With a Thankful Heart

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Holidays 'round these parts of Europe are always the hardest being away from the comfort of family. Even though this is our 4th year overseas there is always those few things tugging at my heart. Here we are on Thanksgiving not having our usual traditional dinner, but getting together with Brads team for an all-you-can-eat at a restaurant. No it's not the usual, but don't you fret I am supplying some Pumpkin Pie and many loafs of Banana Bread.

With that being said I am extremely thankful to be able to travel across the world and see things most will never get to see with my man by my side and now our precious girl. Our lord & savior has continued to pave a way for our marriage and family to be right where he wants us. As much as it breaks my heart here and there that so many are missing out on Brynn growing up and she isn't getting to remember their faces or laughs I know Brad needs her face and laughs more. I am thankful my parents take out time and money to come see us because they know it helps us all get through the 9 months. I am thankful for the many care packages people send us with a taste of home. I am thankful for the dozens of Skype dates, texts, and messages from our friends/family letting us know whats going on back around home. Just to hear how their days are makes me so dang happy. We miss out on many birthdays, anniversaries, parties, holidays, etc., but being able to live this life as a family has me thankful we are capable. Who knows how long this life overseas will last so we will continue to take it all in and do as much as we can while we can.

I hope all of you have an amazing Thanksgiving celebrating what you are thankful for and enjoying your families/friends!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
Our little Turkey is Gobblin' 'til she Wobblin'(on milk that is).




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Brynn's[FOUR]Month Update

Monday, November 24, 2014

My baby is 4 months old?! Break my heart why don't ya. 




Weight: I swear she has to be at least 15 pounds or more. We are still in the process of getting her into her doctor here. Last month she was 13.5.

Height: I'm thinking she has stayed about the same height as last time (25.5)  since all of her stuff is still fitting the same or just a few cm here and there throughout the month.

Eating: I am still exclusively breastfeeding. She is eating every 2 to 3 hours during the day and then whenever she wakes through the night.

Sleeping: She sleeps 6 to 8 in a half hours at night, but it's a struggle getting her to go down before 11. She will fall asleep about 9, but wake back up at 10 and be up until 11. She may still be getting used to the time change(I haven't even fully caught up). She will have random nights of up every 3 hours if we let her nap too often during the day. She wakes up around 8 to 9 am and it is so hard to get her to keep her eyes open. She will fall asleep playing every single time. Her naps are at 10:30, 12:30, 3, and 6 like clock work daily. Even if she stayed asleep a little longer during on of her naps. Her 6 o'clock nap is normally the shortest of the day.

Clothes: A solid 3-6 months with some being little big and then some 6 months being perfect for her length.

Trying to figure out her crazy pants.


Diapers:  She is in a size 2 in american disposables that we get on base, but a 3 in the German brand we like. Still using cloth when home and disposable when traveling and at night.

Mood: Always cracking up unless she is overly tired or hungry. ALthough she has had a few freak out days from teething where nothing satisfies her. She a lot of times has the most serious face like she is really trying to figure things out. She loves for people to play with her and talk to her if she is in our arms or on the floor, but 5 minutes after they hold her she is done and wants us back.



Brynn, you love to hold your hands together and we know you must be constantly praying. You have started early stages of teething and always have your bottom lip in. You keep absolutely everything in your mouth to help soothe those achy gums. A wet wash cloth from the freezer seems to be the only thing that helps. You hate to lay down and can sit yourself up, but then you plop forward on your cute face. Tummy time has miraculously gotten better, but you much rather look around than waste time learning to roll over. You love to lay on your side when hanging out. The minute a phone or camera comes out your all eyes for it. Your new hot pink ball that you can grip is your favorite toy. You love your lovey blankie from Kari and Jayden along with the cute bunny rattle from Mrs. Tracy. I'm pretty sure your going to play ball, be a ballerina, and play piano. You already stand on your toes like the perfect little ballerina should. Watching ESPN with daddy every morning is one of your favorite hobbies while momma catches up on sleep. You love trying to turn your head towards the TV at all costs when we are trying to get you to play instead. You love to give us kisses with mouth wide open and know just when we need them the most. Your deep little chuckle brings tears to my eyes. You have become the sweetest, joyous, beautiful baby girl we knew you would be. Every day we can't believe how much you are growing right before our eyes. We love you deeper every second and are so proud to be called your parents.





Happy 4 months precious girl we love you and love you and love you and love you a bushel, a peck, and a hug around the neck. 



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FRI-YAY!

Friday, November 21, 2014

Once again it is already Friday and time is just flying by! Brad has a game Saturday so we are looking forward to that win! (Speaking things into existence) Updated our Wedding tab finally! Be sure to check out our perfect day!

[ONE] Found out yesterday my mom is officially coming to Luxembourg and gets to stay for 12 days! She will get to witness these gorgeous sunsets in EUROPE! I couldn't be any happier! I actually think Brynn is more excited than I am. Starting to plan fun things to do while she is here, but honestly most of our time will be held up in the house spending quality time that we won't get again until May. Praise you God for your mercy and grace!




[TWO] Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Like how is it already next week?! I sadly won't be doing a big 'ol dinner on my own this year. We are going Thanksgiving day to a catered dinner with the basketball team, but I will supply the Pumpkin and Pecan Pies for dessert. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we are getting together with a group of Americans from the church we found. It'll be the typical Thanksgiving dinner and I am so excited!

[THREE] On Wednesday I got to have the sweetest ice cream and coffee date while daddy coached basketball! My dates with her are the sweetest and will only get better the bigger she gets.




[FOUR] I did some shopping at the H&M here for Brynn. Found some of the most darling things. Zara has out done themselves in the baby girl section, but sadly they were extremely picked over so hopefully next time Brynn will win some goodies from there.



[FIVE] As always I absolutely die over little baby outfits. SO here is Brynn in some of her cutsie outfits this past week!




Have a good weekend dolls!
Linking up with:








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Chicken & Asparagus Pasta

Monday, November 17, 2014

Off topic, but re-did the blog design and I am lovin' it!

I made this tasty meal one night last week. It is decently healthy and easy so I thought I should share it! I of course found it on Pinterest, but tweaked a few things. Especially in the cheese area. I love things cheesy!




Ingredients:
8X8 pan(double everything for 9X13)
1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
1 bushel of asparagus
1 bag of pasta of your liking
2 Chicken breasts
Seasoning that you prefer for your chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup of parmesan
1/3 cup of Mozzarella 

Directions:
- Start boiling your pasta as you would any other time until fully cooked.

- Chop your chicken into small squares and grill it up in the skillet until fully cooked.

- Steam your asparagus and cut in half. 
   *To steam my asparagus I didn't have a steamer set. I got a large pot and placed 3 large size foil balls in the bottom in a triangle. I then placed a heat safe plate on top that fit in the pot. Placing the cut in half asparagus on the plate I then filled the pot with water until at the plate. Boiling the water and covering for 15 to 20 minutes until fully steamed.

-Spray your pan and add in the tablespoon of olive oil.

-Layer your ingredients by asparagus, pasta, and the chicken stirring so that all is covered with the olive oil.

- Sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella over the top. 

-Place your oven on broil and place it in for 5 minutes until crispy on top. 

Bon Appétit!




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Fall Fashion Pin-spiration

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Not gonna lie I pretty much base most outfits off things I see on Pinterest. Who doesn't wish that the moment you pin an outfit it would appear in your closet?! Then you click on one to find out where to buy it and it leads to NOWHERE, like why?!?! Here are some of my favorite fall outfits this year. 







I obviously need some ankle booties and tall boots. It seems like they are in all outfits I pin. I was able to find a J. Crew puffer vest, Nasty Gal plaid scarf, and Baublebar tassel necklace. I still need to hunt down a crew neck sweater, the shoes I mentioned, and a baseball tee. Good thing for last year fashion of chambray shirts and plaid shirts. 

What are you fall fashion favs?





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It's Friday y'all!

Friday, November 7, 2014

I swear weeks fly by while we are in Europe! Which is a good and bad thing. We are trying to soak up as many travels as possible, but then it means we get to visitors sooner/getting back home for a fun-filled summer!

[ONE] We took my dad to the airport Monday and that definitely wasn't a favorite. Although, it means he uses his flyer miles to get my mom here for a visit! We are equally happy about that. More so Brynn,  she misses her Grams every day.

[TWO] On Wednesday the Luxembourg Cup started. Brads team ended up being picked to play a 1st league team that is ranked #4 and they sure did WIN! Brad finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds. They find out after the weekend who they play next in the cup. I continue to be in ah at how much he has put in since his injury returning better than ever. I am so proud!

[THREE] Brad had the day off on Thursday so we drove 20 minutes to tour the largest castle in Luxembourg. The Vianden Castle was gorgeous! The castle was built during the 10th century.It is so amazing to see all of the history in Europe. Especially experiencing it all with my man and sweet baby girl!




[FOUR] Brynn gets stronger by the day. She loves tummy time looking at her toys for a whole 15 minutes then someone has to get down there with her. Brad is such a good sport!




[FIVE] Reporting live with Brynn's fashion for today. Good thing she doesn't mind the camera because mommy just can't stop. It gets better and better! 




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Hope you guys have a great weekend!




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Trier, Germany

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Where do I even begin…. Trier is the oldest city in Germany being founded before 16 BCE. Trier is just a short 25 minutes away from us(love being centrally located to everywhere). Trier has some breathtaking sights, wonderful clothing shops, and yummy bakeries. Luxembourg is cheaper than Finland was and Germany is significantly cheaper than Luxembourg in the grocery department. Also, way cheaper disposable diapers for our little bugs night time use. 

We went this last Wednesday during a gloomy rainy day, but it didn't take away from our time or it's beauty. 

- Our first stop was Porta Nigra. It is a large Roman city gate into Trier built between 186 to 200 AD.



-We then strolled the centre and shopped around taking in all things fall. 



- Our next stop was the Cathedral of Trier. It is the oldest Cathedral in the country dating back to 1270. 

Your not supposed to take pictures inside with flash so I had to capture the gorgeous stain glass windows. 
- Before we headed back home we stopped at a small bakery to have some goods and Lattes. Or in dads case tea!











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