Immune System

I really got a kick out of this commercial when I saw it for the first time last night!

Nearing the End...

...of her first year! Caitlin is now eleven months old. (And for those of you in shock by how fast it has gone by, know I am right there with you!)

It's Not So Bad Here After All :)

After writing a few different posts about what I find frustrating since being back in the States or what I miss about Germany, I thought it's about time I shared a few things I am thoroughly enjoying about being back. Yay for optimism!

• First off, I have to mention winter. I loved being back here for winter! It was so much fun trompsing around in the snow in big winter boots and enjoying the bright winter days as the sun glistened off the thick snow blanket that covered the ground. Now that it is mostly melted I am reminded what a blessing it is to get to enjoy that facet of the season while it lasts.

• Free water! Although I am constantly asking for it with no ice, it's still surprising but soooo nice to have it as a legitimate beverage choice when eating out. Noone even bats an eye!

• No fear when talking to strangers. Bring it on! Say whatever you want to me, no matter how weird or random and I'll at least understand the words and be able to express myself at least somewhat no matter how caught off guard I am. Lovin' that.

• It's so much more fun to cook! I can actually find the ingredients for recipes I get online at regular grocery stores! I feel alot more free to try new things in the kitchen now.

• The sales. No joke, I bought a set of 12 tall glasses marked down from $15 to $.90 at K-mart. Uhh, can't beat that!

• The abundance of Christian resources. When I hop in the car I can hear an uplifting song or thought-provoking message on the Christian radio station. A Christian bookstore is only five minutes away. I have already been blessed to take part in a marriage seminar, a mothering lectureship, an intense ladies renewal retreat, not to mention meeting many Christian friends in groups like MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers). It's all so nurturing to the soul.

It's too easy to focus on what's so great about being anywhere but where one is; it's so nice to take a moment and reflect on the blessings God's surrounded us with right where we are!

Swingin' Sweetie

On Saturday Caitlin and I arrived back from ten days in Canada to an almost snowless Rochester (quite the contrast to up north). What a blessed time with family and friends our trip was! Spending time with a friend from the past, Laurie, was a definite highlight. Taking part in the Come Before Winter Ladies' Retreat was an unexpected delight too! It's so nice to be close enough to "fly up to Canada for a few days" instead of only making the BIG trip from Germany once each year. I'd rather say, "See you in a couple months," than "See you next year," anyday!

Click here to see a video of her swinging

The past couple days have reminded me how wonderful it is when spring starts to break through the hard shell of winter. Even though there is a winter storm forecasted for tonight and tomorrow, both yesterday and today we headed outside for a stroll in the warm sun. Passing by a small playground, Caitlin had her first experience in a big swing...and she loved it! The playground is right next to a lake where flocks of Canadian geese hang out and she has a blast watching them walk, float, and fly around, not to mention the funny sounds they make. A couple dogs walked by with their owners and she got a kick out of them too. And she's discovering all this for the first time!! To think that she doesn't know what a dog or swing is--I wish I could know what she thinks when seeing or experiencing something totally new. I'm loving getting to witness her as she delights in discovery! [insert shameless plug :)]

Light Night & Flight

It's so interesting to me how if the cloud cover is just right on a winter night it's as if huge floodlights are overhead. It's light enough to see clear as day-! I remember this from growing up in Canada as well, it must only occur when there's snow on the ground too. It doesn't happen too often but it sure is neat when it does!

On a side note, Caitlin and I are flying up to Canada tomorrow! We're very excited about it. Stories from our trip when we return in a couple weeks!