The one year assessment

365+ days here in the Stuttgart Germany area and how do we feel about it?? (I am not counting the time in the apartment - althought I will not get that time back, its erased!)

I am currently reading a book called The Happiness Project. Its a month by month focus on just being happier - I love it and wish the author Gretchen was actually my friend. We try to get together monthly with my buddies here to chat about the month and as another wonderful excuse to share an afternoon together. I have tried to get my family in the states to join on - but maybe the pace of life there makes them put blinders on and drive forward - that being said, maybe I am getting better at life here.

This month the Happiness Project refers to a Happiness Fog. You see it all around, but when you try to further investigate it, the 'evidence' it not clear. The month focused on Parenthood which I have been trying to focus this past year as well. Being a stay at home mom has been a source of MANY days hearing Nick run around emptying every box of toys that he owns and Shane asking when his food is coming and me just trying to get life together and get out the door to kindergarden. On Monday of this past week I woke up, showered, brushed my teeth and was READY before ANYONE woke up - AMAZING and I felt great all day. As if I was ahead of the game. Well, Tuesday I woke up 5 minutes after Nick and felt as if I was chasing the 8 ball all day (no I never caught it) that was how the rest of my week continued.

I am living the theme of 'the years go by so fast, but the days are so long!' and trying to find the pleasure in each day. On Monday(yes, the same Monday where I was up early and ready), my cars gas guage was ON EMPTY. (note, gas stations are not open on Sunday) so I drove to the nearest Esso (going to a different gas station result in a $100 fill up as opposed to the $30 fill up, so yes, its worth the drive) I arrived to the station and it was PACKED. Cars were literally stacked in the street. of course I said to myself, crazy germans, if you were open on Sunday this wouldn't be a problem. But as I got closer, I noticed the note on ever pump said - NO DIESEL. Serously? Did Monday morning sneak up on your guys?? No Diesel?? So off I head to find ANOTHER Esso (yes, another 20 minutes on the road) thankfully I made it - but that my friends, is life in Germany. My diamond in the rough that day - I got to listen to Bobby Bones Podcasts for an extra 40 minutes and Shane got a longer nap!

My shining star when I think of the frustrations of Germany.....

they deliver beer - could they really be all bad??

So here's the age old question - 'when are you coming back?' to which I will aswer on the blog where EVERYONE can hear, we have NO idea. I am thankful that Chris enjoys the folks at MC Dean. He is challenged. He is clearly needed and there is plenty of work here right now. Also, his job affords me the ability to stay at home and pursue other interests (right now I am thinking about tackling a fitness instructor position - there I said it, now I have to do it right - 50+ certifications later, I will let you know... Test #1 is Friday 9 April, #2 is 29 April and yes, I should be studying as I write this!)

Chris has asked several times if I would like to work at MC Dean - of course working as husband and wife may not be our best decision (even though we make a killer team)- so it goes out to the rest of you! If you are the kind of person and family that wants this adventure - apply now! The offer is there!

I should also say that we will come home once all our friends and family finally come out here for their Eurpoean vacation!! Imagine that?!

Until than here's hoping Chelcy can atest that my phone calls that sound as if I will hurl myself off the nearest tall building or have removed all my hair in frustration are fewer and further between. Its been a struggle - but we are stronger for it! I must run, the beer delivery truck is here..........

Love you all!

Its official - we have lived here long enough for me to recover our breakfast chair backs - its about darn time - if you cannot already tell - I love Ikea, it just feels like home.

Happy Easter

We wanted to post a few photos and videos of our Easter morning. Nick woke up on the wrong side of bed, so it took a while for us to get in the proper 'Easter mood'.

Here's some time to reflect - On Friday our group of friends set out in search of a german beer garden. We wanted some German beer, a playground for the kids and fest tables outside (nothing specific really...). The original selection was closed due to weather (odd since Friday was opening night and although it was a bit chilly, the sun was out and the weather was beautiful - since when are us Americans more hearty than the germans) well 6 phone calls later and a few address inputs to the GPS we all finally landed at a rather American/German beer garden in Boblegin. The menu was in German and English. The waiters and watresses spoke English and they even served up cheeseburgers and pitchers of beer. You would think we would be extatic - but maybe we are spoiled by the true German beer gardens and felt this one was stuck between Germany and America - Are we getting good at this place??

That night we enjoyed some colorful conversation amound the friends we call family. We even chatted about spending holidays with family. What is it was like to live so close to family that you could spend every holiday with them? What a novel idea. Of course since college that has never been the case for either Chris or I. In order to spend holidays with family it involves plane tickets - schedule deconfliction - coordinating dog sitting - air mattresses - room selections. Its never been a weekend drop in type of event. But thankfully we have lived with friends that truly become family. We can parent eachother's kids (it takes a village), we can sift through eachother's kitchen in search of the water glass or serving spoon needed. We can even pack our bags, heading down the street for a sleep over.

Therefor today I will reflect on how fortunate we are to have family in places truly all over the world. Today Chris's folks will be celebrating with Liz and Tam's family in DC. My folks are celebrating with my sister's family in CT. The Carson's will be celebrating with Deakon's family in Georgetown. We will be thinking of friends hosting celebrations in Yuma, Michigan, Savanah, California and coutless other places. We are thrilled to be wearing pastel and cooking food to share with the wonderful family we have here in the Stuttgart Germany area. Where today we will enjoy colorful conversation - crazy kids willing to be parented by the nearest adult - great beer and amazing lamb .

As you read this blog we hope that you spent a wonderful weekend with family or with friends that are like family.

Yes, Nick FINALLY got around to opening his easter basket
Sweet shades - just like dad!
Now for the search - we kept it simple (as you can see the eggs are just jumping out at you) but Nick needed to get some practice time as this afternoon he will be competing with Tate, Eve, Anna, Darion, Elise, Casey, Vivian, Gianna and Frankie (I can safely leave Macy and Shane out of this year)



These eggs were passed along from my family - so they are every bit of 30 years old. We cannot find the 'openable' eggs here. Therefor my mom was thrilled to get them outta her house and into ours. The tradition continues - even through easter eggs!

Shane is 6 months

yes, its the time for the perverbial - its all happening too fast!

Shane is really 6 months!

He's getting to be a real dude - even in his snoopy dude hat!. He sits up for long periods of time and has the STICKEST fingers I have ever encountered. His wing span is increasing faster than mom can get stuff out of his reach. He is very inquizative and pretty communicative as to what we wants - we still need a few classes in his language - but we are getting better. Matter of fact, last night the family we for a walk. 2 minutes into Shane started wailing uncontrolably....Not normal at all. Chris and I assessed - we just fed him, so he isn't hungry, its not time to sleep, so he's not tired.... Than I looked at Chris saying you changed his diaper after your run right? No, I thought you changed it after his nap, Nope - Shane was wearing the same morning time diaper - Parents of the year right here! So we turned around and headed home in hopes of changing him back to 'happy baby status'Dad - I see that both you and Pauli have your tongues hanging out.....The dudesPauli is finally becoming a source of entertainment for Shane - and clean up!Come on, everyone loves Pauli kisses!Shane got a new chair just like Nick!

Not sure if you can tell in this photo - but we get lots of compliments (I think they are compliments) on the color of Shane's skin. Its a warm yellow. I am hoping he received Wyland Jr's skin tone as he tans easily and seems to have Indian skin! But I think its all the carrots that he gets.... I am trying to go more green - keep you posted on the results.

Happy Birthday Tate! and a few of our events of the weekend....

We started our weekend out with a birthday celebration for our best bud Tate. He turned 4 and partied it up at Kiki Mondo. Its an awesome kids place with cool slides, tramolines (that even big kids can go on) and a bucking bull. Its the same spot Nick had his birthday bash so needless to say he was thrilled for a reason to go back.

Its super cute to see Nick's excitement when Tate opens his gift. He squealed - 'see, I got you a ball shooter!' Sorry, Farrah, we really wanted the drum set! Happy Birthday Tate Later that afternoon we decided to test out the bike trailer. We received this super cool insert from Margaret years ago and figured it was time to make it work (before Shane out grows it). Both Boys had a helmet (thanks to Lynn Azuma who will forever be in my mind reminding me of such things!) I have a feeling Shane will soon be occupying more of his fair share of a seat!

We rode down to the airport to watch the planes come in.

Just a few in the distance.

Chris convinced Nick to wave so the pilot could see him. Those planes were quite loud!

On Sunday Chris decided to attack the pond. We were thrilled to see how many fish were able to weather through the winter (we don't have any fancy heaters like my folks so these fish better be hearty!) I have a feeling they were quite active as well since there are some additional ones too.

Nick is such a big help with chores

Shane wanted to be part of the action - so here he is in his suit. We call him lego man when we dress him up in this one...

of course all smiles - what a tough baby=)

I love a man in sweater vests!!

Chris Nick decided if he can dress in a sweater vest than he can wear one too! Now there are some good looking men =) How lucky they are MINE!
As an additional birthday wish, I got two more days of beautiful snow fall. I know everyone else hated it - but I loved watching the snow flakes and was super hot in the new jacket I finally received. Nick even asked if he could go play in the snow. He was out there solo for over 45 minutes! Thursday night I enjoyed every second of a slow drive to book club at Farrah. Ah the magic of snow!
Here's a cute video of Shane. He is growing up too quick and I know I say that too often. I am thankful to have this time with him as he is truly my little buddy. I can make him laugh in a second. He loves to cuddle and most recently figured out that he LOVES his toes (he does not get to see them that often. When we were on vacation we kept showing them to him. He would them grave and roll over! Too cute.
He is also loving the German baby food. First off, everything has potatoes in it. Carrots and Potatoes, Spinach and potatoes, and potatoes Zuchinni. They have the best selection and Shane can not get enough. Nick was SO picky as a baby that I am loving every minute of Shane stuffing full of good German cooking! He is finally rolling over (it take a lot to move that girth)

Seefeld, Austria

This weekend we traveled out to Seefeld Austria for a much needed trip to the mountains (I am not sure what Nick's life will be life, when the normal vacation does not involve mountains!) We hit the road right after kindergarten on Friday.

In typical German fashion, we hit a STAU (30 car pile up) within 40KM of the trip. We tried to navigate around it (but so did everyone else). We arrived at 6 just in time for dinner. Wyland had already beat us there. He took a train from St. Moritz, Switzerland to meet up with us.

We stayed in a cute little apartment in Seefeld. it was the perfect size. Nick and grandpa got to bunk in together (lucky as Grandpa Nick sleeps while in motion!) Chris and I got to bunk in with Shane. Here is the first day on the slopes. Nick 'walked' around in his skis for a bit to get the feel of it. It did not take long before he had some confidence and was ready to head up the mountain with mom.

Of course you have to eat a little snow.

This was a super tiny mountain - perfect for the first timers. We could even pay for each run separately. It was just a little two sided tow rope.

The little blurb is us coming down - the right side is a blip of the tow rope

Yes, Nick's skis aren't on the ground and Yes, my back is getting quite the workout! But no, our skis never crossed. Nick was never short on instruction! He insisted that I 'hold his bellie!' the entire time.

Not a bad view

Here is the cheering stands for those first time skiers. Yes, they opened the bar when they opened the slopes - that is where Chris and Wyland stayed!

Just a quick video of the little skier. We didn't video this - but he was able to go about 10 meters without me. He had his arms out like an airplane - too cute.


Please notice the Michigan helmet!

Shane hanging out at the bar!

Sunday morning Wyland convinced Chris and I to head out on our own. He thought Nick would help! So we purchased 1/2 day tickets (who are we kidding - as if we need a full day!) and hit the slopes.

You would think we positioned our heads just perfect around that mountain! Well done and yes, nice nose ring!

I should submit this photo to a ski magazine - look at that hottie.

on another note - check out the two skiers behind him. You may have to zoom in. But they are skiing UP the mountain. Yes, its a sign of the economic times. Folks purchase a 'tape' that goes on the bottom of their downhill skis. Than they put on their backpack (filled with water and the clothes they are stripping off on the way up). They also have different bindings on their skis that allow them to pop out almost like telemarking. We saw TONS of them.

Of course Chris and I like to consider ourselves ready to tackle just about any physical fitness challenge - we hope to always be able to afford lift tickets!

Again, look at that hottie!

We decided two German beers and being able to ski back down is just the amount of challenge we need right now.

Seriously - that is beautiful!

We came home to Shane sleeping. Nick and Wyland were reading. I don't know what he was hiding - but I don't care! It was a wonderful morning - thanks wyland!

Next - lets find dinner - wait, are they playing music - do they serve beer - gosh, we are like flies to a light! Cannot resist!

Even Nick was swindling the waitress for more chocolate!

The Leadbetter family loving the mountains!

Happy birthday to me!

My father-in-law arrived the day before my birthday - no only was I amazed as he was able to land in Frankfurt and navigate his way directly to my home via, train and bus (Nick and I picked him up at the playgroud up the street) But he has been helpful since the moment he landed. That night I hosted some wonderful ladies for a bunco night, Wyland and Chris took the boys to dinner together.

On my birthday morning we walked Nick to Kindergarden and put Shane down for a nap. At that time - I decided to hit the trails SOLO (well, with Pauli, but hey - that is awesome) we ran an AMAZING trail in my town. It was through the woods with some of the most remarkable scenery. I rounded one corner to came upon this beatiful hill top that was decorated with a silo, three perfectly placed tree and a deer stand just for Steve Madray. I almost took a picture but feared my motivation would end..... However 30 minutes later when I came on that same spot again, I thought twice (but since I realized I was lost at that point my motivation was already lost - than I was almost crying, so sorry, no photo) If anyone is listening - please - a sense of direction for my birthday!! So my 40 minute run turned into 80 minutes and inculded conversations with any and all Germans along the way to make sure I was headed towards 'de Autos!' My lungs felt great, but my muscles are quite upset...

Cheers!!

My desire was to get my nose pierced, random right? Of course my folks were thrilled =) But in germany I see LOTS of ladies with cool nose piercings so I have only been more intregued. So I met a new German friend (Claudia who has a nose piercing) recommended this place.Tomorrow I will be waking up with more than just a hangover!

Yes, this is the tattoo/piercing parlor. Needless to say, my father-in-law didn't follow me in, but judging by the photos on the wall, he may wish he did!

The sweet lady that was kind enough to make it so painless! She has a ring on her nose and a piercing at the top too... I kept it simple (for now hahahaha!)

Nick with his brochen - mom with her nose ring...

Anyone want to join me?

Dear USPS - when I order a winter jacket in January, I hope to receive it before winter ends. I appreciate the gesture of delivering it on my birthday - however that was 36 days later!!

Speaking of quality deliveries, I am celebrating the delivery of a Chelcy Carson package that arrived in less than 60 days!! Just in time for my birthday. Thanks to her, my house smells wonderful, my munckins will be mesmorized by bubbles for hours (days hopefully) my coffee will taste better and I will be enriched with quality reading. But mostly I am thrilled with her new postal delivery method! Love ya lady!

As I type, I am sporting some sweet argyle socks with warm LL bean slippers stocking my trendy wallet with some megga cash - thinking about gardening in comfort! Love you all