silvesterlauf.

40!

I turned 40 this year and Ethan decided that this is a very good reason to throw a party. I'm not one for celebrations that feature me in any way but he did a fantastic job! Jeannie sent beautiful flowers since she couldn't join us. I have some very sweet and fun friends here in Vienna and was thrilled to see so many of them make time to get together. We laughed a lot, had good food and stayed up way too late. I feel like one very lucky woman!

little things in december.

My other pregnancy craving. I made Ethan pick up Vietnamese summer rolls one late night and then bought all the ingredients.

little things in november.

I spent much of November/December in bed with morning (all day) sickness. It was pretty awful. Ethan had to travel and right during his trip the nausea hit me hardest. Nothing like the other pregnancies but just unfortunate that it hit when he was out of town. My friends (Julia W., Hanni and Julia M.) came to the rescue when I was at my lowest and I will forever be grateful for their kind and selfless service. It reminded me of what I love most about my faith community, the opportunity to serve but also to be served and to feel Christ love through other people. Even though the month was hard and bleak at times we managed to squeeze in a few good activities.

Laternelaufen with primary at church.

  Ethan took me to see Cat Stevens at the Stadthalle and it was so good. I was feeling sick and low and his songs were just what I needed to remind me that this will pass. He surprised us with a voice that didn't match his age and he was so likable in his humble way.

Thanksgiving in Lovis class:

 Thanksgiving at home (made us so homesick for family and friends).

what I'm craving: Schwedenbomben. There is a factory store right by Lovis school and the hospital I have to go to too often. :-)

The annual cookie decorating party at Demels put on by our friends Cindy & Johannes.

 Very few people know how ill I have been since we have been holding out on telling people about this pregnancy until a little later, but someone must have felt inspired. One day the door bell rang and we found this Adventskranz and a box of Lebkuchen in front of the door but no one to claim the thank you that we felt!

 This day felt like such an achievement because I managed to clean the house to get ready for tehe Christmas season.