so much for bloggin daily....(lol)
Things are pretty crazy around here. The weather leaves us with the daily "are we having school or not" drama. WOrking so much is making it difficult to have the kinds of meals I want for myself, but still healthy/organic with some raw at each meal is always the case.

I am lifting weight 2x a week which is really fun again! I am surprised at how strong I feel from all these years of yoga. My trainer even keeps telling me how strong I am. This is a true testament to the practice-love that!

CB had wine with dinner last night ( we had hummus and veggie wraps) I was able to say "no thank you" . ;) I didnt get up for yoga/meditation as I thought we were having a snow day, but at 6:51 it looks like we won't be having that....so off to wake the monkeys!!

Brushing of the keyboard..

Its been quite a while since Ive blogged. My life is so different ehre than in the Middle East and I havent even wrapped my head around it yet. so, Im gonna start and see who is still there.

As most who know me know, I come from a family of alcoholics. Not something people like to talk about, but something I have always talked about in the spirit of openess and awareness. I myself have gone through period where I drank nothing for a while, then very little, and sometimes a glass of wine each evening. Lately I am having a glass of wine each evening. I enjoy it. Still, I like the idea of spiritual discipline and also giving my body a break. So...Im going to go on a little cleanse here and do 2 things-no clcohol for 2 weeks and bloggin daily. habits are tough to break and even 1 glass of wine can be a habit-so I can't imagine it will be easy. We'll see......

Kids are thriving by the way. Pictures soon xo

SPring Break in ABu Dhabi

Layne's Mama#2

Well, so far I haven't fulfilled my commitment to blog more. Im kinda addicted to FB with my new Iphone so I'm going to wean myself off that! The kids have been on spring break for 2 weeks and its been heaven. They both have really been able to decompress a bit. Their school is an awesome school, but neither of them LOVE school. I think the homeschooling option made it difficult. I assure them both that they are older and if we are able to homeschool again, they'd be putting in much more time.

We were really lucky that we got to accompany Chris on a business trip to the Middle East! I have wanted to visit my friend Debi in AbuDhabi for a while. I couldn't imagine we'd every spend the money to go back to Bahrain, but this opportunity was too good to pass up. We stayed with our dear friends the Axtells. We miss the slow pace of our life there and the relaxed attitude of the Axtells! We got to spend time with friends and visit our our complex. Berlin is doing well, but was a bit sad to see us go again. She is retiring in December and I told her for me, that's great because I'm ready to visit Sri Lanka! 3 days was enough, and my overall impression after going back was it was dirty, and the Saudi influence was strong. Abayas, the villages, the sense of separation of the haves and have nots-it can weigh heavily. Seeing my friends again-priceless.

Abu Dhabi was amazing. We loved it here. Cleaner, and more expats it seemed, the energy was not as heavy. Lots of opportunity for fun in the sun-water parks, swimming, beach etc. My favorite part was 4 wheeling in the desert and the desert camp for dinner. The kids took the obligatory camel ride ( which is old hat for them) and sandboarded down the dunes. The desert is really pretty there-gorgeous rolling dunes. Very different from the flat rocky desert in Bahrain. Seeing the Douglas family again was really great. The boys jumped right into their friendship again and Layne was soon calling Debi Mommy#2 just like before. Debi is an amazing mom to 2 active twins and has a great insight into parenting. I learn a lot from her and just enjoy the comfortable nature of our friendship. LOVE YA DEBI!

Our return to Germany has been smooth. Its spring and gorgeous in Deutschland. Flowers blooming everywhere, cherry blossoms blooming, birds singing. It amazing what a little sunshine can do for you! I have lightened up the calendar and am trying to keep a lot of weekends open for just "being". After school activities have been reduced so the kids can just play, climb trees, be outside. Luke is still playing the trumpet, enjoys boyscouts, and is starting basketball on Friday ( he has decided this is his favorite sport!) Layne is singing in the choir and enjoys Daisy Scouts.

I am committing to post a minimum of once a week....here we go!

March Madness

Everyone is Okay!!! We have had a rough, rough winter but a quick trip to Barcelona where Chris booked us at a lovely spa for 3 days really helped. Layne and I couldnnt shake bad colds, so spending 3 days in big, fluffy, white bathrobes really was what we needed!!!! Jacuzzi, swimming, facials, massages...just what we needed. We are always super busy-Scouts, band, Choir, football, birthday parties, lacrosse-never ends! We are heading to the Middle East at the end of March in search of more sun and rest--cant wait to see my ladies!! Hoping that APril will slow down a bit for us (I'm working on that!) Here are some pics of March!

Barcelona

Pasta and Paella

Webelos Pack 13

Luke, Hunter and Christopher at Luke's 10th!
Luke is 10!!!

OR>>>>

...maybe I just need to back off and let go?????????

Square Pegs in Round Holes??

So....I just got my children's progress report from school. They actually are great, but its the little things that concern me.

Layne- academically doing great. She doesnt really like going to school though. She is extremely creative and expressive and loves to do this through drawing and writing stories. Her teacher, who I like, has been pushing her to write her stories down instead of drawing first. Layne says that she has a picture in her head and wants to get it on paper before the words. She then is scolded for "not following directions". As a Montessorian, I am feeling her frustration. Why should she not be allowed to continue with her work as long as she completes it?? She can even bring it home. This leaves her frustrated and irritable. She also is in a very small class and while I think socially she is struggling with a few of these children, intellectually she is not with her peers either. She's not interested in Hannah Montana and the things that these other FIRST GRADERS are interested in...she prefers the boys because they are funner! Where that leaves her is roughed up a bit by some rambunctious little guys and in tears from that. She's in a tough position--highly intelligent but not up to speed with pop culture enough to really hang with the other girls ( and there ar only 4)

Luke- is also doing great academically. He got perfect grades in most subjects. For his self esteem I think he needs some kudos for this (no praise, god forbid). He's not always interested in what is going on at school, but he does his work-on time and as directed. He got a lot of comments from his teacher that he could and should "do more". I can only feel that he would if he were interested in the material. He is in Scouts and is just thriving there...exploring his interests, setting goals, earning badges. WHy the need to push push push?? Its stressing him out!

Those are my thoughts. I very much miss homeschooling and meeting their academic needs while also giving them plenty of time to explore their interests. Luke likes nothing better than a sick day when he can build Legos and listen to Jim Wiess "Story of the World" on CD ( HISTORY) . He will sit for hours!!! Layne will hang out in our Montessori room and also "work" for hours. Now, they are gone all day, tired, stressed and in return what do I hear--"They are doing great but need to do more....Layne needs to follow directions....Layne gets easily frustrated."

Let me tell ya, mama is getting pretty damn frustrated herself!

Random Thoughts on a SNOWY evening

Yesterday we had a snow day...it was unexpected so exciting for the kids. The German schools were open, but because so many children live so far out and our school radius is about 60 miles, I feel the decision was appropriate. Surprisingly, my children are OVER the cold snow and ice and spent most of the day inside...Luke designing and building a new Lego ship and Layne reading, baking and just "being". The cats enjoyed the extra snuggles and we all took Angel on a short walk down to the market for some TP ( why do we always run out of tp when it is snowing??) Anyway, overall a good day. What I found interesting was all the people complaining on FB about how this messed up their schedules! For me, a lazy day at home is always welcome. Everything can wait...be present in THIS moment. We didnt need to get together with anyone, we didnt need entertainment. We talked about this and I just said to Luke and Layne I felt that US just being together is the most important thing...we have always had that motto. Its really about the 4 of us, wherever we are, that is the most important consideration. I like that.

SICK Days

The kids have both been sick this week. Layne really gets knocked out and had a fever for 5 days! Luke had one for 3. Nothing serious but just felt yucky. lots of TLC from mom, tea, rest, books on CD, Jim Weiss stories, a few movies etc. When they were feeling a bit more energetic we worked on Homework and some things that their teachers told me they were doing in class. Ive been accused of making sick days too fun--who cares! its NO fun being sick and being home is the place to be. I dont send them to schhol when even a "little sick" because as my amazing pediatrician says "a little sick is like being a little pregnant!" All are well and we are back to school this week.

Homework

Relaxing foot bath

Its a cold snowy day here in Wiesbaden. Sipping a cup of coffee after my yoga practice and cathcing on on some cyber reading. Not looking forward to Monday when the kids are back in school...I'll miss them! I am so lucky that they go to a school that doesnt measure their success with "grades" or punish them if they "forget", but rather gives them the power to think, create and take their interests and run with it. This quote made me think of ISW today:


"Of course, the more choice, movement, action, freedom, cooperation, talk, variety, energy, excitement, and joy there is in a classroom (home…family…), and the less invidious comparison, testing, gold-starring, grading, pecking-ordering, humiliation, coearcion, threat, punishment, and fear, the better it will be for the children…" J HOLT

IN our home we avoid punishment, never use the "charts" for good behavior and try to give the "L's " ( as Joey calls them) as voice to be respected and recognized. I especially like being able to tell them "Hey, mom's cranky, and annoyed" instead of just directing poor behavior at them which could really has nothing to do with them. As always, striving to be the parent they deserve. Authoritative without being Authoritarian.....

CHristmas markets, Ice SKating and SNow

Luke ready to attack!
Ice Skating

Layne waits in the treefort for the counter attack!

Wiesbaden Christmas Market

Gleuwein and Hot Chocolate in Wiesbaden
Nativity at Rudesheim Christmas market
Layne at the ISW CHristmas concert
St Nicholas in WIesbaden
Hot Chocolate break at Rudesheim

December slow down

Its been a long time since Ive posted here. There have been many reasons but the main one is simple-our life back in the Western Hemisphere is much busier than it was back East. I am a year behind in my scrapbooking of the Barber's adventures and that creates stress for me in and of itself. Still, the adventures are still happening and I hear from all that the older the kids get...the more hectic the schedules.



So, with Chris off work for 2 weeks and the kids out for 3, and having about 6 inches of snow on the ground, I have something precious-TIME!! Time for reading, knitting, refecting as well as time as a family. Luke is a verocious reader, so he and I can sit on the couch together reading while Layne is making one of her famous books. (right now she is fascinated by the SMurfs and is quite good at drawing them!)



All this time and reflection has brought me to a peaceful place. I love our life here in Europe. As a friend of ours said,its the perfect blend for us as a family-CB can work and travel like he loves, and its just bohemian enough for me, but not too bohemian for Chris!! That made a lot of sense to me. The kids are also very happy at the their lovely little school and enjoy going most days. So what is my day like and why do I like it??? Here's a typical day for me:



530-6 up for coffee and some quiet time before the monkeys are up/ yoga practice and/or meditation. Maybe put something in the crockpot

6:45 Laundry in the washer ( everyday bacuase its quite small) and start making lunches and cooking breafast. Yes, they have a hot breakfast most days and I pack a morning snack and a lunch. The school offers nice vegetarian wholefood lunches but the kids arent always crazy about the selection (Vegetarian Schnitzel!!??) They do enjoy the pasta days and it is served with fresh salad and fruit so mom likes that.

8:15 we leave the house for the short ride to school. I walk them to their classes and hand them off-neither are hesitant to kiss mom goodbye but Im expecting this soon. If theres time, I sit for a few minutes and visit with friends. The school offers coffee in the morning for the mums and dads.

915 I have to be at the base to teach my 930 Yoga Class

11:00 class is over so on the way home I stop at the bakery, the gardener for fresh organic veggies or the market (no strip malls here-everything is a little shop...stop here for fresh bread, stop there for fresh veggies-I very much enjoy grocery shopping here.)

11:30 walk Angel- she needs 2-3 short walks a day. I love walking her outside here- its so green and lush, very old Europe with the timber houses

12:30 my lunch and dinner prep

2:00 check email/ prepare for afternoon activities/maybe a little knitting or sitting/reading

3:10 at the school and then its either trumpet lessons, choir, Daisy Scouts,Boy Scouts, or Newspaper CLub

Home usually by 430--homework time, finish dinner, fold laundry

6:00 dinner , cleanup, baths

7:00 family reading-CB with Layne, me with Luke

Layne is usually asleep by 745-8 and Luke by 830-9

Some may find this mundane, even boring, but I love taking care of my family and our home. Im pretty tradtional in the homemaker sense and we like living simply with fresh organic foods (I spend a lot of time cooking), little TV, lots of reading and just the things that make life good. Im working on blogging more to that mix. We';; see how that goes.

I am trying to decide what direction to take this in.....anyone still reading??

YOGA

I am still deeply devoted to my daily yoga practice....here's a new pose for me...cant quite get my left leg straight though..

Amsterdam

Layne found a huge fountain where all the kids were either naked or in their underwear playing in the water. The clothes were off in an instant!

Luke talking with his friend who was on the ground while he was in the tree

One of the things I love most about living abroad and experiencing so much is that my children seem to be very adaptable and make friends easily. Its seems wherever we go they seem to find a friend, even if just for the day, to play with and explore with. As you know, one of our favorite places to visit is Amsterdam and we went last weekend. Here are some picture of just what Im talking about.....as well as the things we love most about Amsterdam like riding bikes and being OUTSIDE!!

Disney Paris

The picture below is why we went......

Waiting for the parade on the first day there......

Layne got to hug Blue, Sully, King Louie and Donald....she like Donald best and Tigger the least because he "pushed me out of the way to get on the train!"

Teacup!

we got there at 7:50 and were the 6th people in!!

Laynee was tired.....here Luke is encouraging her to hang in there just a little longer! I love these types of pictures.... After a long day, chillin at the pool. It was pretty deep so Layne wanted to wear a swim belt

Layne Primary Water presentation

Laynes presented her classes Unit of Inquiry-WATER. She showed Chris and I all about condensation, the water cycle, and floating/sinking. We also got to attend her music class.

(Not sure why the first two pictures are so small......)

Luke's 3rd Grade Presentation

One one of the things I love so much about the kids school is that it truly is child directed learning. Luke's class has about 5 "Units of Inquiry" for the year. Currently, they have been studying the Roman Empire. The teacher leads as they decide what areas to focus on (family life, politics, religion. Roman soldiers, medicine..) then the kids just go with it! They work in groups with access to an abundance of research. They put together presentations, and then share with each other. Luke's topic was Roman soldiers and fighting tactics. He made a helmet from his bike helmet and did it all himself. I didnt know much about any of it until I saw his impressive presentation. He was so confident ( and entertaining!) The day after the presentation his class went on an overnight field trip to a Roman Castle here in Germany where they dressed as Romans and participated in daily Roman life. CHris went along as a parent escort. They got to sleep in the tower of the castle (in sleeping bags on the cold floor). What a great way to learn!!!!!

WHat's that noise....

I was at home about noon and suddenly heard a bunch of goats!!!!!! I couldnt imagine what it was...looked out the window and there was a sheep herder taking his flock up the road! Only in Europe......the Old COuntry ( and I dont mean Busch Gardens)