A very Happy Easter!

Easter is already such a joyful time when we remember that Christ has risen from the grave but this year my mom and brother's visit made it extra special!

in the vineyards behind our house

"I don't see anything"

"I see it!"

kisses for PAPA...

....and for "Danel"

they have a special connection!

Cooking for uncle Daniel

second egg hunt

they hugged each other after seeing Lance and me hugging for  a picture. It melts my heart to see their love for each other!
Lilli could not asked for a better big brother!

Highlights

So, because both kids are sleeping right now and my energy level is still okay I wanted to fill you in with the highlights of the past month or longer...

1. We found out we are having another boy and we (especially Liam who has been telling me in the weeks before that he does not want another sister but a brother) are all super excited!
2. We have a Name
3. Luis
4. Lilli turned 2!!
5. I took the train to Munich with the kids and was able to see the family.  The 6 hr train ride was pretty easy and I felt like supermom.
6. Liam and Lilli share a room and a bunk bed now and they love it.
7. Lilli pees in the toilet now....well, sometimes.... when we put her there.
8. The pregnancy has been going really good (like the others) and I feel great (apart from some heartburn and backpain issues) and the baby will come early July.
9. I am a blessed woman!
10. Everybody always guesses that Liam is 5 because he is so tall but he is only 3.8!
11. We saw Lance's old school friend perform at the Frankfurt Opera!
12. We had a great vacation in Portugal with friends we have known from Korea and their 2 kids.
12a. To see more about Portugal click http://ourjourneyintotheblue.blogspot.com/
14. Spring is here and life is just better with sunshine!
15. Lance and I have decided to get out of the Air Force once this assignment is over and start a new chapter with Pacific Mission Aviation!!
15a. To read more about this click http://ourjourneyintotheblue.blogspot.com/2013/11/palau-yap-islandsthe-pacific.html

the cake was a success and thanks to Susi's help we made it happen

her birthday gift was big girl underwear and she was sooo excited!

every boy should have one of these

romance with my husband

doesn't she look so much older?

first time for jello

always great when the kids have so much time with their daddy

more kids actually makes life easier!

street kids of lisbon

amazing seafood lunch

and we even heard FADO music

Add caption

can not wait to see my whole feet again

Lilli and me

the bunk bed is a hit and lilli is so good and stays in bed

A Savior has been born to us

When I walk Liam to Kindergarten or  just go to the town I always like to take the path that goes through the graveyard. I like that way for two particular reasons, one is that there is no better reminder for our bodies mortality, and I in contrary to many other people like to be reminded of that. But its mostly because of a big stone cross on the other end of the graveyard that I like this walk so much.
A cross, with Jesus Christ on it is a really common sight  to see in predominantly catholic Germany, but under the cross are written some wonderful words that bring me joy every single time I read them.

"I believe that my Redeemer lives and that I will rise again on judgment day" is what it says and I can think of nothing more encouraging and hope-bringing to read, because I believe with all my heart that Jesus is my Redeemer. And I believe that he lives. What could be better than that?
In the Bible it is written that we all will rise on judgment day. God will either be your Judge or your Savior, the Choice is yours.
I hope this Christmas you will have some time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the words that have been spoken so long ago, but are just as current today as they were then.

Luke 2:11-12

¹¹ Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. ¹² This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”


Merry Christ-mas to you!

i will attach a very moving video of a person that is far more able to talk about the hope that lies in trusting Jesus.