What we did on our Easter Break...

watched the sawdust fly as Brad turned into "Tim the Toolman"

built a coffee-snob bar with a leftover IKEA cabinet door

built the boys a new bookshelf (in PJ's...we spent a lot of time in PJ's)

played dinosaurs (in PJ's)

played grocery store (in PJ's)
read the Easter story (in our PJ's..are you starting to notice a theme?)



had time with long lost friends (not in PJ's)...story to follow on another post

enjoyed candy...

and of course ate delicious carrot cake...

He is Risen!

Rejoicing in His Resurrection!
Happy Easter

There's a new girl in town...

Lilly is the newest addition to our apartment building...and today she came for a visit! Abby was in heaven!



Is she precious or what?

Celebrating life and spring...

Brad and Abby are another year older. We had a great weekend celebrating! Hard to believe that our baby girl is already 7! She is all into the "High School Musical" movies and loves to sing those annoying songs that stick in your head all day long...still we love listening to her belt them out! She is still sugar or spice (not too much in between), or as we like to say "Saucy"! She also still LOVES babies...yesterday she said she might want to be a "nurse for babies". Warms my heart! (and would make her great-grandmother proud, as she was an OB nurse)
Here she is at her birthday party getting her face painted!

Now on to signs on new life scattered throughout our house...Spring is in the air and we have decorated for Easter. Here is my "egg" tree with special eggs that I found in Prague.
Here is a beautiful orchid that my hubby had waiting for me when I returned from Croatia!
And if you look closely (click to enlarge the photo) Abby made a butterfly by tracing her feet!
The kids are out of school the entire week for their Easter break. We plan on keeping busy by playing outside a lot (even if the weather forecast doesn't look so great) and enjoying our friends! Hope you are finding time to celebrate Spring!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Three of my most favorite people in the world have birthdays this weekend! Brad's is on the 15th and Abby and Memoo share the 16th! Be sure to wish them all a "Happy Birthday!"

Nacht des Schweigens

March 12, 1938. Adolf Hitler enters Austria, giving a rousing speech at Heldenplatz in Vienna to the jubilant crowd of 200,000. Austria is "annexed" to Germany in a bloodless union. Over the course of the next 7 years, 80,000 Jews, Sinti and Roma, homosexuals, political dissidents, and Christian and other religious leaders were murdered.


March 12, 2008. Commemorating the 80,000 lives lost, Stacey and I gathered with a very different kind of crowd at Heldenplatz, to light 80,000 candles, hear stories from children of the war, now in their 70s and 80s, to listen to beautiful music composed during the war and banned by the Nazis, and to pray in silence.


One after another, each speaker would recount the atrocities, the heroic resistance, the triumph of freedom, and also bring urgent reminders of the potential for history to repeat itself, of our corporate duty to resist discrimination of all kinds. We live in a different Austria today, where structural stability and material prosperity shroud the brokenness of people's hearts. Please join us in prayer as we seek to be agents of a deeper reconciliation, person to person, culture to culture, and ultimately announcing the reconciliation of God to humankind.

Table Talk...

The main speaker of the retreat I attended in Croatia was Mimi Wilson. She has written a book called "Table Talk" and spoke on the importance of eating meals with our children, instilling manners and teaching them how to think and reason. One study (of many) suggests that if you eat at least 5 meals with your kids per week then they are less likely to get " in trouble" with drugs and alcohol and get better grades in school.

While I haven't read her book yet, Brad and I have started a few nights a week to read a card from Food for Talk.

Last night's card looked like this:
"A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes"
Proverbs 14:29

Share a time when you lost your temper and another when you controlled your temper. Explain how differently both situations worked out.
by-Julienne Smith

All of us could give examples of when we had lost our tempers with one another, and it really was a great conversation starter. Our kids are growing up way too fast...and we really want to strive to make the most of our opportunities with them. This is a really easy and fun way to spark good table talk!

Croatia

As you can probably tell from the pictures, Croatia is beautiful. My time there was refreshing and encouraging...but it is good to be home...greeted with lots of hugs and kisses, a clean house with laundry put away and a hot meal! I love my husband!

He only had a few minor casualties while I was away...backwards underwear and pants on Levi not noticed until after he came home from school, rented DVD's placed on top of the van...oops! and a few pieces of moldy bread eaten by some of his classmates that he had over for dinner! A little mold never hurt anyone right?

Ruhe...

Today has been my day to study for my exam that I have tomorrow. Whenever I really try to study, I remember why we go to college when we are young...because our brains still work!

I find myself wanting to clean my toilets, fold laundry, organize my DVD's in alphabetical order (not really) or bake something yummy, instead of study! Basically I am ready for this test to be over for 2 reasons... 1. I will have a little break from classes for a few weeks and 2. I will be going to Croatia on Thursday for a women's retreat over the weekend. The retreat was all underwritten by a sponsor, so all I had to pay for were my travel expenses. I am very much looking forward to some rest and refreshment...in German it is called Ruhe.

Which is why I posted this picture of some benches outside of the Rathaus. Doesn't this look like a great place to sit, soak in the sun, rest and find some peace. Whatever your day looks like, I hope you can find a place to rest and soak in some quiet...


Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light.

Bogi Park!

This weekend we got together with a family from Luke and Abby's school, and went to Bogi Park!  It is a fabulous indoor playground...with lots of slides, trampolines, climbing walls, obstacle courses and go carts. The kids had a blast, and burned off a lot of energy!  We definitely will be going back to this place!

Levi having a "ball"...literally!
Abby and Sebastian in the ball pit

Luke and Tristan (above) and Luke and Abby sliding down the "volcano" (below)

Happy Birthday Elisabeth!

Our precious niece is growing up way too fast! On Sunday, she turns 12!

Elisabeth, we hope you have a wonderful weekend with all of your celebrations! Enjoy some KFC for us! We love you very much!

Mittwoch...

Are you feeling over the hump yet?  Mittwoch means Wednesday for those of you who are non-German speakers.  Actually, I still qualify as a non-German speaker!  Ha!  Anyway, I told you that I would post some shots of the "mundane" of our lives here in Wien.  This is the building that I attend German classes in on Mondays and Wednesdays.  My teacher keeps it pretty light and we have a lot of fun!  I still am understanding way more than I can speak...but I feel like I am progressing.  Below is a statue that is in the courtyard of several University buildings.  I'm sure he is important, but I never have taken the time to stop and figure out who it is...unfortunately I am always running to late.

A new word that I learned today is schnarchen...any guesses as to what that could mean?  No cheating!

Well, blogger won't let me post any more photos for the time being, so I am off to the park with my neighbor to practice my (not so good) German!  

**Answer**

to snore!  

Power in weakness...

Our kids love to "clean". Abby usually helps with bathrooms, Luke does garbage and dusts and Levi gets mirrors and whatever else he can get his hands into. As much as I love that they are helping, it is sometimes much more work than if I would just do it myself! Sometimes they even make more of a mess!

As I was watching Levi smear, I mean "clean" the mirrors, I thought about how God uses us in spite of our weaknesses and how even when we make a mess of things He loves and adores us.
Today I am praising Him for that promise!

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "my grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Just Another Manic Monday...

As we all wake up late, we are greeted by a never-ending to do list and an invitation to a birthday party that we have yet to get a gift for. At breakfast, syrup spills and then 2 backpacks are forgotten. As I am getting ready to walk out the door with Levi he exclaims..."Mom I need to poooop!" I just missed stepping in vomit (sorry there is no good way to write that!) as I got off the Strassenbahn, then I am late to class. I get a present for Luke's party and then take the 13A (a bus) the wrong way and don't realize it until I am lost...

What a Monday...

I sorta wish it were still Sunday!

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day....

So, I made this Almond Puff loaf...in my feeble opinion it was just ok. Don't get me wrong, we managed to still eat one loaf in a single sitting, but I didn't think it lived up to it's claim of "If I had to take one recipe with me on a dessert island". (yes Neena, I think it was a play on words):)

Anyway, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Many times we even eat if for dinner. Tomorrow we are starting our Sunday with Baked Orange French Toast, taken from the Celebrate Life cookbook, put out by Hope Pregnancy Centers of Broward.

4 eggs
2/3 c. orange juice
1/3c. milk
1/4c. sugar
1/2tsp. vanilla
1/4tsp. nutmeg
1/4tsp. cinnamon
8 slices of Italian or French bread sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/4c. butter
1/2c. chopped pecans

Beat together eggs, juice, milk, sugar,vanilla,nutmeg and cinnamon. Arrange bread in a single layer and top with egg mixture. Refrigerate overnight. In am, put a few pats of butter over the bread and bake for 20 min. at 350. Sprinkle with pecans and bake 10 minutes more.

Best part...Orange syrup
1/2c. sugar
1/2c. butter
1c. orange juice mixed with 2 tsps. of cornstarch

combine and cook over low heat...do not boil. Serve with warm french toast!

From the looks of it, I am not the only one who enjoys a good breakfast...check this out!
Next Sunday I think I'm gonna try this!

This weekend..

I plan on making this

Listen to lots of music from here

And we will take a drive thru here in our new van...just because we can! Have we told you yet that we have a new set of wheels? Hooray!

Taken captive...

This is what happened this afternoon when Abby took Levi captive and convinced him that she could turn him into Spiderman...

Prague

Last week while the kids were still out of school, we went to Prague to visit the WHM Team. By train it is only about 4.5 hours. Mark, Joanna and Sasha Stewart graciously hosted us, filled our bellies with yummy food and gave us great ideas for our interns this summer. They were also great tour guides!
Prague is a beautiful city and we had a wonderful time with the team!

Baby Love...

I love this shot of Abby!  The kids are out of school this entire week because of their semester break, so we are trying to find some things in the city to keep them entertained.  This afternoon we visited the Hundertwasserhaus and the Kunst Haus Wien.   She really wanted her American Girl doll, Kit to come along.  Here she is giving her a piggyback ride.  

The Mundane...

Often I take for granted that I am living in Vienna. World famous Vienna! And while I don't want to pretend to be a real photographer, I do like to take a lot of pictures. I have decided that on Mondays I will try to post pictures of what might be "mundane" to most, but they are the sites I see almost everyday. I want to be able to look back at our experience here and remember...
remember the spectacular sites and the everyday sites that I could easily take for granted.This is the stop in front of our apartment...

This is our address...

This is the view coming out of Karlsplatz...

A handmade address sign from a shop on our street...

Lots to celebrate...

This week we have lots to be thankful for! We picked up our visas, we found a car (which will arrive in a few weeks) and Luke and Abby received their report cards. Much to our surprise they got ALL 1's, which are like straight A's! We couldn't have been more proud! So to celebrate all of their hard work this last semester, today we took them ice skating at the Rathaus! It was warm, the sun was shining, the hot chocolate was delicious and it was just a wonderful time of rejoicing in our blessings!

Ultimate Grater...

I could tell you about how Brad and I picked up our visas, applied for our drivers licenses, or how our parent teacher meeting for Abby went. Or I could write about how Brad is out shopping for the perfect (automatic) car for our clan with Levi or how I am about to walk out the door for some pottery painting with some friends...

but instead for some reason I'd rather tell you about the "ultimate grater" that my sister-in-law sent me! It is made by Kitchen Aid and I love it! It is the perfect size for small helper hands.

Then the container holds all of the cheese or whatever you just grated!
And last, but certainly not least...it comes with a lid. No more cheese wrapped in aluminum foil that turns green by the time you find it again! Doesn't this info just make your Friday?

Have a good weekend!

A taste of two worlds...

Advil Liquid gels, Lucky Charms, Velvetta, Bleach pens, Slim Jims and Thin Mints...does it get any better? :)

This little taste of America was brought home by Brad after his trip to Orlando.  Of course we were elated to see Daddy, but we also found much joy in the goodies he managed to cram into his suitcase.  It is so weird how treats from where you come from can stir up your emotions.   There are a lot of things I miss about the States...our old world.  Our family and friends, the fellowship of our home church, the junkfood and the convenience.  I miss being able to go to one store to find all that I need...not 3 or 4 stores.  And of course, knowing the language.

Still with all that I miss, I am surprised how much I really like here.  The old buildings, the parks, people of all walks of life, living in an apartment, the fresh breads and just the "feel" of living in a city.  I wouldn't have thought that after 7 months this could feel like our home.  We have made friends, we can get around well (even without a car), we all are learning more about the culture and the language everyday, and we are loving it. I am encouraged. I knew in my head we were called here, but now I am beginning to feel it in my heart. It feels good.


It also feels good to know that our kids are thriving.   Today Levi could hardly wait to get to school for his Faschingsfest.   As I write this, Luke is at a birthday party of a friend.  And yesterday when our neighbors only spoke German with Abby, she was able to understand everything that they were saying!  This is our new world.

I am excited to see how the combining of these two worlds will continue to shape and challenge our family, as we cling to His promises and trust that He has called us here to love and serve.

DADDY'S HOME!

HE'S HOME!
ALL IS WELL... :)

Really ready...

Ok, Brad was supposed to be home by now. His flight was late getting in, so he missed his connecting flight from Germany. The kids have been chomping at the bit since 7 am. While I am writing this, they are all in their rooms...cleaning. Ha!

I actually just shouted to Abby, "I hope you are working as hard as your mouth is!"

Ouch. Now I am really ready for Daddy to get home.

A party at the Palace

Just like getting invited to the ball, this was also a surreal experience! A birthday party in the Schonbrunn Place! It took place a few months ago and for some reason I never posted about it. I came across these photos and thought you might get a kick out of them too.

It was Alice's 6th birthday party and she definitely was treated like a princess! All of the children got to dress up in costumes of their choice, took a guided tour of the palace (even getting to go in rooms that are off limits to the public) and the party ended with the serving of a traditional sachertorte.

Phraselator

As I am cleaning up in the kitchen I am listening to NPR and there is an interesting story on a device called the Phraselator. LA Police are using them to spout off commands in other languages...I just need one to go to the grocery store and when I interact with my children' s teachers! For I think a mere $2500 I could score one!
Just yesterday I was at the grocery store and the cashier struck up a conversation with me...very unusual since they always seem to be in a hurry. Anyway, she is scanning my items, asking where I come from, why am I in Austria, what do I do for a living and so far I am able to respond back in German. She is scanning my items, I am throwing them back in the cart (as you bag your own groceries here) and she says something that I don't understand. I graciously nod, smile and act like I know what she is saying. She repeats her phrase again. I nod and smile again. She then proceeded to stand up, lean over the scanner and take the milk out of my cart and ring it up. She was trying to tell me that she hadn't rung it up yet!
Thankfully we both laughed! Which is something I have learned to appreciate in situations such as these. If you take yourself and the mistakes you make too seriously, you really could get down!

Still, I think one of these little Phraselator thingies might be worth investing in:)

Faschingsfest!

Today Abby was still the only one well enough to go to school. Fortunately, the boys are on the mend and will be able to go back to school just in time for Faschingsfest tomorrow. From my limited understanding, it is basically a time of carnival, when kids dress up and have fun parties in school. It is similar to Mardi Gras and a preparing to "let loose" before lent.

Cookies Recovered!

Yep..they will be coming home to momma! :)
Oh, and Rick got to change his clothes too.

The Latest...

So far this week, we have been well-loved by those near and far! We have received countless e-mails stating that you "are in"...as being willing to pray for us this week while Brad is in America. We have felt your prayers abundantly. Thank you!

Here is a little update...

Luke and Levi continue to struggle with a virus that has kept them both out of school all week. The blessing in this, is that they have been laying around a lot more than usual and I have not had to run back and forth to school and hort as much, because our friends have been willing to pick Abby up and bring her home so I can stay with the boys.

Our friend, Joanna came from Hungary to see a friend in Wien and it worked out that she could also stay with us and help with the kids! It was a sweet encouragement to all of us!

Dali spent the night last night, and watched the boys all morning so I could get to my German class today! Another big blessing.

Last night I also received a phone call from our field director just checking to see if I was doing ok. He is currently in Prague doing a Sonship week, and yet still took the time to see how we all were.

From what I have heard from Brad, he is having a great time! In between sessions at GCA, I am sure he is finding time to eat some Taco Bell. He has had some really encouraging times with potential teammates and has enjoyed concentrated times with Jeff.

Brad's brother and our pastor from our home church, flew up yesterday to Orlando to spend the night. I just received an e-mail from my sister-in-law that they lost Rick's luggage. I don't know how this happens...but the bummer in all of it is that all of our special requests were in that luggage. That means unless they find it, we will not see the Girl Scout cookies, the Juice Plus vitamins or the thoughtful Valentines' gifts that my sister-in-law took the time to get! I know there are bigger things in the world to pray for than cookies and vitamins, but if you feel lead to pray, we would love that those things would be found!

Thanks again for all of you who have loved us well!

Visa Approval!

I guess your prayers are working! We just received word today that our visas were approved! Hooray!

Today Luke really turns 9!

Happy Birthday Luke! You are such a sweet boy with a tender heart and a love for others and the Lord. You are growing taller by the minute, and before long you will be taller than Mommy! Smarter too, I am sure! :) You need the littlest sleep of any of us in the family, and yet are usually the happiest! When you get on the phone with someone you are always sure to ask, "How are you doin?"
You love Dr. Pepper, kebabs, playing Game Cube, riding your scooter and being with your friends. We are so proud of you and your willingness to try new things and dream big! We love you Lukey!

Could be a long week...

I'm trying to be optimistic..but when Levi started throwing up last night and Luke was having problems with the other end...I had to think (and laugh) that this could be a long week! It is 7:25 am and Daddy is on the way to his conference....Levi has already played Play-Doh and is asking "What are we going to do now momma?" Here we go...

I'm stating the obvious here, but keep praying!:)

P.S. Fortunately for me, Brad is bringing a BIG supply of this and this when he comes back!

Luke's 9th Birthday Party

Luke had his 9th birthday party today with a few of his friends from school and hort. They had a great time just being "boys", as they played Game Cube, darts and even a game of American baseball! His big present from us was a new fish tank...which he has been asking for since we moved here! The newest member of our family is a fish named "Whiskers". Here are some more pictures from the party.

Start your day off right...

Our family is a big fan of protein in the morning! We used to fry up the Ol' Jimmy Dean...but I can't find it over here (even though there are more wursts than you can imagine) When you travel throughout Austria, often a hard or soft boiled egg will be on your menu for breakfast. Our kids have really grown to love these little guys! I even splurged on some egg-cups so I could make Neena proud with my presentation! :)

In case you don't know how to make a soft-boiled egg...here is a video.
It "cracked" me up! Hee Hee