Well today was a big day for the VanHowe Family. Jack has been practicing riding Sydney's bike that we bought her for her birthday. This bike is very popular here in Germany - it does not have any pedals (please see video). It teaches children to balance and then they never need training wheels.
He has been literal flying around the house on the bike waiting for the right moment to hit the road on two wheels.
Today was the day. Kevin's goal for the weekend was to teach his only son how to ride a two wheeler. We tried on helmets, we adjusted seats, we washed off the dust and other not so nice stuff on the bikes and then loaded all five of us in the car for our biking adventure.
As it turns out - Jack has been ready for awhile. He got to the spot, got on his bike and away he went.......as we looked at each other with tears in our eyes....our little man can ride a two wheeler!!!
Enjoy the videos
disclaimer.......only a few bumps and scraps along the way
Love Jen and Kev
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
OREO the egg…… and Black Nose
This week in Jack’s class they are on the unit of Pets. This unit is to help Jack and his mates understand the concept of responsibility----hence “my pet egg day.”
So the assignment was to create a home for his hard boiled egg. He would have to care for it the entire day. Take it to snack time, lunch, recess, Germany/English class and PE. Wow pretty big responsibility for the big man.
He came home from school and worked on “Oreo’s” home all afternoon. I happened to have an Oreo box in the paper bin so I thought this would make an excellent home for her. He wanted her to be looking out of her window and see the city, a soft bed and a pink flag because she had just won a race—what an amazing imagination.
So being the very proud Jack, he took Oreo’s home in to school and introduced her to it. Upon picking him up from school—she had several band-aids and was missing most of her shell. Jack was skipping with her to snack and dropped her on the floor!!!!!! He told me he learned that skipping with a pet is probably not such a great idea as he took her outside and smashed the rest of her shell off…….
Black Nose….Believe it or not she has been in his life for three and half years and has never left his side. Becky Kehoe gave Black Nose to Jack on the day Stella was born. She travels with us where ever we go!! Well in keeping with the theme of “Pet Week” Jack got to bring Black Nose to school. He got to take her and show her off to all of his mates---way excited!!!!!
Oh how fun to be five again!!!
Love to all-
The VanHowes
This week in Jack’s class they are on the unit of Pets. This unit is to help Jack and his mates understand the concept of responsibility----hence “my pet egg day.”
So the assignment was to create a home for his hard boiled egg. He would have to care for it the entire day. Take it to snack time, lunch, recess, Germany/English class and PE. Wow pretty big responsibility for the big man.
He came home from school and worked on “Oreo’s” home all afternoon. I happened to have an Oreo box in the paper bin so I thought this would make an excellent home for her. He wanted her to be looking out of her window and see the city, a soft bed and a pink flag because she had just won a race—what an amazing imagination.
So being the very proud Jack, he took Oreo’s home in to school and introduced her to it. Upon picking him up from school—she had several band-aids and was missing most of her shell. Jack was skipping with her to snack and dropped her on the floor!!!!!! He told me he learned that skipping with a pet is probably not such a great idea as he took her outside and smashed the rest of her shell off…….
Black Nose….Believe it or not she has been in his life for three and half years and has never left his side. Becky Kehoe gave Black Nose to Jack on the day Stella was born. She travels with us where ever we go!! Well in keeping with the theme of “Pet Week” Jack got to bring Black Nose to school. He got to take her and show her off to all of his mates---way excited!!!!!
Oh how fun to be five again!!!
Love to all-
The VanHowes
Friday, March 20, 2009
TAG the CAT
A dedication to the four legged kind……
I decided to write about Tag(our cat) this time around. After you read the ups and downs of his story you will soon know why I picked him to write about. I must warn you….for the cat lovers you might need some tissue because you might cry or you might laugh. It just depends on your sense of humor…..
It was a Tuesday morning when I woke up to this god awful sound….imagine a bird dying. I went into our living room and heard the sound getting louder---it was Tag, our cat. He was barely breathing, his eyes were so dilated all you could see was black and he was foaming at the mouth.
I had three munchkins still sleeping upstairs, a husband that was “stuck” in Uzbekistan and not enough German under my belt to call anyone. So I called the next best thing my German (UK) BFF Carolyn. She was my voice of reason----put the kids in the car and drive them over and take Tag to the vet.
It was 6:30 am and they answered the phone telling me to get him there as soon as I could. When I arrived the news was NOT good at all. Tag had thrown up and aspirated (sorry for those with a weak stomach—this means he swallowed his puke). They had told me this was life threatening.
Well I was a friggin train wreck. It was very crazy over the next 48 hours. Kevin got to come home and the kids kept asking about Tag. The vet still wasn’t sure if he would be ok since he had so much fluid in his lungs. After the third day I called to get the status and they said he still is not responding but he is not suffering.
So I called Kevin and MADE HIM CALL THE VET…..IT WAS TIME TO PUT HIM DOWN!!!! My wonderful husband did what I asked of him and I cried like a baby for hours. Later that day, I came home and got rid of all Tags things – litter box, food and toys. I just couldn’t see his stuff around the house.
Ok I know that was not fun to read but this is when the story really gets good!!!
I was outside throwing Tags things away in the garbage can when I heard the phone ringing….It was the Vet on the other end. He called to tell me he could not put Tag down. He tried a different antibiotic and he was responding. He also said he looked like he had too much fight left in him to give up on him…….So now I am laughing hysterically……I have a really dark sense of humor, I know. My cat, who I thought was dead, is now still alive---WOW only in GERMANY!!!!
Well I have to say the Germans love their animals. Our vet saved his life and we did not have to remortgage the house like we would have in the states! The four legged fluff ball is still around and still driving Kevin crazy. I guess it is true cats have 9 lives---well now 8 :-)
Love to all –
Jen (and Tag)
I decided to write about Tag(our cat) this time around. After you read the ups and downs of his story you will soon know why I picked him to write about. I must warn you….for the cat lovers you might need some tissue because you might cry or you might laugh. It just depends on your sense of humor…..
It was a Tuesday morning when I woke up to this god awful sound….imagine a bird dying. I went into our living room and heard the sound getting louder---it was Tag, our cat. He was barely breathing, his eyes were so dilated all you could see was black and he was foaming at the mouth.
I had three munchkins still sleeping upstairs, a husband that was “stuck” in Uzbekistan and not enough German under my belt to call anyone. So I called the next best thing my German (UK) BFF Carolyn. She was my voice of reason----put the kids in the car and drive them over and take Tag to the vet.
It was 6:30 am and they answered the phone telling me to get him there as soon as I could. When I arrived the news was NOT good at all. Tag had thrown up and aspirated (sorry for those with a weak stomach—this means he swallowed his puke). They had told me this was life threatening.
Well I was a friggin train wreck. It was very crazy over the next 48 hours. Kevin got to come home and the kids kept asking about Tag. The vet still wasn’t sure if he would be ok since he had so much fluid in his lungs. After the third day I called to get the status and they said he still is not responding but he is not suffering.
So I called Kevin and MADE HIM CALL THE VET…..IT WAS TIME TO PUT HIM DOWN!!!! My wonderful husband did what I asked of him and I cried like a baby for hours. Later that day, I came home and got rid of all Tags things – litter box, food and toys. I just couldn’t see his stuff around the house.
Ok I know that was not fun to read but this is when the story really gets good!!!
I was outside throwing Tags things away in the garbage can when I heard the phone ringing….It was the Vet on the other end. He called to tell me he could not put Tag down. He tried a different antibiotic and he was responding. He also said he looked like he had too much fight left in him to give up on him…….So now I am laughing hysterically……I have a really dark sense of humor, I know. My cat, who I thought was dead, is now still alive---WOW only in GERMANY!!!!
Well I have to say the Germans love their animals. Our vet saved his life and we did not have to remortgage the house like we would have in the states! The four legged fluff ball is still around and still driving Kevin crazy. I guess it is true cats have 9 lives---well now 8 :-)
Love to all –
Jen (and Tag)
My 4th Child......
Hello all – yes it is the ever missing VanHowe blog. I am back in action. For all of you that love to read about our boring life look out. Most of you know all of my addictions but just in case there is my family of course, running, watching The Biggest Loser and now MY NEW LAPTOP(thank you Kevin)!!!!!!
I am not sure but I feel as though I have had a 4th child without the weight gain. I always have it on my lap. It sits on the counter and watches me make dinner and I put it to sleep every night----kind of creepy.
You are now going to be inundated with not only my 300 pictures that I send out weekly but now by my witty, obnoxious and sometimes just plain ridiculous blogs…enjoy!!! (Disclaimer…if you want to be removed from the distribution list please let me know, I will not be offended.)
So here we go; not sure if any of you have blogs or have ever tried to write one but sometimes you get a bit of “writers block.” There are times when you just don’t know what to write about.
My best thinking takes place in the shower. Now I know everyone does different things in the shower: there are the get in and get the job done types (rinse repeat), the karaoke types (they really think they sound good), the “other types” – which I will not go there- this is a PG no maybe a PG13 ok maybe an R rated blog –but I am not touching that!!! And then there are the types like me – the thinkers – I am pretty sure this is the only time I have to myself so I just think about random things, like ideas for our blog.
When I get an idea I run the scenario from start to finish in my head. At the end if I laugh then I think it is a good blog. I know you are all saying “What the hell is Jen doing talking to herself in the shower?” And my answer is “What the hell am I doing talking to myself in the shower?” J
Love to all
Jen
I am not sure but I feel as though I have had a 4th child without the weight gain. I always have it on my lap. It sits on the counter and watches me make dinner and I put it to sleep every night----kind of creepy.
You are now going to be inundated with not only my 300 pictures that I send out weekly but now by my witty, obnoxious and sometimes just plain ridiculous blogs…enjoy!!! (Disclaimer…if you want to be removed from the distribution list please let me know, I will not be offended.)
So here we go; not sure if any of you have blogs or have ever tried to write one but sometimes you get a bit of “writers block.” There are times when you just don’t know what to write about.
My best thinking takes place in the shower. Now I know everyone does different things in the shower: there are the get in and get the job done types (rinse repeat), the karaoke types (they really think they sound good), the “other types” – which I will not go there- this is a PG no maybe a PG13 ok maybe an R rated blog –but I am not touching that!!! And then there are the types like me – the thinkers – I am pretty sure this is the only time I have to myself so I just think about random things, like ideas for our blog.
When I get an idea I run the scenario from start to finish in my head. At the end if I laugh then I think it is a good blog. I know you are all saying “What the hell is Jen doing talking to herself in the shower?” And my answer is “What the hell am I doing talking to myself in the shower?” J
Love to all
Jen
Monday, October 27, 2008
Trunk or Treat!!!!
The Incredibles
"Little Miss LadyBug" and "Violet"
"Dash"
Mr. Incredible and Elastic Girl
Hi All –
Well as all of you know we LOVE Halloween---the years of all the great party pictures. Guess what, Germany doesn't really do the Halloween thing--shocking I know. BUT FIS does this thing call Trunk or Treat. I guess it is catching on in the states but I was new to it. This is how it works: You come dressed up and then you decorate the trunk of your car. The kids go “trunk or treating” from car to car. They have a parade to judge costumes and then there is contest for the best Trunk…..
And the Winner is…………..
THE VANHOWE’S
Our costumes were all Jack’s idea, if you can believe that. The kids had a great day and were so excited we won. Here are a few pictures from the day.
BTW we are doing great – making new friends and staying very busy. We miss you all and can’t wait to see you next summer. As always we love hearing about the “stuff” at home.
Smiles –
Jen and Kev
Well as all of you know we LOVE Halloween---the years of all the great party pictures. Guess what, Germany doesn't really do the Halloween thing--shocking I know. BUT FIS does this thing call Trunk or Treat. I guess it is catching on in the states but I was new to it. This is how it works: You come dressed up and then you decorate the trunk of your car. The kids go “trunk or treating” from car to car. They have a parade to judge costumes and then there is contest for the best Trunk…..
And the Winner is…………..
THE VANHOWE’S
Our costumes were all Jack’s idea, if you can believe that. The kids had a great day and were so excited we won. Here are a few pictures from the day.
BTW we are doing great – making new friends and staying very busy. We miss you all and can’t wait to see you next summer. As always we love hearing about the “stuff” at home.
Smiles –
Jen and Kev
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
We are still here---sorry it has been so long!
Hello all –
I am sure by now all of you probably think we have fallen into some dark Germany crack and can’t get out—not the case just a bit busy. So let’s recap:
- The kids are doing great in school. They are learning all kinds of fun things. Every day on our way home there is a shouting match in the car to see who can tell me the loudest and first of the fun things they did that day.
- The Hot Lunch – is always a big topic. At first, Jack and Stella were excited to eat in the cafeteria with all the great German food. Not so much the case anymore. They don’t have syrup for their pancakes (they dip in applesauce—yuk!) All they have is “cow milk” – yuk! So now I pack a cold lunch – so far so good!
- Stella was invited to her fist birthday party. It was great, expect for the fact nobody was speaking English. So after 20 minutes of playing with all the kids on the grass the moms decided I was OK and they then starting talking to me. I tell what though you’ve got to love a birthday party that has Champignon to drink for the adults
- My mom came for her visit. It was great she was the biggest help. She arrived the same day as our sea container. A bit crazy but we made it!!! To all that come for a visit take note- she brought with her Jack’s Salsa, Vince & Joe’s Mexicali dip and Fat Free Hazel Nut Cream
- Because I have so many more funny stories to share - I will save them until another blog. I just wanted to say hi and love and miss you all so very much!!!!!
Smiles
JEN
I am sure by now all of you probably think we have fallen into some dark Germany crack and can’t get out—not the case just a bit busy. So let’s recap:
- The kids are doing great in school. They are learning all kinds of fun things. Every day on our way home there is a shouting match in the car to see who can tell me the loudest and first of the fun things they did that day.
- The Hot Lunch – is always a big topic. At first, Jack and Stella were excited to eat in the cafeteria with all the great German food. Not so much the case anymore. They don’t have syrup for their pancakes (they dip in applesauce—yuk!) All they have is “cow milk” – yuk! So now I pack a cold lunch – so far so good!
- Stella was invited to her fist birthday party. It was great, expect for the fact nobody was speaking English. So after 20 minutes of playing with all the kids on the grass the moms decided I was OK and they then starting talking to me. I tell what though you’ve got to love a birthday party that has Champignon to drink for the adults
- My mom came for her visit. It was great she was the biggest help. She arrived the same day as our sea container. A bit crazy but we made it!!! To all that come for a visit take note- she brought with her Jack’s Salsa, Vince & Joe’s Mexicali dip and Fat Free Hazel Nut Cream
- Because I have so many more funny stories to share - I will save them until another blog. I just wanted to say hi and love and miss you all so very much!!!!!
Smiles
JEN
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Magic Well of Bad Soden
Most of you know that we are living in Bad Soden, Germany....but did you know what Bad Soden is famous for??
Well, legend has it that the water that runs from the Am Tannus mountains and down through Bad Soden has magic powers. A long time ago the villagers dug wells in order to get to this magic water. These wells are still around, but they are hidden and very hard to find. Fortunately, Jack and Stella stumbled upon one of these wells, and you can see what happened...
In reality, the water sorta smells bad and best that I can tell it doesn't really have any magic power, unless turning your hands brown qualifies. But hey, the kids think its cool. And since everything is sooo expensive here, we have resorted to going to the well on the weekends and filling up the kid's water bottles for school. So now they are super both inside and out...I'm sure the diarrhea will stop eventually...kids gotta tough up to live in Badass Soden.
Well, legend has it that the water that runs from the Am Tannus mountains and down through Bad Soden has magic powers. A long time ago the villagers dug wells in order to get to this magic water. These wells are still around, but they are hidden and very hard to find. Fortunately, Jack and Stella stumbled upon one of these wells, and you can see what happened...
In reality, the water sorta smells bad and best that I can tell it doesn't really have any magic power, unless turning your hands brown qualifies. But hey, the kids think its cool. And since everything is sooo expensive here, we have resorted to going to the well on the weekends and filling up the kid's water bottles for school. So now they are super both inside and out...I'm sure the diarrhea will stop eventually...kids gotta tough up to live in Badass Soden.
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