Week of December 15th, 2013

Sunday I got up and went to the store to get the meat for my luncheon tomorrow for my friend's birthday.  So I left some pancake mix on the counter and told the boys when dad gets up ask him to make pancakes.  After breakfast we took the kids to the Christmas markets in the city center. 

I had taken Amber and Sean one day after church to one of the them, but the other one had a big ferris wheel and some little rides.  It was a bit cold out but not bad or crowded so perfect.  We had hot chocolate and we got to keep the mugs, well of course you pay for it, but they were little boots painted and say Luxembourg on them.  And we sat in one of the little houses they built.  We went on the ferris wheel and had lunch in another little hut. 

We got a few little things and then came home.  Then I took Amber and Sean and we met another family and saw the movie Frozen.  It was so cute.  Everyone liked it.  Then as we were leaving the theatre, Jason came with Jacob and 2 of his friends and then they met another 2 friends at the movie.  They went to see the Hunger Game movie and really liked it.  Jacob has been reading the books.  We grilled out for dinner and then I baked some chocolate cheesecake bites and made the meatballs for lunch tomorrow. 

Monday Jason took the kids to school so that always helps when I am having people over.  I finished getting things ready.  I decided to try a strawberry lemonade recipe.  Ok I think I squeezed 16 lemons, which once you cut them in half is 32- ugh.  Hand cramp!  In addition to the lemonade which actually took awhile to make, I made meatballs as an appetizer and then an Asian Chicken for the main dish and the cheesecake squares. 

Everyone offered to bring something so that was nice and helped me out a lot.  One friend brought a salad, one made bread, one dessert and one couscous with roasted vegetables.  We had a very nice lunch and everyone stayed until school pick up time.  After school the boys had their hair cuts and then home to clean everything up.  Thank goodness I had already made the zucchini bread to bring in for the middle school teacher's brunch tomorrow. 

Tuesday I left the house at 8 am to take the kids to school and didn't return until almost 4pm!  I had my eyebrow appt. at mall, picked up a few things in store and then drove to school to meet 2 of my friends.  She picked me up and we drove to the city center.  We visited our favorite jewelry store as there was a coupon thing, but I didn't end up getting anything.  Then we walked around the 2 Christmas markets there.  That was my 4th time there, but they hadn't been at all yet.  We tried some of their hot mulled wine.  It was ok.  Then we drove over to a friend's house as she was doing a Danish Christmas lunch for us.  It was really nice.  It was a lot of fish, pickled herring, smoked salmon etc.  It is also tradition to have schnapps with this meal.  It was pretty strong so I only had a few sips of it.  We all had a really nice time.  Then after school Amber went home with a friend, Jacob had basketball and I had one of Sean's friend over for the night as his parents were out of town.  Later I pick up Jacob from school then we went and picked up Amber from her friend's house and went home and had dinner.  Then Jacob realizes that he didn't bring the right books home- ugh!  So I load everyone back up and off to school we go for the 5th time today!  Thank goodness stuff goes on at the school at night so it was open.  My hands were really cramping up today still from squeezing all those lemons! 

Wednesday Jason and I took the kids to school and then parked over near the park and walked down into the valley.  It was a warmer day and great to walk in the Grund area!  It is so pretty with the old buildings, valleys, stone cobble streets, and old houses.  Then we walked into the city center and back to the car.  Once I got cleaned up I drove out to the import store to pick up the Lego book for the boys' for Christmas.  Then to school as Amber was having her Holiday party with her class.  She had worn her Christmas Pjs as they were allowed to wear them. 

Since she only had a half day today we left school and went to a friend's house to pick up 2 of her duffel bags, then did some errands.  The mall they renovated here so they added a McDonalds so we picked up that for lunch.  Then back to school to get Sean.  Sports for lower school ended and they get out a bit after 2.   Then we ran to the sporting goods store, but couldn't find a parking space which makes me annoyed since people I am sure are just parking in the little lot and going somewhere else.  We had to park up the street at the car dealership.  But I couldn't find what I was looking for in the store there either.  Then back to school to get Jacob and on to the Chiropractor.  When we got home from that the kids were excited to open their gifts from one of my friends who we had exchanged gifts with.  So they were happy!  The inspection was done on the house we are buying in the states today and it passed overall pretty good, so we just have a few items we would like them to fix.    More packing tonight.  And finished the last of the wrapping- yeah!!!

Thursday I went to buy the motorway stickers for Austria and Switzerland.  Certain countries you need to have a sticker on your car instead of having to pay tolls they do this.  I can buy them at the place like AAA here.  Then I tried to find Jason some ski mittens but I guess they aren't very common for men.  I only found a few and they started at 109 euros!  They were sized according to number 8, 9 10 etc, so he will have to see if he finds anything in Austria as I had no idea what size to get him and then they were really expensive.  At home I got a lot of wash done, and finished the packing.  After school Jacob just had basketball and the rest of us went home. 

Week of Dec. 8th, 2013

Sunday Amber had a bowling birthday party to go to.  So one of the dad's that was picking up from the sleepover she was at last night picked up her too and he brought Amber and his son to the bowling party.  That was super nice.  Amber had a fun time bowling.  I picked her up at lunch time and we came home and ate lunch.  After lunch I got the kids bundled up and we followed some friends to Amber's rainbow event.  It was in another town about 25 min. away at a chalet in the forest.  I hate trying to find things like this.  So we did find it with our friends.  We parked in the forest and walked down this path to this big hut.  It had 2 openings in the roof for the smoke to go out as there were 2 campfires inside.  It was pretty dark in there as there were no lights besides candles and the fire.  So they were selling food there, Amber got her face painted

and then the different girl scout troops were selling things they had made for Christmas.  Amber's group was selling ornaments and these reindeer things.  So we got some things.  I got the kids hot chocolate and we walked over to the benches around the camp fire.  Amber got up and wanted to walk somewhere else and spilled her whole cup of hot chocolate all over her jacket, the back of Sean's jacket and my pants- ugh!  We stayed for about an hour and then came home.  I had to put everyone's coats and my pants in the wash!  At home the kids decorated a gingerbread man Jason had brought back from home last time he had gone.  So they enjoyed that.

 

 

After dinner we watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special!  Love those shows!

Monday Jason left early to go back to the states.  I got some things wrapped and started pulling things out for our ski trip to see what else everyone needs.  I finished my Christmas cards for friends here and tried to exercise but couldn't figure out how to change users on the Apple TV- ha where is Jacob when I need him?  So I ended up on the treadmill.  After lunch I went to the china/dish outlet store to get a present for a friend.  They normally have a little Christmas market set up in their parking lot with little huts and Christmas things for sale or on sale.  They didn't have it this year.  But when I walked inside they had 2 little counters that had stuff really discounted!  I was excited since it was both the fine china pattern I have a few things of and then some of the Christmas pattern I had gotten.  So I got a few things and then a big Christmas tree candle for a friend.  Then on to school.  This week for 3 days my friend organized a book fair here.  So I went and got some books for the kids mostly as gifts.  I did give one to Amber and she loved it and was reading it all afternoon.  It was a phonics book with little phrases in it.  After school there was a meeting for the parents about the 6th graders going to space camp this week.  Jacob is so excited!  So we  did that and then went home.  The kids wrote their Christmas letters to Santa and had the elf take them to him.

Tuesday.  Well the elves took the letters back to Santa and Santa sent the elves back with a letter to the kids and a box of candy canes, which you can't find here!  But the elves decided they needed to try the candy canes so they had opened the box, eaten some of one and they were scattered all over the floor!  Hee Hee!
Jacob is now done with early morning band until after Christmas- yeah for me, a little more sleep!  I had my last yoga class for this year.  It will start up again in January.  I will have to stretch between now and then!  After class my friend dropped me off at the car dealership since my car was ready.  I was just driving Jason's but I really don't like driving his even though it is a nicer car.  I will just take my tank!  I must say his turning radius is so amazing compared to my car.  It has been pretty cold at night and my car was covered in frost and it didn't want to start right away.  From here I put my brave pants back on and drove down to the big post office.  It is by the train station.  Why is it that in most cities the train station is a seedy part of town?  Well this post office that our packages go to is right across the street.  Just to give you an idea of things... on the radio just yesterday they were talking about woman who do things for money.... and how they are getting pushed out of France along the borders and they were worried that they may come to Luxembourg because the only place it is really tolerated is this one neighborhood and that is here is behind the post office!  Ugh!!!  So I found a spot in the lot- surprisingly.  Then I got approached by 2 men asking for money.  And of course more of them are also standing by the parking ticket machine where I need to buy a ticket.  So I donated to all.  Then I go inside and wonder what I am picking up.  B/c I think it was just a book.  They said they tried to deliver it on sat. and no one was home so it is now here at the Post Office.  Well we were home and no one came and they don't even deliver on Sat.  And a book would have fit in my mailbox!  Ugh!  But I also ordered a soft top car carrier for the car.  I was hoping it would be here as well.  No such luck.  All this way for a book.  As I leave the parking lot one of the men asking for money gives me a big thumbs up- thanks.  I have to exit and drive back down the side streets behind the post office to get back to my road and guess what I see?  Only 2 ladies today.  Must be a slow morning.  Then on to the store, and home for lunch. Got some wrapping done before pickup.  After school Jacob had basketball, and Amber had a friend over. 

Wednesday was Jacob's departure for space camp.  He was so excited!

He had to be at school early and then the bus left a little before 8am.  So I took all the kids and we waited while they got everyone on the bus and watched them take off.  Then we went into the upper school cafeteria with a friend and got the kids a snack for coming to school early.  Then I walked them to their school drop off areas.  Once back at home my friend's husband dropped off their little guy and I watched him while my friend had an appt.  We played and made holiday cupcakes for Amber's Rainbow party tomorrow.  A little bit later my friend came over and picked up her son and they left and went to school to pick up Amber and her daughter for lunch and ballet.  At 2:30 I went to school to help work the book sale.  Sean finished school and helped too, and then Amber finished ballet and was trying to sell books too!  Then we helped her tear down and load up as it was the end of it.  The book sale was just for 3 days but they sold over 5600 euros in books!  One of my friends organized it.  The school didn't do it, but they will get 3000 euros in free books of their choice!  Pretty good.  It was a pretty quiet evening here with only 3 of us! 

Thursday was a busy day!  December seems to just be one of those busy months!  So we never heard from Jacob so we assumed all was well.   Sean had to be at school a bit early today to sell tickets for the movie night that will be tomorrow night put on by the student council.  Then I met a friend for coffee at the school.  After this I ran to a sporting goods store a little bit out of town to see about some stuff for skiing.  But then I just get annoyed at the prices and don't buy much!  But I did buy some super heavy looking socks for some of us for skiing.  Then I went to the mall with the grocery store to see if they had any long underwear.  At the sports store one pair of children's long underwear pants was like $45!  Ugh!  So I raided the long underwear at the grocery store.  It isn't as good as the one at the sports store as it won't let your body breath as well, but it was a lot cheaper!  Then home to unload things.  Talked with Jason today and that seller from the house we let go last week has been reconsidering and their realtor talked to our realtor that maybe we could renegotiate.  So we are thinking about what we want to do.  After school I brought in Amber's cupcakes for her Rainbows Christmas party.  As Sean and I were walking back to the car the buses pull up with the 6th graders returning from space camp.  Jacob had a blast!!  He looked tired when he got off the bus.  He said the food was bad, but loved all the stuff that they did.  They built a rocket and launched it.  They had 9 people in his bunk room and his bunk buddy was sleep walking and moving around a lot so Jacob didn't get much sleep.  So I took the boys home and Sean got ready for his concert and we had an early dinner.  Then I went back to school to pick up Amber and they were really late getting out.  By the time they got out I really needed to be back at home to pick up the boys for Sean's concert.  So Amber ended up staying at school with my friend and saving us seats.  I ran home and picked up the boys and we got back to school in time for Sean to get ready.  The concert was good.  Sean looked so handsome and had a great time playing his drum. 

By the time we left the concert Amber had been at school for around 11 1/2 hours!  We came home and got everyone a big snack and ready for bed. 

Friday morning we submitted an offer back on that house and we will wait and see what happens.  I had a few errands to run after I dropped off the kids at school.  Then tennis.  After tennis I changed there, of course I have no gym bag so I had to take Jacob's school bag- ha.  Maybe I can put that on my Christmas list.  So there was an Italian Restaurant I wanted to try about 20 min. away so I met 2 of my friends there.  It was good.  After lunch we went to the import store where I ordered the lego book for the boys but they still don't have it in.  They get a delivery twice next week, but it is cutting it close.  So hopefully it will be here soon.  I still don't have the car carrier and now it is a week past the delivery date!  I keep emailing the seller and they keep telling me it is coming. 
After school today Sean had movie night at school.  Then Amber had a friend coming over and a friend had asked me to take her 2 kids from school, so one was Jacob's friend and one Amber's.  So then that made 3 extra and then another one of Jacob's friends joined in at the last minute.  So Sean stayed at school and I ended up with 4 more!  Amber's friend got picked up a little bit later and then I brought the rest of them back to school for movie night pickup and we met their parents there.  After dinner we had a movie night and watched the Polar Express.  I love that Christmas movie.  Tonight Jacob brought down books he had bought at the book sale at school to give to Sean for Christmas.  I thought that was very sweet of him.  And for Amber we talked about it and he decided he would wrap up his DS since he doesn't use it anymore and give her that b/c she wanted one.   So we will see how that goes over.  But very sweet of him.  And I had bought a sweatshirt/fleece thing for Jason for skiing and Jacob said he would give that to Jason and even gave me money for it.  Tonight the seller's agreed to our offer, so we may have a house! 

Sat morning I took Amber to the Dr. for a inflammation/rash she had.  She got some medicine.  Then Jason returned home around 11am.  Then my friend stopped by with some flowers for watching her kids after school yesterday for her and so she stayed for a cup of tea.  Then one of Jacob's friends called and asked if he could go over and play there today and they would be over in about 5 min. to get him.  Well both boys were still in their pjs and this was around 12!  So he quickly got dressed and went to his friend's house for the afternoon.  I made some brownies to take to a friend's house for dessert and we cleaned up some things and tried on some more snow stuff for skiing.  I got all my goodies out of Jason's suitcases he had brought back, and started getting the table set for my friend's b'day luncheon I am hosting on Monday.  Then late afternoon we left and picked up Jacob at his friend's house.  They live way across and out of town, and then headed over to another friend's house for dinner.  We had gotten each other little gifts so the kids were excited to open everything and then we had dinner.  It was a lot of fun. 

Then once we got home I started making the first part of these cheesecake bites for Monday.

First week of December 2013

Sunday was the first day of Advent.  So the kids all got the chocolate Advent calendar and Jason had even gotten me a Fannie May one from home- I love that store!  After breakfast we went to the Bazar that is here once a year.  It comes for one weekend and it is countries from all around the world, I think they had 70 this year, and they each set up little booths in the expo center and sell food and items from their country.  So it is neat to see and we sample some foods.  Then we go to the American booth, run by the woman's club, and buy groceries and get a hotdog/chili and brownies, the ones I baked!  I saw a bunch of people from school there.  We enjoyed it and were out before it got too crowded or smoky from all the cooking.  Then we came home and decked the house for Christmas!
Here is Amber washing the windows so we can stick those Christmas window stickers up.

We are all set for the holidays now!  Having been cooking for 2 1/2 days I had a lot of things I needed to get done around the house.   The boys watched the last Ocean's movie that is out, 13.  They enjoyed it.  We had leftover Thanksgiving for dinner and lit our first candle on the Advent wreath.  The seller's came back with their final offer take it or leave it and we have until Wednesday.

Monday morning I went out to Germany to my couple of stores.  The toy store opens at 9am and usually I am the only one there, but today there were about 15 people waiting for the store to open!  Here St. Nick day is bigger then Christmas, so with that coming up this week I guess everyone needed to finish their shopping.  I ran into this discount clothing store too b/c Jacob needs to wear all black tomorrow night for his band concert.  So we have the pants, shoes and socks, but not the black collared, button down shirt.  I was so happy I found one for under 10 euros!  Perfect!  So after the grocery store I came home and ate lunch and then headed over to the other side of town to see about some things for a center piece for my Christmas tea I am having on Friday.  Then off to pickup.  Today Jacob had a friend over after school. 

Tuesday Jacob had early band and Jason took him in.  I had yoga then off to the British store.  I was looking for molasses to make gingerbread cupcakes, but they were out of the American one, but had one they said was similar.  Maybe a British version.  Then I was looking for a lego book that has just ideas of things to build with the legos.  I thought the boys would enjoy something like that for Christmas, but they were out so I ordered it.  Then on to the other mall/grocery store.  So now it was around 11am and this lot is so full.  I find a spot and back into it, but 1/4 of my front end is sticking out- ugh.  So I get out and look at the car behind me and the car behind me is way over the line into my parking space.  So I see that he is still in his car, so I got my brave pants on and went over and knocked on his window.  Here is how my conversion went... "Hello. Hello Madam.  s'il vous plait(please) move your car forward as I am motioning with my hands for him to move his car forward- ha!  He is just staring at me, so I say it again.  He gets it this time and moves his car forward.  Merci beaucoup(thank you very much) I say!  Voila!  My car is in!  So I get some groceries, pick up a gift for a friend and head home.   Amber had the quote of the day, "I have a GPS in my head, so I can find my way home!"  Good luck with that sister!
After school Jacob had basketball practice and then his band concert after dinner.  It was good just long, especially for Amber.  It was the middle school and high school, choir, concert bands, jazz bands and symphonic band.  But they all did their own thing.  So each group got a couple songs to play and then the next group went.  It was nice.  Jacob played the crashing symbols in one song and the tambourine in another one b/c he is in the percussion section. 

Wednesday after drop off I got the cookie dough made and then put in fridge to chill.  I added a pinch of salt but to the batter and not the flour mixture and the dough was so salty- ugh!  I will try and bake it later and see if it is still salty or I have to remake it.  I got a little exercise in and got cleaned up and then ran back to school as Amber had her winter concert today.  Sean's teacher let the kids go see it if they had a sibling in it, 4 kids from his class have a kindergartner sibling!  The concert was cute.  They sang songs, and did a dance on the floor in front of the stage.  Amber is in French class so all the students in French class came forward and sang a song in French.  Amber and her best friend were good singers, and when it was just their class we could definitely hear a lot of just them!

After this she was done with school, so I took her and 2 friends home for lunch and play time.  The one girl is French and I said we were having little mini pizzas and this girl said she didn't like pizza, so I told her I could make her a sandwich, what would she like.  She told me salmon and a salad.  Ok I am sorry I told her but I don't have salmon and I have cut up fruit and veggies.  So she settled on salami with butter and cheese.  Then a bit later we went back to school for ballet.  Sean had soccer after school.  So we waited around until he was done and then Jacob was done with school and both boys had a friend over.  So it was a loud afternoon!  They did go to the park for a bit so that was nice.  Tonight I made those salty cookies and they didn't really taste too salty.  I noticed it a bit but no one else really seemed too.  These I can't get to taste just like at home.  I think it is b/c of the butter.  It is a big ingredient in the recipe and obviously I can't find the same butter here.  I am giving them out as little goodie bags after my tea on Friday with our Christmas card. 
We went through some of Amber's craft area tonight as it is a big mess.  It is where we might have had a seating area, but the whole floor is open so we just use the family room area for that.  But so many papers and such.  It helped a little!  We decided to let the house we were bidding on just go for now.  We couldn't agree on a price and we will just wait and see how things go when Jason moves next month.  I am sure a lot more houses will come on the market in the months to follow as well.  We never put ours up yet either. 

Thursday I ran to the 2 stores and then home to get some more things made for Friday morning.  I got the cranberry bread made and the start of the scones then showered and back to school for pickup.  Sean had a friend over and Jacob had basketball and Amber rainbows.  Then back for the kids.  After dinner I got the Gingerbread chocolate cupcakes made and the fruit kabobs and browned up the sausage and onion and pepper for the egg cups tomorrow.  I was up pretty late just getting things together.  Amber's class had put a shoe out for St. Nick at school today so she couldn't wait to put her shoe out here at home tonight.  All the kids put out their shoes for St. Nick tonight.  Amber put out a big pink boot in hopes that she would get more b/c her boot could hold more stuff- ha!  Jason didn't get home from work until around 12:30am or so.

Friday morning the kids were super happy to see that St. Nick had stopped by and left them each a little something.

Jacob's band was canceled since they just had their concert, so Jason took all the kids into school.  That helped me as my Christmas tea was this morning.

These pictures were before my egg cups were done so not in picture.
It turned out really nice.  I made fruit kabobs, and egg/hash brown cups instead of a quiche.  Then the scones, cranberry bread and Chocolate gingerbread cupcakes.  Everything tasted great!  It was nice to see everyone and chat.  There were 8 of us today.  I had invited 10.  I did feel bad as I had tennis at 11 so I had to end the tea by 10:50 so I could get to tennis.  Tennis was good and then I ran to school to see Jacob off on the bus to Belgium for the away basketball games this weekend!  I told him to leave his bookbag by his locker in case I missed him and I would go in and pick it up.  So I said goodbye to him at the bus and went in to get his bookbag.  When I picked it up it is was so heavy, I was like what in the world does he have in here!  I looked in the side of his bag and he had 7 D size batteries that I had given him over the course of the week to take inside of school and recycle!  Ugh he had forgotten and was carrying them around!  His poor back. 
Then I came back home and cleaned up from the tea.  After school Sean went home with a friend and Jacob was gone, so it was just Amber and I so that was nice.  Jason got home around 5pm and Sean came back around 6pm.  We grilled out and had a nice evening.  I told Jacob to give us a call before bed.  Well at 11pm he calls us.  I had figured he just forgot.  He did but then realized it when he was in bed and got up and called.  The bus trip was good and the game they had tried but lost by a few points.  He had made a basket.  His team is under 12 which is 5th and 6th grade boys, but the team they played today and tomorrow was mixed under 12 and under 14 which is 7th and 8th graders so those boys were a lot bigger then our boys especially the 5th graders.  Kind of hard to even compare!  His host was a 7th grader and from New York.  After the game there was a party at school.  So they went there and there was a DJ and they danced and ate.  Jacob had a great time.  Other players from his team where there too.  Then him and his friend from the team went home with this boy that was hosting them to spend the night.  Jacob said it went well, but he didn't sleep that well.  He slept on a cot that they had put out for him.   

Sat. morning we were able to sleep in so that felt good!  I tried out a new waffle recipe and made fruit slushys for breakfast- yummy!  Before lunch we dropped off my car at the car dealership as I need 2 new front tires put on.  The tread is all gone.  After lunch Jacob gave us a call and said they were back on the bus and would be home around 2:30.  The game was good but they lost.  He had a really good time.  Jason picked him up and he came home and showered and then we left and went to Jason's company Christmas party.  We brought some cookies.  So children under 9, poor Sean since he is 9.  got to go up and see St. Nickolas and get a goodie bag from the Black Santa and a gift from St. Nickolas. 

In August they gave us the list to chose from and pick something out for her.  So I picked out a little pet shop set.  So she was excited.  Then we got snacks and drinks and sat for a bit.  She saw one of her friends from class.  Then we drove Amber over to her friend's house as she was going to spend the night.  Get one child back and get rid of another.  Then we went to the mall for a bit as we had dinner reservations at a place right across from the mall but it wasn't open yet.  So when it opened at 6pm we went over.  No one goes out at 6pm to eat, too early.  So we went in and the kitchen staff was eating dinner.  But someone got up right away and seated us and was a great server.  We left him a nice tip.  We have never had such good service in Luxembourg or Europe!  Another couple came in shortly after we did with 2 big dogs!  They brought a blanket for them to sit on and hid them in the corner behind their table.  They knew the manager and such but ugh!  You really don't see it much here, besides the outside seating.  But in France you see it all the time.  After dinner we rented a movie.  A bit quieter tonight without little Amber here.

Week of Thanksgiving, November 2013

Sunday Jacob was joining his friend at the ice skating rink b/c his sister was having a b'day party and they invited Jacob along.  So he was excited!  He loves ice skating and has his own skates.

So he had to be there by 10.  Then I took the other 2 to church, and then we went and walked around the Christmas market that is up just down the street in the center.  There are 2 I think and we just did one and got a sausage.  It was cold out!  Jason arrived back this morning while we were at church so I had him pick up Jacob from ice skating and then we all got home around the same time.  The kids were excited to see Jason since he was gone almost a full week.  A bit later my friend picked me up b/c another lady was having a jewelry party down the street from me so we went to that. 
Then this afternoon Jason and I decided to make an offer on the house he really likes that he has been in like 5 times now!  So we will see where this goes.  If it works great, if not we will just keep looking.  He is going back again in Dec. and he can see more houses if we find something else.  Then I am sure at the start of the year and on more houses will be coming on the market.

Monday I kept Amber home from school today.  She has been coughing for over a week now and the medicine I have been giving her here isn't working so I got her into the Dr. today.  Jason left this morning for Germany until tomorrow.  We also sent in the paperwork to the realtor to finalize the first house offer.  Then I dropped the boys off at school and Amber ran some errands with me, and then we went to the Dr. appt.  She has laryngitis.  So she got some medicine and hopefully will be feeling better soon!  In baking more foods for Thanksgiving, today we made our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip coffee cake.  Sean went home with a friend after school so it worked out well b/c I could just drive up once Jacob was done with school and pick him up.  No parking or waiting for everyone and no walking way down to the lower school building.  My friend stopped by after school and I gave her some coffee cake and she gave Amber her lines she needs to read for the Turkey talk we are doing in their Kindergarten class on Thursday.  She has 2 laminated papers with pictures on the front and then 2 sentences on the back to read. 
I got pasta with shrimp ready to cook for dinner and then ran to pick up Sean from his friend's house.  On the way home we drove by the big ferris wheel at one of the Christmas markets and the kids really want to go!  This evening the owner's came back with a counter offer.  We still aren't willing to pay that so we will wait until tomorrow and then counter it back.. This may take awhile!

Tuesday I had to take Jac in for early band and then back later with the other 2.  Then on to yoga.  Today we did these different poses with a partner and my friend and I were cracking up because they were a little much.  After yoga I picked up my friend who is in town.  Her husband works with Jason now, they worked together at their old company too.  Now they live in France so he came over for work and she joined him.  So we came back to the house and had tea and chatted.  Then I drove downtown and we walked around the 2 Christmas markets and had a yummy sausage for lunch.  It was a cool day but the sun was out so we walked around the city center too.  Then back to the house for a bit.  On the way to school I dropped her back off at the hotel.  This afternoon Jason talked to the realtor and she was going to prepare the papers for the next offer. I got Amber and Sean and Jac had basketball.  We came home and made 2 batches of brownies for the Woman's club to sell at the Bazar this weekend. Later went back for Jacob, came home, feed the kids dinner, got myself ready to go out to dinner, and drove Jac back to school for guitar practice.  After that ended Jason and I met out our friends in town for dinner in the city center.  It was nice, but took about 1 1/2 hours to get our dinner!  This place has a neat wine cellar that you can ask for the key for and walk down to it. 

Wednesday I ran a few quick errands, one being dropping off the brownies at the clubhouse for them b/c they were due today,  and then came home and started baking!  I got the pumpkin pie squares made and then my friend in town and her dog came over and hung out while I was baking.  I need these for Amber's class tomorrow.  My friend that was storing my frozen turkey dropped it off so I could start defrosting it for this weekend.  Another friend stopped by to bring me some eggs she had borrowed/used.  Then I got my cranberry marshmallow salad made.  I had picked up some lunch for my friend and I so we ate that.  Then a little later after lunch she left as they were heading back today.  I went to school and picked up Amber from ballet.  She had gone home with a friend for lunch.  Then we hung out until Sean was done with soccer and we got Jacob and headed home.  The papers were submitted to the sellers.  Once home I got a big pecan pie made and 2 loaves of poppy seed bread- so good!  And dinner too.  The kitchen was a mess today.  I also got all my turkey sheets ready for the turkey talk in Amber's class we are doing tomorrow.  Just coloring and such turkey worksheets.  Amber has been busy practicing reading her lines for the presentation.   The sellers got our offer and countered. 
Tonight the holiday season starts for us.. The Elf arrives!!!  He brings a little gift for everyone too. 

Now 20 some more nights of having to hid them!


Thursday
Happy Thanksgiving!!  The kids found the Elf and gifts right away!

For us it was a normal day as the kids had school, and Jason worked.  After I dropped the kids off I ran to the store to pick up a few more thing and then home as a guy was coming to fix our toilet and the boys shower.  So that was good once fixed.  I then ran to another store as I couldn't find everything I needed at the first store.  Sean had student council today and they discussed their movie night plans that will be coming up soon.  After lunch I went to school and myself and 2 other friends with kids in Amber's class we did a turkey/ Thanksgiving talk.  So I brought in books and read one and then turkey coloring sheets that we handed out for them to take home.

Our 3 kids did a little presentation about Thanksgiving with one of us helping them. 

Then they did a craft with the turkey feathers saying what they are thankful for and gluing them to the back of the turkey. 

We then had a snack, I had made pumpkin pie squares for the kids to try.  After school Amber had rainbows and Jacob basketball.  So I took Sean home and then one of my friends came over with some of her kids and we ate pecan and pumpkin pies for a snack- Happy Thanksgiving! I made stuffing and sweet potato casserole for dinner.  Jason was able to pick up the kids so that helped me.  Amber was so excited because it was her turn to take home the Rainbows Doll for the week.

For our dinner tonight since I was cooking the turkey on Sat. to celebrate with friends, I wasn't going to do a turkey tonight too.  So we had left over pork chops, with the stuffing, sweet potato casserole, poppy seed bread, and cranberry gelatin salad.  Then pumpkin pie squares and pecan pie for dessert.  So it was a nice little Thanksgiving!!

Friday Jason took Jac in early for band.  Then when it was time for the other 2 to go to school Jason and I dropped them off and then Jason and I headed to Aachen.  It is a little town in Germany.  We just drove there for the day to see the Christmas market.  It is about 2 hours away.  So we got there just a little bit before they opened so we walked to see the Dom or Cathedral.  It is huge.  It looks more Greek like then Catholic. 

Then the Christmas markets started in this area and went from square to square, so maybe like 4 of them.  It was really pretty.  I had many layers on today to keep warm.  At the end of the markets is the huge town hall, so we went in there and had a look around.  This is one of the Christmas markets that leads to the back of the town hall.

 

Here is a picture from inside the town hall looking towards the church.

 

It was neat, huge old rooms.  For lunch we went to a Thai place that a friend had recommend and it was great.  Then just walked around some more.  It got really crowded after lunch.  The wind really picked up after lunch.  Jason bought himself a cozy hat!

We did some shopping and then picked up some tins of gingerbread to bring back to people.  This town is known for its special kind of gingerbread.  So I wanted to give some to friends that were watching my kids after school today.  After this we went to the lindt Chocolate outlet store. It was about 5 min. outside of downtown by car.  The place was packed and this was like at 2pm in the afternoon!  People buying up this chocolate like crazy.  I don't know much about it, so we got some of it.  Then we drove home.  Amber went home with one of her boy friends, and Sean went home with a friend, who's brother had basketball with Jacob and then after that the boys walked over to his house, so Jacob and Sean were together.  Jason and I ran to the store for a few last minute turkey items.  Then a bit later I went out and picked up all the kids.  They had had fun.  Tonight I made pumpkin muffins and oreo cheesecake for tomorrows Thanksgiving celebration!

Sat morning we counter offered the seller's offer.  Amber had a party to go to and then Sean had one near there an hour later.  So since I was up at 8:30 and was baking until 4:30 getting all the foods ready for Thanksgiving Jason was busy driving the kids all around.  So after he took Sean to his party he took Jacob to the guitar store as it was over by the airport.  Jacob needed a new cord for his guitar to plug into his amp.  So I was glad they were able to take care of that.  I was busy with the turkey.  My friend and I were doing the turkeys and then bringing them to another friend's house for dinner.  We followed the same recipe she had used last year.  It was really good.  It is a Chef's recipe.  So I was watching the video and doing the recipe.  It calls for making a homemade seasoning and putting it inside of the turkey then stuffing it with veg, rosemary and sage, then place turkey on top of vegetables in pan.  Then make a flavored butter and put that under the turkey skin and on top of the skin, then sprinkle with more homemade seasoning.  It was quite time consuming.  Then bake for 3 1/2 hours.  I then made a vegetable platter in the shape of a turkey- so cute!! And then made ranch dressing.

Then the chocolate dessert pizza.  So I had a lot of things to bring.  But I love cooking and I love Thanksgiving!!  I got a quick shower and pictures by the tree,

and then at 4:30 we left and drove about 25 min. to my friend's house.  Another family came too and we had a really nice time.
Picture of the turkeys!

All the kids were having fun together and liked playing with the 3 cats.  My boys like their drum set too!
Here is a picture of the kid's table.

A Happy Thanksgiving was had by all!!