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!

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!!

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!

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

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.

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?"

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!!