Miles Away...

Double Decker and Skin Care

2012-01-22T13:08:00.003-07:00

I don't usually go on the road with Chris unless it's a really close drive (20 min).

Saturday Taimi and I were walking Chris to the bus

and than we're going to continue on our way in the rain

to the grocery store for some water, spinach for our green smoothies and juice and some baby-bel cheese wheels.

On our way we saw a huge double-decker bus.

Chris and I had never been on a double decker before so we waited to see if that was his bus.

Double decker buses look so HUGE going down the little narrow streets of Hanau.

Once we realized it would be the bus the team will take. Chris and I looked at each other in a matter of seconds realized Taimi and I are totally down for the 6 hour round trip to Nordlingen to watch Chris play the #1 team in game that starts when Taimi usually goes to bed.

I didn't have anything for a entire day trip for Taimi or myself so we sprinted home to packed our bags and sprinted back to meeting spot.

I am so thrilled that we accompanied Chris rather than sitting inside all day while the rain falls.

We played Rummy, talked, cuddled, laughed, played with Taimi.

It was a great day.

Chris played amazing.
And they won!

The last two games Chris has shot 100% from the field not missing one shot

(17 points both games)

ON ANOTHER NOTE: 2012 is my year of skin. I never really have taken very good care of my skin. So this year I am on the hunt for the best skin products for my face but have no idea where to start. A few weeks ago I started using Philosophy Miracle moisturizer and so far really like it.

WHAT'S YOUR MUST HAVE FACIAL PRODUCTS??

I would LOVE to know!

STAY

2012-01-16T14:36:00.006-07:00

Politics make me want to SCREAM! (and I do)

Sometimes I feel like people are most closed minded during the election season.
All I have to say is I am pretty darn glad I am countries away right now.

Cause I am getting enough of it just through social media.

Chris goes to work at 8pm which leaves me to the sacred duty of putting Taimi to sleep.

I regard these nights with reverence and hold them so close to my heart.

I don't let Taimi cry it out I never have and I don't think I ever will.

I can't handle it emotionally something about her reaching for me or crying through the cracks of the door "momma please momma please"

I can't stand the thought of her crying out FOR MY PRESENCE, MY VOICE, MY TOUCH.

I have experimented with letting her cry it out I have gone 10 20 or 30 minutes but I always cave.

I feel crummy when I fall sleep crying.

Sometimes I think that maybe if she falls asleep crying like that she might have a nightmare.

I know I am so dramatic.

But the moment I walk in she stops crying she reaches for me cuddles up next to me grasps my neck, arm, hand anything she can get a hold of she holds on so tight for fear I will leave her alone, again.

I won't and I haven't.

There is nothing I would rather do. There is nothing better I could spend my time doing.

Some might think what about time with your husband, he is at work. But even if he wasn't I have forever to spend with him but only a limited time with Taimi. She will grow up, eventually leave home and have her own little girl and family to snuggle up to.

I lay next to her every single night until she falls asleep.

She cuddles up to me so close no matter where she nuzzles herself in we fit together perfectly

I breath really slowly trying to get her to mimic my breathing while stroking her hair

Sometimes I hum or sing to her

Sometimes she tickles my face until she falls asleep

Sometimes I tickle hers

Most the time she likes to have our foreheads touching

If the moon is bright enough I lay there and watch her fall into sweet dreams

Sometimes she falls asleep in 5 minutes and sometimes it takes her an hour but I usually know the moment she is asleep.

You know how you can tell microwavable popcorn is done? That is one of the ways I can tell Taimi is asleep when there is 10+ seconds between the sucking of her fingers

or her wet fingers will all a sudden fall out of her mouth onto me.

I remember when I was little I loved to be tickled to sleep. I slept on the top bunk and no matter how tired my Dad was from school AND work AND walking from bus stop to bus stop he would stand at the edge of my bed and tickle me to sleep. I remember those nights super well. I know there was a million other things he needed and wanted to do

(eat, relax, do homework, spend time with my Mom ect)

but he was there with me in our dark room staying with me until I was asleep

I like that after all these years I still can look back and say that he stayed.

Fighting but not the tears

2012-01-16T12:02:00.004-07:00

I did a post about being true to my feelings it was mostly about not being ashamed or embarrassed to cry. If something touches me enough to tears I made myself a promise that I could let them freely drop without being insecure or worrying about people judging me.

Yesterday I cried while sitting in primary, the kids started singing "I love to see the temple." I love that song. It was one of the songs and still is that I sing to Taimi to calm her down or to get her to sleep.

Living here in Germany we walk, we walk a lot.

One day I was foolish and didn't dress warm enough for the weather conditions.

I was freezing!

But we had errands to run and I was already to far from the house to put another layer on.

Chris only had a button up shirt and his pea coat.

I had a two shirts a sweatshirt AND my leather coat on.

He noticed I was cold and I am sure I mentioned it a time or 2.

He willingly gave me his coat

(but not without a fight)

I refused it knowing he would be cold in return.

With his persistence and insistence he place it over my shoulders. I cried! I cried hard!

Right there in the middle of a pathway in Hanau Germany I cried while my unselfish husband held me.

I was so touched he always puts Taimi and I first without any thought or regard of himself.

Tonight after coaching a youth team Chris comes in the house puts a CD into our player comes grabs my hand pulls me up and dances with me (smile)

He played Cheryl Cole's Fight for This Love.

I have no idea if this song is new or old I am so out of the entertainment loop it was my first time ever hearing it AND I LOVE IT!

But while dancing with Chris, Taimi joined in too course and I just started to cry.

You see over Christmas something happened that made Chris and I make a stronger resolve to be happier more unified more loving more aware and understanding.

So dancing together with lyrics like,

Just know you are not in this thing alone

There's always a place in me that you can call home

Whenever you feel like we're growing apart

Let's just go back to the start

Anything that's worth having

Sure enough is worth fighting for

quitting is out of the question

When it gets tough gotta fight some more

We gotta fight for this love

If it's worth having it's worth fighting for.

made me cry.

I feel so much better letting the tears flow without a fight and being proud of my feelings!

It's liberating!

Flying

2012-01-15T10:06:00.005-07:00

Time is flying,

thank goodness.

I am ready to switch things up a bit.

Chris only has a month and a half of regular season games and then the play offs begin.

Once we win those it's done. We will be home in no time!

Time isn't the only thing flying and soaring by.
Chris is killing it on the floor.

With his sweet finger roll

hook shot

And some good looking dunks

I just can't believe the season is almost over that makes me so happy.

I am in love with this little hat (I guess it's not little at all) we got Taimi.

I put it on her when she watches lion king :)

She is so cute and is really enjoying dressing up and trying new things.

She is my little diva fashionista.

The day Taimi was born all I wanted was orange tic tacs and lays original potato chips.

Camille came to the rescue with both items.

Just like her Mommy Taimi loves orange tic tacs. We bought her one of those jumbo containers and let her eat them during the ride home.

Once we got home I was going to make some delicious bacon risotto (yum) so I told her not to eat any more tic tacs so her tummy would have room for risotto.

She just gave me a giant grin the kind where her nose scrunches up too and heads for her tent.

Obviously she was trying to hid but I could still see into her tent where she was sitting.

I heard the tic of the tacs as she tipped them over to get a few out.

"Taimi?"

She was surprised to hear my voice and gave me her giant scrunched grin again.

Again I heard her trying to eat her tic tacs "Taimi, no more." again the smile.

She decided she needed a new hiding spot.

She didn't pay any mind that I could indeed hear her trying to eat them.

This time she hid behind the tent and couch where I couldn't see her. But I still caught her 2 more times trying to sneak a tic tac before dinner.

She was amazed and thought I had super powers.

Today it felt like March. Taimi just had on a light fleece and a little beanie.

It was strange, seeing how it's in the middle of January.

Chris won his game on Saturday shooting 100% from the field booyeah!

Chris and I have been having root beer float star wars parties after Tiami goes to bed it's been fun. I probably spend half the time asking a million questions.

"who is that again"

"is he bad"

"is he good"

"wait I thought he was bad"

"who is the republic"

"is the republic good"

"why are their tentacles coming out of his head"

38

2012-01-11T11:46:00.003-07:00

My Mom has been 38 for the last 12 years or so we all just keep going along with it probably because she really does look 38.

We took our Mom for her "38th" birthday to The Cheese Cake Factory. We even all drove up in the same car. It's probably been the longest time all of us girls were together without any boys kids or distractions EVER...pathetic I know.

The highlights of our conversations include,

Justin Timberlake aka our waiter

Dr. Doug

DJ's vs. Ward Choristers hahaha good one Liz

Our Dad

The novel oh I mean menu, deciding and re-deciding what to order

We had a ton of good laughs and even got a little teary eyed.

Before and after dinner we went shopping mostly at the chaotic H&M

I am not used to H&M's being so busy.

I mean a line around the store just to try stuff on sheesh.

I am so very lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful and inspiring women who nudge me along and teach me every step of the way.

After dinner we all meet at a bowling ally and threw some strikes. My Mom is a heck of a bowling who has impeccable form.

6 kids (3 girls and 3 boys)

3 son-in-laws and 1 daughter in-law

7 grandkids (6 girls 1 boy) and one heck of a life!

I love watching our family grow!

Happy Birthday Mom!

My Favorite

2012-01-08T23:23:00.004-07:00

My most favorite Christmas present was given to me the Christmas of 2012 by Christopher.

You see I am a very sentimental gift giver I put TONS of thought into every single gift I give EVERY SINGLE ONE!

I love it when others to do the same for me.

For Christmas Chris gave me an Erica Anenberg gold braille ring that reads "blind faith"

AND I AM IN LOVE WITH IT

You may wonder whats sentimental about that?

I love everything and anything that ties me to my father.

My Father passes away in 96' he had Juvenile diabetes or type 1 diabetes.

For those of you who are not familiar,

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and-at present-nothing you can do to get rid of it.

Living with T1D is a constant challenge. People with the disease must carefully balance insulin doses (either by injections multiple times a day or continuous infusion through a pump) with eating and daily activities throughout the day and night. They must also test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. Despite this constant attention, people with T1D still run the risk of dangerous high or low blood sugar levels, both of which can be life-threatening. People with T1D overcome these challenges on a daily basis.

information from http://www.jdrf.org

My Father lost his eye site due to the disease and went blind before I was born he taught me what "blind Faith" really means.

He lived it every second of every day.

I cherish this ring it's the perfect multi-daily reminder for me.

Funny story Chris forgot about the ring and didn't give it to me until the day after Christmas, what a goof.

I have seen the sunrise and sunset 6 out of the last 7 days. Yesterday I slept from 8pm-1am and then 6am-3pm talk about yuck! I needed the sleep so bad I was a walking zombie. Have you ever been so tired you just cry...ya that was me.

Chris is always the best husband he took care of business here at home he took Taimi to church taught my class and made sure I had a delicious green smoothie awaiting right when I got up.

Chris only has 4 more home games of the season. They won a big game on Saturday. Usually after every home game the head coach says a few things to the fans and than the team and their families sit down in the "VIP" room and eat dinner together. I took off right after the game

(the first time I left early after Chris's games EVER)

I had been up since 1am and my leg was throbbing so I walked home and sadly missed Chris give a pep speech to the entire crowd. He pump them up and did this crazy chant they do at german soccer games.

The crowd loved him (of course)and I missed it :(

Lets just say I made him re-enact it over the dinner table last night.

Chris buys Capri Sonnes and puts them on the shelve in the fridge. Taimi opens the door gets on her tippy toes and carefully pulls one out. Lets just say when the fridge is stocked with Capri Sonnes thats nearly her entire diet...

at least he buys the multi vitamin (whatever that means)

However the point I really wanted to make is that Taimi can pull one up out of the shelf on the fridge door.

On her birthday I measured her at 33 inches over Christmas the doctor measured her at 37 inches. Her birthday is in October that was only 2 months ago. How is that even possible thats 2 inches per month.

Christmas Morning and New Years Eve

2012-01-04T12:31:00.005-07:00

This year was so much fun. Taimi was so excited for Christmas morning, present opening and to see what Santa brought.

I love Christmas morning I am usually up at the break of dawn waking up everyone! This year I let Taimi and Chris sleep in a few extra hours so that they wouldn't be tired throughout the day.

The funnest thing for Santa (C&A) was putting together the Minnie Mouse kitchen together while watching 4 Christmases and drinking spices apple cider. It was so much fun I will never forget it and look forward to doing it MANY Christmases to come.

It didn't take much to wake Taimi up in the morning she was pretty bright eyed and ready to make her way to the living room.

Taimi made a few best friends this trip one of them being Uncle Jonathan. She loves this kido. Every morning she would wake up and ask where Jonatan is.

One night Chris was putting Taimi to bed when out of no where

Taimi looked up at Chris and said

"Daddy, I not tired. Can I play with Jonatan?" so cute.

Taimi was so happy it was such a great morning.

She took a little nap while playing with her presents and eating her candy.

We went to my sisters ward to hear our brother Collin sing in their magnificent choir.

I cried like a baby to Away in A Manger.

The rest of Christmas was semi peaceful except the

Emergency Room trip.

I popped a blood vessel in my shin hurt like the dickens and swelled up the size of a softball.

I thought for sure I had broken my leg.

My Mom Chris and Taimi rushed me to the ER. After x-rays, an ace bandage, and drying my eyes we made our way to Christmas dinner at my Sisters house. We had a white elephant exchange game and played a very long game of Apples to Apples

we nearly ran out of red cards if that's possible.

It was a fantastic Christmas one I will never forget. My favorite part believe it or not was sitting in the ER with Chris right by my side comforting me, crying with me, wishing he could take the hurt away. It was my first time to the ER I am so glad I have someone like Chris in my life.

For New Years we went to one of my best friend Lindy's cabin. It was just what I needed time with friends. I miss my friends so much while I am away. (I wish I got a pic of Lindy Michelle Melanie and I)

Chris would get so into it. Every time he would come back and sit by me he would say "that was fun I want to do it again." This coming from someone who I had to throw ultimatums at in order to have him dance at our wedding.

These were the girls at the cabin. These ladies are amazing.

We stayed at the cabin until about 2am which was nutso cause we flew out that morning at 10am. We didn't get much sleep but it was totally worth it to hang out with these guys.

The plane ride home was incredibly enjoyable.

Taimi slept the entire first flight to San Fran and 5-6 hours on the next flight to Frankfurt. She didn't cry complain or whine once. She is so perfect.

Adjusting is another story.

I HATE ADJUSTING TO EUROPEAN TIME!!

In the last 3 days I have only seen the sun once!!

We have slept from 10am-7pm, 5am-5pm and than 7ish am-2pm so today I saw the sun for a good 2 hours BOOYEAH!! I hate these crazy schedules. But I am staying positive cause today Taimi went to bed at like 7pm YESSS!!!

Chris and I are eating yummy Chicken salads and root beer floats while watching You've Got Mail!

Althought we miss our families SO MUCH it's nice to get back to our simple quiet life over seas.

I have only posted 2 days out of our 14 days vacation. We did something every day including our anniversary skiing extravaganza!

Sisters

2011-12-26T11:35:00.002-07:00

This Christmas vacation I have seen at least one of my sisters if not both EVERY SINGLE day while I have been here.

There is nothing like sisters.
I am so lucky to have the best sisters in the whole world.

Our 4 years anniversary (dec 22) and this Christmas has been incredibly perfect.

(details to come)

And to think I still have one full week to see friends and hang out with the family more.

Hope everyone had a memorable Christmas Sabbath day

Such a nice beginning

2011-12-21T15:43:00.003-07:00

Our plane didn't take off until a little after 2 in the afternoon. How nice is that? I woke up at 8 to the first snow fall in Germany. It was exquisitely beautiful. I LOVE SNOW! There couldn't have been a better way to start our journey home. I cleaned the house and got ready listening to The Carpenters Christmas album and watching the snow. We made some delicious breakfast burritos.

The whole morning and afternoon was so relax and went so smooth. None of the lines at the airport were very long AND Taimi was a perfect angel AS ALWAYS. She had her own seat right by the window. She was so cute. She would yell "weeeee" "AHHHHHHHHH" she would shout with excitement "look" while she pointed out the window and clouds or as we got close to the ground lights, cars, and buildings. We arrived in DC had the most perfect layover and headed to SLC.

We arrived headed home and slept. The next morning we had visitors at around 10am and every minute since. We have done nothing but hang out with our families and enjoy the guilty American has to offer.

We went to our Lila's dance recital it jerked the tears right out of my eyes. Sherlock Holmes nuff said.

Christmas To Do list:
Scout out for Santa Christmas Eve
Riverwoods
Sledding
Skiing
Teppanyaki
Gingerbread houses
Christmas movies and hot chocolate
Kangaroo Zoo
Zoo lights
Twilight
Sherlock Holmes again (yes Chris said it's that good)
Pray for Snow
Temple Square
EAT EAT EAT EAT EAT

A day Out

2011-12-14T13:27:00.002-07:00

I don't get out alone, meaning without Taimi and Chris. I usually have one or the other right by my side AT ALL TIMES!!! Even when I try to sneak away for some alone time some one in a matter of minutes finds me. I love it! I love that we are so close! I love that we spend so much time together. Perhaps it won't always be this way so I try to enjoy it while I have it.

Today however I drove to Frankfurt ALONE! With no GPS I am pretty proud of myself.

I met up with two amazing women they are both in their 40's but we all get a long SO WELL.

Yolanda mother of 2 from The Dominican Republic and Pamela Mother of 1 from Chile.

Both of them have amazing stories about their lives. I love hanging with them and laughing with them.

They are hilarious!

We met in Frankfurt than hopped on a train to NordWestCentrum. A sweet mall to shop at Primark.

Primark blows H&M out of the water.

It's headquarters is in Dublin Ireland so I am assuming that is where it originated but I am not sure.

They are similar to H&M but cuter stuff AND half the price.

For example today I bought 5 shirts AND a skirt for 14 Euro.

I was so happy for the bargains I found and the company I was with but mostly I was happy to what I came home to.

My loving husband and my daughter's beautiful smile and opened arms.

Chris hurt his back bad in practice so after going to the chiropractor and still in incredible pain he got a cotizone shot (ouch) he said this time it felt like "someone dropped a hammer" on his hip.

I am not sure what that means all I know is it sounds painful...poor guy.

Today however he went to practice so he must be feeling much better.

We are almost all packed. There are only 4 more paper chains hanging from our wall which means in an hour when I go to bed there will only be 3 chains left...3 days till we come home!!

All i want is a white Christmas PLEASE SNOW!!!

A Gift. A Date. A Party. And Fredi's Surprise

2011-12-12T12:00:00.006-07:00

The decorating of the Christmas tree is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

Chris and I have spent 4 Christmases together.

The first Christmas we were on our honeymoon in a beautiful suite in Park City.

On Christmas eve I was crying cause we didn't have a tree and I missed my family

(it was my first Christmas home from my mission and I was away from them again)

So we ran to RiteAid and bought a FAKE (blah) small tree that lacked ornaments, tinsel, ribbons and a star.

Our second Christmas we went and picked out a beautiful tree AND even got to decorate it together.

Our third Taimi was only a few months old. We went and picked out our beautiful tree but Chris was particularly busy that year due to basketball so I decorated it myself in between feedings and my colic baby.

We were in Vegas from the 20-24 :( for a basketball tournament.

We got back from Vegas just in time for our family present exchanges.

It was a little too hectic for Christmas.

Our 4th Christmas we didn't get a tree nor did we decorate one we were packing to move back home from the Czech Republic.

This year we were not going to get a tree AGAIN because we fly home for the holidays on the 18th.

Our great friends got wind of this and surprised us with the most beautiful tree. I love this tree. It's so perfect. They even gave us some lights and some ornaments. A tree as never meant so much to us I never want to take it down.

Half of our ornaments are chocolate ones YUM! There is enough for Taimi to have one every day until we fly home, but only if she eats her lunch and is very good ;) so far she is really enjoying picking one off the tree unwrapping it and savoring the chocolaty goodness.

Every now and then Taimi will give Daddy one and they will enjoy them together.

This is the picture where she found out what was inside those adorable gold bulbs.

Taimi was so cute decorating the tree. Every time I would put one up she would find it observe it and try to take it down...she was a big help...not :)

Our friend Hannah Lucas has a little boy a little older than Taimi so we dropped her off for a play date and headed to Frankfurt to finish our Christmas shopping. I am proud to announce I finished all my shopping about 2 weeks ago...boooyeah!

A very German Bavarian hat that Chris MADE me put on for a picture. I was so nervous because the guy who owns the stand wasn't to happy that we were snapping pics.

There are so many neat nativities, nutcrackers, mugs, puppets and a million other things to buy at these Christmas markets.

Our favorite place in Frankfurt

Our friends Francois (Francewa) hosted the cutest Christmas party.

He is from France and she is from Russia so we sang Carols in German, English, Russian, French and we even sang a little Spanish! We also had foods from various countries it was so awesome!

The hosts are at the piano we love this little family they are so rad.

Esther!

It was her family that bought us our Christmas tree AND it was basically her idea. She is one of my best friends out here. She hung out with me the whole party. We spent our time singing "6 geese a laying" Chris had "eight ladies milking" and had to sing it alone hahaha Chris is the cutest mad alive.

We also spent the evening trying to get Chris to eat strange and exotic foods, playing sherades.

She is so much fun I am going to miss her while we are home AND he two sisters.

They had a kids room with fun movies.
Taimi was taxied around by Gracie this cute little girl.

My bestest German friend Friede turned 25. Sebastian her sweet BF threw her the funnest and most thoughtful surprise birthday party.

When she walked in and took off her blind fold we all had sparklers lit and sang happy birthday she started to cry and I tried not to it was really special there was a lot of love in the room.

Taimi and our matching animal hats

Dancing at the party with her pops

Taimi's heaven all you can eat M&M's I am sure she ate MY weight in M&M's

Friede is one of the most thoughtful and giving girls I have ever known.

I am so happy that we are friends and I am so glad I got to spend some time with her on her birthday.

It's been a cr cr crazy week.

I spoke in church on Sunday! It couldn't have gone better. I made Elder Bradley cry among others.

AND THAT IS A SUCCESS!!!

I will post my talk because YES it was that good, better than good.

Some of my criticts called it

"heart warming"

"So sincere"

"the best Christmas talk they have ever heard"

"full of heart"

"perfect"

I normally wouldn't brag about something like this or anything for that matter. But Chris and I both worked really hard at it and I am really proud of it.

Lately Taimi waits at the window for Daddy to come home and sings

"Daddy where are yooooooooooooouuuuuuuuu, hahahahahah" over and over and over again it's so awesome.

This week we have a shopping date, a game, a dinner, one last day off and a whole lotta packing.

Budingen And The Frogs

2011-12-06T07:42:00.006-07:00

A wonderful lady named Ursula gave us a bunch of recommendations on old golthic cities. Budingen was one of them and it's only 30 minutes away so we hopped in our van and decided to spend the day there.

We started at this cute little clothing store where Chris bought 170 Euros worth of really nice stuff for only 30 BOOYAH that is what I call bargain shopping.

It was so nice to get a few things for Chris because Taimi and I are usually the ones spending...ok I guess just I.

Taimi was a little angel the whole time she kept occupied and busy.

Don't ask I have no idea what she is reading hahaha she is so funny.

mmmmmm interesting name.

Budingen was so perfect.

It was the perfect size for us. We don't really like the really big and busy cities we prefer the little small villages.

The small villages with tiny doors and streets and of course frogs.

One thing we couldn't figure out is why frogs were scaling building all over the city. We probably saw 10 or so frogs through out Budingen it was hilarious

At around 4ish they start to turn on all the Christmas lights and thats when it really gets fun and romantic.

Their post box, how cute.

More frogs

I love how in Europe all their buildings and houses seem to be built on top of each other there's no sign of claustrophobic or personal space when it comes to buildings and houses.

also it's normal to find one leaning this drastically.

About 6 Christmas trees freckled this little town it was so nice especially since we don't have one.

Ribbit

Seriously what's up with the frogs.

This is the opening of the city wall.

I love how cities still have a wall and mote.

We had the best time and have already been back since and might even go again.

Today Chris is at a promotional event for the kids in the area. Taimi and I went for a minute but decided we would rather be at home in a quiet, warm and peaceful house. There was far to many screaming stinky elementary kids.

I get to talk in church on Sunday I am pretty excited I found some amazing stories now I just need to find a way to stop crying when I share them so people can understand me. In our Italian restaurant today I was running one of the stories past Chris to see if he liked it and ended up sobbing...in a small restaurant I am not going to lie I made it a little awkward for the people trying to eat next to us.

We go home in 12 days! JUST 12!!!!

I will post the story soon it really is such a great one.

Frankfurt all dressed up

2011-12-03T14:12:00.004-07:00

Chris has the weekend off so we spent every day visiting a different village, city and Christmas Market.

We spent one evening in Frankfurt.

It was beautiful but SO CROWDED! We shuffled along shopping and eating while little Taimi slept half the time.

One big shopping center was giving out free Lindt Chocolates and they had a Santa walking around. We went into that store more than once :)

We searched high and low and finally found a backpack that is the perfect size for Chris...I think it may even be a tad big. Best part is this one was just laying outside of a store BONUS!

Doesn't Chris look so European. This particular evening it was so warm no coats needed.

It was beautiful

The Frankfurt market spans a few good miles. It's huge!

SCONES!!! SCORE!! I love scones especially ones smothered in Nutella

In the Old square they have a giant Christmas tree like every other square in Germany along with a beautiful Nativity.

We didn't spend to much time cause it was to crowded next time we won't go on a Saturday night.

They had a band or I guess it would be an orchestra playing a top of this building. They were playing Christmas carols it was so festive

A double decker carousel!

I perfer the smaller quieter less crowded markets but this one sure was Christmas-ie

After some shopping in Zara, Mango and a few other favorite stores we made our way back to the parking garage only to find out in 2 hours we had to pay 6 Euro (cough)

We sang Christmas songs on the way home ate at Stars and than watched Home Alone while making some cookies it was a great night.

Today Chris is away at a game we miss him. It's been super cold and rainy today so Taimi and I have just been chilling at home playing together.

I can't believe it's December 15 days and counting!

Foggy Fog Fog

2011-12-01T07:16:00.003-07:00

We are so happy it's December first! Which means we go home in 17 days!

It hasn't snowed here in Germany yet. Sometimes I sleep with my blinds pulled up just in case it snows. I love the snow. I love watching it fall. I love playing in it I love driving in it. I think it's one of the most beautiful things in the world.

However even though it hasn't been snowing it sure has been foggy so very foggy.

Once at midnight we were all up watching the fog out the window so we all decided to bundle up and take a stroll through the fog.

I love driving from village to village Christmas market to Christmas market through the thick fog. It makes it so exciting not being able to see what's in front of you or around you.

It makes this time of year even more romantic in this beautiful country.

So until it snows I will be enjoying the muffled Christmas lights through the thick fog.

Other than a little Christmas shopping here or there all we have done in the last week is visit all the local Christmas markets.

Basically every single city and village hosts a market no matter how big or small.

They start the last week of November or first weekend in December and last the whole month.

Thanks and tears

2011-11-25T13:03:00.003-07:00

“Missing Ashley,Chris and Taimi”

We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving (post to come)

except for I thought my family totally forgot about me...until I saw this,

And than I cried my eyes dry.

You see I am a HUGE cry baby but hold it in 90% of the time. I told Chris the other day I wouldn't hold it in anymore if I want to cry I am going to cry.

So far I have cried during church because the cute 12 year old boy passing the sacrament breaths loud HE IS SO SWEET. I thought MAYBE sometime in his life some kids might be mean to him and literally sobbed for a good 5 minutes.

I teach the cutest little 8 year old girls at church. I cried bearing testimony to them about the blessing that Heavenly Father will give them if they pay tithing and than having them promise they will. They looked at me with such concern hahaha so cute.

I cried during the last 10 minutes of Toy Story 3 and 15 minutes after while Chris held me.

I cried before Chris left for an away game just because he was refusing to take money so he could stop and eat after the game. You see he already had money in his wallet but I wanted him to take some more in case he was really hungry. I cried. I cried pretty hard. Finally he accepted the additional Euro.

I cried when I realized my little niece is already 1 I miss her and the other nieces and nephews.

I cried when walking into the grocery store Chris stopped me to tell him I enrich his life.

I cried driving in the car listening to "I'll be home for Christmas"

I can add a few more incidents when tears were shed. Did I tell you I decided I am not going to hold in a cry only a few days ago :)

Have you read this quote before?

It's one of my favorites.

I really dislike when people apologize for crying this quote might shed more light on that for you.

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”

Washington Irving

2011-11-22T07:57:00.002-07:00

I got a kick out of a few of these.

Happy Tuesday!

THIS IS WHAT JEFF FOXWORTHY HAS TO SAY ABOUT UTAHNS!

-If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Utah.

-If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in Utah

-If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Utah.

-If 'vacation' means going anywhere south of Salt Lake...... City for the weekend, you live in Utah.

-If you measure distance in hours, you live in Utah.

-If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Utah.

-If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Utah.

-If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked, you live in Utah.

-If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Utah.

-If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in Utah.

-If the speed limit on the highway is 75 mph -- you're going 80, and everyone is still passing you, you live in Utah.

-If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in Utah.

-If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Utah.

-If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly' you live in Utah.

-If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your friends, you live in Utah.

Yesterday we walked around town and watched as they were decorating the city. Our town is kicking off the Christmas season on Friday, lighting up the town with Christmas lights. They also put an ice skating rink in the middle of the square and Christmas tree.

Today Chris has a game it's 2 hours away so little peanut and I will be hanging out in Hanau. Since Chris has a game on Tuesday we have Wed-Sunday off! We are trying to figure out what to do and where to go. It seems all the Christmas markets and starting this weekend which we are so thrilled about. There is nothing like a European Christmas market. I am almost done with my Christmas shopping and happy to say I have done all of it sitting in my warm flat watching Christmas movies with cinnamon on the stove boiling and making our flat smell delicious.

Adorable

2011-11-20T14:35:00.002-07:00

I was surfing through the Disney store online and came across a toy of the year. These totally incredibly adorable Disney princess dolls.

I have to get Taimi one but don't have any idea how I am going to narrow it down.

The disney store also has some great buy one get one free....fyi

paparazzi

2011-11-20T09:57:00.004-07:00

We have a big USA Christmas fun list for when we go home.

Number 1 on the list HAIRCUTS especially for this little girl and her raggedy hair do.

This is what you get when you have a very strong spirited girl who won't let you put anything in her hair...and I mean absolutely anything.

I love having camera's in my face through a 2 hour basketball game. And when I say cameras I mean more than one. I love that they are 100% not even trying to get pictures of me it's all about Taimi.

This adorable little charmer.

28 more days till we fly home!!!

Chris had the most amazing game last night,

24pts 12 rebounds 3 steals with some assists and blocks on top of that.

It was a really fun game we had a lot of fans come from our church which was so nice.

We have such great friends and supporters. And we love seeing familiar faces in the crowd.

After the game we had a short amount of time to get some dinner in the VIP room visit our friends and than race to the grocery store.

Grocery stores close about 10pm here and are closed until Monday morning we made it with 15 minutes to spare.

hahahahaha

2011-11-18T06:23:00.003-07:00

I was trying to come up with the title for this blog post while looking at this picture all I could do was laugh "hahahaha" so there you have it folks.

I am almost always the first one up in our house. Sometimes when Chris knows I am tired he will sneak Taimi out of our room and let me sleep.

(this is her "say cheese" face

I love it!

The only cheese she knows is the stinky aged European cheese which is why her cheese face is a stinky cheese face.

I like getting up for a few reasons mostly because I love watching Taimi wake up and walk into our living room. Sometimes she walks in wearing my little piggy shoes. Either way I always hear her little feet pitter patter against our floors.

Taimi may just be the pickiest eater in the entire universe.

So via this incredible womens blog http://www.mckennagordon.com/blog/

We went and bought a nice blender and are making green smoothies every day.

Chris and I love them.

This little peanut on the other hand needs so coaxing...meaning...

Chris and I secretly sneak her green juice in a empty juice box.

Sometimes it works sometimes it takes a little more coaxing.

Taimi is hilarious! She is always making us laugh and acting out movies.

Her favorite one to act out is winnie the pooh when he sings while

"up down and tough the ground" where he is trying to improve his appetite.

She even says "stuff and fluff" while she ties the hole that just ripped in her back.

Than she drags over a chair to one of our cupboard looking for something to eat "milk, honey, chocolate"

We went to our first away game a few weeks ago and after having to pay 7 Euros each it might be our last.

Taimi feel asleep in the car and slept in Freidrikes arms for almost half the game.

Which is amazing. If you have been to a European professional game you know they have noise makers, drums, drums and more drums.

We fed the sister missionaries a couple days ago. They are so great! Memories started flooding in from my mission it was nice.

Next weekend Chris has Friday-Sunday off :) and it just so happens to be the weekend all the Christmas markets kickoff. HECK to the Yeah! I am so excited! I have 3 that are a must see and can't wait. We weren't hear in German last year this time so we are anxious to see what it has to offer.

They put up a 50 foot tall tree in our square RIGHT OUTSIDE MY WINDOW.

It's real so the square smells like pine needles we are not getting a christmas tree so it's nice to smell the tree when I open my window or walk outside.

They put lights on half of it already and they are starting to set up little green roofed ginger bread huts next to the tree. I can't wait! I guess we will have a Christmas market right in my front yard.

I have been putting off potty training long enough...I think it's time

duhduhduuuuuuuuuuuuuh

two cents please

2011-11-14T14:03:00.003-07:00

I need some recommendations and I figure this blog might be the best way. So please if you have any impute comment comment comment :)

1. I want to do like a 3 day detox or cleanse. Does anyone have any recommendations or information? If so please let me know.

I googled it and there are like 10 billion results sheesh!

2. I want to get Chris some cologne for Christmas (shhhhh) he is totally out. I usually buy Jean Paul Gaultier and Very Sexy but I think we want to try something new this time around. What are some of your favorites? The fragrance shops here are incredibly daunting so I think going in with a few new ones will be much better.

3. Have any of you tried hyaluronic acid serum? Before I get some I wanted to hear a first hand account on the product and it's effectiveness.

4. Who out there has some picky incredibly finicky eaters?? I DO!?! and I am totally lost on the subject any guidance whatsoever will be so appreciated.

danke schön

Weekend at a glance

2011-11-13T06:56:00.002-07:00

This weekend Chris had Friday and Saturday off which was so incredibly nice. Taimi is under the weather so we stayed close to home both days.

Friday we roamed around our cute little city window shopping trying to get some good ideas for Christmas gifts. Than we went to our local park kicked, pushed, shuffled with our feet a bunch of leaves into one pile hoping Taimi would have a good time playing in them. All she wanted to do was go down the slide so after we did that. We got a bunch of take out came home and stuffed our faces while watching Fred Clause.

Saturday we started packing a little to come home for Christmas (we are a little excited) than we packed lunches and snacks and made our way to the Hessen Center. An indoor mall. We felt right at home with the decorations and such it was marvelous. They don't have nearly as many indoor malls as we do back home. They are kind of hard to find. We spent a good 4 hours there.

We stopped to get some gelato about 2 hours later Chris realized he couldn't find his wallet. With prayers on our lips and in our hearts Chris went back to trace our steps. About 2 hours lapsed since we last saw the wallet so he had a lot of steps to trace. All I could think was how in the world are we going to pay for parking and get out of here? Paying for parking is all done by machines.

About 30 minutes later I see my cute husband looking for me close to where he left me with a big bulge in his pocket and a million dollar smile on his face. He found the information desk the lady working spoke no english so looking for someone to help him explain the situation and with his emotions soaring high 10 or so people started to crowd in to see what this American giant of a man was trying to explain. Finally someone stepped in to help...once the lady revealed the black leather wallet the crowd applauded and cheered...funny huh? I wish I could have seen it. Not a penny was missing. Bless that persons sweet heart! There are so many good people in this world.

I was called into primary and today was our primary program. It was fantastic. I loved it. My girls did amazing! What was even nicer is Taimi slept through the whole program so I could sit on the stand without her wanting to run up and down the stairs and Chris got to just sit and enjoy it.

Chris is at a game in Frankfurt today. So Taimi and I are making a countdown paper chain, reading books, and watching Mickey's twice upon a Christmas her new favorite movie.

Taimi has been waking up at 5am so hopefully we can squeeze a nap in there somewhere.

**wish for snow**

Beautiful Sundays

2011-11-10T12:56:00.004-07:00

We can't park our van outside our little flat cause it's a pedestrian only area. We park the van about a 5 minute or more walk away. So about 10:30am we head out the door and make our way to our vehicle to go to church.

We pass by a little stream with ducks and swans.

So after church and after we get a bit to eat we head over to feed the ducks and swans

She looks so grown up with her little backpack on I can hardly stand it.

She can spell her name "T-A-I-M-I that's me Taimi"

She sings her ABC's and every time she sees an advertisement she tries to spell it out

"ATVSTUNV" as she points to the word. She is of course always way off but I will give her credit she usually gets the T's right.

She has really learned to pucker out that bottom lip when she wants her way.

It gets Daddy every single time. Can you blame him?

To get to the ducks and mutant swans

(they are unusually huge and scare the bogs out of me)

We have to trounce through this roughage.

At lease she always has hand to hold.

I had to wibble wobble my way through in my wedge boots.

I don't think this girl is afraid of anything.

I on the other hand stayed about this far away the whole time.

She reminds myself of my Sister Liz she always seems so fearless

I hope this never changes

To be fearless is to be FULL OF FAITH!

I am absolutely in love with this picture.

It captures my heart.

This one too.

Taimi...

Mommy

Loves

You

soooooo much!

I hope you always run to me.

So Sunday we went and heard President Uchtdorf speak again in his home town and Chris got to meet him this time :) it was great to be there all together

One more thing....

We have big news Chris Taimi and I,

will be hopping on a big giant plane December 18th headed for Utah.

We get to come home for Christmas for 2 full weeks!

I haven't stopped smiling since I saw our itinerary in Chris's inbox.

Amazing Day/Night

2011-11-05T16:07:00.006-06:00

Today we had a baptism of one of our friends Eric. He is from Ghana. Chris was asked to give a talk on the Holy Ghost which was pretty cool. It was a great baptism. After the baptism we went and ate at KFC than got a few groceries.

At around 4pm Taimi and I braved the 9 passanger van to our chapel in Offenbach.

WHY you may ask?

"well now I'll tell ya" (in Lotso the bear's voice)

If you don't watch Toy Story 3 never mind...

President Uchtdorf last minute organized a fireside for the members here in Deutschland.

It's his birthday tomorrow.

What better place to celebrate than his native land.

We had translators it was neat to hear him speak in German.

He is from Darmstadt which is a short distance from here and also where he will be speaking again tomorrow. We are so going. Chris had a game so it was just Taimi and I tonight.

My cute friend Leslie and her two girls joined us it was a great GNO.

Taimi and I arrived at 4:30pm the fireside didn't start till 7...yikes!

I went so early to make sure I had enough room to park our honker of a van AND to sit at the feet of this marvelous man....literally.

During the hymns Taimi likes to stand on my lap and follow the chorister. She waves her hand back and forth it's so cute. Tonight during the closing Hymn Taimi like she does followed the chorister so while cute little Taimi was doing here thing President Uchtdorf was charmed by her enthusiasm and perseverance (it was a long song) watching her with his familiar bright grin.

After the fireside he went from person to person. His path was coming right for us. I like to think it was deliberate, he wanted to meet the kinder chorister (kinder is child in German)

He finally looked our way and came to say hi. He shook our hands Taimi also got a high five.

He was speaking to us in German I was so happy and flabbergasted that it took me a second to inform him that we only speak English.

He was the most loving man his eyes are pure and incredibly beautiful so piercing.

What a great night.

I can't wait for tomorrow to do it all over again.

What a nice man to take time out of his trip to uplift us all and make us feel special.

Chris's game was amazing they lost but Chris had a great performance. He had 3 amazing dunks blocked about 5 shots and a ton of points and rebounds. He is so excited and happy about it. I am sad I missed it.

Rambling on...

2011-11-02T14:49:00.004-06:00

Right now I am loving reading every few months I go through stages where I read like a mad women and than slow it down a bit and come back to reality. I get so emotionally involved in books it's as if I joined the story and I am among the characters that fire up my imagination.

Sometimes I cry when I finish a book like I have lost a long time friend that I will never see again.

It sounds strange doesn't it.

I do the same thing with movies.

Every time I watch Toy Story 3 I sob like a baby cause it's the end. I hate endings!

I have read Goose Girl, Inkheart and The Spiderwick Chronicles all in the last 3 days. I LOVED GOOSE GIRL loved loved loved it.

Inkheart was good I was excited to watch the movie after I read the book. It was a complete disappointment the book is a million times better.

and the Spiderwick Chronicles are cute I read those ones in a matter of hours. I read while taimi naps or sleeps. Chris goes to practice at 8pm and thats about when Taimi goes to bed so I have a good 3 hours to kill until Chris gets home again.

I came across this website

Photoboother.com

I really have had a lot of fun with it.

You're TWO two 2

2011-11-02T05:47:00.004-06:00

Once Chris and I notices she was up we jumped on the bed hollering happy birthday you're two. She just smiled and laid there.

We made her the breakfast of champions Nougat bits. Chocolate squares filled with chocolate nougat.

After breakfast we opened presents. She got some playmobil toys from the playmobil fun park.

She loves her new toys. I put them in a little draw string bag and she carried them around all day.

The day was low key but it was all about Taimi we spent the either on the floor playing with her or walking around with her it was fun.

Before lunch we took a walk around the block.

We had lunch at "the" Italian restaurant while still playing with her toys.

Taimi got 2 cakes because she is 2 of course and Daddy wouldn't have it any other way.

Taimi knows the Happy Birthday song VERY WELL!!

She enjoys blowing out candles. At all the restaurants we eat at they have candles burning on top the tables so she will sing the song and blow out the candles.

We sang to her about 6 times that night per cake

I have her singing on camera but can't upload it :(

The whole day we would shout "Taimi you're two" and she would reply "two"

"Taimi why do you get two cakes?" and she would reply "Im two"

The next day our friends FriedeRike and Sebastian threw her a birthday party with all our friends.

It was a Unicorn themed party and they put up a ton of decorations.

They are the greatest friends!!

I made Taimi a vanilla three tiered cake with strawberry cream cheese filling with strawberry icing. It was so delicious! I was mighty proud of the thing.

Log and Natalie got her a little green bear that also is connected to a blanket just like taimi girl.

The Grunke family came they have 3 cute little kids that played with Taimi.

Again we sang to her a few times and again she got 2 cakes.

Every single person even got up and we had a giant game of ring around the rosies!

We are so glad Chris's teammates and our friends came to celebrate Taimi with us. The team got her this cute little table and chairs to play and color on.

Thank you for making Taimi's birthday abroad so special.

I will keep trying to upload some pictures of the party.

Today we are having the missionaries over for dinner. Cooking Schnitzel with egg noodles and homemade alfredo sauce. For dessert oatmeal butterscotchies :)

Taimi is hilarious she has taken upon herself to use our white clean walls as a canvas for her artwork (picture to follow in the near future)

I am looking forward to cleaning it off with a blow dryer...NOT

Halloween Reminiscing

2011-10-31T15:38:00.005-06:00

I love Halloween. I have great Halloween memories from when I was little. My Mom would make all our costumes and they were grade A costumes the best of the best.

Around dusk after eating a bowl of Chili we would all hop in the van while my mom drove us around Provo city. My Mom would drop us off at the beginning of a block while my Dad briskly walked with us or maybe he would stay home and pass out candy, we would race from house to house trick-or-treating together. My Mom would drove along side us we would all pile back into the van at the end of the block and we would do it all over again. hahaha so awesome of my parents!!

We would hit up special houses like the dentist who gave away tooth brushes, the granny-B pink cookie house, Osmond lane, friends, grandparents, bishops, home teachers, etc.

With jack-o-lantern buckets filled to the brim we would make out way back home. My siblings and I would mark a territory on the carpet dump out all our candy and put them into categories for example, snickers, smarties, Halloween themed candy (chocolate eyeballs), candy bars and such. My Mom would put in Disney's Halloween, only the best Halloween cartoons ever and we would trade our loot one with another.

Those were some of the best times.

I am excited to carry on every single one of my families Halloween traditions.

(Note to self I have to find the old school Disney's Halloween on DVD)

For now we make the best of what we have been given.

Taimi wore a lady bug costume that my Mom and sister sent her.

We had to put it on her while she was taking a nap

otherwise there was NO WAY she would wear it! Yes folks she is two! :)

We were not sure if we had time to trick-or-treat because Chris has a early evening practice but decided for Taimi we needed to go. So we went trick-or-treating with some friends it was a great time. We couldn't trick-or-treat very long because Chris had

practice. So we stopped at McDonald's ate some delicious cheeseburgers.

I am not being sarcastic either I really think they are delicious.

Gave Daddy a kiss goodbye.

Taimi and I watched some Halloween cartoons and I laid her down.

Now Chris and I will cuddle up together with some top ramen, candy, and cookies and watch either, Monster House, Hocus Pocus, or Disney's Watcher in the Woods.

It was a great day especially considering they don't really recognize Halloween as a holiday.

Days like this I long to be home.

So all you Americans out there enjoy the walking, knocking and ringing of door bells. The buckets, pillow cases and strob lights, the screams, laughs, itchy costumes, wigs and excessive make-up. The smell of jack-o-lanterns (oh how I love that smell) the bread bowls full of soup, guessing whose dressed up as what, watching the kiddies run from house to house and especially the great times with family and friends all dressed up and festive. You don't know how lucky you are it's a fun holiday to be a part of.

Happy Halloween!!

Taimi and ect

2011-10-30T16:14:00.004-06:00

Taimi was having a cough attack during sacrament at church. We don't usually like to take her out into the hall because I don't want her to think she can get out of sacrament by being disruptive but a cough is a different story, take it away honey.

I took Taimi into the hallway to get a drink of water from the fountain, hoping that this would help her cough. After she finished drinking from the fountain she looked up and saw this picture of the Savior with John the Baptist. Immediately she announced "Ja-ee-shush-in Wahherr." I was very impressed, surely she was right. Jesus was in the water. Back to you Ash.

Thank you Chris :)

Today I smoked Chris in Marbles in a jar beating Chris at anything is rare so I am proud of myself.

The owner of the gym we work at who is a world champion flex poser who is absolutely going to pop any day now owns a huge terribly horrifying bull dog that just roams around the gym. I on one hand am terrified of the snaggle tooth dog Taimi on the other chases it down kisses it giggles with it and seems to be quite excepting of the creature Chris likes it.

We just learned you can get paid $140 Euro per kid while living in Germany from the government chaching!! And that my friends is what we will be doing tomorrow afternoon.

We set the clocks back today for day light savings I love setting the clocks back.

Oh yeah and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Taimi talks about Winnie-the-Pooh a lot but she calls him pooh for short (of course) it creates very entertaining moments and interesting stares in public.

28

2011-10-29T03:34:00.009-06:00

It all started with of course the opening of presents :) one of my favorite things in this world. Even if I am not the one to be opening the presents I find such happiness in watching someone open presents.

Than my cute friend Emily made a surprise visit with some presents for me and Taimi. We just love her and her adorable family. They stayed and visited for awhile.

Logan and Natalie came over to watch Taimi so Chris and I could have the day together and this is what we did.

It started at the Italian Restaurant.

I call it "the" Italian restaurant because it's the only one we eat at. we get to eat here 5 days a week for free it's in our contract. And we do eat here 5 days a week. Luckily we are not sick of it yet.

I ordered Penne Alla Panna this is what I eat about 4 days a week...seriously!

mmmm it's so good.

With full bellies well mine was full Chris's was probably half full we started on our adventure.

We picked a near by city we hadn't visited yet and made our way to Steinheim.

It's interesting how many times we pass by this city never really taking the time to enjoy how incredibly beautiful it is.

So with the Ipad in my purse playing my birthday playlist we walked and talked.

I was a little beyond happy having less to carry and worry about since Taimi was safe at home with our good friends.

I was bouncing off the walls literally!!

I think we need to get a babysitter more often.

We found this little spot and listened to Bella Notte and dream a little dream of me by my girl Ella Fitzgerald while we danced it was perfect and exactly how I imagined this day going.

This roof looks like something out of whoville. It was completely crooked.

This really is somebody's house I fell in love with it!!

We sat at this gate for so long talking acting out the songs we were listening to just having a great time.

I don't need much to be happy just this guy a little girl and that's about it.

Than we made out way to McDonalds for one of my favorite little snacks.

A caramel sundae with a hot apple pie, delicious.

We went into a questionable store after taking no less than one step into the store stunned and a little terrified we backed our way out

We started missing our little lady and made our way home.

One of my favorite birthday cakes ever, cinnamon rolls.

At first I was sad cause I didn't think Chris got me a cake an

d I wasn't sure if he was going to sing to me. But after practice at about 11:00pm he popped some cinnamon rolls in the over and tadah the house was filled with the beautiful song of Happy Birthday.

What a great day!

Thanks to Logan and Natalie for making it happen.

And especially Chris for roaming the cobble with me.

Ding dong where has the time gone??

2011-10-25T07:52:00.006-06:00

This hear is the view from my bedroom you see that steeple in the back?

that sucker contains a giant bell.

Said bell drives me nuts sometimes.

Not because the ding and dong shake our house but because it doesn't make any sense.

Most bells make sense like the one I lived by growing up would chime a beautiful hymn "all is well" and than ding whatever time it was which makes sense it tells us all is well at (?) o.clock.

You see I can't figure out the ringing schedule or the amount of times it rings.

For example on Sunday it rings at either 9:25am for 10 minutes or so or it rings at 9:35am for 10 minutes or so AND THEN it rings AGAIN at 10:00am for another 5-10 minutes.

It just doesn't make sense.

I wish it was consistent. whats the point? what is this bell trying to say?

Sometimes it rings at 2:00 sometimes at 3:00 sometimes not at all.

At least I can always count on that darn but beautiful bell to ding and dong at 10:00PM yes 10:00PM for exactly 100 times.

Thank goodness it never seems to bother Taimi while she sleepzzzz.

nevertheless it's beautiful and it's one reason europe is so different from America.

I went to check on Taimi while she was napping startled I didn't find her in her bed. I sat there still and quiet trying to listen for her breathing indeed I heard her and found her here in this tent her little cousin gave her for Christmas.

Precious!

Chris said goodbye to his sweetie pies for 3 days and 2 nights.

It was the longest Chris and I have been away from each other since his Senior year of college.

And it was the longest Chris and I went without talking or seeing each other since our missions.

Our phones wouldn't work cause he was in Luxembourg and we couldn't skype cause his netbook broke on the way up there.

It was a rough 3 days but we survived look he even brought me the chocolate that he found on his pillow :) hahaha so thoughtful.

She is getting so big and is talking so much lately it's freakin me out.

FREEZE!!

So can swing on a swing alone ride the carnival rides alone eat without our assistance and play on the playground without our boasts.

At least she needs a good cuddle when falling asleep and loves to kiss and hug.

She has a never ending supply of "i Love you"s and freely gives them out. along with kisses. She loves to kiss us on our cheeks, lips, forehead basically anywhere we have smooched her she will smooch back and I love it!!

Today we spent our entire morning almost 4 hours to be exact at the doctor I don't care what anyone says socialized medicine is the worst!

Monday FHE

2011-10-20T02:45:00.002-06:00

Monday they didn't have practice so we spent the evening bowling with friends next best thing to family.

they all love and care for taimi so much it's heartwarming to watch

Chris didn't bowl as well as he is so of course he blamed it on the ball.

I was terrible but bowled most the time with a toddler on my leg or hip but hey I would have bowled terribly anyway. Logan baked a turkey and the rest of us just had a great time.

The best part about being in Hanau are these guys!!

Legos legos and rides

2011-10-20T02:09:00.007-06:00

We spent out last day at LegoLand. Neither of us had any idea what to expect for we have never been to a legoland. It was nice a little pricey for what you get (it's no Disneyland)

This boat ride might have been my favorite part of the day. It was a lot of fun watching Chris and Taimi in their own little boat.

Taimi took the wheel and was in complete control of the boat she decided to ram boat number 13 didn't these ladies know 13 is an unlucky number. Taimi rammed em good too hahahaha

Other than ramming other boats and going terribly slow she did a great job.

She is a natural nautical

I rode this ride and regretted every minute of it. Thanks to this hero ride I was sick the rest of the day. Stupid spinning hero arm!

Don't sweat it honey you are a king in my eyes!

We rode this train 6 times around a little play area it seemed like we went around a million times. But she loved it! Our train conductor was a cute old white haired man who waved at Taimi the whole time and gave her a high five each time she went around....really each time!

Lego world or whatever it's called was neat all the cities and buildings were based off places in Europe. It was fun to see places we had been made out of legos.

The night before and morning of it was a little chilly and rainy so I wore some boats pants and a sweatshirt...blast! It was blazin the rest of the day so by this time my feet were on fire and I was so hot.

A lot of play areas for bigger kids to play in and on which means I got to play on them also to assist out little precious nugget.

This under ground water aquarium was Taimi's favorite place in Legoland. She could have sat perched in this little nook all day long.

Since Mommy was a little sick we got to watch Chris ride some fun rides.

This one has guns on the side so passersbys could squirt them but watch out cause every coupld squirts it back fires and will get you.

Me being...well...me sat by and squirted Chris until I figured it's about ready to backfire....so I would sit and wait until someone would come and press it than I would watch them get soaked. I got a kick out of it. One was a lady in her 50's that was the funniest.

I thought this was funny.

We ended the day with some gelato of course.

It was a great weekend for out little bumble bee.

This trip we witnessed our first playground dilemma. Taimi was getting picked on by some 9 year old girl who practically body slammed Taimi ran into a little hiding area came out and tried to do it again. I wanted to scream at her and drag her to her stupid parents where ever they were but ran grabbed taimi and letf the area instead. As we were leaving we saw her try to do it to another kid even younger than Taimi the parents of that child looked like they were saying a few words to the little monster.

Sometimes I wonder where the parents are...get involved and pay attention parents!!!

I would so rather have my child be picked on! Cause that little girl was the worst!

Lately I run to the fitness factory (local gym) and Chris meets me their in the van. They have this cute little room Taimi plays in while Chris and I work out. It's really the perfect life.

Everyday we either go to the play ground together or gym together than we go eat lunch hang out until dinner go eat dinner hang out until practice dad goes to practice he is only gone about 3 hours at the most taimi goes to bed while mommy has mommy time waits for daddy so daddy and mommy can have daddy mommy time.

we go to bed and than do it all over again.

It's a simple but wonderful life we live.

Hotel Falk

2011-10-17T12:06:00.003-06:00

After having a grand old time at Playmobil we hopped in our 9 passenger van and headed east to Legoland Deutschland.

The hotel we were to stay at that night was about 20 minutes from Legoland in a little city called....hmmmm I can't remember.

It was the cutest little city we just loved driving through it knowing we get to spent the night here.

Besides one of the windiest roads in existence perhapes even windier than Lombard street (thats the street in San Fran right??) ANYWAY there was tons of these neon green fields and...

Tractors!

These giant suckers were everywhere it was funny and enjoyable.

We finally arrived at our beautifully quaint old and as you can see "top of the line" hotel :)

It was the old family run inn and it was just so German.

I wish I got a few picture of the inside.

The very old lady welcomed us at the door confirmed we were the "mills" she didn't speak English showed us to our room gave us our key that weighed nearly 6 pounds said something that seemed important in German and walked away.

uh huh? we love it here.

The beds were so comfortable and the pillows and blankets made it seem as if we were sleeping with clouds it was marvelous.

I couldn't figure out which way to turn the knob for hot water so I took a pointless 5 minute cold shower only to find I had been turning it the wrong way.

Taimi gathered all the pillows in one spot so she could leap onto them.

It was at this point I realized I left her favorite yellow winnie-the-pooh sippy cup in the van. Having wet hair and it being dark I opted to wait and see if in the middle of the night she needed it. Than I would be happy to go for her.

Well about 4ish in the morning that time came. So I pulled on my most favorite leopard print bearpaw boots along with Chris's jacket and headed down the old dark creaky staircase towards the huge door that welcomed us that night only to find it locked! huh? Has fear and confusion rushed over me. Fear coming to the realization I may or may not be trapt in this crazy old hotel and confused wondering why in the world this door is locked.

I went running up the stairs like Ralphie from A Christmas Story in his bunny outfit with my hands pounding the stairs and my boots coming up in the rear.

I run in to tell Chris the news seeing the fear in my eyes he lovingly decided he would go scope out the situation for me.

About 5 minutes or so went by Chris was still investigating OR I figured he got that giant door open and went to go find her cup.

He returned only to tell me that sure enough we were locked in the hotel and he couldn't find a soul to help us. Then he started laughing and mentioned how we were now in the hotel from tower of terror and went right back to be.

He clearly didn't realized how disturbing the situation was to me especially after that comment I didn't sleep another wink...literally.

What wierdies locking their guests in like that. I didn't care of that. Not one bit!

Playmobil a fun park for a fun girl

2011-10-15T08:13:00.009-06:00

Chris had a weekend off and since every time Chris has free time we go somewhere Chris and I want to go this time we planned the weekend for our little girl Taimi. The whole trip was planned with her in mind trying to give her the best weekend ever.

It all started with a trip in the southern part of Germany.

You see Playmobil produces GREAT toys!

However, Playmobil produces even better fun parks.

The company was founded in Germany so these toys and parks are not far between.

We started off at the slides probably our favorite area in the whole park. There was also little mats you could sit on to go even faster.

To get up to the slides we had to make our way across various rope obstacles.

Keeping steady on these ropes with a precious little bundle on your hip is no easy task this whole day was a work out and we loved it!!

They had a Noah's ark where you could play with their Noah's ark toys

(this pic is out of place)

I love this picture cause it gives you an idea of how long these slides are and how high up you get to climb through the trees.

They also had a pirate ship with a lower deck with cannons and spy holes.

You had to cross bridges over water to get onto the ship OR you could take your own little raft huckleberry fin style and row your way over.

We opted for the bridge given we have a 2 year old.

We put Taimi in shackles or what have you.

But clearly she didn't like it.

Bless her heart cause this picture just melts mine.

They had the most beautiful castle fit with secret tunnels and passages underneath it for the dragon slayers.

Taimi and Chris are in that top level of one of the steeples

This castle was fit for a queen our queen

You could joust with horses.

She was so happy perched atop her white stallion.

Ok now here are the Noah's ark toys that you could play with in a ton of different troths

We couldn't go wrong this day she was happy as a bee all the day long.

They even had a beautiful barn where you could milk cows for real well except the cows aren't real and water would come out not milk. Along with milking the cows they had horses you could brush down and feed.

The adorable barn.

Not to mention their indoor play area the multiple play grounds fitted with incredible things and huge toy area where you could play with all their toys...a child's dream right?

We stayed until they kicked us out. finishing the last few minutes we had stuffing out faces with gelato and...

a few last rides down these incredibly awesome slides.

I was sneaky enough to get her a few birthday gifts for her 2nd birthday.

Looks like we are going to make our return for a few Christmas presents as well.

After we made our way to McDonald's than to our hotel for the night Hotel Falk.

Boy do i have a story for you about this hotel but that is a whole new post of it's own.

It was an incredibly fabulous day!

A day just for Taimi.

Taimi.Adaline.Miles

2011-10-11T04:39:00.009-06:00

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TAIMI!

The night before she was born we finished decorating her room while watching Polar Express I am not sure how I slept but I managed to get a good nights rest before having to wake up at 5am to get to the hospital by 6. We drove listening to some calming Josh Groban while making a stop at Betos for some big fat breakfast burritos (yum) what I would give for one of those greasy things.

It was the most perfect morning besides having an itch all over my entire body due to a side effect some medicine it all went so smooth so peaceful so unforgettable.

You came into this world with ease and you live your worry free perfect little life with the same ease.

I always say during the "labor and delivery" it really was less labor and more delivery. Taimi I am convinced you did most the work.

I feel like I turned around while you were cooing and gurgling and now you can run climb talk and sing.

You always keep us on our toes and smiles on our faces.

You still suck your two fingers (index and middle) and you also still cuddle and love your purple blanket.

You become more and more independent as the days go by.

You don't need us as much as you used to you can even ride the carnival rides alone without us by your side.

You have become such a big girl.

You adjust and adapt to every situation we put you in.

So far you have lived in 7 different houses, apartments and flats and dozens for hotels.

Nothing gets you down.

You have one of the greatest attitudes just like your Daddy.

It's remarkable how much you talk and all the words and phrases you know.

Some of our favorite being,

help me please. I'm sorry. bye, love you. bath with bubbles. oh no. it stinks. Don't be sad, don't cry. hurry lets go, come on.

No matter what random city or country we take you to you manage to always have a good time and smile along the long journey.

pookey bear

pookey wookey

Taimi whimey

Hunny Bunny

If there ever is tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we are apart...I'LL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.

Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh

Pin Pong/Table Tennis

2011-10-08T09:10:00.003-06:00

We were in attendance at one of the local Ping Pong matches or is it table tennis? Is there even a difference? Anyway it was everything I expected a table tennis match to be

except for it's extremely quiet while they are in action.

Although my only real exposure to ping pong is "around the world" so that's not saying much.

The lack of noise was a little bit nerve racking with this little nugget in the stands.

She loved it. She loved that ever little peep she would make I would hush her and put my finger up to my lips. She loved that her loud yelps brought all eyes upon her. She loved that she had every ones attention. Luckily after a big play everyone would clap with these wooden paddles to drown her out.

On the opposing side there was a world ranked little Asian kid #35 to be exact! We missed his skills but we heard he was incredible.

I don't understand this game but I love their uniforms and the way they serve the ball.

Around these parts they start training you super early to be a ping pong oh sorry table tennis champion. BOOO YAH.

Someones birthday is in 2 days and another smaller someone in 4!!

Taimi and I are heading to Chris's game in Langen Fredo is going to drive us. We are excited to see Chris in a black jersey tearin it up.

Seriously....

2011-10-07T03:32:00.002-06:00

Yes here is another Emma Watson post. Last one EVER I promise.

I just really like this quote!

"I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder. - Emma Watson

Emma Watson

2011-10-05T12:19:00.006-06:00

I am not crazy for celebrities but I am crazy for Emma.

I am always super impressed with the way she handles herself and lives her life.

I mean come on, who can move and create these kinds of poses while still looking graceful, feminine, elegant AND gorgeous.

I can't get enough of this cute girl.

Hair and Braids

2011-10-04T09:55:00.003-06:00

Since my personal hair stylist and best friend is thousands of miles away I turn toTheBeautyDepartment

It's by far one of my most favorite go to fashion and style website.

So far I have done all the hair tutorials here are my favorites.

What a clever way to tie your braid! Can never go wrong with a black bow.

Wore this braid last night and loved it...seriously so easy.

Not to mention the short hair chignon video...it's so cute.

Crazy for Halloween

2011-10-03T15:13:00.006-06:00

Not so crazy about living in Germany during it. Since they don't really celebrate Halloween here Germany and we don't have our own place. Not to mention anything I purchase out here I have to pack to bring home AND I don't think craft stores exist in this country. I opt not to decorate out cute little flat BUT if I did this is what I could and would do. Oh how I look forward to not being homeless. :)

What a cute Halloween banner made entirely out of paper. (found here) this one I might be able to do here.

HOW DO I LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT DOESN'T REALLY CELEBRATE THIS CREEPY HOLIDAY IS BEYOND ME!!!

I love this clock and witch lamp I more so love the witch lamp. Love love love it! (found here)

I love these bats fluttering into the kitchen. I also would love to put them coming around my "in my dreams" porch. (found here)

These cute little monsters are made out of recycled card board tubes. (found here) A perfect family night activity. Maybe we could managed this here too. Do you think Germany sells paint cause sometimes I feel the only thing you can purchase here is stinky cheese beer, and sausage. (i am totally kidding by the way)

Chris just finished his 2 games in the last 72 hours. They are 2-1 so far this season. Chris has gotten a double double every night (i think) which is excellent since we need to try to get in a better situation next year. My birthday is in 7 days in a half an hour it will only be 6 BOOYAH! The one thing I wanted to do for my birthday is closed on Monday BOOOO (exnay on the Yah) It's this sweet place where you climb up and through the trees through various obsticals not to mention some zip lines. So...who knows what we will come up with instead. Taimi's birthday is 2 days after mine from here on out she will definitely be stealing my birthday thunder :)

Today is a national holiday here in Germany. It's the German unity day when the two Germanys signed a treaty prior to when the Berlin wall was brought down. It's not so much celebrated as it is acknowledged. Strangely enough there was a French market out front of our flat all day.

This morning I ran my bootah off trying to burn the million calories I consumed over conference weekend. Wasn't it an amazing weekend folks. I feel so much love out here in Germany.

Taimi is asleep so Chris and I are going to watch Adjustment Bureau I love this movie.

Taimi is awesome we love her she cracks us up and scares us with her boo's every day.

Music

2011-09-30T13:13:00.004-06:00

Between the jazz band playing RIGHT outside our flat, the music and screams from the rides down the street and Taimi singing the Backyardigans our house is full of messy music but I am enjoying it while sitting here playing games with Chris.

We went to the store and got the last few ingredients I need for one of my favorite weekends Fall Conference Weekend. It's full of food, traditions and the best company anyone can keep. I look forward to it every year along with Spring Conference.

Oktoberfest is under way (they don't really celebrate the Oktoberfest in September) there are rides music and various markets right outside our house it's fabulously German. Today Chris and I went on Spin Out it's a ride that spins I thought I was going to die from my brain exploding from the pressure of spinning and Chris thought his collar bone was cracked cause he was a little to BiG for the ride but rode it anyway we both can be a little dramatic.

Also I got to hang out with Natalie at our local gym while Chris ran errands with Taimi. He tried to be sneaky about it but after practically forcing me to go to the gym and the hidden shopping bags I tried not to see he clearly went shopping for my birthday which I am pretty excited about. He always tries to be so sneaky and cleaver but unfortunately I am always a few steps ahead.

Taimi is counting to 10... that's my cue to play hide and go BOOOO!!! Her all time favorite game.

Silly Taimi and a little TroLoLo

2011-09-29T12:04:00.005-06:00

You know the magnetic alphabet that you spend more time picking up off the floor than your child spends playing with them. Well today I watched Taimi has she took them off the fridge one by one and put them in her shirt. I love watching her when she doesn't know I am watching.

Once she completed this strange but adorable task she went over to where Dad was and gave him a big hug she loved the surprise on his face when he heard the clanking noise in her shirt. Than she had him reach in her shirt to pull them out one by one. Once he would take one out she would yank it out of his hand and toss it behind her until the task was completed.

And that was that.

I wish I knew when goes on in that little head.

Daddy left for practice he gave a kiss to the both of us and told us he loves us...than the sincere reply.

"Bye Dada, I love you"

We love that we can finally understand whats coming out of her mouth

Taimi and I watch our first Christmas movie today. We usually wait until at least after her and I's birthdays but what the heck Mickey's twice upon a Christmas is so cute.

Oh and I nearly peed my pants watching this

TROLOLO (funniest thing ever)

and than I did pee my pants watching Chris reenact it out for me.

You too can trololo it's a riot don't be shy!

Two Left Feet

2011-09-28T12:17:00.005-06:00

Today was just one of those days where Taimi has two left feet. She fell more today than she has her entire life. She even got her first barely bloody nose today. I say barely cause barely any blood came out but it was there. She was an inspiration she got up every time she fell kept walking or running when she would stumble would climb up and go down the same slide that just knocked her on her rump.

Taimi has an unlimited supply of guts and spunk.

Nothing can get her down.

I hugged and kissed and squeezed and jumped on and flirted with this tall drink of delicious steamed milk (one of my fav drinks)

more today than I have in days and it felt so good. I can never get enough of that cute boy but sometimes I get distracted. Today I wasn't distracted.

I get bored...so bored with my hair that is and

since Camille (whose birthday it is today HAPPY BIRTHDAY)

isn't here to color my hair my dream color red

I cut bangs Kazahh!

Memories not to fade

2011-09-27T13:41:00.004-06:00

Last night I was sitting on the couch in the moonlight AKA computer light watching Chris sing to Taimi and dance with her. A long time ago during the mission I purchased this CD Baby Mine. It became a staple in the family kind of like Franks Red Hot Lucky Charms and Pepper Jack Cheese. I wanting Chris to be able to sing these songs to Taimi and I.

My favorite songs like Edelweiss, Lullaby (goodnight my angle), and Baby Mine. And he does he sings them to Taimi all the time. I hope she never forgets those late nights when Daddy is exhausted from practice and starving from a tough workout he will put all that on hold just to have a slow dance and song with his daughter.

Today I drove for the first time alone in Germany. Did I mention we have a 9 passenger VW van...we do :) and we love it. I drove to a church activity where we made our very own oil lamps. I even got to play one of the prepared 10 virgins (phew) it was a great time. But I was so incredibly nervous to drive a stick shift down streets no wider than my hips. Not to mention the street lights.

You see streets lights generally go from GREEN to YELLOW to RED to GREEN well here in Germany they go from GREEN to YELLOW to RED to YELLOW to GREEN...weird right...totally.

Anyway sometimes I forget that when it goes to yellow I might want to prepare to GO because my whole long life of 27 years soon to be 28 in 13 days (had to throw that in there :))yellow meant to slow down get ready to stop. It takes some getting used to but honks, dirty looks, and phalanges raised in the air are great motivation.

Happy Tuesday

Boooooo!! Boooo!! Boooooo!!

2011-09-26T12:37:00.003-06:00

We got Taimi these house slippers in The Netherlands. She loves them mostly because they make this squeaky noise with every step. I especially like the quick pitter patter squeak when she trots down the hall

While the Autumn Equinox has indeed approached. It's still very much hot here in Germany. And when it's hot here boy do you feel it. It's VERY uncommon to have air conditioning and come to think of it I haven't really seen fans blowing either.

Fall I know you have arrived but I have yet to see proof of your return please blow a cool breeze this way :)

Chris had his first game of the season on Saturday. They won of course. 1 home game down about 11 home games to go. YIPEE it is so nice to finally get the ball rolling. Chris even had some returning supporters and friends. Thanks everyone for coming out we hope you had a great time.

Taimi is hilarious she is obsessed with scaring anyone and everyone who crosses her path. She will hide than pop out and yell BOOOO!! BOOOO!! It's a riot for Chris and I but it seems everyone besides our friends are a bit perplexed. Maybe Germans aren't familiar with this word "boo" the other day she yelled Booo at some guy who walked by he was genuinely scared he even grabbed his ear a bit cause she screamed so loud he wasn't sure what to do so he just gave us a slight head nod and kept walking hahaha I got a great chuckle out of it.

Even in nursery she was hiding in the curtains trying to scare all her little foreign friends. However it makes for a stressful situation in clothing and grocery stores well any place that has a lot of good hiding places. She will sneak away hide and just wait for you to come close enough for her to poke her head out and say boo sometimes she is a little to good at hiding. Just another great reason to not let her out of our site. Our cute perfect little "boo".

Forget me not

2011-09-25T15:07:00.007-06:00

I blog about my beautiful life. Things that matter most to me and experiences/people/moments I don't want to forget.

My feelings after watching this man speak tonight is one of those moments.

You see I have been in great turmoil.

( I don't like feeling vulnerable or exposed but I need to share this)

I have had quite a lot of questions worries and concerns for Heavenly Father lately.

One of them being how we want to have another baby but we are just not sure

when the right time is

or if there ever will be a "right time".

Our life is unique it's unpredictable it's mobile it's foreign it's the life we love but it complicates things a bit when it comes to having babies.

I have been desperately pleading for guidance and answers to many things.

I felt a little forgotten

being away from home can do that to you once in awhile.

Than I started missing my Dad (he passed away 16 years in Feb)

and thinking, Heavenly Father since my Dad had to go please tell me what he might have said to me in answer to the questions, pleadings and desires of my heart.

Immediately the thought

GENERAL CONFERENCE

appeared in bright bold letters in my mind. My Dad loved General Conference!

I know it isn't until next weekend, and I can't wait.

With Taimi and Chris in dreamland I finally have time to listen to the

Relief Society Broadcast.

I sat quietly indian leg style on our couch in the dark with headphones on listening to Broadcast soaking in the feelings with no distractions it was so peaceful.

Than this wonderfully inspired man of God stood and in minutes calmed the waves in my heart and brought peace to my mind.

The reassurance and comfort this video brought to me was as real as a warm soft blanket being wrapped around me.

And just think WE have a whole weekend of these joyfully inspired messages next weekend.

HOW GREAT THE WISDOM AND THE LOVE

http://lds.org/general-conference/watch/2011/10?lang=eng&vid=1180453706001&cid=7

the video is taking to long to load and I am sleepy so here is the link.

Enjoy it I know you will!

Good Night

Kiri & Rindi GNO

2011-09-22T12:08:00.005-06:00

I love this set of twins!

Aren't they beautiful? They are!

Man I love them. So the night or two before I left for Germany they came and picked me up for a GNO.

They had pizza, treats, Soda a huge bin of nail polish and do it yourself glitter toes and some awesome chick flicks including Rindi's wedding video :)

I don't think I have had a girls night out since before my mission unless you count Cherice and I wedding dress shopping in 2007. It was LONG over due and I had the greatest of times.

I can't wait to hang out with these two more next summer.

I am the luckiest girl alive just to know these girls.

You know the kind of people who you have a blast with the kind you can talk about deep meaningful things, express your struggles without any judgement all the while laughing your head off but leaving inspired to be a better person??

Thats Kiri and Rindi.

Another summer recap but deserving of it's own post :)

Love you guys!

Summer Recap

2011-09-19T06:26:00.019-06:00

There were a lot of BBQ and dinners with our families.

Roasted Marshmallows and Eclairs by the fire

Snuggles with loved ones we miss dearly while we are away.

Playing with cousins

A lot of time at Trafalga and 7-peaks.

Playing with nieces and nephews

Picking berries from Grandma's Garden

Weekly lessons with this guy and his companion-s

The missionaries taught my brother about the gospel of Jesus Christ and Baptized him on June 25th one of the highlights of our summer.

J-$ broke his arm a week or so before he was baptized we were worried we would have to wait but the missionaries come up with a solution...tadah

My Grandpa passed away so we took a road trip down to San Diego.

It was a beautiful funeral.

My sisters and I all got to speak which was very memorable and good for us.

We all stayed in San Diego for about a week over the 4th of July so we made a little vacation out of it spending most our time at the beach.

Whats with little kids and their love for eating sand...i just don't get it.

Her and her cousins had the best time together at the beach.

Chris and I got to do one of our favorite beach activities together...boogie boarding.

My Brothers K.C. Josh Colin and Matt joined us out there too.

Just watch out for Collin he loves to ram you and take you out while riding the wave.

We played games and ate a lot of food with family.

I got to spend time with my cousins especially this handsome fella Dustin.

Like I mentioned while we were in San Diego we all got to stay in the same big house.

So we played games (losers had to do chin puppets)

Liz let loose...I love when she is crazy and silly. She cracks me up.

We all gathered at Santee Lakes where we ate amazing food played more games and ran around in the splash park.

I got to talk to my Grandma's sister Nancy about Taimi the 1st my Great Grandma who

Taimi was named after.

I love learning about my ancestors.

I got some much needed time with these cool cats. I miss them!

Little brothers Keven Jr. and Joshua Dravland the only

The people who have made me who I am today.

We just dont see them enough.

You see most people think Splash parks are for kids but nothing can keep these Dravlands from having a good time

the local LDS stake in the area hosted a 4th of July pancake Breakfast

We spent the rest of the 4th of July at my cousin Leslie and Enriques house in downtown San Diego.

They live a hop skip and a jump away from the Padres stadium so we walked there to let the kids play and also play a game of basketball.

Leslie and Enrique really hosted a great 4th of July

As it got dark we headed down to the bay to watch the firework show. They gave the stadium of fire a run for it's money.

Taimi does so well on Road trips we took two this summer one to San Francisco to visit Chris's grandparents and Mother and the other to San Diego.

We cared for and harvested our garden...we got cilantro, peas, beans, lavender, broccoli and other things (peas are my favorite)

Chris hosted 3 basketball camps all of which were a HUGE success!! They really were a lot of fun we met some kids and parents that are going to be fun to get to know.

The youngest group was my favorite.

They were good boys who really got along with one another.

We threw Taimi a Mickey Mouse birthday party.

Chris BBQ shrimp skibobs

Table equip with candy, fruit, donuts and cupcakes

bubble machine

Slip-n-slide

friends and family

kiddie pool

My Mom bought Taimi this Mickey and Minnie which we managed to squeeze in our carry on...we didn't really have a choice look at that smile.

Happy unbirthday pooky!

So sad I didn't get a group picture so here are the

others who were in attendance,

Redford family

Tavernari family

Heiner family

Nixon family

LDS Missionaries

Auntie Linda, Johnny

and our families.

Thanks for making it a special day for Taimi and a great summer for us.

Other summer activites that didn't get documented

Chris's birthday bash

Chris's family reunion at Wolf Creek

7-peaks

scooter rides

late nights at Col-Liz and Cindys

Getaways to Park City

Baby Charlotte's debut

Blaze game

(phew)

I am so glad fall is a week away.

Holland (sort of)

2011-09-09T23:53:00.000-06:00

After we peddled around Amsterdam city Chris and Logan jumped on a tram 30 minutes later they arrived at the parking garage where our van was parked and they came to pick up us three girls from there we climbed in the car and headed to see what else this beautiful country has to offer.

Although Holland only covers 2 regions of The Netherlands

( I think there is 13 total or something like that)

I like to think this place is located in one of the 2 Holland regions

since I have no idea for now I am going with that.

I love these wooden shoes we got Taimi a pair but they are slippers. Looking back I wish I got a pair of wooden ones for myself.

I guess people really inhabit the houses in this post, I call it the most perfect village in the world.

I was thrilled we finally found it. Due to closure of some major freeways that go directly to this master peice of a place it made this a lot more complicated. Because it mattered to me however Chris found it

I guess around the Tulip season this country is COVERED in them (literally)

We had to pay for parking by the half hour so we tried to see it all in 30 minutes :( not nearly enough time if you ask me.

These two have so much fun together. I love being married to someone who is such a hands on involved Father.

When Chris is gone for 2 or so days the first thing he does when he gets back is reconnect with the two of his main leading ladies.

Especially with Taimi it seems the separation from Daddy for 2 days effects her more than any of us

This is the little bakery

Could you imagine living in one of these little houses for a few weeks out of the year (or months)

I would love it.

And that concludes our weekend in The Netherlands/Holland

We were so fortunate to get to go with our friends we hope to get to go on another trip with them while we are all here.

Bikes.Scooters.& Stink

2011-09-06T10:58:00.009-06:00

Amsterdam is the word. And it's a beautiful word. Chris had the first weekend off after arriving in Hanau so like always we take advantage in seeing the surrounding countries.

This time it was the NETHERLANDS!

We arrived in Amsterdam right as the sun was setting. It was beautiful.

But we needed to hurry and find a hotel to check in to cause we only paid for 1 hour of parking

(5 euros for one hour {cough})

You see we find it easier to find a hotel when we arrive in a major city than driving around the city trying to find the hotel which we reserved online.

If you have driven in these cities that you understand where I am coming from.

We stayed in The Mint Hotel if you ever go to Amsterdam I HIGHLY recommend it!!

We decided the best way to see the city was by cycle...bicycle that is.

So we walked out of the city behind out hotel to this little bike shop it was so cluttered like the little lady from Labyrinth with the backpack. I loved it

After only paying 7 Euros per bike for the whole day (What a steal right?) You can also travel the canals by boat for 50 Euros an hour (cough)

I got to ride with Taimi on front of my bike for 2 reasons,

1. I am a pro of the riding of the bike.

Serving in 2 bike areas on my mission will do that for ya.

and

2. The bike seat would only fit on my bike.

I would be lying if I didn't admit that it was pretty difficult to get used to. Especially getting off and on the bike with Taimi right there but I got the hang of it.

Besides beautifully breathtakingly unique

the three words I would use to describe this city would be bikes canals and stink (cannibis)

I can't even begin to describe to you how many bikes inhabit Amsterdam.

It's an incredible number!

BIKES ARE EVERYWHERE!!! EVERYWHERE!!

Not to mention all the cannabis smoke puffs that you ride into is alarming but that's Amsterdam for ya.

Here are some bikes that you may see along the way :)

We basically spent the whole day crusin around the city up and over bridges in and out of traffic dodging those darn reckless scooters that are holding a family of 5...seriously!

They have more bike paths and street lights for the bikes than they have streets and street lights for cars...seriously!

I was totally and completely terrified! You see the scooters (and there are many) can ride on the bike paths also

AND

you can fit anyone on them we saw a scooter we 3 kids and a dad also one with 2 kids and a lady!

I wouldn't have been scared because I can handle a crash but I had Taimi in tow and I don't know what I would do if something happened to her while she was on my bike.

So I was so nervous and scared out of my mind praying every second while having the time of my life

(is that even possible)

Taimi was having more fun than all of us combined

We went and saw where Ann Frank and her family hid from the Nazi's which was pretty interesting. We also went to a flower market and the local market.

We stopped at a cute little nook for some crepes. I got mini crepes with strawberries Chris got a banana and eggnog crepe.

It was nice to spend some time in Amsterdam it's a very unique city unlike any of the other countries I have traveled to.

And we got to see it on a bike with two of our friends.

Chris got his old teammate from BYU Logan a job on the team Chris plays for. Partially in hopes that Natalie would be a good friend for me to have out here.

After hours of site seeing and riding a bike Taimi gave in and rested her pretty little head.

Once Taimi fell asleep we decided to head to my top spot (tomorrows post)

But we still make some time for a few sweet bicycle tricks, marveling, and picture moments.

Again bikes, bikes, bikes and more bikes.

This picture in the grain of sand compared to the beach of bikes that inhabit this amazing "high" city.

Believe it or not I rode like this for longer than I would have liked. It was hard to prop her up on my arm steer out of the way of scooters and passersby all the while trying not to stop so I didn't have to get off my seat to put my foot down.

Like I said I am a pro :)

Deutschland is Grand

2011-09-06T09:25:00.004-06:00

The flight to Europe is always a long and dreaded one however this time Taimi slept about 85% of the entire trip back. We flew to Arizona--Phillie--Frankfurt. BLAH!

They lost our car seat but at least it wasn't a bag. However what was once lost is now found and returned to it's rightful owner...me.

They had a big promo at a festival here in Hanau. It rained buckets on us but all in all a good time.

It's SO good to be back the day we arrived in the square in which we live there was a market. But not just any market they were local vendors selling old vintage books.

IF ONLY they had more books in English.

I almost bought a few brothers Grimm books and one old bible but what the heck am I going to do with books in German...

It's so good to hear this church's bells again.

I just wonder why you ring your bell over a hundred times every single night at 10pm...why oh why?

It's good to hear amigos converse loudly with each other from their windows...this is very common and we live in a square that has a big time ECHO. If only I could understand what they were saying that would make it much more interesting.

Its good to wake up to this beautiful view with the hustle and bustle of feet and bicycle bells

It's good to spends hours eating out in the fresh (smokey) air.

It's normal to spend a long period of time eating a meal. No one is rushed no one has somewhere else they need to be and everyone smokes....lovely!

I dare say it again it is so good to be back!

Boy oh boy I have a lot of catching up

it's going to be a whirlwind.

C.M.C 2011

2011-07-08T22:20:00.002-06:00

The First Annual

Chris Miles Camp

My sister Elizabeth and sister-in-law Kassie each made an amazing flyer for the occasion.

I love how talented these two women are.

We can't wait for the camp

if you or someone you know want it on the fun give us a call

So Lucky

2011-07-07T09:41:00.006-06:00

We were at Disneyland walking away from Toy Story Mania when Chris points out a little boy age 4 crying hysterically

I quickly knelt down next to him and took his hand

I asked all the people around him if he was theirs....

they all shook their heads disinterested...

**seriously people get over yourselves and pay attention to whats going on around you**

Here was this little boy scared to death crying his eyes out for who knows how long and no one had done anything
His name was Tyler and he was lost in the happiest place on the earth

I walked with Tyler in my arms to the nearest worker and told them he was lost

(FYI Disneyland has an excellent "lost child" system)

I sat on the floor right there with Tyler in my lap

He stopped crying after 10 or so minutes while

we talked about Buzz Woody and his family

another 5 or so minutes later with a lump in my throat trying so hard not to cry I saw something unbelieveably touching

His beautiful Mom was running at top speed in our direction

The terrifying look in here eyes and how her it melted away instantly when she saw her most precious son safe and sound was something I will never forget with a lump in my throat trying hard not to cry I stood up with Tyler

She swooped him up in her arms and through the tears said "thank you"
I walked away from the joyous reunion with tears streaming down my face anxious to hold Taimi in my arms

I couldn't help but think about the love Heavenly Father has for us and how much gratitude he has for those who are aware of those around them and help find those who are lost

Taimi had surgery this morning (6am)

she got tubes in her ears FINALLY

It was super difficult when the anesthesiologist wisked her to the operating room

and us into the recovery room

I wanted to be in the operating room so bad

I wanted her to know I was there

I wanted her to know everything would be ok

I didn't want her to be scared

I wanted to comfort and protect her

20 or so minutes later she was back in our arms

We are so lucky to have her in our lives safe and healthy
Thank you God!

On our way

2011-06-28T20:31:00.002-06:00

Right now we are sitting in McDonalds in Primm Nevada about to check into the Buffalo Bills casino and ride the amazing roller coaster.

My Grandpa passed away a few days ago so we are making our way to San Diego we first stopped in Cedar City to eat Tacos and play at the playground before we got blown away we got back in the car and made our way South.

My sisters and I get to speak at the funeral :)

And we most definitley will be spending a few days at the beach, zoo and Sea World.

Tonight we ride the coaster and sleep tomorrow we bask in the sun and body surf.

Grandpa we love you and miss you!

End of Season Celebration 3 of 3

2011-06-27T19:46:00.005-06:00

I miss our neighborhood. I miss walking around with Chris and Taimi. We didn't have a car the last 4 months in Germany so eventually found all the shortcuts, playgrounds and hidden boutiques.

This picture is of our beautiful neighborhood right outside of the Italian restuarant that we frequantly eat at.
I took this picture from my bedroom window. Italy visited our little square selling cookies, soaps, dry pasta, oil and a ton of other various things.
down the street a bit on other side was live entertainment and food vendors selling none other than brawtwusts :)
This square is used a lot during the summer we were sad we are going to miss most of it.

The team did a promotion at our local mall where they signed autographs the dancers danced there was food and music.The team threw a great party at the end of the season in a resturant called the Juan Arena which Chris and I also eat at frequantly. There was more free food and drinks and a great live band that sung all AMERICAN classics.

Lional and Taimi grew close we are really going to miss this candy lovin teddy bear

We danced the night away

Hubert you sly dog you how did you get in this picture

the man in the hat is Chris's assistant coach...great guy Taimi calls him Uncle Hubert and Hubert calls her Tawnia....lol

Anyone who knows me knows that lack of a crowd doesn't keep me away from a dance floor so even through at times it was only Taimi and I dancing we still ripped a whole in the rug

That room behind the glass is where the VIP people were (teammates coachs and family)

Chris did the Limbo....sort of

It was a great way to end the season.

And we are so excited to say we will be returning to Hanau for one more year.

Hanau we anxiously await our return some time at the beginning of August.

...until then we will soak up our family and friends.

Last Away Game Celebration 2 of 3

2011-06-27T19:22:00.002-06:00

The last game was in a the OLDEST city in Germany Terre (?sp). It's was gorgeous. Taimi and I got to ride with Chris to the game in the team bus which was new and exciting.

While the boys warmed up and got ready for the game Taimi and 2 of my friends went and explored the city.

They LOVE their noisemakers here especially these drums.
You will find dozens of them being pounded around the gym during a game which makes it fun for Taimi unless she is tired

Taimi loves these two. They are so cute with her.

After the game we all got in our cars and headed to Chris's head coach Hans family's winery.

We drove about 30 minutes wrapped around a mountain and arrived.

In front of each person there were 3 beauitful wine glasses and 3 different bottles of juice.

White Grape Juice

Purple Grape Juice

and Apple Juice

Let me tell you all three were amazing.

Of course we can't forget the bubble water that you are to mix with the juice.

We all drank juice. Enjoyed each others company told storied and ate delcious food.

This is what they cooked the meat on...mmmmmmmm good.

We even got to see how and where the wine was made which was very interesting.

Coach Hans brings us the freshest of Apple Juice every now and than to practice.

It's seriously lip smacking good.

FYI anyone who comes visits us we get bottles for :)

White Wingged Champions 1 of 3

2011-06-27T18:47:00.008-06:00

Chris and his teammates won the championship.

They locked in the championship with 5 more games to go.

So the club team threw 3 different parties

1: for the last home game

2: for the last away game

3: for the last game....

seriously!

After the game buzzer for the home game that locked in the championshop they immediately passed out Championship shirts they even had one made for Taimi

how cool is that.

After a few speeched they also passed out glow sticks turned out all the lights and played We Are The Champions by Queen hahaha awesome

The White Wings have an increidble VIP room with delicious food and drinks before and after the game. So after we sang Queen we went and stuffed our faces than danced the night away with the fans and players.

Taimi had a great night she loves to dance just like her Momma

She was beyond tired but pushed through the night with a bright smile and sweet dance moves.

Would you believe these are the brooms they use to sweet the streets?

Well it is

Her little red balloon

2011-06-22T15:33:00.003-06:00

While we were in Germany we didn't have a car. To be honest I loved it! Living in Europe we realized how completely inconvient parking is. If you can find a lot or a space off the side of the road big enough it's a miracle not to mention you have to pay out the wahzoo every time every place.

So we walk and walk and walk all the while enjoying the sample foods, fragrant of the many perfume shops and flower stands and street performers not to mention the wonderful people who give away balloons.

She loves to carry around her balloon as we stroll to ran our errands

Or grab a bit to eat

Europe we miss you

Musicals

2011-06-21T14:02:00.002-06:00

Surprising? Maybe.

Chris and I love musicals.

We love sitting in the audience with pockets and laps full of goodies.

We love holding hands

and laughing at the performers...wait...

I mean laughing with performers

(they both apply)

If we lived in one place for longer than 6 months we would buy a season pass for sure.

A few weeks ago we went on a date to Seussical the Musical it was fabulous.

Taimi's favorite book is

Oh The Places You'll Go

so Dr. Seuss holds a special place in our hearts.

We have read that book so many times Chris and I know it by heart which rocks!

We love it!

It was a great musical we can't wait to go again.

Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T12:50:00.002-06:00

You are the gwatest Dad in da whole world! I luv you Daddy!!

Photo slideshow made with Smilebox