she owns the place. This is her favorite place to perch herself...maybe she thinks she is a cat?


Today:: I want to make this, (but I won't because I am trying to not eat so much sugar)

Today:: our fabulous niece turns 14! Happy Birthday Elisabeth!

Today:: is also the date 13 years ago, that I told Brad I would marry him!

Today:: is a GOOD day!