Minnesota is Heaven, But Virginia is Home

There aren't actually any pictures of Josiah, but here's how he spent hours this weekend: yes, he colored, labeled and cut out each state and then arranged them on the black paper. We need to work on Minnesota's shape and spelling a little, but otherwise fantastic--he even got Alaska and Hawaii. I think we have a little nerd on our hands, awww! Annika, 15 minutes ago... Annika a few days ago, rediscovering the felt animals that Grandma brought last year William, 15 minutes ago, post sweet potato and applesauce. He is currently struggling to fall asleep in his post-dinner, pre-bedtime nap.

So, our dryer picked the best time to go kaput. Friday, just after working hours. Seriously, I think it was about 5:03 p.m. and bonk! It just stopped running. Did you check the breakers? my husband asked. Of course I had already checked the breakers and turned them off and on a couple of times. No dice. I tried to unplug it and plug it back in. I checked to see if it was overheated (I do use it a lot). I think it's been dying a slow death. It was installed in 2004...it was taking over two hours to get a load of laundry dry. Well, and it was making some strange noises last week, just before death. I probably should have called when it started making the noises...sigh. Hindsight is always 20/20. I immediately went on Code Red, because oh my goodness...one cannot let the laundry get over one's head! Thankfully, I had just finished drying all the diaper inserts when it croaked. Phew. It's one thing to be left with some wet towels and dirty T-shirts, it's an...

I could spend this entire post complaining about the Navy and the crap we've been put through...but then again, I have a lot of things to thank the Navy for, right? Like bringing Hans back to Minnesota at just the right moment for me to find him. For keeping a roof over our head, bread on the table. Medical and sometimes dental, a pension for life when Hans retires. The gift of trying out life in Rhode Island, California, Japan, Rhode Island, Germany, (next duty station). Making friends all along the way who continue to be a part of our lives. So, I'm going to look the latest debacle in the face and just relax because the benefits still far outweigh the negatives. I'm still extremely proud of Hans, of our military and of our country. If you want to read a really amazing story and feel some amazing gratitude, I highly recommend this website: www.kellehampton.com . Just make sure you get a couple of Kleenex when you read Nella's birth story. Or, if you're a mo...

I just bought another stroller...! Yeah, I know...I'm counting: Eddie Bauer travel system Cheap Safety 1st umbrella stroller--yuck Maclaren Triumph Graco DuoRider double (in Japan) Kelty double jogger Joovy caboose BabyOne three-wheel jogger (in Germany, for cobblestones) Quinny Zapp (to use with Maxi Cosi infant seat) Maclaren Quest Seriously, this has to be my last stroller. The reason I sold my Zapp today is because I kept trying to sell the Maxi Cosi infant seat and couldn't find anyone to take it, until I listed it as part of a travel system with my Quinny. I think most people around here don't know Quinny strollers and/or don't want to throw down the cash to get one. My Zapp was 180 Euro, so not cheap, but it was a great stroller, good-looking and functional and tiny. I really didn't want to have to sell it, but there you go...it was all or nothing at all. I sold the Maxi Cosi and the Zapp this morning to a nice young couple who are expecting their first...

Interior of Trier Cathedral--not what you'd expect from the exterior view! Exterior of the Trier Cathedral (see what I mean?) Beautiful flowering tree near the Porta Nigra View of Trier's main thoroughfare from the top of the Porta Nigra Apparently, Roman ruins are not very fascinating to (almost) 6-month-olds! Inside the Porta Nigra Hans, pointing out the stonecutter's mark--so helpful to have such a smart husband! Inside the Porta Nigra The Porta Nigra (Black Gate) built of sandstone blocks, it is the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps (from Trier's city guide). The elusive Hans, caught on film. The Porta Nigra

Will, relaxing in the hotel in Cologne (almost holding his own bottle!) At the Stollwerck Chocolate Factory Josiah and Annika had SO much fun at the chocolate factory (well, who wouldn't, right?!) watching the chocolate go from cocoa bean to wrapped and packaged. The Rhine The rear of Cologne Cathedral Front Hans took the boys, while Annika and I went off on our own to explore the cathedral...we discussed mosaics, holy relics and sarcophagi.

The XO/CO Fleetup selection board convenes on Monday...by the end of April, we should have a clear view to the future, be it command or the end of Hans' time in the Navy. I am trying to remain optimistic and keep picturing the positive outcome. Words cannot express how much I want this for him, but if God has other ideas, we'll deal with it. In the meantime, could everyone cross their fingers, send positive vibes towards Tennessee and pray? A lot? Thanks.

The Eater (typo and it stays) Bunny, by Josiah The finished product Happy Easter everyone!

It was very windy last Friday (and I was probably quivering with excitement to be near such a beautiful thing), so excuse the shaky quality of this video...here is Magda.