Noah Michael Ray Westover "Super Hero"

On May 19 my Noah is turning 4 years old. I asked him if he would like to go to the park and take some pictures for his birthday. He was so very excited until we arrived at he park and he realized it involved hanging out with boring ol' mom and her camera, and not his friends. But after the first five minutes we had a great time just the two of us pretending to walk through the jungle, and Noah showing me is impressive Hulk "SMASH". We are celebrating his birthday the Super Hero way, birthday hat and all.

My Noah is an amazingly caring child. He loves to take care of everyone, even thought he might be a bit much, his heart is always in the right place. He is my quick to say sorry, quick to forgive, and quick to anger. That is why "The Incredible Hulk" always comes to mind, because his emotions sometimes get the best of him. (Noah's Hulk Smash, below)

The past four years there has never been a boring moment with my Noah. He is a talented dancer and an impressive singer. He is afraid to grow up, and become the prophet Noah white beard and all oh, and he never wants to leave me. He can talk, and talk and talk,to you until he is blue in the face, but only because he loves being with you. I love my Noah with all his quirkes, they are what make him Noah, my Super Hero who I quote "will never let aleins take me away." I am one lucky Mom!!

Bonjour..

Have you ever said something on the slide, hoping it happens but not expecting it to? About a month ago I did just that to my friend while walking the kids home from school. I said if they would like to do a kid trade over night so we as couples would get a chance to go to Paris "kid free", hey I was game. Living her in Germany away from home and family, makes things difficult when trying to do anything "kid free." Well our wonderful neighbors and friends accepted my mentioning offer. I was ecstatic, and nervous too. In the 5 years of being a mother I have only slept one night away from my children and I was only 20 mins away.
I am so glad we had this wonderful chance. It was amazing at how much you can see in one day without three kids in tow. But at the same time Patrick and I would see parks and sights that our kids would have enjoyed, and briefly wish for them to be with us. I say briefly because the next moment we would see parents dragging there kids up the steps of the nearest tourist sight and be grateful that wasn't us.

We began our day a the Montmartre Cathedral. We took a taxi there expecting it to drop us off at the stair case. But we were lucky and got a ride all the way to the top. It is a beautiful cathedral, I love style of the round domes, I think they are much more beautiful then the Gothic style.

Just around the corner of the Cathedral is where all the artist set up shop. If I could do anything I think sitting there and painting would be a great way to spend my days.
We then walked all the way to the Eiffel Tower, about 8 miles. We just took our time and enjoyed each other. It was great to be able to take pictures and stop whenever we wanted. I usually have my hands full of toys, sippy cups, and sticky hands. So I rarely get the chance to look at things and enjoy them.

This picture is the perfect example of how I feel daily as a mother of three. That is why I took a picture of her, she made me smile.

We didn't sit down to eat we just stop and get something whenever we saw something we wanted to try. It was perfect!!

I really loved being in Paris with my best friend and true love. It was romantic, not because we were in Paris but because I was with my bestie.. My only regret was not bringing my pad lock for the love bridge. .. :0p

Henri-Chapelle Cemetary

"The Battle of the Bulge started on December 16th 1944. Hitler had convinced himself that the alliance between Britain, France and America in the western sector of Europe was not strong and that a major attack and defeat would break up the alliance. Therefore, he ordered a massive attack against what were primarily American forces. The attack is strictly known as the Ardennes Offensive but because the initial attack by the Germans created a bulge in the Allied front line, it has become more commonly known as the Battle of the Bulge." www.historylearningsite.com

Our family took a little trip through Belgium this past weekend. We were blessed with the opportunity to stop at the war memorial of the Battle of the Bulge. It was a very cold day which made the experience even more tender. As I walked with my little family through the Henri-Chapelle Cemetary where 7,992 soldiers were laid to rest, tears filled my eyes. My heart was flooded with sadness and gratitude, for those brave souls who died for my freedom and for thier families they left behind. Being a military wife has made war a very real part of my life, but it does not even compare to what these men did in the dead of winter to protect their family. Frozen, hungery, and terribly home sick after spending christmas in a hole in the ground, they fought until they could fight no more. I love my family and I love my country. I am grateful for the brave men and women who are willing to sacrifice theirs lives for the very freedoms we often take for granted. I am proud to be a wife of a soldier, and I am grateful I can give back by supporting him and my country. Thank you to all who have sacrificed and who are willing to sacrifice. Let us never forget!!

Summer part one.

Summer is short and rare in Germany,(well from our experience). So the following are me practicing taking pictures with my kids on the nice days. In doing this I have discovered that trying to get a picture of all three of my kids looking at the camera is nearly impossible. I am either not entertaining enough or am full of empty threats. Never the less, this is part of my summer.

Bodhi Buchman

Bodhi joined us in this world the first of June. Finally I got a chance to practice on such a handsome baby. We tried to get some pictures of him and his big sister Piper, but she just would not hold still, sit or hold her brother. I think we captured some cute moments. I would of loved to of had a few more hours preferably with out my children, but the time we did have was a great one. I hope you enjoy this little man as much as I did and as much as his family does.