Monday, January 31, 2011

Last Day

This is it, we have made it through the First Month of the New Year. If January was any indication; this year is just going to fly-by! As many of you know February is always our busiest month and now we're going to be adding another important day...Looks as though our Granddaughter will have a Birthday in February as well..we're just waiting to see what day that will be. Last night Rich said that he was going to have to start a special savings account just for that month..LOL Perhaps we should think about planing a two week Disney Or Hawaii Vacation every year! Defiantly on the table for discussion with the family.
We fly back in just 17 days..I'm so excited to see the kids!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Baby news

Marissa had her weekly Dr's appointment yesterday, the baby still isn't ready to make an appearance. So the Dr's plan is to induce labor at 8:30 Friday morning Feb. 4th! I hope she decides to come on her own this week because if she's anything like her Daddy...she "will not" appreciate being forced to do something she doesn't want to do!! I think Marissa's Grandmother- Jean Jarvis said it best: she's growing eyelashes- and doesn't want to come out before her nails are done!!! LOL I can see she is going to be like her cousin Shealynn. Another California Diva in the family YEA for we Grandmother's...we're going to have so much fun!!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Overdue

Today we are officially overdue! Last night I had a dream that when Rich and I went back to meet our new little one...she still hadn't come!! Marissa was still pregnant, and the Dr was saying it could be week's more.... "I'm glad it was only a dream" 
Today has been rather quite but nice. "Almost at the bottom of the laundry pile"...that seems to be the one draw-back with this house. "The washer/dryer combo" It take's 4 1/2 hours for one load to wash and dry. However if I put more than 7 pieces in the machine, it doesn't dry properly and "everything" comes out wrinkled. I then end up spending time ironing thing's I shouldn't have to like my husbands boxers!! 
Tomorrow I have my second piano lesson, I used to play a little when I was younger but it's fun to pick it up again. My Teacher is German but speaks a little English so between my German and his English everything is working out. My music book is all in German but it's not a problem since music has the same notes, keys and scales whatever language it's in!
The Embassy is having their own version of "The biggest looser", although I'm not officially signed-up, I'm still working hard in my "home gym". I'm never at a loss for thing's to do!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

More snow

"I LOVE day's like this" It's cold, windy, overcast and snowy! I walked to the market this afternoon and it was so nice that I found myself walking extra slow to enjoy the moment. The street's weren't very busy...most people were driving...why anyone would choose to drive on a day like this is beyond me. Oh well, I can't expect everyone to enjoy the same thing's I do...can I.?. 
I talked with Rich last night, he's doing fine and getting settled in. Security levels have gone up here in Europe because of the suicide bomber yesterday at the Moscow airport. It's such an awful thing when something like that happens and No, I'm not uncomfortable living over here. The people who are in the right positions do their best to protect and serve,,just like they do in the USA; sometimes bad thing's happen "Everywhere". I look at it like this: When God call's me home..it's not going to matter where I am or what I'm doing. So I might as well be enjoying myself! LOL

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Rollercoaster

Wow, what an intense last few day's....my Uncle Richard had a heart-attack and needless to say it sent us for a whirl!!! With Linda {his daughter} and myself here in Europe; we both found ourselves relying on Lois {Linda's twin sister, my cousin} for all of our information. Thankfully Lois kept her cell handy to answer our call's and questions...and Yes, we had plenty! I was able to talk with my Uncle after his first procedure- and just hearing his wonderful voice put me at ease. Two surgeries and three stents later he is now back home and on the mend. There is damage to the Apex of his heart but the Dr.'s are very optimistic of a great recovery. I spoke with Uncle again today and he is very happy to be home along with a bit of confusion with all the new medication he now has to take--but not to worry he has a lot of people to help him take what he need's when he need's it. Auntie is holding up like the strong women she is, "I'm very proud of her". Sadly, if I had to walk in her shoes- I'd be a blubbering mess. Is it to late to say I'd like to be like her when I grow-up?
On BABY News: No, she still hasn't arrived. I think it's going to be a sneak-attack! She's already her own person and I love her for that!!! Still we remain ready whenever she decides to grace us with her presence.
Rich leaves tomorrow for Davos, it's going to be a very busy week for everyone.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Changes

It's just one of several day's during the year when I will tire of the house and feel the need to re-arrange. Today was such a day {keep in mind that I've been thinking about this for awhile}. So with the vacuum and my dusting rag ready- away I went! Most of the change for today was on the second level..living-room and study. I took the two recliners from the den to the living-room and the love seat recliner from the living-room to the den; after shuffling around book cases, file cabinets, lamps and end tables- I'm finely finished. What a project that was!! But worth every minute..both rooms look amazing. The next room I want to tackle is the kitchen; time for some changes there as well. I'm excited to see how it comes out, but I already know it will end in a shopping trip to Ikea! I think perhaps I'll do it next week while Rich is gone, it's sure to keep me busy!
Now it's time for me to hit the gym for awhile...hummm...do you think moving furniture counts as "toning"? Ya, I didn't think so either, but hey- it was worth a thought  "right?"

Monday, January 17, 2011

Shower and Passport

Most important..Marissa and Chris had their Mommy and Daddy Baby shower yesterday. I do not have all the details yet but Marissa did post that they had a "wonderful time" with all their amazing family and friends. This is one of the times that my heart wishes we were living closer to our kids, these are the moments that I feel we're missing out on important times. My Grandparent's made such a difference in my life..will I make a difference if I'm not with them as much? I know it's the quality of the time we spend not the quantity, but I can't help but wonder....  I can't wait to visit with all of them next month!! The spoiling of the babies will commence!
On another note, we took Mikey to the Vet today for his check-up. He got current on his immunizations and we had to prepare his paperwork for our up-coming trip. Yes...Mikey now has a Swiss Passport. He is quite the little Diplo-Dog! Perhaps I'll write a Children's book {from his perspective} about all his travels- he sure has a lot of stories!!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Quick time

Rich left this morning for Embassy business and is due back Friday. This is the time of year when thing's pick up a bit; as many of you know Rich and I will be "looking" and bidding for a new Post sometime in the near future. I've already begun looking at all the different areas to see what each Post is like. I'm not even half way through but it will depend greatly on what's available at bidding time. I love reading about the interesting "Traditions and Customs" of the Countries. However as we get ready to spend our last year here in Bern I think about all of the places and things we still have to do...it's always interesting and it's never disappointing with any of the activities we choose to do. Always so much to see and so little time! 
Now for those of you who have plans to visit us here- Please set your dates and get them to us! Two reasons: 
1. So we can plan to be here
2. So we can make sure everyone doesn't show up at once!
Looking forward to hearing from you!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Now or Later

To come now or not...tis the question my Granddaughter is pondering. Yes we're all excited so whenever your ready..... "SWEETIE"
I was texting with Marissa last night and she is doing great. Chris is working hard and he'll be able to take Maternity leave as well, I wish they would have given Rich leave when the boy's were born; I'm glad that they will have the opportunity to bond as a family. Chris has already requested no-visitors for the first week or two...they will be going on lock down! LOL Now the Baby shower is Sunday, Marissa isn't sure she'll make it or not; but my guess is: If she's anything like her Mommy...she's going to want to attend the party too!
Now I haven't forgotten about Shealynn and Brady...I'm very excited to see them too!! I love spending time with everyone of them.
Last night Mikey got his haircut and this morning got a shower...he's looking good- and smells good too! All is well over here and looks to be another productive day.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Rainy Day

It's a rainy day outside but the house is warm and cozy. I spent my morning baking chocolate chip cookies and cleaning..I just love productive days! I even have dinner cooking on low.
We received our Christmas package from Chris and Marissa last night; so many nice things--you shouldn't have gotten us so much; Our little Granddaughter is gift enough!! I keep waiting for the phone to ring with Chris and Marissa on the other end telling us that their on their way to the Hospital. I've even begun to charge my phone on my night table.."what" ME excited?? Naaah    Another piece of good news is that Corey will be joining us in Ca next month; he'll be able to split a few days each with his brothers, nieces and nephew. And yes, I'll be taking {a lot} of pictures for my Blog so be ready.

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Cake

Agenda's

So...what's on your agenda this week? Other than the two day's Rich will be gone I have a very mild week. This morning I put on a homemade Pea Soup, Played Cinderella and cleaned out the fireplace, dusted, vacuumed and cleaned the kitchen; tomorrow? More housework of course! I'm also going to pick my cross-stitch back up and try to finish it before Summer. It's another large winter village so it will keep me occupied for awhile!
Last evening we went to our friend's home for dinner, as always we had a wonderful time. I made dessert: a homemade Burnt Sugar Chiffon Cake with Burnt Sugar Frosting. I'll post a picture of the cake sometime today.It's a great cake however I find the frosting a bit too sweet for me...then again living in Europe and buying from the Bakery's I'm used to eating pastries containing very little sugar. So for me- a doughnut at Krispy Cream makes my head hurt after one bite! Even when the boy's were little and we would return to the State's from Europe, they would get sick eating the rich foods and ask when we could go back home?! LOL
I'm really looking forward to our trip to Ca. next Month..."really missing the kids".

Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Nursery

Chris is all set to take his daughter for a walk
AWWWWW.....
The bed made up in Pink and Purple
A girl HAS to have clothes....don't worry little one, your Grandma's are coming!
But not to worry Daddy...we'll let you buy her shoes!
We all know she will be in the Bassinet right next to Mommy and Daddy's bed!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

What week

So alright..where did the week go?! I've been "trying" to get into some kind of routine however I'm failing miserably. Just one of those weeks where intentions are good but the outcome sucks!
On a good note- I did get to shop for my Granddaughter #2 on-line the other day; I had so much fun! Chris sent pictures of the Nursery along with the new stroller, car seat and bathtub. The room is beautiful! Chris and Marissa have done a wonderful job putting it all together! "if I sound like a proud Mother; it's because I am"
After the baby shower this week we will all await her debut with much excitement... I just hope she doesn't decide to take her time like her Daddy did!
Good news on the mail over here; we now have a DPO and sometime in February we will be able to mail packages! So next month you can anticipate getting a chocolate package from Switzerland. I look forward to putting them together.
It's warm out today and my snow is "almost" gone!! Time for a blizzard! Rich is cleaning out the garage and I have a few things I need to pick up, but other than that I think we'll have a relaxing day. I'll also be sweeping up all the pine-needles from the top balcony, {it's such a little thing to put-up with from our pine trees in the back yard} The smell is amazing! Did I tell you that I LOVE-IT HERE????