the muppets and a haircut

We are recovering from sickness.  In our last days here with my parents Evee has been running a fever, throwing up and coughing a bit (yes, I know you wanted to know details).

Iris has not been sick, however, possibly fighting something.  We all know she is a sleeper, but 2 naps a day that are 4-5 hours long?  That's a lot, even for her.

We are on the mend.  In the meantime, we have been watching a lot of The Muppets and loving it.  Also, papa brought Evee flowers and me and mom coffee.  We've been lounging a bit and I've been working on some of the knitting Evee took up before we came to visit since I finished my book last week and another this week.  Not bad for being sick (granted, I shouldn't talk since I'm not the one sick).  Evee is a trooper. 

On other random notes...

I'm thinking about what I want to make for Christmas - in the forms of gifts and traditions.  It always sneaks up on me.  We will do another musing garland because we loved it so last year.  And my plan is to make a few extra so that I can send them to anyone who would want to join in this year...  I'll let you know when I get to the sewing machine!

I also got my haircut and it's short again (thanks for the picture Joni and the encouragement Jeanie). 

the history before me

These are pictures of remains of the Berlin wall and the Jewish synagogue.  Again, such history.  

The quote above is on a segment of the Berlin Wall.  I think it is amazing.

"It bisected a city, a country.  It seemed to be impermeable.  It did not only demand fatal victims; it wanted to break our spines as well.  It prevented us from planning a common future so we pulled it down."

Pictures of Jews who were murdered, leaves with names of Jewish victims and grave stones right outside the synagogue (which was the start of the Jewish ghetto during Hitler's rule).

My friend and I walked through these areas on a guided tour.  Our guide's family is Jewish.  Her grandparents were in this very ghetto.  One place read that when Jews were brought to Auschwitz the women, children, elderly and sick ones were sent straight to the gas chambers.  I may be mis-remembering, but I thought it was 12,000 a day. 

Last night I went to bed wondering how it must be to stand in a closed room, holding your baby in your arms with another child at your side knowing that they will die and you will die and there is nothing you can do but hold them while great evil happens to you. 

Sorry to leave this post on such a note, but it has been on my mind as I see the history before me.

More pictures (and a video for Clint)

Here are more pictures of this beautiful city...  We have loved being where my parents live and seeing the city they love so much.  Evee has enjoyed seeing real live castles and we wonder about the princesses who may have lived there. 

Evee said today that she would like to stay with papa and grandma always.  Although, she still tells me what she will tell Hana and Aida once we arrive home.  All in all, we are simply happy to be here.  My mom posted pictures of us at a children's museum here, if you are interested in seeing Evee pictures.

Clint left on Sunday and, after a bit of drama, he eventually made it to New Zealand.  So, bear with me as I post a couple of videos for him since I think it's the easiest way (as they are too big for email) for the girls to pass their messages on to him...

Pre-warning: it is complete randomness and I do realize that it looks like Iris might choke on that spoon, but it also sounds like she says "hi dad", which is fairly impressive, and the point is good (to see them).  Miss you babe.

Budapest

 Well, after being here for over a week, here are some pictures of our first days in Budapest (with a few more posts of pictures to come). 

I am absolutely amazed by the history of this city.  The place above is called Heroes square.  During the time Hungary was under communism, all these statues were boarded up (amazing that they remained standing) and there was a statue of Stalin put up instead.

If you happen to be curious and want to read some of the history, my mom has written about it in previous posts - here and here. 

It's been fun to explore the city and places together...even with naps limiting our time out and about.  

Clint and I had a solid afternoon walking everywhere and exploring by ourselves.  This was wonderful.  

Train to Vienna

We race around - get through a shower, pull out some clothes and pick up breakfast.  A bit of a way to start a day and night away.

Run to catch the tram; coffee in one hand and a small bag thumping my side.

But now we are on the train.  I'm reading a novel and it's been awhile.  We are alone with a lot of other people.  And I am thankful to be on this train for 3 hours and to have a night in Vienna.  Who gets a time like this?

(And, honestly, I've gone through whether I should even post since it feels too lucky to get to travel like we are at this time in our lives, but it's a gift and I truly am thankful.  So I won't feel shame about traveling and time away and visiting parents in Hungary...because shame seems like it would be a form of ingratitude.) 

The cornfields are just like Indiana and the trees remind me of New Jersey.  The last time I took the train, it was into New York City, but this train is nicer and the scenery much different.

We are relaxed.  My book in hand.  Clint has earbuds in with a map in front of him.  It reminds me of his dad who always appreciates knowing where he is in relation to everything around.  I like it.

I can see a man down the aisle.  He is with his children, at least 3...maybe more.  He has such ease with them.  They gather around as he reads from some sort of magazine.

And I find that I care less about what I look like or how I come across.  I am drawn to the comfort and gentleness of this family.  I am soaking up the moments I have now, sitting next to Clint, relaxed and reading.

Clint says there is only about an hour left till we arrive.  I feel like I could ride this train for days...finish my book, look outside at beauty and history and watch people.

I am in love. 

2 things

This week I am ever so thankful for the little things that bring so much peace and joy to us.  2 things in particular. 

1.  Come to find out, there is a dance class that started for 3-5 year olds living at the seminary community, right where we used to live...and with all of Evee's friends from our time there.  We are SO thankful!

Evee loves, loves to dance and I'd been trying to think through how I could get her into a class again.  Then here it was, right before me. 

2.  Then another friend, who was a kindergarten teacher before kids, offered to teach Evee along with her own son 2 mornings a week while I'm at meetings for work.  Evee is SO excited (as am I).  One of her goals for this year was to start reading.  We have played around with it here and there, but I am thrilled to have direct help in this area 2 mornings a week.  Evee and her little friend seem to get on so well and this morning she woke up saying that she couldn't be late for school.  Again, so fun.

And I guess it also makes me grateful because I think about all the transition that Evee has been through and will continue in, as wonderful as it is, it is still change.  The fact that she has these things - a dance class each week with old friends and schooling that she is so looking forward to - makes me happy.  Simple joys.

loving and thankful

This sweet face
Sitting outside in perfect weather
Evee softly hums after speaking - this is recent and quiet, but I notice and love it
Opportunities coming up for seeing friends
Thankful that I get to do life with Clint, and that he is back home
Making mistakes and feeling okay about it, it is a part of life

The fact that the girls are awesome travelers (most of the time)...I think our lives have trained them in flexibility
Apples and apple cider donuts and that Iris can much on a whole peeled apple now
Choosing to live in today; seeing this day for what it is, what I have before me now

tears

I lay in bed.  I found my thoughts praying that the girls would stay warm and sleep in a bit.  I stopped praying seeing how tiny these prayers are in light of all that could be prayed for...all the hurt and suffering that is happening in the world, right now, while I lay cozy in my bed praying for longer sleep (!?!).

My mind went to a conversation from earlier this week.  My friend lost her baby 10 years ago.  She went into the hospital pregnant, but walked out without a baby in hand.

She told me that she would wake up in the night having heard a baby cry.  Except there was no baby to go to, to nurse, to hold.  She told me that she loves the sun and sunny days.  After Hannah died when people would say simple things like, "what a sunny day", she would think, "who cares...my baby is dead."

Of course, I think about Josh and Kari who lost Margot.  What they must feel on a daily, moment by moment basis.  I think about the pain of losing a child.  I think about them all the time.  I miss Margot with and for them.

We sat downtown today, outside the library.  Two friends, the girls and I.  The farmer's market was going on.  There was a guy playing music.  He was pretty good.  There was not a cloud in the sky and it was a truly beautiful day.  We ate cider donuts and apples from the farm. Sometimes our eyes were teary.  Sometimes not. 

My friend just found out that her dad has cancer again.  And what did we do?  We sat eating donuts...because what else is there to do?  We talked about how her mom was doing, how her dad felt and how she, herself, was coping.  But, we also talked about work and the day and randomness.  I guess being together brings peace.

As I strive to focus on the beauty of our lives, I struggle knowing all the hurt. Sometimes I think it is amazing that there is beauty at all, though I am so grateful for it.  And I think I will pray differently...though I don't always know how.

a day at the beach

Last Friday I had my feet in the sand and I collected a few seashells.  Of course, the weather is turning cold, but the sand still felt so nice.

Thinking back to our summer, it was full.  Doing what we should be doing, but not nearly enough laid back.

There was one day, though, that we drove up to the shore and met friends, walked the boardwalk and visited the beach the next day.

When I close my eyes and think of summer, this past summer, I will remember sitting in the sand with waves coming over me; my hands on Iris who was trying to lick the water and loving every moment of sand in her hands and my eyes on Evee who ran in and out of the waves, back and forth.  Even though it was just that once, I am treasuring it and hoping next summer will bring more of these moments (not in this country of course, but I believe New Zealand has beaches and water ;)).

In so many ways our small get-away, staying at our friend's sweet mom's house, walking the boardwalk and sitting on the beach was perfectly timed.

And I will miss the sand again until December, when thankfully we may see it again (and if not then, in January for sure!).

for travel - an airplane tray cover

With lots of traveling in our past and in the near future, I've gotten more and more creative.  At one time we did the felt doll set.  This time around I thought of a slip cover for an airplane tray table.  We'll see how it works, but I'm pretty excited about using it!

 

It has velcro to close and open.

When open and slipped onto the tray (with a tie to make it stay put) - there is a pocket on the right meant for a cup, a pocket on the left that holds a felt puzzle/matching game (numbers on one side, animals on the other side) and a center pocket with three panels (one we use for crayons, one for stickers and another for snacks).

On the top panel there is a white board with pen. On the other half is card stock paper.

There is also a pocket on the bottom panel to put books in.  And, it all folds up nicely to slid into a bag or backpack. 

Here's to lots of happy use during long plane rides :).

this week

...in (no more than) 48 words.  A rhythm for the weekend.  Taking time to look back on the week past.  A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.

I would so love to read your words!  If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
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Created something fun for travel (will post this week!).

My feet were in the sand on Friday afternoon and this was very nice.

Drove Clint to the airport.  He's going to Indy and is seeing our friends.  A bit jealous, but I believe it was the wiser choice.