Cooking...cooking....still cooking...

Well, Thanksgiving came twice this year. First time around was huge fun, and the second time proved equally as entertaining. My AIA team and I hosted a wonderful American Thanksgiving for people within each of our ministries. I had quite a few of my students come; Anna, Petra, Jakub, Kate, and Dan were all able to attend. It was great! I do need to back up a bit and give you a quick snapshot of what preparation looked like for this extravaganza...we decided we would probably need a couple turkeys to feed everyone. We figured two 7 kilo(that's about 15lbs for you Americans out there) turkeys would be enough. Well, when Erin went to order the turkeys they told her that wasn't possible, she would need to order at least two 10 kilo turkeys (we're now up to 44lbs worth of turkey for those of you keeping score at home). That's a lot of turkey! So, she ordered the two 10 kilo turkeys. Friday rolls around, and we pick up the turkeys...the guy brings out a HUGE bag, and Erin's thinking, those are some big turkeys. Oh no folks, that was just ONE of the turkeys. They ended up ordering us a 12 and a 14 kilo bird! That's about 57lbs worth of turkey!!!! We decide these monstrosities need a name, so we named the 12kilo bird Diego and the 14er Tito. Yeah, don't ask, cause I don't know why. Here are some pics of the "little" Tito...before and after:



To say the least, there was more than enough food, and I think the night was a huge success. Below are some pics from the night. We all went around the room and said what we were thankful for, then played some fun games. Thanks to Anna for sticking around and helping us clean up all night! And for my Stellas!! You're the best!


Here's Dan, Kate, and me after diner.

Here's Ladia, wanting to skip straight to dessert!

Pinky Ruby, Spiderman, and the Little Mermaid

Phil and Shanna are expecting their 3rd child, a precious little girl in January. There two little ones, Clark and Lucy, have affectionately named her Pinky Ruby. Sounds like a fabulous name, doesn't it? Well, I think so. Friday morning about 15 of us surprised Shanna with a wonderful shower. It was a great time of fellowship, celebration of this little bundle of joy coming to the world, and prayer and encouragement for Shanna...smiles, tears, and laughter were shared by all. Love you Shanna! Can't wait for little Pinky Ruby to get here!!!

Next up was an excited birthday party for the Davis kids. Clark turns 3 in a couple weeks, and Lucy turns 5 in about a week. They insisted on having their party together, so Spiderman and Princesses were in harmony Saturday afternoon. The cakes were amazing, and incredibly easy! I think I want a pull-apart cupcake cake for my birthday! Thanks for inviting me Clark and Lucy!!

M.I.A.

I definitely have not been keeping up with my blog the last week or so. Seems days are filling up and flying by! There's been plenty of fun times to write about, so you can all anticipate some fun posts soon. I need to get to the gym and run some errands, but I'm hoping to have some time later today to catch yall up. Pray you are doing well, and are getting into the CHRISTMAS spirit!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving this year was probably the biggest I've ever experienced...over 50 people and about 5 different nationalities represented. My good friends, the Davis's, hosted all of us to a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. There were some fun preparations ahead of time that I was fortunate enough to be apart of. Shanna and Phil decided to rent a tent, so everyone would have a place to sit at some point during the night. The tent came the day before, so Shanna, Phil, and I had planned to set it up and get it all ready with tables, chairs, etc. Well, Shanna and I arrive to the house Wednesday to see the tent. Phil had been there while the men were putting it up. We walked to the back, took a look, and immediately looked at each other and both said almost in unison, "This just isn't going to work." Just wasn't what the 2 of us has envisioned. It was facing the wrong way. So how do we turn this thing 90 degrees? Naturally, we decided to move it all by ourselves. Why couldn't 2 women (one 7 months pregnant I might add) be capable of moving this ginormous tent, and why should we wait for Phil to get home? So, move it we did. It was quite a sight I must say. There were many times we wished someone was videoing the whole thing. At one point, there upstairs neighbor came out to see what in the world was going on...quite a funny picture. I have provided the before/after pics.




Today turned out wonderful. I have provided some pics below. We were even able to watch the Packers game!!! Despite the harassment I received throughout the game (by someone who will remain nameless), I managed to enjoy the game, and the Packers won! I would have stayed up to watch the Cowboy's game, but the whole time zone thing made that a little difficult. My brothers went to the game, so I figured my family was supporting enough for me by being there.

I Pray you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am overwhelmingly thankful for my family, for the support of so many of you, and the amazing community He has given me here! God has blessed me beyond measure...

Me and Shanna...

Inside the beautiful, heated tent...

Watchin American football...

Sunday not so funday

So, today was one of those days where I should have never got out of bed...I went from hardly knowing what vertigo was to getting it twice in the last couple months! Craziness...this time laying down isn't the problem (thankfully), but the minute I stand up or sit up, well, the outcome isn't fun or something you want to read about.

I may have woken up feeling horrible due to the fact I watched the Michigan game last night. I finally get to watch an entire game, THE game, and it was awful. Michigan played Ohio State, at home, and played terribly. My friends, the , graciously allowed me to come over and watch it. It was kinda a huge game, and definitely a game for Michigan to gain some respect back. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Coach Carr was the thorn in the previous Ohio State coach, Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif's side, but now Tressel has returned the favor to Carr. Carr has only beaten Tressel once since his tenure began, in 03. Michigan and Ohio St were tied 6-6 in wins until this meeting...Ohio St tipped the scale in their favor, and added their fourth straight win over Michigan. Sad times for Michigan...

Well, I guess I'll stop whining...Hopefully YOUR Sunday has been better than mine! Til next time...

it's beginning to look a lot like...

Well, maybe not quite Christmas, but it's definitely right around the corner! Even the shops around here are getting into the Christmas spirit. I absolutely love it! Last night I walked home...in the SNOW!! White puffy balls of fun falling everywhere...don't get me wrong, there will come a day I'm cursing those little things, but for now, they make me smile! Mind you, this is coming from the girl raised in Texas, so snow was a super fun treat when we had it. It meant no school and playing all day. Here's a pic of some fun window stickers I put up in the house a little while back. I think my roommate thought it was a bit premature. Anyone listening to Christmas music yet?

Foot massage anyone?

Almost forgot to give you one of the biggest highlights of the trip!!

I have a thing for foot rubs, and fortunately for me, so does Chelsa! I realized how much I miss getting foot massages! I kinda have a thing for them. For sure one of my love languages, if that's possible ;0).It was a regular tradition with my past 2 roommates, so it was a welcomed return. Hopefully there will be more in the near future. Thanks Chelsa!

...with the sound of music

Round 2 of amazing pictures from Salzburg. Absolutely beautiful...

Famous Mirabell Gardens where many scenes in the Sound of Music were filmed.

Pegasus Fountain

Chelsa and me hiding...

Sara, Chelsa, and I

From the top of the Fortress

The Von Trapp house

Great Augustiner Brewery

The hills are alive...

This weekend Sara, Chelsa, and I took a roadtrip to Salzburg, Austria. It was a wonderful city packed with amazing landscapes and charming people. The real reason in going was to take the Sound of Music tour. I had no idea how much more the city had to offer! I think we really lucked out, because the fall set us up for amazing background for all our pictures. Here are some pics from our trip. If you ever get a chance to go, don't hesitate, it's amazing. Here is part one of the pics:
Here is the river and backyard that was used in the movie.


Where all the magic happens in the movie...sigh...


One of the amazing lakes you see at the beginning of the movie...breathtaking



The church the Captain and Maria got married in. It seemed a lot bigger in the movie.



The fortress was built in the 1400's. Well worth the long hike up to see.


More pics coming soon!

Twick or Tweat

Halloween in Prague...I had the privilege of going trick-or-treating with some super cute kids and great friends. There is a neighborhood in Prague that is affectionately called "Little America" and rightfully so. It was like transporting back to the states for the evening...minivans and all! I looked around me, and I could have sworn I was at home. Czechs don't typically celebrate Halloween, so this is a great place for expats to take their little ones trick-or-treating. The kids were adorable, and could hardly contain their excitement. Below are some pics and a cute little video.




Here are the cute trick-or-treaters: Lucy, Clark, Sophia, Zara, and Ally.




There was a "grown up" party after that did use the word "singles" in the invite, but I still decided to go. It was a fun time, and I had enough sweets to last the next month.