Germany

In the summer of 2005, I had a life changing opportunity to live in Germany with my sister Kari and her family. I just recently found the pictures I had from that amazing summer, and because there are SO many of them I will have to do several posts about it.

These first pictures are of me spending time with the family right before I left Germany. I was trying to sort the pictures out according to timeline, but it's easier to do it by country or special times. This is one of those special times.

I can't remember the name of this castle we went to, but it was right next to Machenbach. Where Kari and Aaron lived. We went there to just enjoy the rest of the day and spend time together before I had to leave. It was amazing! We roasted marshmellows, played on the rails of wood, and the colors of the sunset were, to say the least, GORGEOUS!!!

A street in Machenbach:


My first day in Germany at a FHE activity:


Aarons turn on the rail:


My turn:


Makayla's turn:


Lexi's turn:


Isn't she SO cute!?!?! How time flies!




This is me and my friend Nadia:


Close up of me. Gorgeous huh???


These last few pictures I took with Kari's AMAZING camera. I was just walking around the castle grounds and was inspired by the history and beauty it portrayed that day.



My FAVORITE one:





Didn't I tell you the sunset was GORGEOUS!!!


SO....where to next I wonder???

Late blogging because that's the only time I have peace and quiet

(A sneak peek at what my next post will be about...)


I can't believe it's almost the middle of July. That means two things for our family. 1: Isaac has swimming lessons and will be gone for a few weeks starting today. And 2: Jace's birthday is around the corner!!

Having Isaac here really completes the family, and when we all get along it's great! But being part of a split family is hard! It means trying to get 4 people (the parents) to agree on how to raise 1 kid. Good luck! We all have opinions, which we tell the spouse about and hope they'll take care of it. We all have ideas on how Isaac should be brought up, which we try to carry out every chance we can. We all want the best for Isaac, which means we all try to teach him OUR "best".

NO WONDER the poor kid has a hard time adjusting from house to house. He didn't want to go home today. And I don't blame him. It's not because we're the better home, or because he loves us more, it's because he wants to be with ALL of us. All of HIS family. His little heart was torn in two again today when he left. It seems his heart is torn a lot. And I think for the first time... mine was too. I mean really torn. It tore because... for the first time I actually looked at it from his point of view.



So instead of getting mad that he always forgets the "ways of life at our house", I'm going to do my best to find a way to bring both houses together. I've made up several charts to help him remember our rules, and I'm going to spend at least 1 hour each day with just him. When Ryan and I were first married, that's how it was between Isaac and I. I miss those days. So I'm going to do my best to bring those back. Library trips, visits to the park, and crafts together. I know it's going to be a big juggling job, but he's worth it.

As for Jace... I'm really excited that I'll have a 2 year old! I know what you Mom's are thinking now. I know. That just means more hectic days and more of my big "what did I get myself into" sighs. More days where I discover where that smell is coming from or learning new ways to keep things tidy. I know Mom's. I can't get out of it now, so I might as well accept it and dive into the journey because it won't last long. So bring on the two's!!!



And of course Mr. Kayson. I LOVE him so much!!! He reminds me everyday why I love being a Mom. He keeps growing, and I love watching him do so. He's SO different from Jace that I feel like I'm a first-time Mom all over again. We have the breastfeeding thing down and I'm taking full advantage of that time with him. He's been really cute too while he's awake, so even though I know it might make a certain Grandma miss him more, I can't pass up posting a couple pictures.





We love you Grandma Merkley!