My Sweet 16 year old Girl !!!

16 things about my sweet 16 girl
1.Loves bruschetta, tomato soup, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce....but lets be clear she does not like tomatoes.
2.Her foods can't touch
3.Farmville on Facebook is really hard according to her it's like being a real farmer!!
4. She is never without earrings, it's the first thing she puts on in the morning...even if she is not going anywhere!
5. She loves taking pictures....of anything and everything except people being normal.
6. She never eats condiments NEVER no mayo, no mustard, no ketchup, no special sauce NEVER
7. Will never leave the house without her hair done NEVER
8.  She can ski circles around most people.
9. She is the best ski teacher I have ever had. She is so patient.
10. She has a beautiful smile and dimples that only show sometimes.
11. People always tell her she looks like Drew Barrymore.
12. She is silly,funny, smart, sassy and wise.
13. She makes a mean cookie
14. Loves to sing in private (she is pretty good, but what do I know)
15. I'm proud she is my daughter
16. I love her with all my heart.

Happy Birthday Katelyn! I love you!

Today

I rarely enter of talk about contests, unless I win of coarse than that is a different story! There is a really cool blog I follow called Communal global. It's many women from all over the world, post pictures giving a peak into their lives globally. They are having their first contest with amazing prizes. It's such an easy contest, a photo contest about your TODAY, starting April 1st. A lot of my favorite bloggers are contributors and all have amazing blogs. Check them out and enter come April 1st. but just so you know I'm planning on winning....no really I feel lucky...you can still enter...I think it's more than one winner!

I also want to thank Shannon at Sincerely Shannon gave me an award. Thank you Shannon. I found her blog through her Mom's blog Joyce at from this side of the pond. Many of you follow her, and I really enjoy reading her stories. Shannon is a cute collage girl ready to graduate very soon. She has a beautiful spirit and you see that through her blog. Plus I'm living vicariously through her cause she is young, pretty and lets face it who wouldn't want to relive your 20's. Stop by both ladies and say Hi from Frau. Thanks again Shannon.

I'm passing this award on to:
Joyce at from this side of  the pond
Rebeckah at Life with Kaishon
Lola at The Lola Letters
Sonya at Home Cooking with Sonya
Stop by and congratulation these nice ladies.

Off to pack for Spring Break......later!

Wednesday

Spring brings...

Flowers with a splash of color

Fields ready for crops

Animals awake from Winter's rest

Reflection

New life

Join Lisa @ The Long Road to China

&

                                        

Angie @ Seven Clown Circus

Happy Wednesday!

Friend Makin Monday

1. Favorite things about Spring: 

Seeing all the trees bud and flowers bloom.

2. What I'm doing for Spring Break:

Holland for four days and NY for four days.

3. Favorite Spring flower: 

Tulip 

4. Do you have a garden? 

No

5. If so, what do you grow.

6. Do you do Spring cleaning?

Yes, I love the feeling of clean for a new season.

7. What is your weather *really* like right now? 

Chilly but blue skies and sunny might get to 50 degrees today!!

8. Snapped any weather related photos lately? Share one with us! 

Yes, we went for a walk in the country yesterday, saw 3 baby lambs born recently. I say recently cause the umbilical cords were still attached. They are so adorable. 

9. What's your favorite thing to do on a sunny afternoon?

Sit in the sun and read or listen to music and feel the sun kissing my face.

10. Favorite TV show right now?

Modern Family-hands down so funny!

Stop by Amber and link up and make some friends today!

22 years ago today

22 years ago we said our I do’s, there are so many reasons why I love you, here are the top 22….

1. You are my best friend
2. You are the love of my life
3. You are the best husband
4. You are the worlds greatest father
5. You are so gorgeous, sexy and smart
6. Your eyes melt my heart
7. You make me laugh
8. You are so strong, supportive and loyal
9. You are a great cook
10. Best teammate
11. Wonderful provider
12. You love to travel and are adventurous
13. You are generous and kind
14. You are good with directions
15. You are a great listener and communicator
16. You are always right
17. You are silly and stubborn
18. You smell so good
19. You huff too much…but I miss it when your away
20. You are sensitive, sincere and caring
21. I love your smile it makes me smile
22. You are the best part of my life

Happy Anniversary Sweetie, I love you ♥

Apfelschorle

I

        

Before moving to Germany I never had or heard of Apfelschorle. What is Apfelschorle? It's apple juice and mineral water. Germany's number one soda and extremely popular. I used to be a Diet Coke girl, now we go through one of these liter cases a week. It's so refreshing and light, I only wish is had caffeine and all my prayers would be answered. Sure you can make your own but it's the right combo makes it best 40/60.
Honestly I can't remember the last time I had apple juice, I think I was in Brownies maybe 9 years old! I love it you have to try it sometime. I wonder if it would be good with vodka?

Black and White Wednesday-Happy St. Paddy's Day

Happy St. Paddy's Day-today everyone is a little bit Irish!

I-rish you a very nice place to live,
I-rish God's greatest gifts he'll give.
I-rish you health, and wealth, and more--
I-rish your smilin' face were at my door!

May you alway walk in sunshine.

May you never want for more.

May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

May joy and peace surround you,

Contentment latch your door,

And happiness be with you now,

And bless you evermore.

May your troubles be less,

And your blessing be more.

And nothing but happiness,

Come through your door.

This is my nephew he will be knocking at my door soon, I can't wait to see him and my sister.This photo I stole borrowed from my sister's blog Preppy Player I turned it black and white with Picnik program and add back some of the color. I know it's Black and White Wednesday but it's St. Paddy's Day! 




Stop and see Lisa at The long road to China for Black and White Wednesday!
Also stop by Angie at Seven Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday!






*Irish blessing from Google!

It's Tuesday......on Friday it's my 22nd Wedding Anniversary, for a couple days my hubby and I thought it was our 23rd. Apparently I'm not the only one that struggles with Math and memory in this family.
We also can't agree where we were engaged....I say one restaurant and he remembers another, each of us think we are right!

My daughter's Winter break and Spring break are only 3 weeks apart....seems crazy! But she seems ready for a break.We are planning on going to Amsterdam for part of her break to see the Tulips, I think we are going to be too early. We are also spending the rest of her break in Western New York looking at schools and homes. It's early to be doing that, we aren't leaving here yet. But it's the only time my daughter can go after Spring break she starts her exams and no missing school. I hope we know more about our fate when we get back.

Everything in my closet for Spring is too small. I think humidity shrinks clothes, I'm going to have to google this. I really can't think of any other reason.

I made Turkey Chili for dinner tonight. I'm pretty sure it's not turkey that I bought. I don't care that the label said Turkey, it smells like ham, looks like ham and most certainly taste like ham. I wonder if its Turham, like Turducken. I should be a vegetarian the meat here never taste right.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Stop by THE UNMOM and see what Keely and her friends Random days are going!

Friend Makin Monday

I am......frustrated.

I think....about the future and the past a lot.

I should...exercise more.

I dream....of home.

I want....a chai latte.

I know...my family loves me.

I don't like....mean people.

I smell...rain.

I hear....Katelyn's music.

I fear....fire.

I usually...wear jeans.

I search...google a lot.

I miss....family and friends.

I always...try.

I regret....many things.

I wonder....about the future.

I crave....coffeemate 

I remember...former days.

I need.....my hair dyed.

I forget....a lot.

I feel....sorrow.

I can....do many things.

I can't....sing but I do.

I am happy....I married my Husband.

I lose.....sleep.

I sing....horrible.

I listen...to my girl sing, beautifully.

I shop....online.

I eat....too much bread.

I love.....my husband and daughter so much.

Happy Monday.....Stop by Ambers and make a new friend.

Sunday in My City- Osterbaum

Easter is fast approaching, Spring is just around the corner. Signs of both are showing their face. Easter in Germany is one of the most important events. Decorations are popping up everywhere. One of my favorite is the Osterbaum (Easter tree). It's done here in Germany to give a splash of color in the grey days of Spring. So since we are a when in Roman do as Romans we put up an Easter tree as well.

      Our Easter Bush Tree

For more Sundays in My City please stop by UNKNOWNMAMI and travel the world. 

Happy Sunday!!

photos by Katelyn

My Rock Star

Sophie knows she is loved, admired,special, a rock star.  When I take her on walks, she struts. She has a walk about her that says look at me or here I am. Everyone loves dogs here, they are allowed everywhere except the grocery store. It still shocks me to see a dog in a restaurant, but the dogs here are very well trained. They mind themselves, just lay under the table or next to their owners chair. I think people know Sophie is not a German trained dog she has no manners, she jumps on people to be greeted, she begs for food, she demands petting. The only good thing is she really doesn't bark, occasionally one slips out but it's rare. People will ask about her when we are out, at first I had no clue what they were asking, now I know the questions are always the same. They always confirm she is a Fox Terrier, want to know if girl or boy and how  old she is, and her name. Anything after that I don't understand and usually just smile and shake my head and say Ja. And we walk away Sophie struts....it's funny I think she used to walk like Eeyore oh bother, not now!
She is my rock star and we are her entourage.

Black and White Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!Cold day here in Germany, frost covering the trees, grey skies, snow covered garden. Grasping at the hopes of change, like everyone ready for the next season. Needing to feel the kiss of the sun, hear the chirping of the birds, smell the fresh air, see new life forming. Ah! Spring where are you? Mother Nature why are you so fickle? 
This week for black and white Wednesday I picked a picture again from our summer trip to Oslo, Norway. Not really sure what this is either a church, school or possibly someones home. But needless to say it's beautiful, I really love it in B&W.

Please join Lisa for more black and white Wednesday over at The long road to china.

Random Tuesday

(Photo by Katelyn)

My Hubby had a layover in Amsterdam, brought Katelyn and I fifty Tulips, what a guy uh?! We had snow again, we have about three inches in the yard.....will winter ever leave! 

I'm still sick, I took some night time cold medicine last night. You know the kind that is suppose to knock you out...I was awake until one o'clock! Tylenol cold/flu night time you suck!

Finally fell asleep and 3ish woke up to something in our attic....sounded like a small toddler running around. It's happen before always in the middle of the night, except last night a fight of some kind broke out. We were all awake from this horrible squealing sound. It was a WTF moment for the whole house. My husband flicked on the attic light on and off, as any strong protector would do. Whatever it was freaked some more and then stopped once we were back in bad and starting to sleep....the running around started again!!!! All I know is I'm NEVER going in the attic EVER!!

In 4 and half weeks I'm meeting my sister Preppy Player in Paris with my Nephew. Katelyn and I are spending 4 days with them, then they are coming to Germany to spend the rest of their visit with us before heading back to Paris. I'm so excited to see them and have them come here. 

Started watching season one of Glee online, love it! Any one else hooked? 

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

For more RTT stop by The UNMOM

Sundays In My City

This Sunday I'm posting the last of my St. Johann, Austria pictures. These are a few of my favorite things I love to photograph. Windows and doors,shutters and flower boxes I never really notice them when I was living in the States. In Europe you see so many different kinds, I have really developed a love for them. My eyes are opening to different things to take pictures of and enjoy the beauty.

Have a wonderful Sunday and stop by Unknown Mami and travel the world with her.

I'm sick :(

I'm sick and I'm not the best patient. I admit there is some whining, moaning and cries of why! Why me! Have any remedies to share?

Friday Fragments

Yay!It's Friday!!! Coming back from vacation I find it hard to get back in the groove. All our ski stuff is washed and laying on the guest room bed patiently waiting to be stored. I just shut the door out of site out of mind! The cobwebs and dust bunnies took over while we were gone, I let them hang our all week...ignoring them! I wish I could blink my eyes like I dream of genie and my house would be clean. Why stop there I want to blink the grocery shopping done too and lets blink to my workouts done....I could go on and on.

Hubby is gone over night to England, home tonight! I heard noises all nightlong..I'm pretty sure the boogie man was in my attic at 3:11 am. and at 5:00 am. as well. My daughter and Sophie slept with me, Sophie hogs the bed. My daughter told me I talk in my sleep. WHAT me no way, next thing you know she is going to say I snore!

I decorated my little house for St. Patrick's Day, I'm a small percentage Irish. On St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish. My German teacher was so curious of this holiday, she said surly no one in Germany celebrates this. She said so in your country people celebrate this holiday? I was sure not everyone, not like it's a day off work, banks closed kind of holiday. Many people wear green, maybe have green food or a class party, drink green beer. I think I have taught her more than she has taught me. She always says two things when I teach her something, One I'm going to google that when I get home ( she doesn't trust me) and I'm going to tell my husband about this!

We are waiting to hear if we are staying in Germany for two more years or moving back to the States in July. It's been really stressful for us all, we have mixed feelings. Mostly because if we move back to States it won't be Salt Lake City, Utah it will be Western New York as in Buffalo! I really hate the waiting game.

My nephew Jordan is home from the hospital, he has to wear a back/chest brace for several months and has a long road of recovery ahead. He is in pain but is a strong young man and is dealing quite well. We are so thankful he is alive and appreciate all the prayers and healing thoughts. Thank you !

Before I left on vacay I received an award, I apologize I'm just getting to it now. Kwana from Kwanawrites

Awarded me this Beautiful Blogger award and with it being Award weekend I graciously accept and thank Kwana. If you don't all ready follow her please stop by and say hi. She is a talented writer of womens fiction and young adult, has a feisty dog name Jack, mother of twins. Former fashion designer, wife and a New Yorker.

Everyone knows the rules and even though I live in Germany were rules are strictly followed, I'm originally from Jersey and we break the rules!
I have a hard time picking 7 bloggers to pass it on to, I think everyone has a beautiful blog and deserves recognition. So if you have not received this award please accept it and pass it on.
I need to list 7 things about me....
1. Just discovered I LOVE orange juice after not having it for years...can't shut up about it.
2. I collect rooster decor
3. I also collect plates
4. love easter peeps
5. love sparkling mineral water
6. only wear eye liner
7. really want to move back to USA

Have a wonderful Friday!

Stop by Mrs. 4444 for more FF

Skiing

Skiing In St. Johann ♥
We were a five minute walk for the slopes.
I skied 3 days, they skied 5.
Sunny blue skies everyday!
Wide open runs.
Amazing views, old barns,frozen lakes, cows, bears drinking soda!
Relaxing in the sun, drinking, eating, listening to live music!
Crazy colorful outfits!
Falling, finding your rental skis, fighting for a spot in line,some swearing.
Family togetherness, Smiles, a little whining, some bruising,sore feet!
Great time,lots of memories, happiness!

Black and White Wednesday-My Girl

This is my soon to be sweet 16 year old! I took these pictures in Austria last week on our hotel balcony, I really love her smile, especially when the dimple shows up. I wish I had Photoshop I think I could make better black and whites. Right now I use Picnik and I'm not always happy with the results. I definitely like the color one better mostly because it was a beautiful day, it was so nice to see the colors of Spring.

Stop by Lisa at The long road to China for more Black and White Wednesday's!

Happy Wednesday!

Austria and Update

Thank you for keeping my nephew in your prayers, he is doing much better and will recover. He is a lucky young man, for now he doesn't need back surgery. He will be in a brace for many months ahead, along with rehab it will hopefully do the job. If you are a skier/boarder please wear a helmet it saved his life. Thank you again for all your kind words.

St. Johann, Austria beautiful little ski town, just a five minute walk to the slopes. We stayed in a quaint little inn with amazing views of the Alps. My pictures really don't do justice of the beautiful painted buildings and woodwork.That is by far my favorite part of Austria.  St. Johann is a very Catholic region of Austria, almost every house had a cross on the outside of the home or shop. Every restaurant was decorated in religious ornaments. All the shops and some business shut down everyday from noon to 2:30, except for restaurants. It's like that in most parts of Germany and other European countries as well. I think lunch is their big meal. Our hotel had free soup and bread everyday at 5:30, I'm pretty sure we were the only ones that ate soup and left for dinner at near by restaurants. It shocked me to have free soup nothing in Germany is free, you are charged for the butter you use. We found some great restaurants, good food and great service. They have two breweries there Huber Bier and Egger Bier it's sad to say I fell in love with both. We had the best weather sunny, blue sky days up until the last day. My husband would have prefer snow everyday but after the winter we have had it was nice to soak up the rays. The Cathedral was gorgeous inside and out. It was so cold inside you could see your breath...we had to go outside just to warm up. Hope you enjoyed my little tour of St. Johann in Tirol Austria, you can click the picture to enlarge. 

Please keep my nephew Jordan in your thoughts and prayers. He was in a horrible ski accident yesterday at Snowbird, Utah and is in the hospital with a broken back and various injuries. Thank god he was wearing his helmet...it saved his life. I know he will recover he is a strong boy. My heart aches for him, my sister and BIL and niece. I wish I could be there to help and support them.
Jordan is really special to me, I was there for his birth and watched him grow up to a fine young man. I love him dearly and am so proud of the man he has become. He has a bright future but a long road ahead.
Please keep him in your prayers.
xo
Frau