Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Croatia Pictures
We came home last night from our Croatia vacation. Instead of staying 10 days we only stayed 7 as we had very bad weather the last couple of days and it's not going to change for the next few days. But we had a very good time and LOVED every bit of it. The first 4 days we stayed on the island Krk in a little house with yard on the beach. Beautiful. Then we drove over to Istrien and stayed a night in Rovinij. Very, very beautiful city. Rovinij and Venezia used to be one city. It is still very similar except no channels in Rovinij. Our last couple of days we stayed on a dog camp ground in Medulin near Pula. Mara sure had fun running around all day with other dogs, never having to be on the leash.
What a beautiful country and great stories to tell. Maybe I can get Christian to write some down and post on my blog. I have to go back to do laundry again (the not so nice part after vacation).
We came home last night from our Croatia vacation. Instead of staying 10 days we only stayed 7 as we had very bad weather the last couple of days and it's not going to change for the next few days. But we had a very good time and LOVED every bit of it. The first 4 days we stayed on the island Krk in a little house with yard on the beach. Beautiful. Then we drove over to Istrien and stayed a night in Rovinij. Very, very beautiful city. Rovinij and Venezia used to be one city. It is still very similar except no channels in Rovinij. Our last couple of days we stayed on a dog camp ground in Medulin near Pula. Mara sure had fun running around all day with other dogs, never having to be on the leash.
What a beautiful country and great stories to tell. Maybe I can get Christian to write some down and post on my blog. I have to go back to do laundry again (the not so nice part after vacation).
Friday, May 09, 2008
Vacation time
Once again it's travel time at the Allen house. We are going to Croatia for 10 days on sunday. This time we did not book anything, therefore we are open to camping or an apartment or maybe we'll do both. We are planning on going to the islands Rab and Krk, Plitvicer Lakes and Krka Waterfalls. It's about 8 hours from here and a beautiful drive through Bavaria, Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Croatia is known as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, but many people are still hesitant to go there because of the recent ugly war. There are still some land mines and war destructions but more inside the country and not on the coast. We used to vacation there when I was a child (before the war) and I have some great memories. I realize it won't be the same after such a horrible war and over 20 years later, but I am SUPER excited to take my family to build memories like I have of Croatia. And I am sure the country can really use tourism anyway!
So look out for pics in about 2 weeks.
Well, I also just got back from a trip with my sister Nadine, her little son Luca and Shilda 2 days ago. So, where did we go???
Of course, to Turkey for one week. By now you all probably know I am totally in love with Turkey (who else goes 3 times in 1 year to the same place). I can't even totally describe what it is with me and Turkey...part the beauty, the friendliest people, the smell of herbs, the crowded markets, the music, the spicey food, getting invited to drink tea on every stand at the bazar....
I have been to quite a few countries, but no country caught me like Turkey.
Anyway, we had a GREAT time. I have probably never laughed more in my life. Great girls holiday with one moody guy only - Luca!
Despite the fun we had both Nadine and I missed our 4 guys at home and decided to come back later this year with both our families. So, our Motto from now on is: AFTER VACATION IS BEFORE VACATION!
BTW, I only took 3 pics this whole week there, but took some video which I will post when we get back.
Once again it's travel time at the Allen house. We are going to Croatia for 10 days on sunday. This time we did not book anything, therefore we are open to camping or an apartment or maybe we'll do both. We are planning on going to the islands Rab and Krk, Plitvicer Lakes and Krka Waterfalls. It's about 8 hours from here and a beautiful drive through Bavaria, Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Croatia is known as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, but many people are still hesitant to go there because of the recent ugly war. There are still some land mines and war destructions but more inside the country and not on the coast. We used to vacation there when I was a child (before the war) and I have some great memories. I realize it won't be the same after such a horrible war and over 20 years later, but I am SUPER excited to take my family to build memories like I have of Croatia. And I am sure the country can really use tourism anyway!
So look out for pics in about 2 weeks.
Well, I also just got back from a trip with my sister Nadine, her little son Luca and Shilda 2 days ago. So, where did we go???
Of course, to Turkey for one week. By now you all probably know I am totally in love with Turkey (who else goes 3 times in 1 year to the same place). I can't even totally describe what it is with me and Turkey...part the beauty, the friendliest people, the smell of herbs, the crowded markets, the music, the spicey food, getting invited to drink tea on every stand at the bazar....
I have been to quite a few countries, but no country caught me like Turkey.
Anyway, we had a GREAT time. I have probably never laughed more in my life. Great girls holiday with one moody guy only - Luca!
Despite the fun we had both Nadine and I missed our 4 guys at home and decided to come back later this year with both our families. So, our Motto from now on is: AFTER VACATION IS BEFORE VACATION!
BTW, I only took 3 pics this whole week there, but took some video which I will post when we get back.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter
We had a fun filled day! Devin played the alarm EARLY this morning. They found the baskets and lots of eggs, got sugar highs, became nuts in the shower and out we headed to the Army caserne for a nice big fattening brunch. My sister Nadine and her family came along. After we went bowling, to an Easter Egg Hunt, to a Coffee shop and to the Movie Theater (Veggie Tales). Luckily for everyone else I fell asleep during the movie, so now they can all make fun of me for a while. I was rudely awakened by a little tickle on my chin and a big laughter from my sister.
When we got home the kids still had to look what Omi's and Sissi Oma's easter bunny left for them. Now they are beat and just fell asleep. Christian and I will start our evening on the sofa!
Yes, I know that I have bad morning hair!
Devin got up at 5 am to find his Easter Basket!
Is that candy not tasting too good Devin?
We had a fun filled day! Devin played the alarm EARLY this morning. They found the baskets and lots of eggs, got sugar highs, became nuts in the shower and out we headed to the Army caserne for a nice big fattening brunch. My sister Nadine and her family came along. After we went bowling, to an Easter Egg Hunt, to a Coffee shop and to the Movie Theater (Veggie Tales). Luckily for everyone else I fell asleep during the movie, so now they can all make fun of me for a while. I was rudely awakened by a little tickle on my chin and a big laughter from my sister.
When we got home the kids still had to look what Omi's and Sissi Oma's easter bunny left for them. Now they are beat and just fell asleep. Christian and I will start our evening on the sofa!
Yes, I know that I have bad morning hair!
Devin got up at 5 am to find his Easter Basket!
Is that candy not tasting too good Devin?
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Abra Miko
Devin made a Restaurant in his (and Shilda's) room today. He called it Abra Miko. We cooked some pretty good food and he invited his Sissi Oma, Tante Nadine, Onkel James, Shilda and me for lunch. He wrote a menue and put up decoration. It was very cute. The only not so good thing was that we had to pay before we entered the restaurant....even the cook :))
Devin made a Restaurant in his (and Shilda's) room today. He called it Abra Miko. We cooked some pretty good food and he invited his Sissi Oma, Tante Nadine, Onkel James, Shilda and me for lunch. He wrote a menue and put up decoration. It was very cute. The only not so good thing was that we had to pay before we entered the restaurant....even the cook :))
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
adoption by accident
You hear about accidental pregnancy but do you ever hear of accidental adoptions ???? If so, it might go something like this ….
- –Honey, sit down. I have some news for you.
- –What is it?
- –Well, I don’t know how to say this, so I’ll just come out with it. I went out to the mailbox today and … well, we got an I-171H.
- –A what?!? An I-171H? As in, we’re going to have another baby?!?
- –It looks that way.
- –But how? We’ve been so careful! I put away all the blank I-600A forms. Didn’t you hide our home study update?
- –Of course I did. But don’t forget, there was that one night …
- –What night? (Pauses) Oh, that night. But it was only once. We were just messing around. I didn’t print clearly. I didn’t even use ink! (Pauses again) But it was kind of fun.
- –(Giggles) it was, wasn’t it? I’ll never forget how cute you looked getting your fingerprints.
- –So now we’ve got our I-171H, eh? But that doesn’t always mean you’ll adopt, does it? I mean, shouldn’t you see the agency or something, make sure everything is okay?
- –I already did.
- –And?
- –I’m five documents along.
- –Five documents! And they’re all notarized, certified and authenticated okay?
- –Just great. There was one small scare when the agency couldn’t see the notary’s middle initial, but it showed up just fine under the magnifying glass.
- –Thank goodness. And you honey? Are you feeling okay?
- –I’m feeling fine. As long as I know you’re happy about this.
- –Happy? I’m thrilled! It’s always a shock at first when something like this happens, but of course I’m happy!
You hear about accidental pregnancy but do you ever hear of accidental adoptions ???? If so, it might go something like this ….
- –Honey, sit down. I have some news for you.
- –What is it?
- –Well, I don’t know how to say this, so I’ll just come out with it. I went out to the mailbox today and … well, we got an I-171H.
- –A what?!? An I-171H? As in, we’re going to have another baby?!?
- –It looks that way.
- –But how? We’ve been so careful! I put away all the blank I-600A forms. Didn’t you hide our home study update?
- –Of course I did. But don’t forget, there was that one night …
- –What night? (Pauses) Oh, that night. But it was only once. We were just messing around. I didn’t print clearly. I didn’t even use ink! (Pauses again) But it was kind of fun.
- –(Giggles) it was, wasn’t it? I’ll never forget how cute you looked getting your fingerprints.
- –So now we’ve got our I-171H, eh? But that doesn’t always mean you’ll adopt, does it? I mean, shouldn’t you see the agency or something, make sure everything is okay?
- –I already did.
- –And?
- –I’m five documents along.
- –Five documents! And they’re all notarized, certified and authenticated okay?
- –Just great. There was one small scare when the agency couldn’t see the notary’s middle initial, but it showed up just fine under the magnifying glass.
- –Thank goodness. And you honey? Are you feeling okay?
- –I’m feeling fine. As long as I know you’re happy about this.
- –Happy? I’m thrilled! It’s always a shock at first when something like this happens, but of course I’m happy!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
WARNING: FOLLOWING PICTURES MIGHT BE TO GRAPHIC AND UPSETTING
This is how Devin came home yesterday after playing with his friends for an hour. I went to pick him up as we had other plans to meet with my cousin and her child. I could not believe what I saw and was literally speechless. All 3 of them became brown creatures! One of the other mom's told me that they came to her house and decided they wanted to play inside now! AAAHHHH!!! After being turned away they went to another friends house asking to come in and have a snack:) Poor guys being turned away everywhere. BTW, Devin is crying in the pics because I let him walk home, instead of letting him in the car (btw, he didn't think there was anything wrong with him coming in the car like this). This was finally enough for him being treated so unfair that he broke out crying.
This is how Devin came home yesterday after playing with his friends for an hour. I went to pick him up as we had other plans to meet with my cousin and her child. I could not believe what I saw and was literally speechless. All 3 of them became brown creatures! One of the other mom's told me that they came to her house and decided they wanted to play inside now! AAAHHHH!!! After being turned away they went to another friends house asking to come in and have a snack:) Poor guys being turned away everywhere. BTW, Devin is crying in the pics because I let him walk home, instead of letting him in the car (btw, he didn't think there was anything wrong with him coming in the car like this). This was finally enough for him being treated so unfair that he broke out crying.
No gifts!
Our family has decided to not give any Christmas presents this year. We will only be giving something (smaller) to the children in our families. What could any of us still NEED, when there are so many people out there who REALLY have NEEDS to be able to survive. Please don't send us anything either. If you really want to give us anything, then make a donation to Lori and Licia (Real Hope For Haiti). They are doing such wonderful work in Haiti. Lori just wrote me yesterday that they have had such a horrible week and sometimes she is so close to loosing all hope. She asked for prayer. So please, whoever prays, include them.
The no-exchanging-gift-thing (but instead donating money to a good cause) has been on my mind for the last couple of years. Despite being stressed out sometimes what to get everybody (get this...STRESSED OUT...people in Haiti could probably not even imagine in their wildest dreams to be stressed out about shopping), I still had so much fun doing it and it was just so Christmasy for me. But I still always felt guilty about it! So, anyway...can you still follow??? I hardly can't and today is definatly a hard finding the words in english kind of day again...
So, anyway we had parents crafts evening in Shilda's school last week and I was sitting on the table with 5 other women. They were all talking about Christmas presents, complaining not knowing what to get, being totally stressed, one was saying she has all the smaller gifts for her daughter, but now she needs THE big one over 100 Euro for her still. Another woman gave her some suggestens, which EVERYTHING she mentioned the daughter already has. This almost made me sick to my stomach and was finally the turning point for me. If these women just knew what blessings they bring this year to Haiti. I shared this conversation with many people and so this year almost all my family and friends are donating money.
I know I have posted Lori's site before but here it is again
http://www.xanga.com/haitinurse4life
and her sister Licia
http://www.xanga.com/no_Im_not_a_nurse
If you want to donate any money you can do it on their blog via paypal or if you rather send a check or something let me know and I will give you an adress in the states.
Our family has decided to not give any Christmas presents this year. We will only be giving something (smaller) to the children in our families. What could any of us still NEED, when there are so many people out there who REALLY have NEEDS to be able to survive. Please don't send us anything either. If you really want to give us anything, then make a donation to Lori and Licia (Real Hope For Haiti). They are doing such wonderful work in Haiti. Lori just wrote me yesterday that they have had such a horrible week and sometimes she is so close to loosing all hope. She asked for prayer. So please, whoever prays, include them.
The no-exchanging-gift-thing (but instead donating money to a good cause) has been on my mind for the last couple of years. Despite being stressed out sometimes what to get everybody (get this...STRESSED OUT...people in Haiti could probably not even imagine in their wildest dreams to be stressed out about shopping), I still had so much fun doing it and it was just so Christmasy for me. But I still always felt guilty about it! So, anyway...can you still follow??? I hardly can't and today is definatly a hard finding the words in english kind of day again...
So, anyway we had parents crafts evening in Shilda's school last week and I was sitting on the table with 5 other women. They were all talking about Christmas presents, complaining not knowing what to get, being totally stressed, one was saying she has all the smaller gifts for her daughter, but now she needs THE big one over 100 Euro for her still. Another woman gave her some suggestens, which EVERYTHING she mentioned the daughter already has. This almost made me sick to my stomach and was finally the turning point for me. If these women just knew what blessings they bring this year to Haiti. I shared this conversation with many people and so this year almost all my family and friends are donating money.
I know I have posted Lori's site before but here it is again
http://www.xanga.com/haitinurse4life
and her sister Licia
http://www.xanga.com/no_Im_not_a_nurse
If you want to donate any money you can do it on their blog via paypal or if you rather send a check or something let me know and I will give you an adress in the states.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
The pictures in my last post are from the last couple of weeks.
We just moved to Schwandorf, Bavaria. Christian is now stationed in Wiesbaden and comes every weekend home. Devin has started "real" school and likes it so far. Shilda has had not such a good start at her new school, but likes it better by the day.
Christian's car just died (it's 19 years old) so he has mine (now his). We are looking to buy a good family car. Any ideas which one? It SUCKS having no car!
In 3 weeks we are going back to Turkey for a week - this time ALL 4 of us! We were trying to go to Egypt, but could not find anything decent anymore. I have been there and didn't think I wanted to go back, but Christian really got excited about Egypt. Maybe next year!
We just moved to Schwandorf, Bavaria. Christian is now stationed in Wiesbaden and comes every weekend home. Devin has started "real" school and likes it so far. Shilda has had not such a good start at her new school, but likes it better by the day.
Christian's car just died (it's 19 years old) so he has mine (now his). We are looking to buy a good family car. Any ideas which one? It SUCKS having no car!
In 3 weeks we are going back to Turkey for a week - this time ALL 4 of us! We were trying to go to Egypt, but could not find anything decent anymore. I have been there and didn't think I wanted to go back, but Christian really got excited about Egypt. Maybe next year!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
On sunday we went to Marianske Lanzne in the Czech Republik. We are only about 30 minutes from the Czech border here and it was about time for me to show Christian where my family is coming from. Yes, I am over half Bohemian (for the ones who did not know yet)! Unfortunatly, we did not make it to Sokolov where my dad's side of the family is coming from (and some are still there), but we are going back soon. Anyway, we had a great day and I was very surprised how beautiful some towns have become. It used to be only grey and dirty (and most of it still is).
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Mission work
We really want to do some mission work in the near future. We don't know where or what yet, but know for sure that we should do more for people who are not as fortunate as us.Orphaned/abandoned children are especially in our hearts. Haiti was/is of course always in our heads and hearts, but it might just not be the right time yet for us to go there. There are many other places where we could serve....maybe somewhere in Africa or even closer then that. Basically in our "neighborhood" Czech Republik or Romania.
Through our adoption I "meet" (over the internet) many wonderful people. I became good friends with some of these amazing, selfless people, who very much inspire me. I will keep you updated on our "plans".
Here is a link to Lori's blog. She is an American nurse living with her family in Haiti. (nothing for a weak stomache)http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=haitinurse4life
We really want to do some mission work in the near future. We don't know where or what yet, but know for sure that we should do more for people who are not as fortunate as us.Orphaned/abandoned children are especially in our hearts. Haiti was/is of course always in our heads and hearts, but it might just not be the right time yet for us to go there. There are many other places where we could serve....maybe somewhere in Africa or even closer then that. Basically in our "neighborhood" Czech Republik or Romania.
Through our adoption I "meet" (over the internet) many wonderful people. I became good friends with some of these amazing, selfless people, who very much inspire me. I will keep you updated on our "plans".
Here is a link to Lori's blog. She is an American nurse living with her family in Haiti. (nothing for a weak stomache)http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=haitinurse4life
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