Getting ready to go home for Christmas

Friday was my final day of work at NAF. I'm still waffling between exhilaration and hesitation. I don't have much time to dwell on not having a job though because we leave on Wednesday to head home to Alaska. I was very ready to be done with the job though. I didn't feel like I had alot to give in the last couple of months and I don't like giving less than 100% at work. It was just time to be done there.

Today my goal is to get the house squeaky clean, so tomorrow we can focus on packing. Yesterday afternoon we took Papa kitty out to Laura's to see if he and her cat, Jasper, would get along. We stayed for a couple of hours to see how it went. Jasper was very nervous and wouldn't take his eyes off of Papa. Papa on the other hand got as close to the back of his cage as he could and closed his eyes. I hate putting him through the stress of being at another home, but I think if we don't we'll come home to a real mess. We finally took Papa out of the cage, but he found a hiding place behind a desk. By the time we left their house Jasper wasn't paying much attention to the other cat in his house, so we felt it would probably go pretty good. We're still here until tomorrow so if things don't go well Laura will let us know. They will keep him there for the duration of our trip. Of course, I'm also hoping that Laura's boyfriend will change his mind about adopting Papa permanently.

Today I'm thoroughly enjoying cleaning my house. It's needed it for awhile. Plants all need watered, things need dusted. It just needs a good overall cleaning. While we're gone the neighbors will be coming in every day to check on Gabby and make sure every thing's alright. I know she's going to be lonely, but all I can do it make sure she's taken care of while we're gone. She was so happy last night without Papa here. At first I thought I was just reading more into her playfulness, but Sam felt the same way. She hasn't played much since Papa's been here. She's been so concerned with watching him and being on guard. Last night she was just silly. Running everywhere and hiding from us. It was nice to see her being playful again.

This afternoon we have our appointment at the doctors. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the baby is turned the right way. I hope we have a firm confirmation on what sex the baby is. If not, I would be a little concerned to go either way for fear it might turn out to be wrong. I'm 19 weeks 2 days so we certainly should be able to know if Baby cooperates. It would just be nice to know if we need to buy pink or blue.


The end of last week it snowed quite a bit here in Stuttgart. We got about 4 1/2 inches accumulation. It's absolutely beautiful. The snow is still hanging on all the trees, so every thing's covered in white. It's perfect Christmas weather. I love it!

Well, I better get back to cleaning my house. Lots to do and not enough time. Until next time...

Sam's parents stay in Germany

I'm long overdue in posting a blog about the time Sam's parent spent here. They were here for a month back in September/October and we really enjoyed having them around. It would have been nice to have some time off while they were here and I wish I would have felt better in general, but it just so happened they came at the time I was switching jobs and during the first trimester of this pregnancy. More often than not, at that point, I just didn't feel well. I'm really thankful they were understanding of my situation because most days I came home from work and went straight to bed. I don't believe I cooked one meal while they were here and I wasn't very good company even when I did feel well enough to be with everyone. I could beat myself up about it, but that's life and there's no way we could have known I would be dealing with all day morning sickness during their visit. I appreciate them and feel blessed to have such great in-laws.

Since Sam's mom is from Germany and they lived here for quite a few years when Sam was young they had plenty to do on their own. They did quite a bit of travelling to see friends and family. When they were in the Stuttgart area, Sam tried to get time off to be with them. One weekend they went to Garmisch. I absolutely love that area and wanted to go, but it was the weekend prior to my starting back at NAF and I couldn't be gone until Tuesday, besides I felt so bad that I probably would have spent the majority of the time in the hotel room anyhow. How much fun would that have been??

When they returned from Garmisch and we were looking at the pictures I commented on how beautiful the weather was. We've been there several times now and while beautiful, it's always very cloudy and you never see the full view of the mountains. This time it was perfectly clear and gorgeous. My sweet husband said he didn't want to rub it in so he hadn't mentioned how great the weather had been. Sam and I had a reservation to go there over Thanksgiving, but since I was just returning from Grandpa's funeral that day we decided to cancel for now and go down at some other time. It's probably my favorite place to visit in Germany and I never tire of going there.

Sam and his parents in Garmisch

Mom and Dad Thompson in front of the Edelweiss (Army Lodging)

Sam's parents with the beautiful view they saw out the window of their room

Ready for their bike trip

Sam

Mom and Dad Thompson walking through the gulch in Garmisch

Sam in the gulch

They did a few things around the Stuttgart area. I stayed home quite a bit of the time, but I did get out a few times.

Sam's parents at Burg Hohen Zollern in Tubingen

Walking through the castle

Sam's Mom celebrated her birthday while here. Higgins had already gone back to Virginia, but Sam and I took her out for dinner at Pfefferburg here in our town.

Sam's mom spent some time in Bad Kreutznach during her last week here. They lived there when Sam was young and two of her brothers still live in the area. One evening Sam and I drove up to meet them. It was the first time for me meeting her brothers. I was feeling really bad that day, so I was going to stay home. At the last minute, I called Sam as he was getting ready to pull out of the driveway and told him I wanted to come. I didn't feel well, but I'm glad I was able to meet some more of Sam's family.

At the restaurant with Sam's uncles, cousins, aunt and a friend of his Mom's

This is a somewhat abbreviated account of their visit, but much of their time here was a blur to me due to not feeling well. I didn't go many places with them. Hopefully the next time they come for a visit I'll be able to be a better hostess.

A quick update

I'm still sick and stayed home again today and may again tomorrow. We went to the doctor this afternoon hoping to leave knowing whether we were having a little boy or girl, but Baby had other plans. All we could see was the backside, as he/she was facing my spine. We have a really nice doctor who set another appointment for the 15th to return and see if we can determine the sex at that time. I sure hope we're able to see something at that point because it would be nice to know before going home. Other than that everything looked good. Baby's still moving alot and is measuring right on target for 17 weeks 6 days. I'm thankful it looks like we have a very healthy baby on the way. That's it for now. I'm heading back to the couch with my tissues, cough drops and water.

Grandpa Hosier's funeral

It's been a busy time around here. In my last post I mentioned that my Grandpa Hosier was not doing well. He passed away on Tuesday, 18 November, at the age of 96. While I wasn't thrilled about a trip to the states just 3 weeks before we go to Alaska, it was important to me that I be there for the funeral. I left here on Thursday and got into Pittsburgh that evening. Mom and Dad had arrived the day before so they picked me up at the airport. It was so nice to see them again and be back in the states. Overall, I really enjoyed our week there. Knowing Grandpa had lived a good, long life and was ready to go made it so much easier, even though death is never a happy occasion.

After spending that night in Pittsburgh, the next morning we drove to McClure (about 4 hours away). David, Kristy and the kids came up from North Carolina so we all stayed at a cabin together. It was so nice to see them all again. I was shocked at how much Connor is changing. He's so much taller and his voice is getting deeper. He's 13 now and I kept wondering where my little nephew had gone. He's still a sweetheart though. Hadassah is really growing up and so cute. She's 3, all girl and loves anything pink. She was having a hayday when Mom and I were unpacking our suitcases. She loves clothes and tells you how cute a particular article of clothing is. Of course, she'll also tell you if she doesn't like it. She's a character.

After getting freshened up at the cabin, we went to the viewing. It was nice to see so many aunts, uncles and cousins again. We rarely get to see them and it's too bad we had to wait for an occasion such as this to get together. One of Dad's brothers, Uncle Eddie, I hadn't seen in probably 20+ years. The last time I saw the others was probably 3 years ago at Thanksgiving.

After Grandpa died they found a folder with funeral details he had put together. It was so like him to have written a final message for everyone to see after his death. In his hand was his Bible and a note (written by Grandpa) that said "As I am you will someday be. Where will you spend eternity?" He had a burden for his family and he was still encouraging us from the grave to make sure our hearts are right with God. Over the course of attending the viewing and funeral I realized even more what a wonderful Christian heritage I have and what a huge responsibility I have to pass that on to my own children. I'm ashamed to say I don't think I've taken it as seriously as I should have. I was very convicted realizing what a blessing it is to be given such a beautiful heritage and what a waste to not live up to that. Maybe especially with a child on the way it just impressed upon me how important it is for me to pass on that heritage to my child and I'm the only one who can do it. It's always been easy to rely on my Mom and Dad, but it's up to me and Sam to have a vibrant spiritual life and to teach our children about God and what really matters in life. What a responsibility we have to ensure our children are raised in a Christ-centered home.

Grandma seems to be dealing with his death alright. I know she's going to be lonely, but he was going downhill for quite awhile and from what we hear he really wasn't himself for the last several months. He didn't know her or others and she knew he would never come home again. Even so, I'm sure she could use your prayers.

When Kristy and David arrived at the cabin on Thursday, they found one mouse in a trap and caught another one that they turned loose outside. The next evening when we returned from the viewing we decide to heat up some leftovers. The microwave wasn't working, so we turned on the oven. A little while later we started smelling this horrible odor and finally realized it was coming from the oven. It was at that time we realized the two adult mice must have had a nest in the oven. Knowing that the awful smell was mice urine, feces and (dead) babies made it unbearable. I truly have not experienced a worse smell. Being pregnant, nasea is close by anyhow and that smell was more than I could handle. It literally was making me gag. It was HORRIBLE! Some of the others were continuing to eat. I have no idea how they kept anything down while sitting in that horrible smell. They turned the oven off and I stayed upstairs where it didn't smell quite so bad. David finally got in touch with the landlord who came over and checked the oven. Thinking she had cleaned everything out, she turned it back on as she left. Of course, the smell just permiated the cabin again. The second time was even worse. It was very late before we got to bed. I fell asleep with my nose buried in the covers.

Because of the jetlag I ended up waking at 4:00 every morning. I was so tired, but couldn't really sleep. Add to that us all needing to get showers and to the church by 9:30 for the funeral and it was pretty interesting. Did I mention it was a very small cabin...with one bathroom...and 5 adults and 2 children? We made it, but it was a little tight. The funeral was excellant. I think the pastors of their church did a wonderful job of mixing the sadness of losing Grandpa with the blessing of knowing that he's in Heaven. They did a great job of giving his life's story. At one point they played over the speakers a portion of his testimony. It was pretty touching to hear Grandpa's voice again.

Following the funeral and the graveside service, the ladies of the church had prepared a meal for everyone. We had a really nice time of visiting. Mom took my camera and got a few pictures during the meal. I did a terrible job of taking pictures this time, but here are a few from after the funeral -

Dad's brother, George and his wife, Sandy

Dad's oldest brother, Eddie, sitting with Grandma. She'll be 90 in February.

Dad and Mom

Me, Mom, Dad, Kristy and David (the kids must have been playing)

Kristy brought things so we could have an abbreviated Thanksgiving dinner together. So, Saturday evening, after the funeral and going to Grandma's for awhile we had a nice dinner. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling well and ended up sleeping through it, but I enjoyed it later.

David and Kristy had to head home on Sunday. We went to church and over to Aunt Ruth's for dinner then got as far as Pittsburgh before stopping for the evening. After staying in that cabin, the hotel room felt like a real luxury. The cabin was fine, but it was nice to have a comfortable bed instead of a 3 inch mattress and a shower with some water pressure.

The next day we drove on to Corry where my Uncle George and Aunt Sandy live. We only had a day there, but we really enjoyed it. They live out in Amish country and it's just beautiful. I went to my first auction Monday evening. That was interesting. I can see how it would get addictive because you can get some great deals there.

We drove back to Pittsburgh on Tuesday since we were all scheduled to fly out on Wednesday. I thouroughly enjoyed shopping at Target and Kohls. That evening we ate at Applebee's. It was so nice to eat at an American restaurant. It's amazing what you take for granted. In Germany I forget what it's like to be able to read a menu in English. I really miss the states and being near my family. I've enjoyed Germany, but I could probably go home anytime now and be happy.

Well, I didn't plan on this being such a long post, but it turned out that way. I had a few pictures from the cabin, but I would need to get on the other computer to flip them, so I think I'll leave them out of this post. Mom will probably end up posting some of them on her blog. Did I mention I'm sick? Everyone at work is fighting a cold and I didn't escape it. Last night I barely slept and ended up staying home today feeling miserable. It doesn't help that I can't take anything with being pregnant. Oh well, better to get it now while I still have 2 weeks before going to Alaska.

On a positive note, I only have 7 more days of work. My last day will be the 12th. Which makes me feel even worse about being sick and staying home. Tomorrow we have our monthy doctor's appointment. I'm almost through my 18th week, so hopefully we'll be able to see what our little peanut is. I would love to find out before going home so I can take advantage of having stores to shop in. I wonder when it will hit me that we're having a baby? It still hasn't and probably won't until he/she is here. Anyhow, pray that the little guy or girl is turned the right way tomorrow. I better get busy. Sam will be home before long. Take care.