December 31, 2023 Quickshot: Happy McNew Year's Eve

 

Alas all good things must come to an end.  We dropped of #Z at the airport and drowned our tears in hot coffee and egg mcmuffins.  May God bless whoever designed Zurich airport to include this food court and Ray Kroc for staring McDonald's.  We sure needed that.  Grateful for the time with our boy.  Happy New Years Eve everyone. 

December 25, 2023 Silent....morning.

 

It wasnt really THAT long ago that the #10littlefeet woke up earlier than duck hunters headed to their blinds on Christmas morning.  This morning, as I sit here sipping coffee out of D's Prague Starbucks mug, all those beautiful predawn memories are dancing like sugar plums in my head.  Bed heads, frumpy Christmas pajamas, where sleepy, puffy eyes meet unbridled anticipation.  What a treasury of holiday flashbacks.   Of course, this peaceful, hushed moment, with just the whisper of hymns caroling across the room, ain't bad either.  It will be loud enough later.  Whether yours is reticent or raucous, we wish you a very merry Christmas. 

December 24, 2023 Quickshot: Tackle

Honestly, I was a little disappointed in this photo.  Really wanted to capture the moment of picking up our second-born from the airport last night and as you can see it turned out all shaky and blurry.  But after thinking about it and replaying that initial greeting, it occurred to me that this is exactly what took place.  Emotion and joy and welcoming and love and exhaustion all in the form on an unabashed tackle.  This photo and the moment was perfect.  Now if we could just get the other two over here. 

Dec 19, 2023 Quickshot: Breithlá sona

 

In honor and celebration of #D's birthday, we snuck her off to Ireland for a quick, surprise trip.  No one had haggis but we had a great time exploring a new place and saluting our favorite  As they say in Dublin, Breithlá sona!

December 9, 2023 Bigger Tree?

 

As we were decorating for Christmas this evening, we noticed the most interesting thing.  Our tree seems to be shrinking.  It was just yesterday that these two and their siblings used to need a ladder to hang the homemade ornaments on branches, not to mention the star.  Time to get a bigger tree?  

November 20, 2023 Quickshot: Siding

 

We love the ancient houses in our community.  Fall, and the changing leaves of the ivy that's attached to the facade, made this home a completely different color.  Yesterday, we went passed it again and all the leaves were gone.  

November 16, 2023 Quickshot: Boomerang

 

Went by to check on the status of our car repair and noticed the sign above taped on the counter.  I've studied enough German to get the gist but that one word "bumerang" was a new on...until I said it out loud.  Yes, you get it.  "Kindness is a boomerang.  It comes back."  Really love that sentiment but after consideration I think it's missing something.  Our motivation for being kind isnt because we hope it's returned (although it often is).  We are kind, we love, because we're recipients of kindness and of love first. The overflow of being eternally loved causes us to love others, right?  Regardless, this wold could use a little more boomerang kindness.  And we could use our car, (see Oct.12 post) which is still not repaired, but hopefully soon.  

October 20, 2023 Back-to-back Birthdays, Back-to-back Blessings

 

It's been a crazy week including back-to-back birthdays with the lovely ladies above. On Wednesday #M turned SEVENTEEN! or siebzehn as they say it locally. (Can you hear her father sigh?) and on Thursday #L turned TWELVE! or zwolf.  (Another paternal sign and eye roll!) So there's been special meals, confetti and streamers and gift wrap all over the place...and even a crown.  That's just as it should be when you celebrate the blessing of these two lives and the amazing gift from God they are to us and all who know them. Happy birthday(s) girls!  

October 12, 2023 It all started with a trip to the orthodontist...

 

First, praise God for no injuries, one bar of cell service and the local equivalent to AAA.  It was supposed to a be quick trip to the orthodontist but Ford decided differently.  The drive takes us through the mountains, in a pretty remote part of the forest, as the doctor's office is 20-30 minutes away.  As we were heading up the hill above, sputter, flashing light on the dash, sputter and then nothing, the car died, deader than a hammer.  Put on the flashers, rolled back letting gravity pulls us as far to the side of the road as possible without ending up in a substantial ditch, put our handy high-vis vests on (required for every passenger here), put a warning triangle (also required here) out down the road a bit to give other drivers a headsup and called a tow truck....and waited.  You wouldnt believe how many passersby stopped to check on us, so that was a blessing.  Tow truck arrived, driver proceeded to winch the car onto the flatbed and POOOOW the little screw-in tow hook supplied by the manufacturer (see above) snapped.  Thankfully neither the car, the tow truck, the tow truck driver or the American in the highlighter yellow vest (also pictured above) were injured.  Try two, loaded and off to the garage.  

So that situation was a pretty big win considering all the variables that could have gone awry, plenty of reasons for gratitude.  To be fair, my demeanor and attitude didnt start off exactly positive, as the kids will attest to, however, as with all things, HE caused it to work to the good.  Now, let's see how long it takes to get the vehicle fixed.

September 30, 2023 Hankering

 

Do you ever get hankerings?  I looked up the word because it's one of those things that you know exactly what it means when you say it or hear it but you're not sure if it's actually a word.  Sure enough, it means "a longing; craving."  So, we heard rumors about this place you could get a legit cheeseburger and being a Saturday and said burger joint only being 15 minutes away, we decided to give it a whirl.  As we walked through the town, following Google maps to our destination, we just about missed this.  An improptu bubble party had apparently broken out and the kids were all about it.  What a wonderful thing to witness, the simplistic beauty of children at play!  

By the way, we found the restaurant and the rumors regarding its legitimacy were not overestimated  Cheeseburgers (and sweet potato fries!) secured.  Hankering satisfied!  

September 23, 2023 Playing the Tourist

 

One of the great things of having guests (Uncle B is here with us this week), aside from getting to hang out with people you love, is getting to experience, or re-experience, your surroundings as a tourist.  How beautiful is this cathedral and surround market?  We just happened to time it right, as you can see the weather was amazing and the platz was hopping.   

September 18 When L is in charge of breakfast

 

Her Assignment:  Take a few euros and walk down to the bakery to pickup breakfast treats for the fam.  It looks like L's mission was a success.  Now if she remembers to return the change we're in business.  

September 9, 2023 Our Town

A lovely Saturday in the neighborhood.  Tents and booths are up, the grills are smoking and the place is alive with locals and tons of visitors.  We are grateful for the small-town feel and community of this place. We're also grateful for grilled sausages.  

August 24, 2023 Quickshot: Back, back, back

 

And it's back to school we go.  #M is in eleventh, #A is a freshmen and #L is a proud sixth grader.  So proud of these three and so grateful for their amazing school.  Their mama went back to school a couple weeks ago, about 12 hours after we stepped off the plane.  You'll forgive us but no photos were taken of the tragic event.  :) 

August 14, 2023 Quickshot: Wingshot & a Prayer

 

Snapped this obligatory wingshot as we were about to land today, minds and hearts full from our Summer in the States.  Per usual, we crammed so much into just a couple months, sharing, hugging, speaking, listening, and being with loved ones.  If we didnt get to hug your neck this time then we have something wonderful to look forward to on the next go round.  Thanks for your prayers and for loving our crew so well.  

August 12, 2023 Quickshot: Airport "Goodbyes"

 

Surely there an apt word that describes leaving part of your heart in one place and going to another.  In our vernacular we call it "airport goodbyes."  As we cried and hugged in the airport parking lot tonight, I was profoundly reminded of the cost of this sort of life.  Thankful for the gift of this crew right here, for friends, for grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, and others that sacrifice time and experiences with people they deeply love to send them half way around the world.  Honeslty airport goodbyes are terrible but the call is worth it.  

July 30, 2023 The not-cool version of Pickleball

 

One of the things we've really enjoyed while in the States this Summer is the free access to tennis courts.  While most of them have cracks, droopy nets or weeds growing on the courts, we've been able to eek out some play about once per week.  In the place where we live these days, you have to pay a fee to use the facilities and most are clay (read "cool but very messy") surfaces.  So it's been great to get out and whack that fuzzy, yellow ball....or at least to try to.   

July 23, 2023 Quickshot: Kindness Epitomized

 

Over and over the Scriptures point to the importance of being hospitable, so as followers of Christ we attempt to embrace and put into practice that concept.  It's one thing to give hospitality, it's another altogether to be recipients.  So that's a new spiritual muscle we're learning to flex.  The photo above is an illustration of recent kindness shown to us.  Today, a dear family allowed our motley crew to invade their home and look at those amazing American snacks left on the counter for us to chow down on (thank you G's!).  We're grateful for opportunities to give kindness but also so very thankful for the chance to receive it. 

July 22, 2023 International #A Day!

 

How do you celebrate #A turning 15?  Well you go to Walmart and take pics of yourself in the security monitors and you walk through a local flea market looking for albums and jibbtz (something you attach to your Crocs...apparently it's a thing again), of course.  We're so grateful for this amazing young man.  It's not too late to join in on the festivities.  Join us in celebrating international #A Day. 

July 21, 2023 L to Lego Camp

 

Speaking of camps, chalk this up to one of those cool, unexpected gifts that blesses your socks off.  Last week we received the kindest invitation (Thank you Mr. O!) for #L to attend a...LEGO CAMP! of all things.  We were able to drop in on the last day to see what the kids had constructed and were simply blown away.  Just look at all those bricks and just look at that big grin.  Another example of wonderful people loving on and investing in our kids.  We're so grateful! 

July 13, 2023 Camp life

A friend send us this pic today.  Oh how amazing to see your child studying the Truth and growing closer to the Author of his life.   We're so excited #M and #A were able to go to Summer camp this week.   Thank you #MrB and #MsK for making this a reality.   

July 4, 2023 Q beautiful for spacious skies...

It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, so maybe it's that or maybe it's the reflective sentiment that seems to increase with age, or maybe it's simply the way it should be, but each time the Pledge of Allegiance is sworn or the Star Spangled Banner is sung, a lump forms in my throat and the corners of my eyes well up a bit. Living overseas has made us more appreciative of being from the US.  With all her faults and idiosyncrasies, America is our earthly home and we are grateful.  Tonight as we watched the scene above unfold, every able-bodied person standing at alert, hands over hearts, flags unfurling in the breeze and the beautiful words of the nation's anthem belted beautifully from home plate, we heartily joined along, a beautiful moment.  Thank You to the Power that hath made and perserved us a nation! 

O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - “In God is our trust,”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

June 29, 2023 Quickshot: SOS Mode

 

This week we've been out in the boonies of Virginia, soaking in the Vitamin D and getting soaked in the river above.  No WiFi and very spotted cellular service at best.  In fact, the indicators on our phones that usually state if we're in 5G or LTE coverage or how many bars of service we have has be replaced with the letters SOS.  It's ironic really because we've experienced the very opposite of distress. Instead we've been unplugged as it were, connecting with creation and more importantly with our Creator.  We highly recommend it. 

June 11, 2023 Quickshot: We're getting the band back together

 

As we walked this evening, and even now as we look at this photograph, this verse comes to mind.  "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)  Grateful to have the crew all back together again. 

June 3, 2023 Quickshot: No pain in this world

When the family wants a post-procedure selfie and the anesthesia is still doing it's thing, this is the result.  Thank you guys so much for all the prayers.  Everything went smooth as butter.  And don't worry, they let #P keep that hat. 

May 27, 2023 It's 4am Somewhere

 

These two travel buddies were up before the sun this morning.  Predawn flights mean a long day of flying.  Next stop The Big Smoke. 

May 13, 2023 Quickshot: Beautiful Heidelberg

Since we're traveling next month we decided to just drive over to Heidelberg for our anniversary.  What a great decision that was.  A delightful, university town (Heidelberg University was founded in 1386!) on the Neckar River with plenty of history, good food shopping and a killer funicular.  High recommend Heidelberg.

May 12, 2023 Together

 

Spotted this beautiful couple while out on a hike the other day. What an amazing depiction of marriage.  Together, holding hands, no spotlight or fanfare, just walking the path...just together.  Today, as we mark our wedding anniversary, by the grace of God, we're reminded of the gift of marriage. We praise God for each step on our path and we praise Him for our life together.  Amen

May 6, 2023 Swiss Tourney

More travel sports for #A, this time it was a volleyball tournament in Zurich.  What a blessing to see and experience these types of things.  We're grateful.  

April 14, 2023 Quickshots: Day at Lake Constance

March 30, 2023 Prayer Request

 

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3:44!  The only people out and about this early are duck hunters or milkmen, or travelers.  #M (and her father) are out and about for the latter. She's headed to Kenya today so we would appreciate your prayers over the next week.  We're really excited for her, of course, but have a new appreciation for the grief, at least that's what it feels like, of those who send their loved ones out.  We've been on the flipside of that coin many times, being sent, but saying goodbye to the one being sent, that's a different deal altogether.  So, as you pray for #M, the amazing team and the work they'll be doing over the few days, say a little prayer for her parents as well.  Selah!

March 11, 2023 Überraschung!

 

What do you do when you wake up to uberraschung (surprise) snowfall?  You lace up your boots and go for a 6-mile jaunt of course.  Didnt see another soul for 5.5 miles and the pics don't do the beauty of the morning justice.  Aint God good! 

February 28, 2023 Quick thought: Bits

Ten days later and we're still finding pieces of confetti from Fasching around the house. We've swept and vacuumed several times and still find them in the laundry, on the floor, in our hair, etc. It's almost like they're reproducing or something.  Fasching has come and gone but those little bits of paper are constantly reminding us of the occasion.  This has been thinking, hence the quick thought:  What am I sprinkling in the lives of those I  come into contact with? What do I leave behind when I'm gone.  You could postulate this out on a generational basis, what about my kids, my grand kids and so on, but for simplicity's sake, let's just consider today.  As I walk through my daily life, taxis, supermarket, classroom, pub, yoga class, living room, or wherever, what am I leaving behind in the lives of those I brush up against.  By God's grace, it's good, it's right, it's salt, it's light...it's little bits of Jesus.  Goodness, I've got some work to do. 

February 20, 2023 Swoosh or Swish

 

Not sure which came first, the love for sneakers or the love  of the game that inspired the sneakers.  Either way, #A has a new passion: Basketball.  This week he played in his first tournament down in Bern, Switzerland (I mean who dreams this stuff up, right?).  The pic isnt great but love the shooting form and what it represents, a good and perfect gift (a young man getting to put skills into practice with a bunch of his buddies...while missing a day of school).  In case you're wondering, the shot was good...and perfect.   See also James 1:17. 

February 19, 2023 "Fasching"

 It's always interesting to learn about a places cultures and traditions.  Fasching (aka Faschnet, Karneval, Mardi Gras) in the Black Forest has certainly been so.  We had several local friends attempt to explain the festivities.  While the descriptions varied the general idea centered about scaring Winter/beckoning Spring and sortof a last schebang  before the restrictions of Lent kick in.  From what we've actually seen it involved lots of beer, loud music, creepy and cartoonish costumes, confetti and more beer.  It hasnt been our favorite, local holiday but it certainly has been intriguing.  Go here for more info. 

February 8, 2023 Impulse Purchase

 

Ever made an impulse buy? We sure have. Are you kidding?  With five kids, checking out at the grocery store was at times hand-to-hand combat.  Candy bars, hand sanitizer, lip balm, drill bits, etc., etc.  But a purchase back last Fall was a first.  For some reason Aldi was trying to get rid of tons of tulip bulbs and they were dirt (oops) cheap.  Although skeptical, #P grabbed a bunch of those rascals and planted them in our small patch.  We were pretty skeptical but imagine the surprise when these beauties starting poking their beautiful green heads out of the dirt.  A harbinger of coming, warmer days and one of #D's favorite flower, a win-win.  Hopefully they will bloom.  We'll keep you posted on the progress.  

January 28, 2023 No Kristi Yamaguchi

 

While there's currently no snow, it's cold enough for ice.  So #M got to try her hand, errrrr "feet," at ice skating.  She may be no Kristi Yamaguchi but she had a blast and no trip to the ER was necessary.  

January 21, 2023 Quickshot: Moving sale bike + Bluebird skies = Big smiles

 

Some neighbors were moving and #L got such a great deal on this bike, cheaper than the cost of a helmet in the States, that we couldn't say, "No."  Today, when the sun decided to finally show after what's felt like weeks of lead-gray skies we bundled up and headed out, taking advantage of the wonderful biking and walking trails throughout our little community.  Tough to beat that beautiful view or that beautiful smile. 

January 20, 2023 Quick Praise: A Movement

 

#M has been to three different orthodontists, on three different continents...speaking three different languages.  To say that she's had a good attitude would be quite the understatement, but she's ready to get those braces off.  What's holding her back?  That one blasted tooth, clearly visible in the x-ray above, that needs to drop.  That thing has been yanked, coaxed, cajoled and begged, in those multiple languages, but has refused to come down.  During last month's visit, her doc stated it was time to put matters in an oral surgeons hands.  Aside from not wanting #M's jaw cut open, if you've priced a medical procedure lately you know, whether paying in dollars or euros, it ain't cheap.  So we decided to wait one more month and pray it would come down.  Should we really be surprised what happened today?  Dr. S was less than enthused by visual exam but decided an x-ray would be a good idea.  We agreed.  Low and behold, that tooth is on the move, and surgery is off the table.  Praise God!  

Now, the tough question:  What other movements have we failed to pray about?  

January 19, 2023 Quick Thought: Better than War

 

I ran into one of our Middle Eastern neighbors this morning. It's been a while since we last saw one another so our quick visit was comprised of the usual salutations and checking on one another's families.  How are your children?  How's work?  Is your family back home safe?  How's your life here?  His last statement before rushing off to work, which came after I remarked (maybe complained) about how cold it was, has stuck with me the rest of the day.   "أحسن من حرب" (ahsan min harb) which translates, "Better than war."  Ouch!  So maybe the cold weather isn't so bad after all.