Yes, the Olympics are just around the corner...and the current snowboard star's knees are starting to shake. They just got word of this guy...new to the snowboard scene...and taking it by a storm.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
December Holidays - Part 1
I'm on a roll, better not stop me know. Happy Nikolaus Day! Another German Tradition.
Since there are so many Germans in Michigan, Nikolaus makes a special stop here. Last night, Benjamin put his boot outside the front door. This morning, there were golden coins on the floor in the foyer. "Gold!" said Benjamin, he learned at school that Nikolaus would leave gold. The gold coins lead out the door to a boot full of treats. "Cool" said Benjamin. When he realized that the gold was in reality, chocolate coins, he asked where the real gold was.
Later, I took him to school & Nikolaus had been there and filled his House Shoes inside his locker. His eyes lit up and he said "Nikolaus is Nuts!"
I stayed to watch their Nikolaus event. They sang songs in German, recited a poem, then Nikolaus gave each of them a present.
Since there are so many Germans in Michigan, Nikolaus makes a special stop here. Last night, Benjamin put his boot outside the front door. This morning, there were golden coins on the floor in the foyer. "Gold!" said Benjamin, he learned at school that Nikolaus would leave gold. The gold coins lead out the door to a boot full of treats. "Cool" said Benjamin. When he realized that the gold was in reality, chocolate coins, he asked where the real gold was.
Later, I took him to school & Nikolaus had been there and filled his House Shoes inside his locker. His eyes lit up and he said "Nikolaus is Nuts!"
I stayed to watch their Nikolaus event. They sang songs in German, recited a poem, then Nikolaus gave each of them a present.
November Holidays - part 3
Yes, I know you are waiting on the holiday that we think about when we think of November in America. THANKSGIVING!
We traveled south for 11 days of friends & family...and Benjamin's first real Thanksgiving.
Here are a few snapshots. Benjamin really enjoyed hanging out with his cousins. Unfortunately, since visits in the past have been short with long gaps between them, Benjamin struggles with names. Throughout our time with them, he would ask me "What's her name again?" and refer to Elijah as "that Boy." Hope we can change that with having visits more often.
We traveled south for 11 days of friends & family...and Benjamin's first real Thanksgiving.
Here are a few snapshots. Benjamin really enjoyed hanging out with his cousins. Unfortunately, since visits in the past have been short with long gaps between them, Benjamin struggles with names. Throughout our time with them, he would ask me "What's her name again?" and refer to Elijah as "that Boy." Hope we can change that with having visits more often.
November Holidays - Part 2
In Germany, kids celebrate St.Martin's Day by walking in a town parade while singing songs & carrying homemade lanterns. Here is Benjamin & friend with the lanterns they made in school.
The story of St. Martin captured Benjamin's attention. Benjamin & Rene sang the songs & acted out the story several times. I wish I could post the videos, but the files are to large.
St. Martin was riding on a horse on a cold winters day. He came across a homeless man that was freezing. He got down off his horse and used his sword to cut his coat/cloak in half, giving the homeless man some thing to keep him warm.
The story of St. Martin captured Benjamin's attention. Benjamin & Rene sang the songs & acted out the story several times. I wish I could post the videos, but the files are to large.
St. Martin was riding on a horse on a cold winters day. He came across a homeless man that was freezing. He got down off his horse and used his sword to cut his coat/cloak in half, giving the homeless man some thing to keep him warm.
November Holidays - Part #1
In November, our friends in India celebrated their biggest holiday of the year... Diwali.
To celebrate Diwali on this side of the world, we made Rangoli Designs with colored sand & templates.
To celebrate Diwali on this side of the world, we made Rangoli Designs with colored sand & templates.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
That's my boy
Yesterday, when I picked Benjamin up from school, I asked him: Do you want to go to the library or go home and rake leaves? He answered "I want to go home and do crafts." My heart smiled...he is the perfect child.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Hoops
As the cold weather moved in, soccer came to an end. It was time to select an indoor sport. Taking in his Papa's footsteps, Benjamin chose Basketball over Hockey. The basketball class he is in is purely a lesson, no games. He is learning dribbling, passing, defense, catching rebounds...and shooting. Check out this unbelievable shot I caught on camera today!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Halloween
Finally, our first Halloween IN the US. Naturally, we did it big!
Benjamin decided he wanted to be a Dragon. He actually wanted to be a black dragon, but since I made a blue dragon tail for his 4th birthday party...we were sticking with blue. Now, there was a short moment of excitement when we saw a cute and PRE-MADE dragon costume at Marshalls, but the largest size was a bit to tight for my tall boy. Back to DIY!
Benjamin's first Halloween consisted of:
- Trick r Treating at a local Farmers Market
- Trick r Treating at a local park
- School Halloween Party
- Handing out candy at Papa's work
- and last, but certainly not least, door to door trick r treating in an area of town with lots of other kids and houses that are close together.
Carving pumpkins & loads of Halloween crafts too!
ALL FUN!
Benjamin decided he wanted to be a Dragon. He actually wanted to be a black dragon, but since I made a blue dragon tail for his 4th birthday party...we were sticking with blue. Now, there was a short moment of excitement when we saw a cute and PRE-MADE dragon costume at Marshalls, but the largest size was a bit to tight for my tall boy. Back to DIY!
Benjamin's first Halloween consisted of:
- Trick r Treating at a local Farmers Market
- Trick r Treating at a local park
- School Halloween Party
- Handing out candy at Papa's work
- and last, but certainly not least, door to door trick r treating in an area of town with lots of other kids and houses that are close together.
Carving pumpkins & loads of Halloween crafts too!
ALL FUN!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Fish...we're not so sure
Benjamin has wanted to take swim lessons ever since his friends in India were taking lessons. It never worked with our schedule there, but once we arrived here and saw how much Benjamin loved playing in the lake...swim lessons quickly became a priority.
Now, here is the story. Benjamin & I were in various hotel pools throughout the summer. He was becoming quite brave and trying new things. He liked going under water & popping back up. He enjoyed kicking around the pool on his own with 2 pool noodles under his arms. We were on a roll.
We started lessons at the Y and it was as if he had never touched water before. He wanted nothing to do with it. And he held on to the coach with a death grip...scared to death to let go of her, even if he had enough floating devices to make him walk on water. Well, it turns out that he didn't want to be taught by someone other than Mommy. Well, Mommy isn't exactly a good swimmer herself buddy, so that is not going to happen. By the 4th week, I asked the coach if I should leave during the lesson instead of staying. Okay, so I handed my kicking kid to her in the water and left. Benjamin got out of the water and tried to find me. The other Mom tried to catch up with him, but got separated from him on the stairs while a Maintenance Guy brought down a ladder. Long story short...Benjamin, wet & in nothing but a bathing suit went out the front door of the Y when it was COLD outside. He was caught immediately and brought back in to me. So, that didn't work. He did get back in the pool and finished the lesson. Benjamin & I then visited the pool one time before the next class...I really don't like indoor pools! Anyway, we are on a MUCH better track. We have not only caught up to where we were this summer...we are now past it!
Now, here is the story. Benjamin & I were in various hotel pools throughout the summer. He was becoming quite brave and trying new things. He liked going under water & popping back up. He enjoyed kicking around the pool on his own with 2 pool noodles under his arms. We were on a roll.
We started lessons at the Y and it was as if he had never touched water before. He wanted nothing to do with it. And he held on to the coach with a death grip...scared to death to let go of her, even if he had enough floating devices to make him walk on water. Well, it turns out that he didn't want to be taught by someone other than Mommy. Well, Mommy isn't exactly a good swimmer herself buddy, so that is not going to happen. By the 4th week, I asked the coach if I should leave during the lesson instead of staying. Okay, so I handed my kicking kid to her in the water and left. Benjamin got out of the water and tried to find me. The other Mom tried to catch up with him, but got separated from him on the stairs while a Maintenance Guy brought down a ladder. Long story short...Benjamin, wet & in nothing but a bathing suit went out the front door of the Y when it was COLD outside. He was caught immediately and brought back in to me. So, that didn't work. He did get back in the pool and finished the lesson. Benjamin & I then visited the pool one time before the next class...I really don't like indoor pools! Anyway, we are on a MUCH better track. We have not only caught up to where we were this summer...we are now past it!
Really to cold to post this
I am way behind on blog posting, but it is only because we are having fun exploring our new world. Tomorrow, we are expecting our first wintery mix (snow & rain), so a few summer pictures may be a refreshing sight. These photos are from the end of the summer.
The house we are renting is in a neighborhood that has lake access. The lot they own has a boat dock, sandy beach, playground, and pavilion for grilling/picnicking. We were able to enjoy it for a couple of weeks before the temperatures took a dive. The neighbors are all so friendly and welcoming...one family even took us out on their boat AND let Benjamin Drive!
Can't wait until next summer for more lake fun!
The house we are renting is in a neighborhood that has lake access. The lot they own has a boat dock, sandy beach, playground, and pavilion for grilling/picnicking. We were able to enjoy it for a couple of weeks before the temperatures took a dive. The neighbors are all so friendly and welcoming...one family even took us out on their boat AND let Benjamin Drive!
Can't wait until next summer for more lake fun!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Football...I mean Soccer
There are a couple things Benjamin has been looking forward to for months: playing soccer and swimming lessons. Although it is a bit out of the way, we chose the YMCA. We ended up just getting a youth membership, which allows Benjamin to get the Member rate on the classes and we can still go into the pool with him during open swim times.
Benjamin attends soccer on Monday afternoons. Monday is the only day I allow him to take a nap in the car - after school, but before soccer. The concept is that the first 30 minutes is a "lesson" and the second 30 minutes is a "game." I put both "lesson" and "game" in quotes, because, after the first meeting, I am not sure either happened. In fact, it was painfully slow to watch. Rene kept sending me text messages that he wished he could be there...I told him that it was hard to watch and maybe in a couple weeks he could come to watch something worth watching. Nonetheless, the small kids looked super cute in their uniforms.
Now, after the third lesson, I realize that although not much is being "taught", somehow I think they are learning...and perhaps next year will be more impressive as a result of participating this year.
I am AMAZED at how aware kids are of winning v losing at this age. I am also AMAZED, that they just expect to go out there and be the best right from the get-go. I continue to have conversations with Benjamin that people that win or get trophies (aka Piston Cups in 4-year old Lightning McQueen world) had to learn, learn, learn, try, try, try, and practice, practice, practice! And even those people don't win all the time. These conversations apply to soccer, swimming, drawing pictures... I was relieved when another mother at the soccer field started this conversation with me, so, we are not the only ones.
Anyway, it continues to be enjoyable to watch...and he does say he is having fun.
Benjamin attends soccer on Monday afternoons. Monday is the only day I allow him to take a nap in the car - after school, but before soccer. The concept is that the first 30 minutes is a "lesson" and the second 30 minutes is a "game." I put both "lesson" and "game" in quotes, because, after the first meeting, I am not sure either happened. In fact, it was painfully slow to watch. Rene kept sending me text messages that he wished he could be there...I told him that it was hard to watch and maybe in a couple weeks he could come to watch something worth watching. Nonetheless, the small kids looked super cute in their uniforms.
Now, after the third lesson, I realize that although not much is being "taught", somehow I think they are learning...and perhaps next year will be more impressive as a result of participating this year.
I am AMAZED at how aware kids are of winning v losing at this age. I am also AMAZED, that they just expect to go out there and be the best right from the get-go. I continue to have conversations with Benjamin that people that win or get trophies (aka Piston Cups in 4-year old Lightning McQueen world) had to learn, learn, learn, try, try, try, and practice, practice, practice! And even those people don't win all the time. These conversations apply to soccer, swimming, drawing pictures... I was relieved when another mother at the soccer field started this conversation with me, so, we are not the only ones.
Anyway, it continues to be enjoyable to watch...and he does say he is having fun.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Blog Settings
Made a change...you should be able to leave comments now. Including using the Anonymous feature, but please write your name in the comment.
First Day of School
Benjamin is attending an International School, which is available for children the age of 3 until the 8th grade (8 Klasse). The children spend half of their day immersed in English and the second half of their day in a second language. This school has been around for 45 years and although it has always been small...approx. 100 students total...they are now REALLY small...20 students total! This is great for personal attention, but I hope the school is able to survive.
Benjamin (4.5 years) attends only the German portion of the preschool/kindergarten, which is held in the afternoons. He is in there with 2 other boys...talk about personal attention!! One boy just moved from Germany this summer. The other is the son of the teacher. The teacher is German and has been in the US over 10 years. He really loves it. His favorite is "Show & Tell" on Fridays. He spends a lot of time deciding which one of his toys/books he wants to take in to show his classmates. So far, they have mostly fallen in the dinosaur & dragon category.
Benjamin's German is improving daily. He is currently impressing us with the days of the week, months, and seasons - all in German! And he is very excited to speak German with Rene. It is amazing how he can speaking German with Rene and without missing a beat, turn to me and speak English. Also, as a family, we are trying to make German our language, which can be frustrating for me, but I am doing my best to play along.
Benjamin has never truly given up his afternoon nap. Since school is in the afternoon, he is being forced to give it up. This will take a while to get used to. He is tired before I even drop him off at school and running on fumes when I pick him up. Trying to keep him awake on the less than 15 minute drive home is challenging. "Mommy, may I fall asleep?" "NO". If he sleeps that late in the afternoon...even for only 15 minutes...getting him to sleep at night is really tricky.
To brush up on my old work skills, I am the treasurer for the Parents Association. Judging by the records I was handed, I don't think this position was ever held by anyone with a financial background. I am also one of the driver / chaperones for the first field trip of the year, this coming Friday to the Renaissance Festival.
Here are some photos from the first day of school.
Benjamin (4.5 years) attends only the German portion of the preschool/kindergarten, which is held in the afternoons. He is in there with 2 other boys...talk about personal attention!! One boy just moved from Germany this summer. The other is the son of the teacher. The teacher is German and has been in the US over 10 years. He really loves it. His favorite is "Show & Tell" on Fridays. He spends a lot of time deciding which one of his toys/books he wants to take in to show his classmates. So far, they have mostly fallen in the dinosaur & dragon category.
Benjamin's German is improving daily. He is currently impressing us with the days of the week, months, and seasons - all in German! And he is very excited to speak German with Rene. It is amazing how he can speaking German with Rene and without missing a beat, turn to me and speak English. Also, as a family, we are trying to make German our language, which can be frustrating for me, but I am doing my best to play along.
Benjamin has never truly given up his afternoon nap. Since school is in the afternoon, he is being forced to give it up. This will take a while to get used to. He is tired before I even drop him off at school and running on fumes when I pick him up. Trying to keep him awake on the less than 15 minute drive home is challenging. "Mommy, may I fall asleep?" "NO". If he sleeps that late in the afternoon...even for only 15 minutes...getting him to sleep at night is really tricky.
To brush up on my old work skills, I am the treasurer for the Parents Association. Judging by the records I was handed, I don't think this position was ever held by anyone with a financial background. I am also one of the driver / chaperones for the first field trip of the year, this coming Friday to the Renaissance Festival.
Here are some photos from the first day of school.
Friday, September 20, 2013
A Moment to Breathe
Hello Family & Friends!
Moving is work! International Moves are WORK! a lot of WORK! It is hard to find a moment to breathe, but I think we are getting closer. After spending 8+ hours working with the cable/internet provider (notice: that is a full days worth of work)...our services are finally functioning. And tomorrow, we should finish our shopping for car #2. Those have been the biggest headaches lately...not to mention the task of finding an acceptable house to rent, which took 2+ weeks upon our arrival in the US. In case you don't know my definition of "acceptable"...it is a house under $4000 a month without dog poop on the carpet. I know, I am picky.
In the back of my head, I have never failed to remember my blog audience that is sitting patiently waiting. I finally decided to start a new blog for this new chapter in our lives. Welcome to "In a Michigan Moment." I hope you enjoy!
For my international followers (and some of my US followers), her is a little geography lesson.
Moving is work! International Moves are WORK! a lot of WORK! It is hard to find a moment to breathe, but I think we are getting closer. After spending 8+ hours working with the cable/internet provider (notice: that is a full days worth of work)...our services are finally functioning. And tomorrow, we should finish our shopping for car #2. Those have been the biggest headaches lately...not to mention the task of finding an acceptable house to rent, which took 2+ weeks upon our arrival in the US. In case you don't know my definition of "acceptable"...it is a house under $4000 a month without dog poop on the carpet. I know, I am picky.
In the back of my head, I have never failed to remember my blog audience that is sitting patiently waiting. I finally decided to start a new blog for this new chapter in our lives. Welcome to "In a Michigan Moment." I hope you enjoy!
For my international followers (and some of my US followers), her is a little geography lesson.
| Michigan is shown above in red. It consists of the "Mitten" (Handschuhe) and the "Upper Peninsula" |
 |
People from Michigan use their hands like this to describe locations in Michigan...they really do! We live Northwest of Detroit in the Southeast of Michigan - where the thumb meets the hand. |
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