Day 241

Work this morning, and when I got home I made fish cakes for lunch, good job the boys have longer school on a Friday - although I wasn't quite finished when they got in. After lunch I started trying to get rid of the bomb sites in the lounge and kitchen, but it seemed everytime I cleared one thing, a kid or cat made a new bombsite somewhere else - very frustrating!

The boys eventually went upstairs and I thought that was great, until I went and called upstairs to them and found out that they were building up the hot wheels tracks in the hall upstairs! I decided to leave them to it, and went to try Heike's new muffins (she tried out a new recipe).

They were delicious! And that little break did me good and I came home ready to tackle the bombsite I expected upstairs! Only there wasn't one! For once the boys had put things away again! Wow! Now if I could find Richard's camera I would show you what else they had got up to whilst I was out, but I think I am going to have to ask him where it is tomorrow.

Apparently they were making their own TV show trailer! Too cute!

This is cute too - Smiley wanted a cuddle and made herself nice and comfy when I took a break after hoovering through!

Florian is still on his way home, but I am expecting him any minute now. Long week for him this week!

CU tomorrow!

Day 240

Work this morning and for the first time since about May I actually did some translating - I wasn't sure I could still do it, but I think I did OK.
Back home I quickly conjured up some spagetti bolognese (or as the boys call it - Nanna's spaghetti) for our lunch, and then sent Richard off to our friends for the afternoon. Robert got home then, I gave him his lunch and left him on his own. He felt so grown up, so I didn't feel too guilty. He had strict instructions to eat then do his homework, and then if he finished before I got home he was allowed on the Wii - I reckon he really hurried his homework, so that he got that game on the Wii.
I then went off to sport. And when I got back, Robert was on the Wii! I did get him off and practice his German vocabulary for the German test tomorrow!

At just before 5pm Robert headed off to his football training and whilst Richard was awaiting his turn, he practiced guitar! So again I was serenaded :o)

Then it was off to his training. He got home before Robert did, so when he had finished his tea instead of watching TV he did some more reading and even ended up admitting that it was fun! I hope it stays that way for him.

CU tomorrow!

Day 239

I let the boys sleep a bit longer this morning seeing as we were so late back yesterday and as I was going to school too, they didn't have to catch the bus.
It was library this morning and although we are seven Mums there was only four of us there. But we managed to get the library all put back together again. Whilst school was on holiday they had had some building work done, which resulted in the library being cleared completely. So all the sorting we did before school broke up, was wasted. Never mind, it keeps us busy!

I brought the boys home with me after library too - we finished at the same time.

After lunch the boys did their homework, and whilst Richard was doing his reading homework, Robert played guitar. He played for a good half hour or more it was really nice.

Later it was time for art school again. The boys didn't really want to go (not sure why, since yesterday Richard said he was looking forward to it), but when I picked them up again they had enjoyed themselves!

Spent most of the evening catching up on the ironing and now we all have a better choice of clothes for the morning! ;o)
CU then!

Day 233 - Day 238

Woah, nearly a whole week of not blogging, I hope I can remember all we got up too! I know what kept me from blogging though - our holiday photo book. But it is all finished, uploaded and ordered now, so its back to blogging regularly (hopefully that wasn't famous last words!)

Day 233 - Thursday
Work for the first time since the beginning of July today, and they actually had something for me to do. It was quite monotonous, but who cares, I was busy and getting some pennies.
After lunch I went to sport with my friends, still enjoy it!

Then back home again and the boys went to their respective football training. They don't normally have training at the same time in different places on a Thursday, but just for this and next week. Robert went with the trainer to training and I took Richard but got another Mum to pick him up again, so that I was home for whoever got home first!

I took a picture of Smiley today sat above me on the couch!

Day 234 - Friday
Another morning at work, then when I had finished I went into town and got my friends daughter a first birthday present. We have got her a car, as she only has sisters and is missing a car in her life. Having boys we had to rectify this and got her a lovely pink car!
And this is what happens when you don#t blog for so long, I cannot remember what I got up to in the afternoon. I remember that Florian got home from China earlier than I expected him to, which was nice. And then to keep the jetlag to a minimum we watched a film to stop him going to bed too early!
I did it seems remember to take a picture and again it is of Smiley. Today she wanted to go to school with the boys and tried to hide in Richard's school bag!

Oops just remembered what I did in the afternoon. I went shopping with Heike and left the boys watching a film. Shopping with friends can be fun, but I never remember everything that I need, and had to go out again, as I forgot the most important thing on my list - milk (totally out of it).
Richard was picked up at 5.30pm by the trainers of the Bambini team, which he has now left, and was taken out to McDonalds with the rest of the team as a sort of farewell party.
Whilst he was gone Robert and I went and got the milk!

Day 235 - Saturday
Florian went to sport in the morning. That much I remember. And at 3pm we took Robert to a friends to play and then from there be taken to a birthday party they were both invited to. Then the rest of us, went to Neele's 1st birthday party. Heike had a cake baked and decorated, I was involved in the decoration  - look at this edible picture on it! Isn't it great!

Robert was delivered to Heike's after his party, but we weren't really expecting him to not get there until 9pm! When he got home he as quite excited as he had gotten a real Bundeswehr torch, that can do all sorts of things. He was able to try it out on our way home from there in the dark

Day 236 - Sunday
Today we went round Heike's to try and help finish off yesterdays cakes. It was a nice afternoon even if Robert was overly grumpy.
We had problems with him this weekend, apparently all we do is tell him off, so we obviously don't love him and that is what he repeatedly kept telling us today. Hard to handle when they become teenagers 4 years too early. Time to get that thick skin we will be needing!
Oh and here is today's picture. This HUGE grasshopper visited us. Luckily on the outside of the door.

Day 237 - Monday
School for all of us in the morning. I had to go in and retake some pictures of one of the first year classes. The class is still as unruly as it was on the first day of school, BUT this time I managed to get a decent photo of them all! Phew!
The rest of my day was spent working flat out on the photobook and not just in the evenings, as I had to have it finished and ready to order by Tuesday! By the time I went to bed I had all but the cover done! Phew!

Day 238 - Tuesday
First thing on my agenda was finishing and uploading the photobook and I am pleased to say that by 9am I had it all done! Now to sit back and wait for the finished product to be delivered!

After that it was back to housework. I cleared out some cupboards whilst getting our guest room ready and Heike now has plenty of bedding for Neele!

Richard came home from school by bus, and then when it was time we went to pick Robert up at school and drove straight from there to Nanna's, where we had lunch and the boys did their homework, before we went to Zoe's birthday party.
Whilst the boys did their homework. Mum and I went shopping. I had gone down wearing a lovely blouse, but we all agreed whilst I was there it was a bit too big for me. So Mum tried it on and it fit her nicely. So off we went to see if we could get me a nice new top before the party. No problem there! I now have a nice blouse that fits and Mum has a new one too!

I became the coolest Auntie in town this afternoon when Zoe unwrapped her Justin Bieber bedding and a Justin Bieber annual! Unfortunately I didn't have my camera out when she unwrapped, but her whole face lit up! Lovely
Mum had her camera out though when Zoe unpacked her card from Mum and Dad. Dad had photoshopped Zoe into a picture of Justin Bieber, and it looked as though they had been "papped" on a secret date. Zoe loved it - even showing it to her next door neighbour later in the afternoon.

Phew now I am all caught up again, hopefully I don't get behind again.
CU tomorrow!

Day 232

I didn't go out this morning, I had someone coming round to look at the boys room to see what could be done about the walls there. It needs redecorating, which will involve getting the wallpaper down, and it looks like the plaster will come off with the wallpaper. The guy is a relative of a friend and is willing to help us, but he unfortunately couldn't give us a quote as its not quite clear until we take the wallpaper down, just what will need doing. Something to discuss with Florian at the weekend.

Didn't get to talk to Florian again today, when he had time I was round friends celebrating their kids starting school. It was a nice afternoon with lots of cake! Yummy!

Before going there, we had to go to the stationers and get some other supplies for the boys for school. But now I think we have everything, at least I hope so.
When we got back, we found both cats looking comfy on the same couch. Looks like they might finally be getting round to accepting one another - I hope so!

CU tomorrow!

Day 231

I went to school today, to take the photos of the first year pupils on their first day of school. I had a great time doing it, but I am not that thrilled with the results, so I might have to have a word with school and see if I can disturb them all again. Oops!
here is one picture (without kids) that did turn out OK though.

It was Richard's football training this evening, and Robert gets to train too, so that I can go for my brisk walk. Today I had more time so I lengthened my walk and walked 4.3km. I am quite proud of myself for it!
I'll probably ache tomorrow as there was a lot of up and down in the route.

CU then!

Day 230

Florian was home for most of the day today as he didn't have to fly to China until tonight. As far as I know he is now somewhere in the air!

The boys started back at school today, and Florian and I "celebrated" by going out to breakfast, to the bakers near where we do sport. It was very yummy.
When we got back Florian had some problems at work to fix and I did some washing and reading (good book). At 12.30 I had to go and pick the boys up from school, they had a guitar lesson and the bus wasn't running when they finished.
They seemed to have had a great time at guitar, so that is a brilliant start to the week.

When I headed out to get the boys Florian went to the doctors. He was gone until 3.15pm. He has been complaining for weeks that his heel hurts. We thought it was his worn out shoes, but even with new shoes it still hurts. And when last week he handed me a pin and told me to burst the blister on his heel, I decided he needed to see a doctor, as there was no blister and nothing visible at all, and even when he insisted I just "prod around a bit", I wouldn't. Turns out, it wouldn't have helped in the least. He has a bit of bone growing where it shouldn't be, that is pushing in all the wrong places and has caused an infection. He has to go and see another doctor to find out what to do now, and until then he has some cream to fight the infection. Ouch!

By the time he got back it was nearly time to take him to the station. Richard was at friends so we popped there so they could say goodbye and then I took him to the station and left Robert to play with Richard and his friends.

When I got back it was time to get Robert home and send him off to his football training. Unfortunately Robert didn't want to come home and it took forever to convince him too. Grrr! Only the threat of never going again worked.
When he got back he still wasn't in a brilliant mood, and he ended up not saying good night again! Hopefully he wakes in a better mood tomorrow!

Florian took this picture for me this morning. Smiley was sooooooooooooooo comfy on my lap, can't get much more relaxed than this!

CU tomorrow!

Day 227, Day 228 and Day 229

Day 227 - Friday
Unfortunately Florian had to work most of the day again today, The software system he was using wasn't playing nice, so he had to take untimely breaks which meant he was busy all afternoon too.
But whilst he was busy I took the boys to the swimming pool on their last official holiday day. It wasn't quite as warm as it has been, but the boys still had a great time.

Luckily by the evening Florian finished working and could join us for our "End of school holidays BBQ" at friends. It was a lovely evening spoilt only when Robert's marshmellow escaped from the end of his stick and landed on the back of his hand. It quite burnt it as you can see

Here a picture whilst the kids were all still baking their "Stick bread" and all was still well

Day 228 - Saturday
In the morning Florian helped a friend save the data on his computer after it packed up. Robert had football training all day today. We joined him on the football pitch in the afternoon to watch a friendly game and to see what they had learnt in the morning. Unfortunately even after a 6 week break from football, I still am not a fan, and after watching for 5 minutes, I opened my book and enjoyed that instead. Luckily Robert is forgiving. I did get a picture or two though.

And Daddy and Richard were watching!

In the evening Heike came around and babysat for us. Whilst we hiked up our mountain to watch a concert by a Bee Gees cover band. They were brilliant, and the view from the mountain was amazing. Florian stiched some of the photos together today for a complete all round view from up there!

The hike up and down were quite hard, but well worth it!

Day 229 Sunday
A nice lazy day. We had absolutely nothing planned, but you know us, that can never be! At 10.30am one of the lads from the village popped around to ask Robert to his birthday party at three this afternoon. And so one of us had a plan.
Later on in the morning, I fancied baking something. And even though I had to go and borrow some sugar, I still stuck to the idea of baking and made some chocolate muffins.

Heike saw them and jokingly asked "when shall we come", so they popped by at 3.30pm, they had just got here when a car pulled up outside. We couldn't see who was in it, just that there was a lot of dancing going on inside - turns out it was Florian's sister and her girls!
So there is a reason behind everything, even the urge to bake! We all enjoyed one another's company and my delicious chocolate muffins.

Tonight was movie night here, first we watched "The Host" (in German) and then we watched "Shanghai Knights" (in English) we also had Pizza and crisps to go with it!

And tomorrow, the kids go back to school, so early mornings for me again!
CU tomorrow!

Day 226

This morning both Florian and I had sport, unfortunately not at the same time. But we both enjoyed it. The trainer concentrated on our arms so I hope I can still lift them in the morning.

When Florian got home from sport, we went out to the camera shop and have handed in the lense for an estimate of the cost of the repair. The man at the shop said he thought it would be about 200 Euros, which is a LOT, but it is also a LOT less than a new lense. So now we just have to wait and see and hope!
From there we went to lunch at the shopping mall and then we let the boys loose in Media Markt, where they spent the rest of their money on Skylander Giants.

When we got home Richard and I joined friends at the Theresienhof (a beergarden/playground nearby). Robert stayed home cause he had football training and Florian had to finish something for work. Richard would have rather stayed home and played on the Wii, with their new figures, but I managed to convince him with the promise of an ice-cream - and this is the one he chose.

CU tomorrow!

Day 224 and Day 225

Day 224 - Tuesday
We had a lovely and quiet day today. I got a LOT of washing and ironing done. Enjoyed cooking for us, and we basically took it nice and easy. Richard's friends were round, but they don't count as visitors as such, that is just day to day life.
The cats enjoyed our company, they still hiss at one another, so it is still wait and see.

Smiley was full of cuddles in the afternoon much to the boys delight. Robert was even willing to sit still for longer and read whilst cuddling Smiley! Too cute!

At 6.30pm our babysitter came round and I went out. Today was a so-called "helper meal". The school invited all those that helped with the 40 year celebrations out for a meal. There were 10 of us, and it was a lovely evening. I got home at 11pm so I must have been having a good time.

Day 225 - Wednesday
I had to stay in this morning as I was expecting the oil delivery. Unfortunately it didn't come until lunch time, apparently the poor driver had problems finding me - the number of our address was wrong - oops!

Ooh I forgot I sort of solved the problem with my camera, I now have an old analogue lense on it, so at least I can still take pictures. And as we didn't go anywhere, I have a lot of pictures of Smiley today. I forgot how difficult it is to get decent pictures of black cats, but here are a couple.

When I came home from shopping, each of the boys was cuddling a cat, and both cats were relaxed - that's a start!

And at teatime, they both fed more or less at the same time. Note that Smiley is eating from Lucky's bowl, that's cause Lucky ate all of Smiley's food! Oh well, at least they were in the same room at the same time!

Florian is on his way home now, tomorrow is a bank holiday where he works so we have another long weekend together :o)

CU tomorrow!

Day 220 - Day 224

Time to play catch up again, I didn't realise I was that slacking, seems I took a holiday just like Florian did!

Day 220 - Thursday
Opticians appointment in the morning, it was a check up for Richard and our appointment was at 9.15 and we were out again by 9.30am - Not bad going. And the best news is, his glasses are up to date and no need for new ones just now.
After that we headed to the pet shop to get all we need for our new family member. The boys had a great time sorting out some toys for the kitten.

Florian sent me a message when he left to come home and I planned lunch accordingly, and I nearly got it spot on. He was just five minutes late for lunch, not bad timing really.

No picture for today, and I can't even remember what we did in the afternoon, oops!

Day 221 - Friday
LEGOLAND!! We set off in high spirits all excited to be going, but the nearer we got to our destination the worse the weather got. And by the time we pulled up on the car park there it was pouring. We weighed up all our options, and finally decided to brave the weather, so when the doors opened at 10 am in we went! And I am so glad we did, it was amazing and so much fun for all of us, even if we did get webbed feet! Here some of the pictures I took during the day.

Day 222 - Saturday
Busy day today. Shopping first thing, getting home in time to send my men off to the hairdressers. Then when they got back from the hairdressers, my friend from work before I moved to here came with her family to visit. We barbecued together and caught up with one another. It was a lovely afternoon. So much so, that I forgot to get the camera out.

Whilst they were here Smiley also moved in. To save her from the chaos going on around us (5 kids playing "throw a chicken" might not be the right way to introduce the kitten to the family) so she got to spend some time with us, in the cat box. And we waited until our visitors had gone before introducing her properly.

Lucky wasn't impressed and stayed well away from her. And here she is curled up on the washing machine.

Day 223 - Sunday
I'll be honest I was hoping for a quiet day today, so that we could all get acquainted and such, but it wasn't to be. We had another spontaneous BBQ with friends, and also a trip to the "cancelled" Heidelbeerfest. The organisers of the Heidelbeerfest couldn't agree on the helping and such, and it was all cancelled this year. But two groups had already made floats for the procession so they drove around the village showing them off!

And the firebrigade got out the benches and sold Heidelbeer cake, drinks and sausages. So that everyone knows that the village does want the tradition to continue, we of course went along and had a chat to everyone and a drink. Then it was back home for the spontaneous BBQ.

Here is a cute pic I got of Smiley today! She needs to grow to catch up with her ears I think!

Day 224 - Monday
No peace for the wicked so today it was off to Frankfurt Zoo for the day. The weather was perfect for our day out, not too hot and not too cold.
We went by train (the kids can travel on the bus pass in the school holidays) so even the journey was a bit different to a normal outing.
We had a lovely day, but there was a huge damper to the day when  my camera decided to quit its job. The zoom won't go in or out and has now given up taking pictures completely. I did get a few, but not my normal hundreds! :o(

Ok, all caught up now, tomorrow is a day of trying to get the cats to make friends, and doing nothing, and mobile phone pictures only tomorrow. Its going to feel as if my hand has been amputated! Maybe the lack of photos over the last few days was to prepare me for this!

CU tomorrow!

Day 219

Up nice and bright and early this morning. And as soon as I had finished breakfast I was outside and cleaning the inside of my car! Last time I gave the car back in, it cost me €50 for not having cleaned it properly, so I was making sure that it didn't cost me this time.
After it was all clean and shiny, off we went to Mum and Dads. But I made the kids travel with no shoes on, and still they managed to get dirt on the carpets!

Before we actually got to Mum and Dad's we stopped at the car wash as the boys wanted to be there for that!
At 12 I headed off to pick up the new car. No problems this time and no extra charges! Phew, but I did manage to forget the spare key AGAIN. Thank you Dad for offering to take it in for me on Monday. Just have to put it in the post in the morning! And now for your "spot the difference" picture!

Yeah it really does look exactly the same with just 2 extra doors!
The boys loved having a proper window on the way home!

We had a lovely day at Mum and Dad's - thank you!

CU tomorrow!

Day 218

I had an appointment at the hairdressers this morning, so I am now all young and good looking again ;o)
But today I only had it cut and dyed, and I left the hairdressers with wet hair, and in this heat it felt so good. I just couldn't face a hairdryer!
Whilst I was gone the boys had been watching TV, but when I got back they went out to play with their friends for a little while, then their friends got visitors and they came home.

After lunch I put a couple of fly nets up in the bedrooms, and then we went to the swimming pool. Once there the boys were straight in the water and I got a lovely and peaceful afternoon in the shade with my book. Until I got a message from Mum about a horrendous thunderstorm by them. Well the weather is always there about an hour before it gets to us, and it was no different today. Only I was warned. So when the clouds got darker and rumblings could be heard we packed up quickly and headed home (It was already past 5 so our outing wasn't cut too short!)
We had to stop at the shop on the way home, and that unfortunately meant that we were out in the storm, in fact we were just coming out of the shop with the shopping when the heavens opened. The boys made it into the car pretty dry, but I was drowned! So was the shopping - oops!

Back home the garage door had blown shut, I was just working up the courage to brave the storm to open it, when Robert noticed that the wind was blowing it open again, so we didn't have to brave that bit. But I did have to dash from the garage to the front door, but at least the kids got in dry when I let them in through the barn!

This evening I had a phone call from the lady who we will be getting our kitten from, and we then had a visitor
Smiley came to visit (sorry about the "alien eyes" as Richard called it!)

She was very shy and Lucky was not really pleased to see her, but her visiting for a couple of times before she moves in, might help both cats to get used to it all! Here a couple of pictures of all involved in the visit!

 CU tomorrow!

Day 217

Gosh today was hot, I don't really know if it was actually hotter, but to me it felt it. It probably didn't help that this morning I had sport! I had problems today with my left arm keep locking whilst I was trying to move it against the current running through me (Florian will understand that) but it was still fun.
When I finished and was home again, I had a quick shower and then went to Heike's for lunch (the boys were already there). This was our dessert and it was delicious and refreshing!

I left the boys there when I returned home, and got ready to go off for a photo shoot. I was asked to take family photos for a friend's colleague. I was a bit nervous before going, but once there it was fun. The family was very open and easy going, making taking pictures fun and relaxed. I got some great shots, shame I can't show them off online.
Whilst I was off taking pictures the boys were still at my friends house playing. Robert was supposed to have his first football training of the new season and another friend was taking him. Unfortunately it was all cancelled (probably too hot) and he was back at my friends when I got home.
I got this picture when I got home

my boys not only had lunch at Heike's but tea too!

CU tomorrow!

Day 216

Florian took the boys swimming this morning. Richard had got it into his head, that he would get his bronze swimming badge today. To be honest, I didn't think he would manage, as 200m is 8 lengths, and I really couldn't see him doing 8 lengths without a break. But he proved me wrong! And so did Robert, they both came back with their new badge. Robert had swam the 200m in 7.44 minutes and Richard did his in 11.11mins. They also had to retrieve something from a depth of 2m and jump off of the starting block. Way to go boys!

When they got home we went straight out again as we were invited to Florian's sister for a BBQ. We had a lovely afternoon there, and when we left they were able to get on with their packing, as tomorrow they are off on their holidays! They were more relaxed than I would have been, I would not have had guests around on my packing day!

The boys had a super time and were in and out of the pool there all afternoon, needless to say they were worn out this evening!

CU tomorrow!

Day 215

Woohoo! The rash has cleared up and not returned today. Maybe there is something at the pool that I am allergic too. It won't be the water though, cause I haven't been in at all, but maybe one of the trees there. I'll probably get to find out next week, when we go again!

So this morning the boys and I drove down to Mum and Dad's and from there I went and picked Florian up from the airport. His flight was delayed by an hour, so it is really handy that Mum and Dad live so close to the airport. All Florian had to do was to let me know when he was getting his bag and then I drove off and was there in time to pick him up and didn't have to park or anything. Whilst at Nanna and Pop's the boys found a new toy - the pegs!

We stayed with Mum and Dad then we made our way home again. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in the garden.
I fancied Pizza for tea, but didn't want to heat the kitchen up so we went and picked some up from a local Pizzeria, and Heike and family joined us to eat it in the garden! It was very delicious. Whilst I was gone picking up the pizza, the boys caught a mole. Apparently Robert watched it run across the garden, so they chased it and actually got it!

Then after studying it for a while, they took it over the fields well away from anyone's garden to set it free again!

CU tomorrow!