Two questions we always get-

How life has changed with her in it and since living here!

Before we leave Switzerland and get all caught up in everything happening when we arrive in the US, I thought I would share two of the most common questions we get from people when they hear we're leaving Switzerland and returning to the US- and more than that, we're returning to where we came from. Most often people want to know: What will you miss the most? and What's the most significant thing you think you'll take back with you?

What will we miss the most?
I can honestly say I think we will miss the lifestyle, including travel, the most. I have really come to love that you're forced to live more intentionally. From costly trash bags that force you to recycle more to all the stores being closed on Sunday and having to plan ahead for that, you have to think about what you're doing in your daily life much more than when you're in the US and everything is open all the time, every day, nonstop, and always available. You also think more about the food you consume, as there are not really a lot of options between McDonald's (at least double the cost as in the US) and a sit down restaurant (also about double the cost). Additionally, you can't get everything all the time at the store. You typically eat fruits and veggies that are in season and meat is extremely expensive. Again, it just makes you think.

I also love that you're pretty much forced to be more active in life, especially in our case, when we didn't have a car for the first-year-and-a-half we were here. Even if you take public transport, you likely have to walk to the bus/train/tram station from where you live, then also walk to your final destination upon arrival. Whereas in the US, it's a struggle for me to get any walking in. The beautiful scenery you're surrounded with in Switzerland doesn't hurt either. On Sundays when everything is closed, often people use it as an opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, hiking, biking, strolling along the lake, kayaking, or whatever suits them.

Ah yes, and I can't forget the travel of course. BK and I obviously love to travel and I can truly say I think we made the most of our time here in that respect. Switzerland is so central in Europe, and you can get nearly anywhere on about a two hour flight. And a cheap flight, at that! I will definitely miss exploring new cities all over Europe, discovering new cultures and sites in those places.

What's the most significant thing we'll take back with us?
This question is not asked in terms of physical thing, but more in the way of, how have we changed and what will we carry back with us. This has a lot to do with my answer above, as far as what we'll miss the most, but I hope we are more intentional in our lives in general.

Again, from thinking more about recycling and our usage of things in general, to being more conscious of how much food we buy, where it comes from and how it's produced, I hope we're more mindful. We've also talked some about how we'll live a few blocks from the park, and there's no reason we can't get out and walk or be active in some way in the mornings and on the weekends. I want K Bear to be outside as much as possible, regardless of weather.

And again, the travel. I'm looking forward to traveling in the US like we have in Europe, and looking forward to it even more because now there are grandparents and siblings near us who can keep K Bear and Baby H! Woohoo! There's no reason why we can't travel in the US just like we have in Europe. Like we've done while living in Switzerland, in November I fully intend to sit down with BK so he can map out when he can/wants to take time off from work so we can go ahead and get some trips and long weekends away on the calendar for the next year. I also have my mind made up that he and I will go on a kid-free trip before the end of the year, but I'll have to keep you posted on that one.

The movers arrived this morning, so things are getting real and the move will actually happen. They'll be done tomorrow and then K Bear and I leave the next day. Wow! See you soon, Texas!

Question of the Month

One happy little girl!

January Question of the Month: In the daily ‘trying to fit a quart into a pint jug,’ what is the best advice you’ve ever received, or what words do you live by?

The best advice, and words that I live by, I received from my mom. That advice is: Make yourself happy first. Sounds simple right? I'm sure that some may view it as a bit selfish as well, wanting to put others first and whatnot. But for me, this has worked in life. The whole thought behind this advice is that you can't make anyone else happy if you're not happy yourself. And I don't mean you always have a smile on your face or are fake cheerful or something, but generally in life you have to be satisfied with your decisions and know and trust that they are the best for you and those around you.

Since I live by this advice examples are easy to come by. It stares me in the face every day as a mom. If I don't take time to do things for myself, away from Baby K, I start to get a little cranky. This may be a terrible thing to say, but I am a much better mother if I have some time away to do whatever it is that makes me feel like a person again- could be writing, French lessons, some sort of exercise, dinner with friends, time alone with BK- just something that refuels me and things that make me happy. People also often comment how happy Baby K is; I'm a firm believer she is this way because she has two parents who are generally happy people. She can sense it.

As a social worker, this one was easy. Our profession often talks about the importance of self-care, but is the worst about not practicing it. It's the same concept as above though. I cannot care for people in need if I'm in turmoil and not doing well mentally. As a social worker, if you hate your job and the people you work with, what good are you really going to do for people? I'm going to go ahead and guess not very much.

And of course in a relationship, I'm not sure how two unhappy people even begin to build a relationship on a solid foundation. If one person is not happy with their self, it is going to flow over into all aspects of the relationship, making one or both question actions, motives and generally bring in a lot of self-doubt on various levels. Ultimately you're still two individuals who have come into a partnership together, and if one of the partners is not happy, both will feel it.

Okay, so now that you've had my philosophical post for the month, there's only one thing to do...go out and be happy!

Hello 2016!

Happy New Year from Baby K!

I'm happy to say that I welcomed 2016 in just the way I resolved to do so last year...by being in bed before midnight! I know, it seems SO not exciting, but I started 2016 a much happier person as a result.

Although, once again, Baby K woke up last night. It's like she knows it's New Year's Eve or something and she wants to be up. BK and I then made the mistake of putting her in bed with us, thinking that she would go back to sleep quicker. Little did we know that our tiny person would literally take up the majority of our king sized bed. That was the first and last time we do that- so not a good idea.

2015 was a great year full of new experiences as a family, lots of travel and more adventures living abroad. At the beginning of last year I resolved to let life happen a little bit more, and not feel the need to plan everything all the time. I am absolutely still a planner and want to know how things are going to go. But, I do think I did a little bit better this year, loosening up about the order that must be had. I'll probably keep working on this one, keeping in mind that as Baby K gets older, she will also have her ideas about how things "should" go. We'll see how that works out for all of us.

2016 is sure to hold many new adventures for BK, Baby K and me. Looking out to the first few months of the year, we already have a number of trips planned to places we haven't been before, and both my mom and dad have scheduled trips over to visit us. Baby K will continue to go to creche, and I'm thinking about only taking French once per week so I can join a hiking group and explore more of our area. As cliche as it sounds, life is good, and we're extremely fortunate to be where we are.

And...if I'm completely honest, BK and I are getting closer to being ready to come back to Texas. With Baby K getting older, it is killing us that she only sees our parents and her cousins two times per year. And seeing her have so much fun with them when we're in Texas really drives that home. Even though we love living abroad, it's just so far away from everyone we love. Lots of things have to fall into place for this to happen, but we'll see what life brings this year. 

2016 should be a good one! Best wishes for a wonderful year to all!

My heart breaks a little bit tonight

Last night I told BK I felt like my heart was breaking a little bit for all the hate in the world. I rarely say anything political on this blog, mostly because my intention with it is to keep our family and friends updated on our life abroad. With that said, you also may know that I'm a social worker, and generally try to be a decent human being, so sometimes things just get to me.

The State of Texas does a lot of stupid things in relation to caring for people- especially when it comes to people who aren't Texans. Putting a stop to resettling Syrian refugees is one of the worst that I've seen yet. I'm embarrassed by this action. It is one of the worst things we could have chosen to do. Compassion at it's finest. Unfortunately, I have come to expect nothing less.

How quickly America forgets that we ultimately are a country of immigrants. Call it what you want, but unless you are 100 percent Native American Indian, your ancestors came from somewhere else, probably fleeing war, poverty, marginalization, hunger, or a number of other things- perhaps simply looking for more opportunity. I guess if you want to discount that, be thankful that the US did not have the same stance they did when your ancestors came over, that we seem to now.

I think the other thing that is getting me is the sheer amount of hate, discrimination, stereotyping and every other negative thing that goes on out there in relation to people who are different from "us". But, it's only goes on after a western country is hit with tragedy. Too bad for the middle eastern countries and cities who have seen violence in the days, week, months, and years before with no reaction or care from anyone. Only now, we should stop resettling people, don't let anyone in who doesn't look like us, and turn away anyone who is in need.

The thing that has continuously rolled around in my head has been a song that we used to sing at church camp: They will know we are Christians. Part of the song is: And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes they'll know we are Christians by our love. I can't help but think right now, they'll know Christians by their hate, fear and unwelcoming spirit. Like I said, I feel like it's breaking my heart a little bit.

I saw this little gem earlier today and feel that it's quite fitting: "If only we had a seasonally appropriate story about a middle eastern couple seeking shelter."

Well crap, that's not very convenient, now is it? I can only hope for better times ahead.

La question du mois...

**The women's club I am a member of proposes a 'question of the month' each month. It is open to all members for response, and is a way for people to share feelings on various topics. The responses from members are then posted on the club's blog. I thought I would share the question and my response with you each month.

"We run by choice so they have a voice" Running for refugees, circa 2009

Question of the month: This month's question deals with the impact of larger world issues on our personal lives. What are your feelings about the current refugee crisis? Can we continue to live our ordinary lives in the aftermath of large scale conflicts and tragedies?

I've had to really roll this one around in my head quite a bit this month. There are so many answers to how do I feel about the current refugee crisis. My initial reaction is that, of course, it's a terrible thing. Most of the world's population cannot fathom what it would be like to be forced to leave the only country that you know, your home, with only the belongings you can carry and move to a new land. It's almost unimaginable, but it's reality for over 42,000 people per day. And no, all of those people are not from Syria. About half of the 60 million refugees in the world are children.

What are my feelings about the current refugee crisis? My feeling is that the current crisis is just a tiny picture of what happens all over the world all the time. Civil and religious wars rage on in developing countries for decades, typically without the west even batting an eye. It's very far away from us, and often the people don't look like us and may not have our religion, making it incredibly easy to turn a blind eye and say that doesn't impact us. What countries you may wonder? Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Somalia Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, Central African Republic, Colombia...the list goes on and on.

So my feeling is that even though the images that we see now are heartbreaking, this is not something new we're dealing with. My feeling is that I hope people can welcome those who have lost everything with open arms, and not with a look of disgust because they are tired, poor, another religion, don't speak the language. My feeling is that even though the crisis seems bigger than we are, small acts of kindness make a difference for those in need.

And, can we continue to live our ordinary lives in the aftermath of large scale conflicts and tragedies? I would hope that if nothing else, these atrocities help give people some perspective on their lives. In some sense, I think we have to go on living our lives, but perhaps we can be more purposeful about it. Have gratitude for the fact that you reside in a safe country, sleep in a warm bed, put food on the table each day for your family. Try not to get caught up in the minutia that often drags us down, making us forget about things that are truly important.

Are there things you can do to help with the current refugee crisis and change the way you go about living your daily life? Absolutely. Regardless of where you live, you CAN do something. Whether it's giving your time, your knowledge, your resources- monetary, clothing, food, shelter, or whatever else it is that you have to give, someone in need can benefit from what you have to give. So my answer would be, don't keep living your ordinary life. Do something to help someone.

Not all of us can do great things. But we can all do small things with great love.
- Mother Teresa

Collecting things along the way

It used to be shot glasses for BK, it's Christmas ornaments for my family, and now BK and I are working on a new collection to celebrate and remember our travels: paintings. For a while now, we've been collecting art from the destinations we visit. We've also started collecting little postcard size paintings for Baby K as well. I hope to make a book of them for her at some point.

We try to find a local artist who paints the city we're in, with some defining feature of the city in the painting. We've traveled a lot since moving to Europe, and are missing quite a few destinations, but are working on building our collection. We also typically try to just do one from each trip, not necessarily one from every destination. So for example, from our Spain and Portugal trip last spring (three destinations) we only bought one we liked in Lisbon. Here's what we have so far...

The beach we were married on in Maui

Napa Valley, by Kelly Sullivan at Sullivan Vineyards

Just off of De Grote Markt in Brussels, Belgium

Canals in Venice, Italy

Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

Classic streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal

Landmarks throughout Barcelona, Spain

Collage of Berlin, Germany

So like I said, we have missed a few along the way, but make a point to try and find something we both like to represent the places we visit. We're very obviously missing Basel and Montreux, but are working on those and are kind of debating on what we want to do. For Montreux we're thinking about having someone paint the view from our terrace, as that's a pretty significant thing that we would like to have. We'll visit Basel numerous times in the upcoming months, so hopefully we can find something we like at some point before we leave Switzerland.

I also added these to our collection of maps and travel things around our house for our anniversary this year. They're not paintings, but something a little different. They are city maps of significant places for us with a note about why. Maui: where we tied the knot; Fort Worth: our first home together; Basel: our first move abroad; and Montreux: our second Swiss home. I know, I know, people have asked why Baby K isn't mentioned for Basel, but these are for BK and me, and she gets included in nearly everything else.

We're off to Munich next for Oktoberfest, and I'm sure we'll pick up another one to add to our collection. Who knows how many we'll eventually come home with...

The real deal

Now that I'm rested and somewhat recovered, I'll share with you my actual New Year's resolution. In 2015, I'm going to try hard to let our life just happen a little bit more. I really like to have a plan and know how things are going to go in our life; this year I'm working on relaxing with all of that. I won't go as far as to say I'll be spontaneous all the time, but I should unclench a little bit.

I tell you this not because I think you've been waiting on the edge of your seat to hear what my resolution is or anything, but more to put it out there so that I'm more accountable now that people know it, and because I feel certain it will provide some humorous reflection throughout this year as I try to be a little bit less structured.

Of course, I started January 2 by asking BK what the plan was for the day, when he wanted to leave for the airport, what all we needed to do before he left, any last errands to run in the morning, and on and on. So let's just say it's a process. Every day is a new day, right?

My first Mother's Day

As I was perusing the usual social media outlets this week I noticed that many articles/reflections on moms and mother's day. Since this is my first Mother's Day as a mom I thought maybe I should take a stab at it as well.

Me and mom in Italy last year

One of the most significant things that I've reflected on and wondered about since becoming Baby K's mom is how my parents feel about me. When I look at her, I wonder to myself, so this is how my parents feel about me? And I also wonder, do they still see the tiny person they brought home, the child running around the house, the teenager who thought they had no clue what they were talking about, when they now see me as a 33 year old? I also think how strange it must be to see their daughters with children of their own now as well.

Baby K and my mom enjoying lunch outside

As a child, I don't think you can truly grasp the depth of the love your parents have for you until you have children of your own. It's like until then, of course you know they love you, they're your parents, that's what they're supposed to do. They're just kind of there, helping guide you through life, impacting how you make decisions and molding you into who you will become, whether you acknowledge it or not. But when you have your own children you suddenly realize how deep their love reaches because you feel it for the first time on the other side of things.

Do people have an ah ha moment when they say, THIS is the one moment when I realized how much my mom did for me! I'm really not sure to be honest. Maybe when you become a mom? When you become an adult and realize that there's actually a lot of adult stuff that happens in life that she shielded you from as a child?

All I know is that my childhood was full of love, laughter and lots of experiences together with my mom. She let me do lots of stuff that she did, like ironing cabbage patch doll clothes (she had real people clothes to do) and baking lots of treats with her. I loved to snuggle up with her and "share" anything she had to eat or drink, which may or may not still be a habit I have. She helped shape me into a loving and empathetic person who is determined to make an impact on this world.

Like most other children, I definitely have not told my mom how much I appreciate everything she did and does for me…even that statement doesn't do it and can't encompass the gratitude and love I have for her. I truly don't know how she did it.

So, Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you and will never be able to thank you enough for everything you've done for me. I can only hope the way I live my life and mother I become is a small way I can show my thanks.

And Happy Mother's Day to all the other moms out there as well! Whether you're just starting your journey, have a few years of experience, are putting up with teenagers, or are now experiencing the joy of being a grandmother, I hope your day is filled with as much love and happiness as mine was!

Baby K wishing me a Happy Mother's Day

Happy 2014!

Happy 2014! I'm a couple of days late on this post, but the first was spent packing a crazy amount of stuff to bring back to Switzerland, the second was spent traveling and now we're at the end of the third day, which has been a hard recovery day from all the traveling. Such is the life of living abroad…

2014 promises to be an exciting year for BK and I, as we welcome Baby K sometime this spring. Even though we have this life-changer approaching quickly, BK and I still have some other resolutions and goals for the year. I never really know how I feel about New Year's Resolutions. Part of me thinks that if you have a goal or want to change something, you should just do it. But on the other hand, the beginning of a new year obviously gives you a clean slate to start something new. I think it also provides a good time to reflect on where you are and what you want to do. About this time last year, BK and I started talking about the possibility of having a family together and look where we are now :)

So, here we go…my New Year's Resolutions for 2014!
~ Expand our network in Basel (i.e. make more friends)
~ Improve my German
~ Volunteer my time in Basel somehow
~ Continue a healthy and active lifestyle
~ Continue traveling and exploring new places

I would add "Become a Mom" to this list, but it seems kind of obvious to me. The other questionable one I have is to complete the Basel half-marathon. I really want to do this before we leave Basel. It's held at the end of September, but as I've never done the whole giving birth thing, I'm just not sure how feasible this goal is in regard to recovery time and being a new mom. We'll see- it's on the radar and will be done if possible. Maybe I'll do one in Dallas in December if that one doesn't work out.

BK has resolutions of his own, but you can ask him about those if you're curious. I'll be back tomorrow with an update on our Christmas vacation. To say it was busy would be an serious understatement!

A new perspective on giving

Today is a day where I'm just writing what's on my mind…you've been warned.

This morning I'm working on finish our giving for the year. BK and I are not good about giving throughout the year, so we usually end up assessing things at the end of the year and giving then. That's okay though, it works for us right now. As the family CFO, it's my job to look at what we've done thus far and propose what else we should do.

People give for many reasons, and no one reason is better than another. For me, it's been an interesting year that has given me a different perspective on giving. For the first time since graduating from college I am not working in the field of social work, which has been really different for me. Early in my career, I was bringing home a very measly paycheck and considered the fact that I worked for what I did my way of giving back. Then after a few years passed, I would want to give to whatever cause I was working for, usually giving BK a hard time that he should be more bought into this or that, just wanting him to find something.

I found that for the first time this year, I was able to objectively step back and look at what really mattered to me. I know I keep mentioning myself, but BK has his own reasons for giving to what he likes as well- you can ask him if you want his perspective. For me, I discovered that it was really important to give to organizations that had impacted my life and that I view as helping make me into who I am today. There's also a component of me wanting these organizations to be around far into the future so they can continue to have a positive influence on generations to come.

This hit me when I was listening to someone from one of the organizations speak about why people should give. He said he wasn't going to try to convince us about why we should give, but that we knew what this organization did and the impact it had on both individuals and the community, so if we felt called to give we should, and if not…the organization would still be here doing what it does. I'm not sure why this spoke to me, but it did, and he was right, I did know firsthand what this organization has done and will continue to do.

BK and I both realize we've both been extremely fortunate- not only in our life together, but also over the entirety of our lives, always being (more than) provided for, having loving families surrounding us and being able to experience things many people only dream about (just to mention a few). Considering this, we should give back. It's the absolute least we can do. Time, talent and treasure- these are things that organizations typically need from people. If you can't give one, try to give another. We're not so good at the time right now, but I'm sure this will change too as the years go by.

You may be wondering who we give to. That's not important and you're missing the point. I would just encourage you to think about what matters to you and go from there. You'll figure it out. It took me a while, but I feel like I finally have…at least for now.

An Idea Inspired by "The Happiness Project"

No I'm not doing my own Happiness Project, but I am reading the book and it has inspired me to set a new goal for myself. When I started this blog I initially wanted it to chronicle our travels before moving abroad with the ultimate goal of blogging about our lives while living in Switzerland. I've decided that blogging four times a month isn't really accomplishing that goal. I am posting about our travels, and of course the dogs, but not much other than that.

So here's my goal: TO BLOG ON A DAILY BASIS.

Yes, you read right, I want to start posting on a daily basis. They may not all be long, and they may not all be earth-shattering, but they'll be about something happening in our daily lives.

In the spirit of this new goal, here are a couple of things that happened today:

• It's really hot here. I know I was just complaining about the cold, but now it's 95 degrees outside. My fellow Texans should also know no one has air conditioning over here. You just learn to manage your sun shades well and keep the apartment closed off from the hot air.
• I started intensive German lessons at a school with a group of three other women. I go three hours a day, five days a week...there's homework and everything. I'm extremely excited about learning the language and feeling like we can move forward with our lives.
• I took my house cleaner for granted in the US. I cleaned our apartment today, and it doesn't take long, but it's also not my favorite thing to do. I am not someone who "likes" to clean, but I like to clean more than I like a messy house. Chaotic house = chaotic life.
• Speaking of cleaning...while I was cleaning today I was also doing laundry. Seems that I forgot to put the washer drain in the bathtub and when it came time to drain the washer, it drained all over the bathroom. Oops.  I knew this would happen at some point. I cleaned it up and moved on.
• The pups seem to be perpetually pooped. Exercising them three hours a day seems to be doing just the trick! As I mentioned today was really hot; Tobs took a quick dip and Tanner was involuntarily plunged in to cool him off.

That's about it for now. See you tomorrow :)