The Vacationist

Since Devin's summer break started 3 weeks ago I have hardly seen him. The first week he stayed the nights at friends houses, the second break week my mother and stepfather took him and his cousin David to Austria for a few days to hike. When he came back we were lucky that we had some appointments in Frankfurt, where he had to come and stay with us (very close to us!! :)) for 3 days. Lucky us! First day back home a call came in from my uncle Karli asking to take Devin to the Bavarian Forrest hiking. That's where he is now - on a man's camping/hiking trip on the very south-east corner of Germany. Today they are going on a 7 hour hike! 7 hours! Devin thinks he can do it, so I must believe him. From the top of the mountain (called 3 country border mountain) they can look into Germany, Austria and Cezch Republic. They come back tonight...pictures coming!

JUST A MOM


A woman, renewing her driver's license, was asked by the woman at registry to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is", explained the woman at registry, "do you have a job or are you just a ...?" "Of course I have a job", snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom". "We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it", said the recorder emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation.
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The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient & possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar'. "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it?, I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development & Human Relations". The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair & looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. "Might I ask", said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?' Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory & in the field, (normally I would have said indoors & out) I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord & then the whole family) & already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) & I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it), but the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers. The rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money". There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up & personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7 & 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished & indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.' Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door

My Precious Children



This is how I found them in my bed tonight. They are going to hate me tomorrow for posting it! But seriously, doesn't that melt every mothers heart? This picture is extra special to me. We have worked soooo hard on bonding them together as siblings, to make them a strong team, that seeing them like this is so very encouraging. Their relationship has really blossomed the last year and I am more then happy for them. Strong, positiv bonds between siblings are one of the most beautiful things in life!
I love these 2!