tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43285586681282197112024-02-18T22:42:30.951-08:00Family in motionMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-88734089882154917982011-12-08T10:03:00.001-08:002011-12-08T10:57:10.001-08:00Kutna Hora, Kostnice Ossuary<div style="text-align: center;">
This blog post I am very excited about sharing. </div>
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We had time on our return trip from Prague to go thru a small Bohemian village named Kutna Hora. It surprises me how many people are unaware of this place, I assure you it is all real, authentic and incredible.</div>
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Brief background of Kutna Hora <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutn%C3%A1_Hora" target="_blank">located here.</a></div>
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Kutna Hora contains several centuries old churches and was originally designed as a monastery.</div>
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The village contains a specific church called the Kostnice Ossuary, pictured here.</div>
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If you look closely you'll see that its skulls and crossbones at the top of the steeples, we'll get to that in a second.</div>
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The story is that a figure in the history of the church visited Golgotha and brought back soil to put around the church. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvary" target="_blank">Golgatha</a> is the site at which Jesus Christ was crucified. It became so popular to be interred at this church that the attending monks began to disinter remains in order to accommodate last wishes of others.</div>
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Overtime this has resulted in some of the real life creepiest graves ever.</div>
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So here's the question, you've got all these new people in the soil, what do you do with the good parishioners bones that you evicted from their place of rest?</div>
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You get creative.</div>
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<i>Incredible right?!?</i></div>
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There is still a functional sanctuary in the upper room of this church which was also beautiful.</div>
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With a balcony that overlooks the ossuary.</div>
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Makes me think of the Dr. Suess book <i>"Oh the Places You'll Go!"</i></div>
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Life is exciting, I hope you are exploring and adventuring, there are too many things in this world to see and experience to be sedentary! </div>
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Let us see what we can see, lets get where we can go. There are things in this world that I have to try and to know! I fear that i'll miss them, that they may pass me by so lets see what we can see whilst the time is neigh! (not Dr. Suess, I tried...)</div>
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<br /></div>MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-59330875893246425282011-12-08T07:41:00.001-08:002011-12-08T10:03:54.567-08:0036 hours in PragueTwo days ago we returned from a quick family trip to Prague, or Praha, as it is known here. The Christmas festival in the city center was on the EU Christmas time bucket list; so we can check that one off. For those of you wondering how, when or if we still are squeezing in education time, we are. I know I owe a post or two on the progression of homeschool, but remember, everything we are doing here is education. Just not the education most of us are used to. More on that in the homeschool post coming soon.<br />
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So, small town boy that I am, saturated by media and uneducated to a certain degree, whenever some one said Czech Republic or Czechoslovakia, my fist thought was something like this...</div>
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Boy was I wrong.</div>
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Prague, and the portions of the Czech Republic that we saw, were beautiful, interesting and emanated a vibe of history and wisdom. I am sure that there are the "unpretty" parts; Prague ain't one of them.</div>
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We stayed in our most interesting apartment/condo so far. It really could've been a super nice place; it had high ceilings and smooth walls, hard wood floors and was located in Prague 1 (closest to the center of Prague.) I felt totally comfortable there, but I may have been the only one. The bathroom was a large room, that had no shower, only a tub with a movable head on it. There was a bidet in the room, but I don't believe any of us were brave enough to use it. The bedroom consisted of 5 smaller than twin beds; it was pretty comical and fun for everyone to be in close quarters I think.</div>
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Okay, some shots from the city and the Christmas market; let me first say the streets and the city buildings are very tight, there is no wasted space.</div>
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So when you drive a medium sized american SUV, you kind of stick out...</div>
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It took about ten minutes and an 80 point turn to get wedged in there. We get some really funny looks driving our huge american automobile into some of the places we are not supposed to drive, that our GPS doesn't really indicate when its bad form to roll into some areas. But its a big vehicle, so I put on my golfer duff and look mean and I think everyone assumes that I am a driver/bodyguard for some VIP family of girls. Its working out so far.</div>
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Ok some shots from in and around the city...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace with some interesting Praha graffiti, note the resemblance...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we met one of the local "police" when I decided driving the wring way up a one way street would be a good decision</td></tr>
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The Christmas festival in Praha is a real show; live music, crafts for kids, figures dressed like angels, devils and Santa's running around. It's a great venue if you are a "people watcher" like I am. </div>
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It was c-c-c-c-c-c-cold out, so Ry got to wear her new hat and gloves.</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Astronomical_Clock" target="_blank">Prague Astronomical Clock</a></div>
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As always, the food is ridiculous, some of the gifts are really interesting and the people are great. We have not had one bad experience here, overall, the people have been enormously helpful and tolerant of the language barrier.</div>
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The next morning we did some exploratory driving, trying to get to the mini-eiffel tower that overlooks the city. As I mentioned before we just drive around wherever we want and attempt to look important. We accidentally drove right up to the gates of the Prague castle, just in time for the changing of the gaurd.</div>
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We did find the observation tower as well!</div>
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It was a great investment of time, we are blessed to see these places and enjoy another corner of the world. I feel so fortunate to be able to develop these memories with Brandy and the girls.</div>
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More to come!</div>MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-75582237333684387952011-11-30T13:54:00.001-08:002011-12-01T00:13:31.249-08:00International Chocolate Festival<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Monday we
planned to go to the Christmas Market in Heidelberg and I planned to blog about
it, neither of which happened. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That
trip will have to happen another day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> BUT</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> on Tuesday we went to what I consider the
only thing that could possibly be better than a Christmas market, the <i><b>International
Chocolate Festival</b></i> in Tübingen, Germany. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">That’s right an entire
festival devoted to <b><i>CHOCOLATE</i></b>!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> Not too hard for this city to move to the top of my "Favorite City in Germany" list!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For more information on the Chocolate festival click </span><a href="http://www.chocolart.de/freitag-02-12-2011/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Tübingen ChocolArt</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the entrance to the festival</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chocolate covered strawberries on a stick...Oh My!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ryley loved them. Look at that happy face!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The girls at the entrance to "Chocolate Candy Wonder Street"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Warming up! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Is she paining with chocolate? Yes, yes she is.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just had to take a picture of chocolate shoes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">A group of people attempting to make the largest cookie every made, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">they planned to make it large enough to make the Guinness Book of World Records.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Pretty cool! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are some pictures of some of the buildings in T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ü</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bingen. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just beautiful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Above is the Rathaus (City Hall), the oldest building in the Marktplatz dating back to 1435. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Grace just had to have her picture taken in this "hand chair". It actually turned out to be a pretty cool picture!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For more information on the city click </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://tuebingen-info.de/index.php?id=727" target="_blank">Tubingen,Germany</a> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">~Brandy~ </span></span></div>MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-56868103063707859842011-11-27T12:59:00.001-08:002011-11-27T15:28:04.036-08:00Plotner European Christmas Tour<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First, I want to say that this will be my first blog entry for the </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Plotner Family blog, and I'm excited about it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've only edited and provided what I think to be valuable input up to now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Second, I'll say that three blog posts from the Plotner family blog in one day is definitely unheard of and I wouldn't expect to see that happen...EVER...AGAIN. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thirdly, today was the day that we began our Plotner European Christmas Tour. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I spent many days, while I was supposed to be working, planning out the next month's adventures. Our adventures will take us to Prague, France, and many places in Germany to experience Christmas markets and Christmas traditions in Europe. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm very excited because I think that German's and maybe all Europeans quite possibly enjoy Christmas in a more traditional way than we do in the US. In the US it seems like we spend so much time trying to buy the newest gadget for our children. We fret about whether the children are going to have enough "things" or if they are going to be "happy" on Christmas morning. We begin to lose site of traditions and the true spirit of Christmas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">~ WARNING ~ <i><u><b>soap box starts here </b></u></i>~ WARNING ~</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> My dread for the Christmas season has increased over the years, due to the emphasis that has been placed on hunting for the newest fad gift rather then spending time with family, friends, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. And no offense to you "Black Friday" shoppers, but hasn't it become a little over the top? I mean, now the shopping starts on Thanksgiving? WOW...anyway, I won't stay on a soap box about that..I'm just not sure I'm willing to trade in my family time to get beat up and stomped on for a deal on the "coolest, new thing" out there...but that's just me</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">~ WARNING ~ <b><i><u>soap box ends here </u></i></b>~ WARNING ~</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The idea of experiencing Christmas over the next month with my family enjoying the cultures and traditions of Germany and other nearby countries is very exciting. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Today, we visited our first Christmas market in Vaihingen, home to Patch Barracks and our friends, the Johnson's. We met the Johnson's there, ate dinner, explored the vendors and festivities and enjoyed some delicious crepes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUSfEOGuccVY8vDiB8phQQSCa-JR98h487reQbDfkmhVrhXSvcn7ybnX1mf0H9CmOMUhsg9ZDhFrYot_CZdzAWPpsgQDPyhzjDF0R_lhHSOYN7QQiDGi7myrLGLTLVs71bbwUlSvKSU26/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUSfEOGuccVY8vDiB8phQQSCa-JR98h487reQbDfkmhVrhXSvcn7ybnX1mf0H9CmOMUhsg9ZDhFrYot_CZdzAWPpsgQDPyhzjDF0R_lhHSOYN7QQiDGi7myrLGLTLVs71bbwUlSvKSU26/s320/IMG_0076.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtwCyGVpO3GfrYDCSSmPpKC2fQtcGSqkmThPvEUO9XlWmgtUFlA9gg9gUrvsUZUyBURMiEOELGpbgSTpj7VYw3J1y363mDVdwMAkMQIctrQdgpz7y1jQF1akqSg9HZveCC44Ij4m0KVh5/s1600/IMG_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtwCyGVpO3GfrYDCSSmPpKC2fQtcGSqkmThPvEUO9XlWmgtUFlA9gg9gUrvsUZUyBURMiEOELGpbgSTpj7VYw3J1y363mDVdwMAkMQIctrQdgpz7y1jQF1akqSg9HZveCC44Ij4m0KVh5/s320/IMG_0075.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Standing in line at the Crepe stand</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The girls enjoying their crepes</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Christmas markets here are very "village" and family centric. The people in the village come together and sell things that you can purchase for gifts, they have delicious food to eat, and of course "glühwein", because the Germans don't do anything without something "special" to drink.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Marshal says "When in doubt, pinky out."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had a great time with the Johnson's visiting our first Christmas market. Grace bought a present and I bought a fresh wreath for the front door. We are looking forward to our second Christmas market tomorrow. My goal is to blog about each place we visit and to buy small gifts for family as we go.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hope that each of you will find a way to enjoy this holiday season beyond the commercialism that surrounds the season so heavily today. Gift giving is a small part of Christmas, but remember, sometimes the simplest of gifts can be the most meaningful and long lasting. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">~Brandy~ </span></div>
</div>MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-21834254884286760372011-11-27T03:23:00.001-08:002011-11-27T12:52:10.483-08:00Our 1st Thanksgiving in Germany<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanksgiving~ a time for being thankful, enjoying family & friends, and eating delicious FOOD!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Marshal law requires that if you are going to call your blog a family blog, more than one member of the family must contribute. In order to placate the powers that be I will allow Hailey and Grace to guest blog, on a trial basis, for our Thanksgiving entry. Commence guest blogging:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On Saturday we celebrated our first Thanksgiving in Germany. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had our German friends over for their first Thanksgiving; it was really fun. Hailey and Mom cooked all day we had turkey with stuffing inside of it, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls, and green bean casserole. It was very delicious! For dessert we had miniature pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread, that was also very delicious! My favorite part about our first thanksgiving in Germany was having our German friends over to celebrate Thanksgiving day with us. <i style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">~ Gracie </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #b4a7d6; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>~</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Thanksgiving, which we spent in Germany, was great! Mom and I spent all day cooking. We came up with the idea to make miniature pumpkin pies. We weren't sure that they would turn out right. Here is a picture of us "figuring it out"...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And then the outcome....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>DELICIOUS!!!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did you know that they don't sell whole turkeys in German grocery stores? Only the turkey legs. That just wouldn't work for our American Thanksgiving Feast that we wanted to show to our German neighbors and friends. We were thankful to be able to buy a 12 lb. turkey from the Patch commissary. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mom and I decided to make a stuffed turkey. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since we invited our German neighbors over for a Traditional American Thanksgiving dinner and I was assigned to use this dinner as a "home-ec" project, I decided that we needed to properly decorate. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had a blast and everyone enjoyed the food. Sorry, no pictures after we destroyed the turkey. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When our neighbors came over they informed us of some of the traditions that we had forgotten to include in the holiday; they had looked on the internet to see what were the typical traditions of the holiday. Here is a picture of our awesome German neighbors and friends. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And of course a picture of Ryley and me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After dinner we watched "Mickey's Magical Christmas"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I really enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and also some quality time cooking with mom. Miss and love you guys! <i style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">~ Hailey ~</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Now that the guest blogging is over...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We really have a lot to be thankful for. We are geographically separated from our family and friends in the US, but everyone has made an effort to communicate with us and we greatly appreciate it. Here in Germany we have a handful of great friends, a beautiful home, and the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with our family. God has provided for and protected us and we are thankful for all of the blessings in our life. We hope you had a great Thanksgiving and that you know that we are thinking of you and praying for you. Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">~MP~</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">edited by B. Plotner</span></div>
</div>MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-26882110530106098172011-11-26T23:48:00.001-08:002011-11-27T01:31:19.833-08:00Austrian adventuresI began our last blog entry by noting that it had been 2 months and 4 days since the one before. This entry comes 1 month and 4 days following that one, from this perspective, I have shaved a solid month off of our time! From any other perspective, its been too long.<br />
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We have enjoyed great experiences in the last month, we count ourselves fortunate and blessed. We've made progress in our home schooling, on our house and our business. The biggest event was a trip to Stubai, Austria. The drive into Austria from our home took between 4-5 hours, I would consider this our first real autobahn experience. We were traveling at 130-145 km/h and were getting passed like a little old lady! It's incredible how fast some of these cars can and do go. For the record, all the interstates here are "autobahn", some have speed limits, some do not.<br />
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Here are pictures from the drive; honestly, they do not do justice to the landscape. The part of Austria we traveled through was breathtaking. One part of a curvy road we drove had ruins of a castle sitting off to the side. <br />
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Driving the highways in Austria requires a special highway sticker, called a Vignette that can be purchased at any gas station near the border. It can be purchased for different lengths of time, prices adjusted accordingly. Driving without one can result in heavy fines. We purchased a ten day sticker for 12 or 14 Euro, the stickers look like this:<br />
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Brandy made all the arrangements, she is incredible. She found a two bedroom, 3 bath condo on <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/">www.homeaway.com</a> for 4 days & 3 nights. It was between the glacier, where you ski, and the nearest village, Milders. Hailey, Grace and Ryley shared a bedroom that had a pull out bed for Ryley; she was so excited to sleep in the same room as her sisters. Brandy and I took the other.<br />
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Kitchen:<br />
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Living room:<br />
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Master bedroom:<br />
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Girls bedroom:<br />
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And, finally, view of Austria from our balcony:<br />
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Stubai is definitely all about skiing, there are several shops that cater to the demand. We rented our ski gear from the Army's Outdoor Recreation Center, website <a href="http://www.stuttgartmwr.com/odr/rental/?reloaded=true">located here</a>, on Panzer Kaserne base. It was roughly 100 Euro for each of us for the whole season. We found a ski shop with sizes to fit Ryley and rented equipment her for 1 day/6 Euro. The Ski passes on the glacier are a little expensive for a family, For all of us to go up and ski for a day it was around 114 Euro. <br />
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It was interesting seeing the Austrians and Germans ski, it seems to be second nature for them. They stand at the bus stops in their full ski gear, boots to helmets, and make their way up to the glacier. I assumed if they could wear their ski boots from the house to the bus stop, all day on the mountain and back, certainly we could wear ours from the parking lot, to ski, and back. This was a tragic assumption. All rookies, like us, please put your boots in a duffel bag and switch your shoes for boots right before you ski. Hailey and I walked away from the first day of skiing with blisters on our shins from the boots, Brandy had some pretty good bruising. This prompted the purchase of some high dollar ski socks which I assumed, could only be but so good. High dollar ski socks are worth every penny, they make you super human. I would wear them daily if not for the immediate loss of sex appeal.<br />
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From the entry area you take a gondola, or a sky tram, or cable car up the mountain. It was a beautiful ride, although nerve-racking for Brandy. Ryley would yell "Airplane!" as soon as we left the ground, followed by rounds of "We're flying, we're flying!" Its a ten minute ride up the mountain, during which we "flew" over waterfalls, gorges and beautiful landscape. The lodges on the glacier are great, they offer equipment, lessons, food (great food!) and warmth. Ryley's perception of skiing is an airplane ride, playing in the snow and eating good food, she loves to "ski".<br />
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We stayed mostly to the bunny slopes as we are all in a beginner status, Brandy had the most experience of all of us, she and I went down a more aggressive hill for awhile. She took only one spill that resulted in a few of those serious bruises that eventually turn green, but the girl is tough as nails.<br />
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This is the Stubai entry to the Glacier:<br />
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Some pictures from the "Airplane" ride up to the Glacier:<br />
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And the ladies suited up, ready to take on the slopes:<br />
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We consider this trip a practice run and are excited to go again. There are a few things we may do differently but all in all it was great. The places we go make us think about more places we want to explore and things we would like to see. Traveling as a family and enjoying these things together make it that much more special.<br />
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We have more trips planned and are looking forward to having some friends and family visit so we can share this with them.MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-7948877926570547632011-10-18T07:34:00.000-07:002011-10-19T01:32:23.236-07:00Once in a blue moonThe last update we took time to sit down and put together was August 14th, 2months and 4 days ago. That is really bad blog etiquette! My humblest of apologies.<br />
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Where to begin? I literally have to utilize iPhoto in order to jog my memory to sequence of events.<br />
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I will put this together to the best of my abilities, please forgive me if I leave out some details or seem brief on some events. Ready? Here we go<br />
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August 15th our truck arrived, we have a vehicle! This is a story in itself. In order to register the vehicle in Germany it has to pass a very thorough inspection, everyone fails the first round and you have 30 days to remediate. So we were failed for ball joints, tires and a few lights. I had just bought a $992 set of Michelin super sweet tires before dropping off the truck for shipping. Turns out these tires were actually rubbing the steering knuckle underneath. Sears apparently did not notice this. This resulted in a saga with Sears that was resolved with a full refund, which was nice. New tires were purchased and mounted. The ball joints were ordered but never showed up so they had to be reordered and a second set of 30 day tags had to be acquired. In the midst of this we were side swiped by a hit and run and our mirror was taken off so the truck had to visit a body shop to be repaired. Needless to say, after almost 60 days we won and finally got the truck legal.<br />
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Whats next, hmm, you may remember me saying that the Germans seem to be much more fit overall than we americans, hardly any obesity or overweight folks. We believe we have found the secret...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb0WWIfFF1H8LIwE4dxlexQNwvbmCwscRNiKqMr3H410S9Hd50EBIOAPQcE1s4P0ilUGfqVOQOdxXHVzSEY2n0lPp5pWLFE6-cjNS_wQgxgWW4CiFFxKnDUrAxMlrZ5NronpC824FTkiQ/s1600/IMG_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb0WWIfFF1H8LIwE4dxlexQNwvbmCwscRNiKqMr3H410S9Hd50EBIOAPQcE1s4P0ilUGfqVOQOdxXHVzSEY2n0lPp5pWLFE6-cjNS_wQgxgWW4CiFFxKnDUrAxMlrZ5NronpC824FTkiQ/s320/IMG_0142.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>There are GREAT dessert shops all over the place. These guys do not half-step on dessert whatsoever. We have no scientific data that this will lead to a thinner version of ourselves but we are willing to subject ourselves to this experiment for your benefit. Brandy and Ryley are all in...<br />
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I want to upload a shot from August 17th to maybe give you an idea of how our view of Germany is being shaped. We live in a small village away from the city and love it. Much of the area we are surrounded by consists mostly of forests and fields. We were driving along, popped over a hill and took in this view. The picture doesn't do it justice but a beautiful valley, hot air balloon in the distance and windmills. Its amazing that this is where we live!<br />
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Ok, next, back in the hotel, we learned that Ryley is very very serious about Simon says, she doesn't take any chances...<br />
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In business news, our North American Amway business has achieved the platinum bonus level! This is a great thing for us & for our team and we were/are so excited to be blessed with an incredible group of winners. Anway rewards you with a $2500 bonus for this particular achievement, I will upload a copy of it. Below is a shot of the $2500 in its Euro equivalency. That puts our best month in Amway over $4000! We have since begun our Amway DE business and are excited about that as well!<br />
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And now a gratuitous shot of Ryley for the grandparents...<br />
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September 1st we moved into our home, 6 days before the girls arrived. This was 6 days of solid fast paced work. We had a big vision of what we wanted to get done and we came darn close to doing it all. All the furniture & our goods from the states were delivered, rooms set up, kitchen usable and made relatively clean. What a serious pace we ran! This is where our neighbors and landlords began to realize that we are crazy. Totally worth it though. <br />
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Ok, September 7th! The girls are here! Wow, what a cool day, Hailey and Grace flew over with Grandparents Joe & Cindy. It was absolutely awesome AND we got to celebrate Ryleys birthday finally! We celebrated with our great friends, the Johnsons, our incredible german neighbors, the Maurers, grandparents Joe & Cindy and the girls.<br />
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Next day, we visited Hozhollen castle with the Wallers, you'll notice they recognized Grace and Ryley as royalty immediately...<br />
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Then began our trip to Paris! This was a surprise for the girls, they were very excited. It was a great trip, much more than a good ole boy from Bedford County believed he would experience. Special thanks to Joe & Cindy and to Brandy for putting so much thought and time into the trip. It was amazing. Some shots from lunch outside the station and the train ride:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwvkdV41IPh3k8tuCsyG1gznk_hzs59sKA_D3icoa4Hlq-5FvYuMIv2FhkjKWFGtcUTQbrb5ZmAGRq_4GmnQ-DYexw7x8Q2Qlzt3x1FdYbZPNlwzgZ7NOLSemHkw35878ERAqiXLdfS24/s1600/IMG_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwvkdV41IPh3k8tuCsyG1gznk_hzs59sKA_D3icoa4Hlq-5FvYuMIv2FhkjKWFGtcUTQbrb5ZmAGRq_4GmnQ-DYexw7x8Q2Qlzt3x1FdYbZPNlwzgZ7NOLSemHkw35878ERAqiXLdfS24/s320/IMG_0266.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> The sunrise in Paris!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv8hWhytZucZaa-gv85wmVUpe1tiu-TE4MdimAhb_sML4g_rKkkWP_MtJ-b2LtH28hCHuzyqcAbT5zNmf5_kLlsNZSKRB8tTT3Wf_Ov7WDCGZaxscMYPoIUddpuVyc6fQ4QpokemW003x/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv8hWhytZucZaa-gv85wmVUpe1tiu-TE4MdimAhb_sML4g_rKkkWP_MtJ-b2LtH28hCHuzyqcAbT5zNmf5_kLlsNZSKRB8tTT3Wf_Ov7WDCGZaxscMYPoIUddpuVyc6fQ4QpokemW003x/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Our first sighting of the Eiffel Tower...<br />
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Forgive my not remembering the fellows name, but if this looks like the mall in D.C. its because the D.C. mall was designed by the same frenchman that designed this!<br />
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Must ride a carousel in France...<br />
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A boat tour of the Sienne...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMBnfYYewtxQvrqZj7CKcfjrTS9v11kIC0248b3Je2RCsni5AfY-djfmhT580LX-PNiF3fu0k46yaiUW5Nb8uoR9vGe_xdKMyKRcPbQ1mTtQ6yPLuWdFMPoBHRLfiKdPmSwBTKoGhaOGs/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMBnfYYewtxQvrqZj7CKcfjrTS9v11kIC0248b3Je2RCsni5AfY-djfmhT580LX-PNiF3fu0k46yaiUW5Nb8uoR9vGe_xdKMyKRcPbQ1mTtQ6yPLuWdFMPoBHRLfiKdPmSwBTKoGhaOGs/s320/IMG_0319.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Busy Paris markets...<br />
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St. Germaine, the oldest church in Paris, completely and respectfully awe inspiring.<br />
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The Mona Lisa at the Lourve, she's not that hot, don't see what all the fuss is about (jk).<br />
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So cool to be able to say we have traveled to Paris as a family, thank you again Joe & Cindy!<br />
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It is Fest month here! Festivals all the time & everywhere. These people know how to let their hair done. Yes, we have been to Oktoberfest, yes, everyone should go at least once, or twice...maybe 3 times.<br />
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Gotta throw this in, I grew a beard. Brandy was not a fan. Every man must grow a beard in some point in their life. This was attempt number one by Marshal, it will happen again. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday. Here's how to lose ten years off your face in five minutes.<br />
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We have begun homeshool in all of this. It is challenging and great at the same time. We are utilizing an A Beca curriculum with Saxon Algebra for Hailey. I think it is going to get better and better. The girls are incredibly smart and learn so quickly. <br />
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Alright, well, how to conclude? We are in our home, it is great. Brandy has put a ton of work and thought into making this house a home, it is amazing & she is incredible. I am a lucky man, never knew I could be so happy, God has blessed our family.<br />
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Next post will be pictures of the living quarters. There are a few more boxes & there are a few pictures to be hung but it feels like home. The weather is getting colder, we are ready for Winter, skiing, warm fires and more adventures.<br />
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We pray God blesses and keeps you, stay in touch with us! Family & friends come and visit, you'll be happy you did.<br />
<div><span id="goog_628076544"></span><span id="goog_628076545"></span></div>MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-82760460450496250262011-08-11T08:39:00.001-07:002011-11-27T01:33:16.397-08:00Home, home on the Deutschland!Phew! I have to do updates more often. There are a couple of serious tips and topics to blog about: the way the hospitals here work, taxes and VAT forms, advantages of the bases, Kelly, Patch and Panzer, but today is not the day. Today is update and oddities.<br />
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First oddities, it has come to our attention that pillows are an unmastered art in Germany. We have 5 from the hotel and I have purchased two. Magically, all 7 have the ability to go flat as soon as they make contact with my skull. This is an actual shot of our bed & pillow collection, be not alarmed, it is kid safe...<br />
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Oddity número dos, no Mosquitos here! I have not seen one solitary mosquito! I do not miss them, I do not like them, this is not a negative, it's just different. There is, instead of Mosquitos...<br />
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... slugs! They are all over the side walks of wooded or grassy areas in the mornings. They do not get in your eyes or ears & they do not try to suck your blood. I like slugs much better, slugs>mosquitos.<br />
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Oddity number 3, Germans don't mow the road sides. They don't care if the grass is tall on the side of the road. They keep their yards disciplined and nice, but who cares about the sides of the roads? <br />
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Oh, and if there's road work, they have portable stop lights instead of people flipping signs around. <br />
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This one I love, ready? Before the stoplight turns green, you get a preparation yellow, I always thought there should be a preparation yellow. Green, yellow, red, yellow, green. <br />
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And there are playground for children everywhere, the German people LOVE kids, they give gifts to them and play with anybody's kid, it's incredible.<br />
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Oh, and something I learned, little girls can fall asleep on your shoulders/head even if you are walking in the sun on the side of a busy german road and stay asleep in the elevator and all the way into the hotel room. Incredible. Man, my neck was sore the next day.<br />
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And they like to make faces at and argue with themselves in the mirror.<br />
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Ok, all done with that! On to important stuff, I mentioned last post that we had picked a house, a new HQ for our time in Germany. The Millennium Hotel and resort has been incredible, amazing breakfast, housekeeping and complimentary benefits (other than pillows) but it is time to move on. <br />
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Our home will be in the small town of Waldorffhaslach. It is a 200 year old home in the process of restoration and we will move in September first. We are so excited for the girls to see it and to make it a home. Pictured here...<br />
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Inside is still being finished up. Kitchen...<br />
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Family room, Brandy is pointing where the fireplace will be...<br />
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Upstairs large room, may be an office...<br />
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Two bathrooms...<br />
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What we think will be Grace's room which will have a ladder up into her own loft...<br />
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Loft area...<br />
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Ryley's room...<br />
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Not sure which room will be ours and which will be Hailey's so no pics of that, sorry Hailey! The next pic is either yours or our room.<br />
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The house had the original insulation, dried oats, under the original floors.<br />
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It is being replaced with cannabis for insulation(no not that kind).<br />
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The house sits directly next to a beautiful church.<br />
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Brandy has begun some of her work schedule so we are figuring out the best way to tackle that. I am sure she will more than excel, she incredible.<br />
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More updates to follow, we are very excited about our opportunity for fitness, adventure, business and family here. We look forward to family coming to visit and the friends we have here and that we'll be making here. That is all for now! More soon.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
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<br />MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-78379444930868081562011-07-29T04:03:00.001-07:002011-07-29T14:24:24.077-07:00Big update!Well, it has been too long since the last update and much has transpired! I have been meaning to get this blog up to speed but feel like I have been running out of gas when there is time to write! I will try my best to give a full account of events best I can and as in depth as my thumbs will allow me to hack it out on my iPhone.<br /><br />We have accomplished many items listed at the end of our last post. We have cell phones & service with calls back to the US, we have chosen a home, Marshal has passed the German drivers exam, Brandy tests Monday for hers, no car yet, we may forgo that until ours arrives, only two more weeks, we are looking at furniture, we have bank accounts & an APO box.<br /><br />We decided to go with the 200 yr old house and we are very excited about it. The house is located in Waldorfhaslach, each of the girls will have their own room, there will be an office, hobby room, laundry room, cellar and 2 garages. There is a small backyard but a large park and forest area right up the road. We will get some pictures on our next trip out, promise.<br /><br />We have ventured to downtown Stuttgart, very cool city. Tons of shopping & restaurants, seems quite clean and safe. The food is an adventure every time. There is just something different about it here. I have decided that pretty much all the food in the states tastes pretty much the same. There are so many cultures and perceptions of cultures here that the food just translates differently. I am convinced it is more healthy however, Brandy and I are both losing weight without focusing on it. We have found that one thing at least is international. Ice cream seems to be a universal concept and boy does it make Ryley happy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/529.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_529.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />I mentioned that we had been thinking that we may forgo a vehicle until the trailblazer we shipped arrives. Originally I would have been appalled at this idea but the public transportation system here is intense. Trains & busses go everywhere, they are clean and economical. The gas here is over 3€ a liter (yep, LITER) so you can imagine what it is a gallon. Learning the public transportation system isn't to hard, we are catching on pretty quick.<br /><br />Ryley waiting on the bus...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/531.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_531.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Train station...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/532.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_532.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/533.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_533.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />The above shots are from the central hub of the train station at Hauptbahnhof.<br /><br />Directly outside the train station you find historic and modern Stuttgart. Many times these are in the same spot as the Germans have been here doing their thing for a long time. I am going to post some pics below. I will offer some explanation of what these places are later in the blog as my thumbs already want to be done!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/534.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_534.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/535.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_535.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/536.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_536.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/537.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_537.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Also in Stuttgart are several markets, the Germans don't have giant Food Lions, Krogers or Wal-Marts here. I know I just ruined Germany for some folks with the no Wal-Mart revelation, it is true, you can survive without Wal-Mart friends. The populous here does the majority of their food shopping at open air markets, the refrigerators here are very small, the food is fresh and bought every couple days. The markets are full of farmers and independent butchers or confectionaries. The smells are incredible and the samples are awesome. You really need some knowledge of the German language here, there is basically nothing in English. Below is a picture of an indoor market in Stuttgart, you can look this one up, google indoor marketplace Stuttgart.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/539.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_539.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />In our orientation class we were given the opportunity to tour a castle. We toured the castle Von litchtenstien, please forgive the spelling. I will edit the correct spelling. This is the smallest castle in this region bit it was very interesting, lots of history behind it, changed hands several times and was even involved in WWII. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/540.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_540.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/583.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_583.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/584.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_584.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />The view from the castle, it is sheer cliff on three sides.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/585.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_585.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/586.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_586.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Ok, proud parent time, our sweet Ryley turned 2 on the 27th of July! We didn't celebrate in any big way, we are going to hold off until Hailey and Grace are here but I have to show a couple of pics, the awesome Johnsons let us come over, cook some pizzas and give her a cake and an Elmo. I'm not sure Ryley knows why she was the recipient of all of this but she was tickled.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/587.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_587.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y79EVZOoNN4" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y79EVZOoNN4" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y79EVZOoNN4"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Y79EVZOoNN4/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/29/592.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/29/s_592.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Alright, I think we are caught up for now! I will post more often in order to avoid this thumb exhaustion!<br /><br />We hope everyone is well and happy, we love you!<br /><br />M & B<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br /><br />MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-66099174638366378122011-07-17T06:04:00.001-07:002011-07-29T07:34:16.182-07:00House & church huntingWe are on day number two of house hunting. The first day yielded a possibility in the form of a 200 year old home being refinished and restored top to bottom. We would be the first residents after the restoration, it has plenty of space and the 200 yr old oak beams are exposed. The house is in a small German town that looks like it fell right out of "The Sound of Music". Today we are visiting Veinhigen and Leonburg in search of more options.<br />
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This morning we attended the International Baptist Church in Stuttgart. Great message, praise and worship left something to be desired. The service is in English, many people were wearing translators to understand the message in their own language. Pretty cool to see so many nationalities represented worshiping and agreeing under one roof. We will visit a couple more churches before we make our choice.<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/17/1071.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/17/s_1071.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
The above picture is of 3 girls, 2 German 1 American, getting baptized together.<br />
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I will upload some pics of a neat house if we see one today.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4328558668128219711.post-36449306727860748142011-07-15T01:52:00.000-07:002011-07-29T07:36:05.832-07:00Family in motion!Halo!<br />
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Welcome to our family blog and thank you for reading!<br />
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This blog will serve as our platform to keep family, friends and whomever follows up to date on places we visit, things we learn in our travels, adventures in homeschooling & our home based business, and anything and everything else.<br />
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First, background and introductions and then we'll catch you up. Our immediate family is comprised of 5 parts (for now anyway). <br />
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There's:<br />
Marshal - 31<br />
Brandy<br />
Hailey - 13<br />
Grace - 9<br />
Ryley - almost 2<br />
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We are not your "conventional" family I suppose, we have only been married 3 years during which our Ryley was born, Hailey & Gracie are Marshal's "step" daughters and that will be the last time you see "step" used in that fashion. We all love each other very much and there are no barriers or boundaries in our family. Brandy is currently active duty Navy, Marshal is full time sales, Hailey and Grace will be home schooled and Ryley will take the occasional trip to daycare so Marshal will not go insane.<br />
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Our present adventure began months ago, Brandy was up for orders and the options were fairly limited. We opted for Stuttgart, Germany. Stuttgart offered a lower chance that Brandy would be away from the girls, great opportunity for travel and a chance to introduce to girls to new countries and cultures. The downside of course being the distance it creates from family and friends. We intend this blog to shorten the distance between us and you. On And leading up to June 17th there were employment options to weigh, choices of schooling to make, financial decisions to cipher through, not to mention medical screenings, pack outs, shipments, etc.<br />
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June 18th we began our travels! We roamed to Lake Lure, NC to spend time with some great business partners and create some incredible memories to take with us. From there we traveled to Roanoke, Va to spend time with Marshal's side of the family. We enjoyed time on the Lake with Marshal's Dad, went to Natural Bridge with Marshal's mom and sister Vicki, spent time with Great-Gma Mary and truly soaked in the family time. The third week we returned to Va Beach, staying at Brandy's Dad's and his wife, Cindy, visiting her mom and her husband, Ed and spending time with brother-in-law, Jason, and sister, Kristy. We also got spend time with our local business partners and friends, the East Coast Surge (www.eastcoastsurge.com).<br />
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July 12 was the big day, time to fly to Germany! After a couple delays, a few frustrations, a few laughs and finally an arrival we were there. Neither Brandy or I slept, Ryley slept very little. Fortunately Brandy has a great couple who are friends already stationed here, Jeff and Jean. Jean picked us up from the airport and took us to lunch, our hotel and had us over for dinner. It was great being welcomed by friendly faces.<br />
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Hailey and Grace will join us in a short month and a half, they remained home for the summer with their natural dad.<br />
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We are currently in the process of acclimating to a new country. We have to acquire cell service, a home, new drivers licenses, a car, furniture, bank accounts, APO box and daily routines. This will all be very exciting and a whirlwind and we will do our best to update the blog as often as we can offering tips, pictures, videos and stories of our adventures. <br />
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Again, thank you for reading and we hope you enjoy!MPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06025156380930289017noreply@blogger.com0Stuttgart, Germany48.7771056 9.1807688000000148.6814846 9.03997830000001 48.8727266 9.32155930000001