THE FLU

WHere have we been? On the couch with a fever for 6 days (me!) Layne for 7! BLAH...both feeling better but life has kept going while we were out so time to catch up.

Several people are asking how we treat the flu. Oscocillium at the first symptoms, Lots of Vit C , enchincaea, juice, double up on Juice Plus. After we found out Layne had a bacterial infection also and went on antibiotics-I added Probiotics and tons of yogurt. Its a lot of work to treat naturally-but it supports the body for a more thorough healing--I believe it could have been weeks or months before we were truly well.

I also am not an advocate of TV when sick. I dont like the energy it creates and its not restful. We listen to lots of music, books on tape, JIm Weiss and when Layne was up to it she went into our classroom and painted or played. She would come back to the couch when she needed rest.

Both feeling pretty good today..

Well, another CHristmas has come and gone. We are back home and finally somewhat settled. I'm not going to say much about CHristmas...I always sound like a scrooge. Looking forward to a nice quiet Christmas next year at home with the kids and snow! The kids had a great time in the States, however, and say it was worth the jet lag.

Layne with some friends Pre-Primary

Guess what I got to do this week? Play with 4 year olds in the snow!!!! We got home Saturday and Monday morning I got a call at 6:30 asking if I could sub. This turned into a 2 week assignment for one of my favorite classes. One thing I love is that the kids go out in all kinds of weather. These children know how to dress and put on their snowsuits, boots etc. I have learned how to dress for cold weather, never really knew how to before. As Chris says, it's all about "the gear". I am still not done unpacking, Im exhausted, but it's worth it. I like subbing but wouldnt want to work full time.

It s the coldest winter in Germany since 1987. We have snow on the ground and the temperature is barely getting above 25 in the day. I am still walking Angel daily and we were outside a lot yesterday. The air is crisp, the soup is hot and we are still loving Germany. Hope to hear from everyone soon. Tschuss!

ROBIN HOOD

Being the Robin Hood fans that we are (our good friends the Axtells are from Nottingham!), I bought tickets months ago for a performance in German at the famous StaatTheatre in Wiesbaden. It was in German, but we did pretty well following along. It was very festive down in the central area-this photo is about a 20 min walk from our house!

Christmas Preparations..WINTER PERFORMANCE

I have spent a few days down at the Wiesbaden Christmas market. It is so festive and traditional....just all that I love about the season. I heard about a book called "Unplugging the Christmas Machine" that I plan to read while home. Anyone read it?? I think Chris and I have done a good job of remodelling our Christmas. More focus on being together, baking, seeing, doing, advent calendars, advent wreaths, simpler decorating. I plan to continue this while in the states and its something my sisters and I share. We are all going to a children's service together on Christmas Eve...there will be 15 of us. Im really looking forward to this!!

Layne had her WInter Performance at School. She was the child who got to welcome everyone and then thank everyone for coming. She LOVED the microphone and all her "roles" and when the principal came up..she stuck close. WHAT A HAM!!!!

Dec. 6 St. Nicholas

St Nicholas came last night! In Germany, children leave their boots out on Dec. 5 for St Nicholas lto come and fill with some sweets, treats and maybe a small present. Luke and Layne left their Christmas lists in their boots and recieved chocolates, a pocket knife for Luke and a doll sweater for Layne.

Its really nice preparing for Christmas here. My German teacher broughtme a small box of homemade traditional Christmas cookies. Very sweet. Its all about the preparation-advent wreaths everywhere, advent calendars for the children, old fashioned Christmas markets, its just very "old world" and a welcome change from the consumerism/ flash/and over stimulation of some Christmas in our past. We are looking forward to flying home and spending the holiday with our families. I can actually say that I am looking forward to Christmas this year ( and most of you know in the past it was NOT my favorite holiday.) I encourage everyone to prepare their hearts and spirits for the season.

Snow in Wiesbaden

Its been snowing a lot lately...to the right is our house and above is the castle which is across the street

THANKSGIVING

Something is up with my camera, these photos didnt come out very well. We had a very low key Thanksgiving. CHris saved the day, he took off work to make the turkey! We invited our friends The Coffey's ( who are from RIchmond) and my friend Wendy and her two children, ELiza and Henry, over to share the meal! EVERYONE contributed which was great ( I was feeling a bit flu-ish and only had to make 1 casserole and set the table-easy!) We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoe casserole, cranberries, gravy, green beans, corn, chocoloate cupcakes (vegan, thanks Wendy!) and pumpkin pie!


Luke and his friends Sy, Davis and Henry!

Here they are, my only two friends in Germany !( as you guys know, I'M PICKY!!!!!) Wendy on the left and Jessica on the right.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Day of Thanks!