A Perfect Mother's Day

Mother's Day this year was so wonderful!

We started off the day by going to church for the early service. After church we came home and took a little snooze while the kids watched a movie. So nice!

The weather was gorgeous, low 60's and sunny skies. We headed down the path to our favorite outdoor restaurant, Block Haus. The kids really wanted to ride their bikes and we knew we needed to get Emma out with us so Jason and I decided to walk. Grace has been getting really good on her bike so it was fun for her to go on the trails for the long ride. Jackson was good to stay with her and remind her to stop at the streets and wait for us. Such a sweet big brother!

On the way we had to stop and feed the horses. They ran up to the fence when we stopped. You could tell they love having people interaction.

 How can you go wrong with a view like that?

 Jackson playing football with some boys while waiting for our food.

 Me and my precious babes!

 After an amazing (long-2 1/2 hour) lunch of Rahmschnitzel, brats and pommes the kids picked out their favorite ice cream.

 We went a different path home and of course had to feed more horses. Here is Jackson feeding them they way Papa taught him.

I am so thankful for the children that God has given me. What a blessing they are in every single way! Each day they make me happy and proud. They are typical brother and sister who love each other one minute, then the next are oil and water. That is what it's all about! I am so thankful for my busy boy and sweet girl!

I am so thankful for my mom and all of the wonderful things that she has taught me over the years. I could not of had a better role model to teach me what an amazing mom does. And 24 years later my mother in law came into my life. Without her my husband would not be who he is today. She did a fantastic job raising me a great husband!

Thank you to our moms for being who you are! We are so blessed!

~We love you two and can't wait to see you soon~

Jesus' Seamless Robe in Trier

On Saturday we went to Trier to see the seamless robe of Jesus. It is the robe that Jesus wore shortly before (or during) his crucifixion. According to the Gospel of John, the soldiers who crucified Jesus did not divide his tunic after crucifying him, but cast lots to determine who would keep it because it was woven in one piece, without seam. 

The mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the robe in the Holy Land in the year 327 and gave it to the cathedral in Trier. 

This is only the 4th time in the last 100 years that the tunic has been on display for the public to see. The last time it was shown over one million people came from around the world. It is on display now because it is the 500th anniversary of the first pilgrimage after the Emperor Maximilian demanded to see the holy robe.

When we arrived at the cathedral there were SO many people there. Once we were in line we asked a volunteer and she said it would take about 2 1/2 hours from where we were. We debated on not staying and going back another day, but decided since we made the drive we would wait. We hoped the kids would be good during the wait.

The kids took many breaks up on Jason's shoulders. It was a great way for them to see the crowd of people around us.

 There were these colorful sticks with a biblical phase in different languages printed on a piece of fabric hanging from each one. It was really pretty to see blowing in the wind.

 At this point we were in line for about 2 hours. And they still have smiles on their faces!

 Once we got into the cathedral there was a Saturday afternoon mass going on. It was neat to see, but added about 30 minutes onto our wait time. So, 3 hours later...

the tunic!

A huge rush of emotion came over me when I saw it. It is amazing to think that our Lord and Savior wore this robe when he took the ultimate sacrifice! To see people around us crying and kissing the glass was overwhelming. I am so glad we were patient and waited to see this amazing sight. 

It is neat to hear the kids talk about what we saw. I know that they fully don't understand it just yet...but I pray that one day they will truly appreciate it.

Once we were finished we took the kids to get some ice cream. 

They were FANTASTIC waiting in line!

A well deserved treat for my sweet children.

(Jackson got zitrone (lemon) and Grace got kokos (coconut.)

 I of course had to get a few door pictures on our way out of the city.

Love the Rapeseed Season!

I love this time of year when the hills are full of rapeseed. There is nothing like looking out the window and seeing bright yellow flowers everywhere. I had to stop and get pictures before they were plowed for harvest. Thanks to the beautiful blue skies today they went well with the yellow backdrop. 

Springtime makes me love and appreciate where I live. I love living in Germany...

Grace Rides a Two Wheeler

Grace has been really practicing on her two wheel bike she got for her birthday. Today we took it down the street and she did amazing! She kept saying, "I am so proud of myself!"

We are too, baby girl! Hard to believe you are cruising around on a "big girl" bike!

Grace's 4th BirthDAY!

Grace's special day finally arrived. She was so excited for her birthday and especially turning 4.

We decorated her room while she was sleeping so she could wake up and be surprised.

Her face was so cute the next morning. She couldn't believe what happened. She just looked at it with awe. It was so sweet.

Our sweet angel sleeping while I decorated her room. I just love that little face.

This is her coming down the stairs and seeing the bike that was waiting for her in the kitchen. If I could only put sound to this...it was a loud scream!

She loved it and couldn't wait to start riding. For some months now she has been doing well on her balance bike. So we have big goals for her to ride a two wheeler. We aren't even putting the training wheels on. Jason took her out that afternoon and she is doing good for just starting out. It is a good lesson for her that the more you practice the better you get.

I made pancakes with sprinkles in the for breakfast. I thought it was going to be a huge hit with the kids, but both of them weren't crazy about them. Oh, well...it was worth a shot!

I had my class sing "Happy Birthday" to her when the arrived for the day. She thought it was so special.

 The cookie cake I made for her class.

 Grace's 3 year old preschool class. What a special bunch of kids!

It was a fun filled, busy day! Well worth it for a special 4 year old girl.
Grace you are such a blessing in our lives. Everyday we love just being with you and seeing your smiling face. You have so much joy in your heart that shines through your beautiful face. You are quick to give encouragement and compliments to everyone you see. God is so good to bless us with you! We love you Gracie girl!! Happy 4th Birthday!

Each year I am going to ask the kids a list of questions to answer on their special day. It will be fun to look back at them in the years to come.

Grace: 4 years: 20 Questions 

What is your favorite color?  Pink

What is your favorite toy to play with?   My Little Ponies

What is your favorite fruit?   Dried Apples

What is your favorite movie?   Tangled

What is your favorite lunch food?   Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich

What is your favorite dress?  Ariel Dress

What is your favorite board game to play?   Chutes and Ladders

What is your favorite snack?   Crackers, cheese and vanilla milk

What is your favorite animal? Horses, Cats and Dogs

What is your favorite song to sing? "Grace Song...Saved by Grace"

What is your favorite book?   Pinkalicious

Who is your best friend?   Ella

What is your favorite cereal?   Cinnamon Chex

What is your favorite thing to play outside?   Trampoline, playground and the sand

What is your favorite drink?  Apple juice and Vanilla Milk

What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas

What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  My baby doll and horsey

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?  Waffles

What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner?  Sausage and Cheese Pizza

What do you want to be when your grow up?   A teacher

Grace's 4th Birthday Party

For Grace's birthday this year we took her and some friends to the horse stables in the village of Obermohr. She has found her love of horses and couldn't wait to ride on one again.

Giving Emma a big hug as we were leaving to go to the stables.

She wanted a My Little Pony party. So complete with "Rainbow Dash" the cupcakes were ready to be devoured!

Grace with her best friend, Ella.

 

The kids loved to pet the horses in the stables.

 

The birthday gang!

Jackson, Elisa, Hannah, Belle, Cheyenne, Grace, Aubrey and Ella

(Cooper, Mason, and Willow not in the picture)

Make a wish!

Ready and waiting patiently to ride Gypsy.

The kids were all saddled up and ready to go on a trail ride. It was so cute to see them on the horses!

Jackson was able to ride Gypsy as well. 

Mama and the birthday girl. Hard to believe she is 4!

Had to get a picture of happy little Cooper!

This face sums it about up...she was not ready for the party to end.

There were mostly smiles and the kids had a blast! 

It will definitely be a birthday the Grace will remember.