Birthday Wishes for TJ

Yesterday was "Thursday 13" and since mine is about my nephew, Tristan (Hi, Tristan!) I waited until today to post...

Thirteen Things We Love about TJ

1. He LOVES cars.
2. His beaming smile.
3. He’s a good friend.
4. He’s smart (ask him about his favorite car…)
5. He really likes soup.
6. He makes funny faces.
7. Did we mention that he LOVES cars?!
8. He loves his family, too. :o)
9. He’s fast on the soccer field (like a racing car!)
10. He’s fun to play with (bring your cars…)
11. He likes pizza.
12. He has a great laugh!
13. His hero strength (try a hug!)

Happy Birthday, TJ!

Thursday Thirteen #4

13 Things I did instead of studying for my midterm

1. Paid the bills
2. Washed laundry
3. Walked the dog
4. Put the clothes in the dryer
5. Printed copies of Shel Silverstein's "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" for the girls in my youth group to recite.
6. Made breakfast for dinner
7. Ate dinner
8. Went to Activity Days (youth group) and discussed how we were going to dress up like garbage bags and recite this poem for an "Untalent Show"
9. Drove home
10. Caught up with P. Sunshine about her day
11. Emailed parents a reminder about what the girls will need for the "Untalent Show"
12. Emailed P.Sunshine's math teacher about make up work
13. Typed a T13

Special thanks to http://fruityspirit.com/phoblography/?page_id=2 for the T13 header!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun!

Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Things About the Fasching Parade...










1. Get there early, at least 30 minutes, to get a good parking spot and be prepared to entertain the kids... (This is P.Blumen and friend rearranging the rock path!)














2. Be prepared to entertain ALL the kids... (This is P.Sunshine!)














3. If you don't entertain the kids, they will entertain themselves! (This is Little Man after crawling around in the grass...ewww!) Carry wipes, paper towels and baggies for the "gifts" the doggies leave.














4. Fasching is a time of letting loose...for EVERYONE! (This is some really tall man adjusting his do.)











5. What's a parade without horses? and horse poop...did I mention that the parade people are throwing candy?!














6. People in costume...no idea what they are...











7. Groups of girls in fluffy costumes...they just walked.














8. No fancy cars pulling floats here - bring in the tractors!!!












9. In case you needed some liquid refreshment...this man is handing out cups of beer from a float!














10. These are the Bunnys - ladies in blue wigs, shorts and tights...don't ask - I don't know!














11. Representing? They did play some "get up and move" rhythms and this zither guy was really moving!














12. And what kind of parade would it be without a balloon, of sorts?!











13. Did I mention they threw candy? little tins of lotion? bakery rolls? I got hit by all of those. Next year we're wearing helmets!

Thursday Thirteen #2

Thirteen foods that I've enjoyed while living in Germany

The food! Being part Italian, I grew up with family traditions that usually included some fabulous meal along with the friends and family. So, it only makes sense that I would take note of the wonderful German fare that's available here.

Disclaimer *grin*: while the following foods, may or may not be of German origin...this is where I've tried them first!

1. Kuchen - cake. More pastry than cake, but similiar to coffee cake, not as sweet. Sometimes with a drizzle of icing. I like it best with whatever fruit is in season. Wonderful with hot chocolate!

2. Jagerschnitzel - tender breaded pork, smothered in a sauce with mushrooms. Usually served with pommes (fries) or spatzle and steamed vegies.

3. Pommes - fries, usually served with mayo! Be careful if you ask for ketchup...it's usually seasoned with curry - just enough to make it slightly sweet and flavorful.

4. Spatzle - resemble pinched off pieces of egg pasta, delightful served with butter and herbs!

5. Sauerbrauten - braised roast with a sweet and sour sauce. Delicious with potatoes - roasted, mashed, however you like them!

6. the Brotchen - Crusty rolls, with soft, light middles, similiar to french bread, only in single servings. My little one likes to eat the fluff and share the crusty part with me! Saves on the calories...used for sandwiches.

7. Krauter butter - butter sold in sticks, imbedded with flavors and herbs...no idea what all is in it - just know that it's wonderful on meat, bread and pasta!

8. Flamkuchen - It's grilled pizza sans the red sauce. Spread with what I think is creme fraiche and vegetables and meat, if you want. Mmmm...the smoky flavor of the grill *sigh* I am an outdoors kinda girl...

9. Bratwurst - tastes like breakfast sausage to me! You can find an imbiss (kiosks) that sell them along with the brotchen. Most places also offer pommes.

10. Doner Kabap - not German in origin, but widely available. Roasted seasoned meat is thinly sliced and served in a split flatbread along with vegies of your choice, feta, and tsatziki sauce (lightly seasoned yogurt sauce). Great when on the run!

11. Eis - this is ice cream, but not the American version...not so sweet, more creamy... lots of fun flavors...Schlumpf is my kids' favorite...blue eis named after the Smurfs!!!

12. Nutella - Okay...I knew about Nutella before coming to Germany, but it's everywhere here! Forget peanut butter! Nutella is used for sandwiches, crepes, waffles, pancakes... it's great for dipping pretzels!

13. Apfelstrudel - Apple strudel! This is one menu item that's great to start or end a meal! Flaky pastry, with chunks or slices of apples, raisens, served warm...Yum!

Guten Appetit!

Special "THANKS" to Kelly @ Diary of the Nello for sharing the great TT banner!

The First Thirteen...

Thirteen Things about anGELA
1. I'm a stay at home mom.
2. I have 4 kids - girl, girl, boy, girl
3. I make lists for everything!
4. I'm an American...
5. living in Germany...
6. with my husband...
7. of 15 years.
8. I call Alaska home.
9. I love being a Junior & Senior Girl Scout leader.
10. I think the outdoors is a great place to be.
11. My favorite color is red.
12. 13 is my favorite number...
13. February 13th is my birthday!

I am so excited about Thursday Thirteen! With 4 kids and a busy schedule, it's hard to stay connected with people when you (me!) feel like you have to write a letter every time. Thirteen on Thursday feels so much more manageable! I'm looking forward to visiting other Thirteeners (is that right?!) and staying connected!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!