Raising Flowers and Skids

Quote of the Week

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Leah

Summer is really hard to keep up with the quotes! We are all over the place with scheduling. It makes me appreciate the routine during the rest of the year….

The three kids are on vacation with their Mom right now. They were in Kentucky this past week.

Gabe sent me a text with this quote:

“Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”

He said it was a bumper sticker he saw:)

Firstly, I love that for all my kids, quotes are a part of who they are; that even when on vacation with their other families, they see a quote and think about it. Then, to actually send it so we can all think about it. Love this guys.

Secondly, what a great quote!

Just be yourself. Is there any better advice? It’s the answer to most things: the answer to how to love, how to live, how to face your fears, how to become successful, how to be happy, how to have great relationships…. Be yourself.

But, I would add to it (of course I would).

Be your BEST self.

Strive to figure out what your best is. Then strive to be it!

Thanks for the quote Gabe! Miss you guys! xox

Happy Birthday Zach

Posted on July 13, 2014 by Leah

13 years ago today, I became a mother.

Not just any mother.

But, the mother to THIS kid.

I know I am a little biased, but seriously, this kid is awesome.

Although I nostalgically look back on that crazy night I was in labour with him, or those endless nights I was up nursing him, or the many times we snuggled and cuddled, and walked and went to the park and played kitchen, watched Little Bear and all the other memories associated with his “baby days”, I am just as thrilled to think about the memories we made last month, or last week, or yesterday. It just keeps getting better!

I love who he is as much as I love who he is becoming.

Thirteen. An official teenager. The third teenager in our house. Yikes. But a good, yikes.

Here are 13 things I adore about this boy:

1. His commitment to hard work. Honour roll this year – all year. After putting in some serious work, he saw the benefits of effort and let his light shine.

2. His curiosity. For everything. He’s a sponge. Soaks it all in. Picks it all up.

3. His laugh and his smile. He has such a serious side too, but his smile and laugh really do light up a room.

4. His sense of responsibility. He is more responsible than many adults I know!

5. His adoration of travel. It’s in his genes:)

6. His talent with sports. His love of soccer. His courage to try out for all teams.

7. His sense of humour. He makes us all laugh!

8. His chattiness. I love his attention to detail – he loves to share it all. I love hearing him recap a story – you feel like you are right there!

9. His hugs. He is getting bigger – almost bigger than me, and his hugs are strong.

10. His enthusiasm for life. One of the reasons I love to travel with Zach is he gets excited about everything!

11. His love of sunsets, sunrises, (and taking pics of them). This one is dear to me, as one of our biggest fights was in Dominican Republic years ago where I yelled at him for not appreciating the sunset and the beauty of it….ever since then, he is my sunset boy. Takes pics of the sunset and texts them to me. Awesome.

12. His artsy side. Love of photography. Love of design. Love of drawing.

13. His growing spirit and testimony.

These things and so many more make this guy one of a kind, and I am so proud to call him my son.

Happy Birthday Zach!!!

Happy Birthday Sam!

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Leah

“Sam-wee” is the name of choice in our house for this not so little guy right now!

Rob started calling him that and Sam loves it! But unfortunately, he’s not going to be wee much longer… Today he turns 9!!!

I can’t believe our youngest child is 9!!!!! How is that possible?

We celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago when he had a bunch of friends over for a “World Cup soccer” party.

They divided into teams and played against each other. Pretty simple! And fun. We then had pizza and a nice ice cream cake which I made and Rob decorated with the World Cup symbol this year. Sam loved it!

Tonight we will see him for dinner and he will get his candy poster and gifts and have his favourite dinner: rapini and sausage pasta (funny choice, I know for a wee guy).

Things I love about Sam-wee:

1) His appetite and taste buds: eats anything and enjoys most things! (Hence rapini pasta for birthday dinner!)

2) His energy and enthusiasm! It’s always there!!

3) His laugh, smile and giggle!

4) His quickness : quick thinking, quick mover.

5) His willingness to help

6) His love of reading!

7) How he reaffirms things that he’s confused about and tries to get clarification. He uses his hand gestures too and it’s so adorable!

8) How he starts every sentence off with your name: “Leah….”, “Dad…”, “Leah…”, “Dad…”

9) His leadership qualities. We always laugh how “everybody loves Sam”— and they do! With reason!

He certainly is a sparkle in our house and lights everything up! We are so lucky to have him and like he calls out every night to say he loves us more (after his super amazing night time prayers) … We will always win that battle and love him more!!!!

Happy Birthday Sam-wee!!!!!

Love you more!

Happy Birthday Gabe

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Leah

Sweet 16.

Do boys have sweet 16’s?

Not sure. But this guy is 16.

And he’s pretty sweet.

He was pretty sweet from the moment I met this 9 year old kid.

He has blossomed into an incredible young man, and well on his way to realizing his potential as the guy he was sent here on earth to be.

Look out world. You need this guy. You want this guy. He’s going places.

Look out future daughter in law and grand kids. You’ve got an incredible man, with an incredible spirit to look forward to building your eternities with.

Spending the precious time in Germany, Austria, and Italy these past couple of weeks with this guy was incredible. Really more of a gift to me, actually!

Rob felt that way too. So blessed to have the honour and privilege to help guide Gabe through his journey.

16 things I love about him:

1. His smile!

2. His laugh and amazing sense of humour. We laughed so much on our trip — it’s contagious (although Rob didn’t find it as amusing when one night we were almost peeing ourselves laughing at him:))

3. His insane love of cars. Figure I better love it because it’s not going away. Like father, like son.

4. The way he gobbles up food that he loves— even though it drives his Dad CRAZY!! How much he enjoys food he loves, and just stays quiet when he doesn’t like it:)

5. His passion for learning. Following the markets, getting up to date, reading, wanting to know more.

6. His desire to be “in” on what’s going on. Wanting to hear and partake in conversations to learn.

7. The development of his logical mind, debate skills and negotiation skills. Getting so good- I better be careful!

8. His insight into things and ability to share his insights.

9. His ability to do impressions. Such comic relief for us all – all the time!

10. His kind heart. His willingness to help and offers to help consistently.

11. His adoration of his Daddio and willingness to be all huggy. He stepped up incredibly after Rob’s heart attack. Truly I am so grateful for his strength.

12. His techie skills and willingness to teach me.

13. His ability to ask questions and seek answers through various channels.

14. The spiritual giant inside of him– so wise. So in tune.

15. The big brother that he is! Competitive, but a peacemaker too. He leads the way in so many things – which is not always easy. He tolerates us making mistakes on him too (inevitable outcome of being the oldest)

16. His hard work and ability to look further down the road to see what he needs to do to get what he wants.

So many more things.

Love you Gabe – always and more!!!

Happy Birthday!

Last Day In Venice

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Leah

We woke up really early so we could go see Venice in its sleepy state. That is the best way to see a city – or anywhere for that matter… the sun is rising, the lighting is perfect and there are no crowds. Just you.

We took a ton of pictures again – so there are lots of duplicates, but this time without the thousands of tourists.

We headed back for breakfast, than took a boat out to the Murano glass factory for a little tour. It was interesting, but the prices were unreal! So out of our league. The boat ride over was great!

We had to finish up our shopping for all the little gifts, so wandered the streets and shopped until we finally found a little gem of a restaurant tucked away in a little alley. After a scrumptious meal, we explored some more, and then took a little siesta, after getting some gelato….

Late in the afternoon, we hired a gondola and rode around for the 30 minutes. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do – so it’s now checked off my bucket list!

We walked around to find a little snack (anytime you leave your hotel you are walking at least an hour because you get so lost….) then headed back to our hotel and Rob and I sat out on the little jetty/dock when it started to rain. Then it poured, and lots of thunder. Pretty amazing:)

Dinner was at a local trattoria (it was ok), and then back to pack up.

The next morning we had to leave for the airport at 4:30am. A water taxi picked us up and we got to see Venice from the canals at night – with everything all lit up. So beautiful.

When we were almost at the airport, the boat sputtered a bit; it had run out of gas! We miraculously made it into the dock – literally drifting in. I would not have been happy had we gotten stuck and missed our flight!

So many amazing highlights on this trip. I love Europe and I love exploring. I love travelling and the amazing memories you create.

Most of all, I have loved every second of travelling with just Gabe. The memories, stories, inside jokes, laughs that we had I will cherish for ever….

So we will remember them all:

“Was ist das?”
Mr. Wilhelm Redpants
Shaun everywhere (sneaking cookies while we are gone)
Our “veneer” room
Cars, cars, cars
“Do not close my computer windows…” “Oops, I closed all the windows!”
“Are you mad??”
Oh, there are millions of glass shops around here… why did I say that???
Shaun and his sneezing fits and kicking the phone
“Depends if he is going poo poo or pee pee”
Scary lady making us tea. Drink your tea.
Super warm and friendly BMW demand desk
“90 rooms — oh, I thought they said 19”
Telling off the lady on the Neuschwanstein bridge
Getting lost in the rain looking for our tour bus and guide Austin
Getting lost in Venice all the time. (I don’t want gelato because it will take us an hour to find our hotel again)
The red umbrella
“We’re leaving tomorrow!”; “Ja, I know”
“Robbie, slow down”
“This schnitzel takes things to a new level”
“I don’t know how I’ll ever travel with 4 siblings again”
Thunder rain storm on the jetty (Gabe will be here in 5 minutes)
3-2-1….
All the red, yellow and blue pants
“What will you have señorita? And you señorita?”
“Relationships more important than things” “Oh look, there’s an another Audi RS”….

Our last video in Venice: Last Day – Venice – Gabe’s 15/16 Trip

Last Day in Munich and First Day in Venice!

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Leah

On our last day in Munich we headed to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

What a humbling, sobering, memorable visit. There’s not really much more to say, except it was a horrific time in history, and it hit me hard how blessed I am that my German Jewish Grandmother and German Grandfather were able to leave Germany when they did….

Later that afternoon, I headed out to do some shopping, while the boys went back to the BMW welt (have I mentioned that they are huge car guys??) We joined up later that afternoon, bought some souvenirs for our kinders back home and went back to Alter Hausen for our last traditional German meal! We had great intentions of heading to bed early because we had to be up at 3:30 for our flight to Venice, but of course we ended up talking and talking…one of the benefits of sharing a room all together!

Getting up so early was not so tough as we were super excited to be heading to Venice, Italy!

While in the airport, you will never believe who we came across? Shaun’s mother! We had to get her! We have called her Lieslshaun (in honour of her apparent German heritage!) She also doubles as a hot water bottle cuddler:)

We landed a little before 8 and decided to splurge to take a water taxi from the airport right to the dock of our little hoteL: Hotel Becher. So worth the money! It was amazing to see Venice from the water, and we didn’t have to get lost in the alleys and streets finding our hotel! We saved that for later….

Our hotel is seriously the cutest; very Venetian. It has two little rooms, so Gabe has his own. It was really nice sharing all together because we had a lot of fun, but it’s also nice to have some alone time too!

We wandered the streets, as that’s what you do in Venice! Walk, wander and get lost! We had gelato, had pizza for lunch, and did a little bit of shopping (got some gifts for kinders back home and a nice little purse for me!)

We took a ton of pictures. Venice is seriously spectacular! Gabe was in awe! We went and visited Basillica St Marco in Piazza San Marco – and it was pretty impressive. We then sat on the side of the square and had a drink and people watched (not at a cafe as they charge 6 euros per person just to sit down!! We were fine on a little step with our own granite and pop.)

Rob watched an artist paint a beautiful Venetian water colour scene and then purchased it to take home. Pretty cool to see the painting being painted! I got chased down by the illegal purse sellers. The guy saw me eye a purse (I admit, it was a nice purse – I just glanced at it). He offered it to me for 75 euros, which of course I declined because I wasn’t really interested (it’s a fake Prada). It was near the end of the day and as I walked away, he started lowering the price— and following me (chasing me really!) I kept saying no as I really was not interested; I think he thought I was playing hard ball negotiations! Finally he went down to 20 euros and I felt so bad for the guy to drop the price so low, he must have really needed the sale. So, I purchased a fake Prada for 20 euros down from 75 euros. Good job Leah!

We had a really good dinner – pasta vongole for me, carbonara for Gabe and salmon for Rob. The food in Italy is seriously awesome.

All in all, my feet kill and our pedometer says we walked almost 20 000 steps, and we are having such an awesome trip! It is coming to a close however:( But theses memories? Priceless!!

I think this is one of my favourite videos yet: Venice Day 1

Ciao!

Salzburg (Gabe’s 16 trip – Day 5)

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Leah

The hills are alive… with the sound of music….

I wish I could just pick a few favourite things from this day.

The majestic alps?

The guide who played Sound of Music songs during the train ride?

The Abbey?

The most incredible views?

The most incredible churches (especially the one where Mozart first played?)

Eating the best schnitzel at the oldest restaurant in Europe (dated 803 a.d.)

We woke up and headed back to the train station to join our tour to Salzburg, Austria. We listened to our tour guide tell us the incredible history, which included lots of Sound of Music info:)

Our tour guide showed us parts of the old town, including the home where Mozart was born, and many of the Sound of Music sites.

We then had the yummiest lunch in the coolest and oldest restaurant in Europe. Gabe said he is never going to be able to eat in normal places again! I fear he has developed a certain standard and taste!

After lunch we wandered the city, climbed up to the top (ok, we took an elevator built into the cliff up) and then walked along the city, getting the most spectacular views of Salzburg and the gorgeous alps as the backdrop. We walked to the Abbey (where Maria was, and I knocked on the door where the children knocked when they came to find out where Fraulein Maria was…) SO COOL. Love that movie! Interesting fact, most Germans and Austrians don’t know the movie – it really was a North American sensation!

We shopped a little, walked through some exquisite churches, including the one where Mozart first played, and was sadly destroyed during WWII, but was rebuilt in 1959. I think it is one of my most favourite churches EVER.

Finally, we went to Mirabelle Gardens – the setting for DO RE MI (stairs) — unfortunately the fountain was in repair:( Stunning gardens though!

The ride home was a good chance for us to nap:) We got home in time to see the end of Germany vs. US and were on the streets when Germany scored and heard the roar!

We had a lovely little Indian meal (only so much schnitzel you can eat:) and headed back for our tea.

Salzburg is truly not to be missed in Europe. Loved it. So spectacular. So beautiful. Highly recommended!

Here’s our daily video (yes, Shaun is getting a lot of press and we are having so much fun with him!!!)

Salzburg Video

Happy Anniversary!

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Leah

7 years ago, I met Rob and fell in love very quickly with him.

Shortly after we were dating, he won an all inclusive trip for two to Sweden. He had purchased a Saab, was entered into a draw and was one of 8 people to win a trip to Sweden!

The trip was a week long driving tour, where Saab gave you a car and the 8 couples and their guides drove through some of the Swedish country side, from Jutenburg to Stockholm. Every night you stopped in different places and had exquisite cuisine and fun activities and pampering. You also flew first class. Pretty sweet.

We knew we wanted to get married, and decided this might be the perfect spot to do it!

Saab generously provided us with a wedding planner, and helped us plan the perfect, simple wedding for just the two of us at Haringe Castle just outside of Stockholm.

That was 6 years ago today.

It was the perfect day, although we got lost getting into Stockholm! We were married in the late afternoon, surrounded by the couples we had just met on the trip. Two of them were our witnesses and they all did little things for us, like stopped by the side of the road to pick flowers for my bouquet, took pictures for us, and purchased us some champagne flutes and bubbly to celebrate our day.

Our kids and rest of family were back home, and only got to see pictures of this day. However, we decided that given our lives were constantly filled with the excitement and adventure of 5 little ones ranging from 2-9, we wanted a day just for us, where we could focus on our couple marriage vows to each other. A month later (July 26th) we had a Family wedding (followed by a Family honeymoon in Jamaica) where we celebrated the union of our families and made vows to each other and vows to our kids. Just as special of a day, but it was about our families coming together that day. We were surrounded by our families and friends and the kids got to get all dressed up and dance all night long (until they crashed…the little boys went to sleep on the couch at the reception hall by about 10 and the 3 older ones danced until midnight!) It was an amazing day too!

With my excitement of finding this new movie app, I made a little video of our wedding in Sweden – and the day leading up to it – stuck in traffic because of a marching band and all! Man, we have aged in 6 years! But more in love than ever.

Happy Anniversary Robbie.

Our Wedding in Sweden

Munich Day 4 – Neuschwanstein Castle

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Leah

For years I have wanted to go to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen, Germany (about two hours by train from Munich).

Today was the day!

It is the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the most visited Castle in all of Europe!

We headed to Fussen with a tour on the train and had a scenic ride through the Bavarian Alps.

Upon arrival, we had a quick German lunch before heading up to the Castle. Unfortunately it started pouring rain, so we purchased a few plastic ponchos and were good to go! (But man, did it get cold!)

The tour guide was very informative and it was amazing hearing the story of King Ludwig II. What a fascinating man, with a tragic ending to his life. Such imagination this man had. Maybe a little crazy too??

The castle is nothing short of spectacular. King Ludwig only lived there a short period of time, and then died of “mysterious circumstances” only two days after he was de-throned and labelled “insane.” The castle was never finished, sadly. So many rooms were never even completed. They didn’t allow photos inside, which was too bad because what was completed was just stunning! Much of it was inspired by Ludwig’s close friend composer Richard Wagner.

We enjoyed touring the grounds, getting lost in a complete downpour and then soaking in the alps!

We headed back by train, completely zonked but still enjoyed the beautiful scenary !

For dinner, we went traditional German and had weiner schnitzel, sausages and sauerkraut. We topped it all off with some apple struesel. You can’t be in Germany without experiencing at least one authentic German meal!

Today was the kind of travel day that made me appreciate travel even more! I love being able to learn about history and be able to walk through castles that make the history come alive.

Loving every minute of this trip! Tonight I guess both Gabe and I were over tired as we spent the evening laughing and rolling around cracking ourselves up. Rob seriously thought we were crazy! We have come to talking in German accents with each other and speaking a little German too, asking “Was is das” all the time! I love the German people! Being here makes me appreciate my heritage so much…it also makes me see how so many things must be genetic – like my precision, my attention to details, my directness…Every time they make fun of me for things like that (which they tend to often do — all in god nature, of course), I’m using my genes as my excuse!

Here’s our video for the day… (isn’t this the best app?? Magisto)

Castle Day!

Munich – Day 3 – Heading to Ingolstadt (aka Home of the Audi)

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Leah

Today was a bit of a different day. Some of us loved it more than others:) lol

We went early to the BMW welt where we picked up a BMW M5 – apparently a super fast car.

Both Rob and Gabe are insane car guys, so they were in heaven. I just braced myself and closed my eyes a lot.

We headed north to a little town called Ingolstadt – home to the Audi (I know, seems odd taking a BMW to the Audi factory…but it just worked out this way). I won’t say much above our drive, but it was hair raising given there are no speed limits on the autobahn….

The boys dropped me off in Ingolstadt and they continued on to Audi for a factory tour (Rob booked it months ago) and to see the Audi museum. I don’t have any pics of their excursion, but they loved every minute of it! They took a ton of pics of every car they saw, and Rob has a few on his phone which I will access later:)

I walked the old town, hung out with Shaun and made this crazy video of him:)) You can watch it (if you have a sense of humour)

Shaun’s European Adventures

I also spent part of the day in a little cafe and read and people watched. It was really nice.

We had a quick lunch together before heading back to Munich. Another hair raising experience.

The boys went to the BMW museum for a bit before we headed back, grabbed some dinner, and back to our hotel to just chill. We topped our night off with some herbal tea and off to sleep ready for an fun packed day tomorrow!

Here’s our daily video: Munich Day 3