Bubbles

When we think of Omi and Opa's house, we think of bubbles! Towers of bubbles; bubble caves; overflowing bubbles. Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.

Fall Outing to NC

Days before we came to the apple orchard, I told Max all about how we were going to go apple picking. He was so excited, and so was I. I had plans of making apple strudel, apple butter, etc. He was off almost as soon as we got to the orchard looking for some ripe yummy apples to pick.

Max picked this apple...up off the ground.

It was actually the only apple we found all day that was even worth eating. Everything else had already been picked because the harvest had come in three weeks ahead of schedule. All of the other apples we found were rotting. Oh well. We still had a good time.

Thanks to Mik, we got a rare family picture.

Let me give you a kiss, my dear one-and-only apple of mine!

I love this time of year!

We picked Uncle Mik up on the way to the orchard. It was so nice to have a day with him. Today Max asked where he was, and I said, "at school." Max said, "He needs to come here."

Daddy showing off how strong he is. :-)

Max was able to observe the honey bees at work. There was a tube at the bottom of the box where you could see the bees going in and out of the box. Once they were inside, you saw them making the honey comb. It was awesome to watch.

For the first time, we took some money out of Max's piggy bank. He had four quarters in his pocket. When we got to the sheep pen, you could buy food for them from a machine. He got so excited and started digging in his pockets because he had his own money to spend.

Two cuties in the pumpkin patch.

On Eggs, Squirrels, Heifers and Poverty.

This morning Max surprised me by eating almost four eggs for breakfast. I ate two. Instead of eating the regular cereal, I decided to make eggs because they are healthy and nourishing. They come highly recommended when a woman is pregnant, so with lowered immune systems due to colds, I figured making eggs might just be a good idea.
As I was waiting for my pan to heat up in order to make the fourth egg, I looked out my window and saw something that I can only describe as a ninja squirrel. This little guy was psycho as he was collecting the pecans out of our yard. He chased other squirrels away, doing all kinds of twists and turns and flips. As I was watching him, I was overcome by thankfulness to God for providing enough food for this little ninja, but even more so for my family. After all, I was about to scramble the fourth egg for my son. All I had to do was open the fridge, and I could serve up a bowl of nutrition. All to often to I take such blessings for granted. Only because of God's faithfulness am I able to offer a fourth egg to my son.
I then remembered that I had received a Christmas catalog from Heifer International this week. I have never donated to them, but from what I can tell, they are highly respected and do a lot for people all around the world who are currently living in poverty. In other words, for mamas that cannot give their children any eggs. I learned that by donating $20, it is possible to provide a flock of chicks. That can range from 10-50 chicks. According to the catalog, a good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a year. The eggs can be eaten, sold or shared in the community. In addition to these benefits, chickens are easy to care for, help control insects and fertilize gardens. Of course, chicks are not the only animals that can be donated. Heifer International offers heifers, goats, water buffalo, rabbits, bees, llamas, etc. The family receiving the animal also receives training in how to care for their animal.
So this Christmas, I think I am going to give another mama the opportunity to make a bowl of hot yummy nutrition in the form of an egg (or maybe even four) for her child.

Our Afternoon at Schoenbrunn Palace

This was one of my favorite afternoons because we went to one of my favorite places, Schoenbrunn Palace. There is always something new to discover while you are wandering through the gardens. The Fall weather was perfect, so we enjoyed the perfect combination of colorful leaves, sunshine, history, views, conversation, exercise and for some of us, naps.

Brothers

Pondering

We arrived back in the States Saturday afternoon. Now I am trying to get used to being here again. First things first. I have to get my household up and running again. I enjoy the challenge, but a nap sounds really good right now too.
I am shocked by how much American culture shocks me again. The dormant Austrian side of me came vibrantly back to life for a month. Now I am in No-Man's-Land, trying once again to figure out how to be the expression of all that God has made me to be (not just the American or the Austrian).