tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12934747909335317742023-11-16T08:23:45.921+01:00Our European Life.Europe. Basketball. New places and new faces.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.comBlogger257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-14064782751666166982013-09-19T20:19:00.005+02:002013-09-19T20:19:34.001+02:00Just one of those days. It was one of those days. Where somewhere in the middle of the day I thought to myself, "I wish I was the one working." Where I got jealous of my husband traveling to the south of France. Where one thing after another, <i>after another,</i> seemed to go wrong.<br />
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Baby wouldn't nap. Kaleb peed on the couch. Kaleb locked himself in the bathroom. Kaleb dumped my favorite cleaner (brought from the US) out on the floor. Kaleb had diarrhea... on the bathroom rug. There were more time outs than I can count and I was irritated to be washing all my dishes my hand. (Which has been a new normal for the past six weeks, so I should be used to it.)<br />
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<i>Oh, and I didn't answer the door when the UPS man buzzed because he was here yesterday... and I was too embarrassed that I was wearing the same shirt and hadn't showered. </i>(Like he would have noticed or cared.)<br />
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We've all had them, we've all been there. But here's the thing: The ending was beautiful.<br />
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I was reminded... yet again... that it is such a blessing to stay home with my sons. Just when I felt like I may never see fruits of my efforts again, God showed up. He always does.<br />
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He showed up in my attempt to quiet my crying baby. As he fought against me and then gave into my embrace. He breaths got deeper. His cries quieted. And finally he relaxed in my embrace.<br />
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Don't we do that with God all too often? We fight against Him or against His plan for us. He picks us up... and we realize we are safe. And we are loved.<br />
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And God showed up at bedtime. I cuddled up next to my three year old in his toddler bed and read "The Leaf Blew In" at least five times- alternating who read. Watching him pick up his pudgy little pointer finger and scan it from word to word... left to right... and remember parts of the story line. Well, it reminded me that my persistence isn't wasted. That I have the world's biggest responsibility in front of me: To raise my children. Who will become adults. I can't give up. I have a huge task, and it <i>is</i> <i>important. </i><br />
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My eyes had already started to water a bit at that point. Holding my firstborn. Watching him "read" his book. And then came prayer time. And I might not remember everyone or everything he prayed for... but by the end I was in tears.<br />
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That's when he looked at me with his bright blue eyes, started to sit up, and said, "Don't be sad, Mommy." And then reached toward me, motioning for a hug, and said, "I just need to cudd-wle you."<br />
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He put one arm around me and he took that same little pudgy pointer finger and traced the tears coming down my eyes. In that moment I was reminded that God's grace covers all my shortcomings. That <i>He</i> is working even when I feel I have nothing left to give. And that is beautiful, indeed.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-12748710729986049152013-08-17T16:04:00.000+02:002013-08-17T20:19:52.108+02:00Change. I am no stranger to Change. I know her well. Sometimes I embrace her, allow her to let me see this world in a new way. Other times, I struggle to embrace her. I prefer routine. I prefer knowing where I am am, what streets I am traveling on. But this life of mine? It requires me to befriend Change.<br />
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Going into this season I struggled more than I have in the past. I was more fearful of what was ahead. I wanted to run and hide and tell Change to just go away. I can't quite put my finger on why. Perhaps the older we get the harder change becomes. Perhaps it is simply because I have started over so many times. (Ninth season abroad = five countries and eight cities that I have made home.) Or perhaps it was because I wanted to see my Kaleb continue to have fun playing with his friends at home, knowing he is beginning to better understand Change. I wanted to go to grandma and grandpa's and watch the joy on my boys' face when they realized where we were going. I didn't want to leave that, and so much else, behind.<br />
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But I did what I had to do. I kept packing. I kept taking my boys to all the places they loved. I kept encouraging my husband as he trained for a new season. And I prayed. Prayed that God would take away my fears, my anxiety and replace it with an eagerness to serve my family in this way. I prayed that God would help me to go alongside Change- not to cowardly stand behind her.<br />
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I knew if we could just make it to the doors of the airplane the excitement would come- it usually does.<br />
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Then came the morning of departure. I was still struggling. I sat down to open up "Jesus Calling" a devotional I had recently ordered. My fingers feebly turned the pages to what I thought was the right date. (These things do happen when you are packing up a family of four to move across the ocean, but I am convinced this was a God thing.) And this is what I read:<br />
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<i>"HOLD MY HAND, and walk joyously with Me through this day. Together we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings. Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you; stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and much more. I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion. I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven."</i><br />
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It was as if God was literally speaking to me. Telling me it was going to be okay. That if I would just cling on to Him... we would make it. Again. Through another move. Through living in a new culture and not knowing the language. We would <i>all</i> adjust.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/9444359351/" title="Turek family heads to France! by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Turek family heads to France!" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/9444359351_8a2a57f712.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We made it. God granted me the excitement I knew would eventually come. That is not to say this transition has been easy- but I think my heart knew that it wouldn't be. I am ready for what lies ahead. God is giving me a peace that comes only from Him and I know we are where we are supposed to be.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/9468568922/" title="Exploring our new city. #chalonsenchampagne #france by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Exploring our new city. #chalonsenchampagne #france" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/9468568922_d76300caa1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Change reminds me to look at the world around me and see His beauty. When we go to the park I listen to the little ones chattering away in French and remind myself how lucky we are for this opportunity. That this is shaping my boys as well. And I pray that they will remember what it is like not to have friends- that one day they will be the ones to reach out to the new kid on the playground because of it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/9529402486/" title="Living in a small #european #flat with two little boys calls for becoming well acquainted with nearby #parks. Burn off that energy little one! #vscocam by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Living in a small #european #flat with two little boys calls for becoming well acquainted with nearby #parks. Burn off that energy little one! #vscocam" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/9529402486_747859a0c8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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When Kaleb looks out the window to the street below and says, "My new friends out there." Well, it half breaks my heart. But then it reminds me just how adaptable kids are. If only we would all look at the world and say the same thing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/9518663212/" title="Finally finished his dinner. Asked him if he was ready for bed. His response: "no, I want to watch the washing machine a play a wittle bit." If only we were all so easily amused. #vscocam by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Finally finished his dinner. Asked him if he was ready for bed. His response: "no, I want to watch the washing machine a play a wittle bit." If only we were all so easily amused. #vscocam" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/9518663212_22fd063f65.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Whatever you do today, wherever you are... try to find something- albeit little- to embrace Change. At a favorite restaurant? Order something new. Test a new recipe. Try taking a new way home. Eat dessert before dinner. Shop at a new grocery store. Go to a museum you haven't been to for a while. Download some new music- and dance while doing your household tasks. Do something. Anything.... to see the world through a fresh, new lens today.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/9509805315/" title="And just too blissful not to share another captured moment of our drive through #champagne country in #france #vscocam #latergram by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="And just too blissful not to share another captured moment of our drive through #champagne country in #france #vscocam #latergram" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/9509805315_6f30f99ece.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Change? She IS good for our souls. She reminds us to see the beauty that God created in all of the world.<br />
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<br />Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-82332419515955353632013-03-25T20:24:00.002+01:002013-08-17T17:15:58.168+02:00Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. Here is the thing about living in Europe. There are days, many of them in fact, that just aren't glamorous. Most days are filled with daily routines. Eating, sleeping, cooking, cleaning, essentially the same life for most stay-at-home moms around the world. It is easy for the mundane to take over, for the bleak winter days to lead to complaining about the size of the apartment or other trivial matters. (When really we should just be happy to have a roof over our heads at all, right? Preaching to myself here. Moving on.)<br />
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And then there are days that we get a bit of a <i>break from the routine</i>.<br />
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Days were every. single. detail. just seems beautiful.<br />
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Moments when I feel like I have to pinch myself because I just can't believe that we are <i>here</i>. Europe. Germany. Rothenburg.<br />
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Moments where I watch my Kaleb run up and down stairs of an enormous church in a walled city and think "he has experienced more at age two than many do in a lifetime."<br />
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Not that he will remember it. But, we will always have these photos. And stories to tell.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548723535/" title="DSC_0404 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0404" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8548723535_3c18451b5c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Stories of when we packed up the car and drove longer than expected to get to a beautiful city to explore for the day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548727327/" title="DSC_0318 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0318" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8548727327_8c81bb38bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber- you had us at hello.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548728135/" title="DSC_0422 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0422" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8548728135_0e79c379b9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Lured us into every single nook and cranny, begging us to meander through your cobblestone streets and alleyways.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548732105/" title="DSC_0336 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0336" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8548732105_e0320a0eb3_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548735633/" title="DSC_0397 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0397" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8548735633_b3f6650b5d_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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Made us stop and reflect. To make memories- as a family.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548761289/" title="DSC_0383 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0383" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8548761289_2cb65503e5_z.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8549873460/" title="DSC_0333 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0333" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8549873460_1325a3c696_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548780537/" title="DSC_0351 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0351" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8548780537_81542d5931_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548813211/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="DSC_0416 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0416" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8548813211_8e94b52a3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8549901954/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="DSC_0380 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0380" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8549901954_16ff42bd5e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There are so many places in this world to explore. We just have to be intentional about finding them and also be willing to get lost in order to explore. The end result is worth it. Every time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8548835507/" title="DSC_0316 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0316" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8548835507_cbc61de73c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-87270090872393932552013-01-22T21:46:00.000+01:002013-01-22T21:53:56.570+01:00Sanctity of Life. <br />
The past few days I have been more keenly aware of how precious life is. What miracles I have been blessed with. As I nurse Isaiah I remember when he was still just kicking away inside of me. As Kaleb strings new words together I stop.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8405935112/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Piggybacks. Method of distraction. Works every time. (almost.) #mamahood by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Piggybacks. Method of distraction. Works every time. (almost.) #mamahood" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8405935112_9ababfd251_q.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Pause.<br />
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Reflect on my bundles of joy growing so quickly before my eyes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8400859731/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="And so it begins. Baby throws a fit because he wants big brother's toy. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="And so it begins. Baby throws a fit because he wants big brother's toy." height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8400859731_26f41a74b2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That said, there are thousands of miracles each day that are never able to take their first breath.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7517046658/" title="DSC_0074 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0074" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7517046658_1cd18b494e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Mothers and fathers who will forever wonder what their little one would have looked like, when he or she would have first cooed or laughed, taken that first anticipated step, or gotten a first haircut.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6460430173/" title="DSC_1331 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1331" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6460430173_7a2fb419a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We can't turn the other way and pretend as though it weren't happening. Because it is. Let's do what we can to be a voice for these sweet babies. Let's love single mamas well, be their community. And let's pray. Pray that life would be chosen over convenience.<br />
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Please- take three minutes and <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/we-know-they-are-killing-children-all-of-us-know" target="_blank">read this article</a> written by John Piper.<br />
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<br />Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-27430865928591296702013-01-21T21:35:00.001+01:002013-01-21T21:39:38.080+01:00No more, dada. Have I told you lately how much I love the stages my boys are in? Because I do. I just wish I could freeze time and stay here forever.<br />
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Last night my little Isaiah went 12 straight hours without eating! (I wish I could say sleeping, but alas he was up for a bit in protest.) Still though. I will take it. I didn't even have ONE cup of coffee today and still have energy. Amazing what some sleep will do for a body! He is simply too cute for words. He has a new little fake smile where he squints his eyes, almost closes them, and then gives this cheesy smile as his chubby cheeks look as though they may burst.<br />
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And my Kaleb? He turned two and a half yesterday. Sigh. That boy just melts my heart. He can be so ornery yet is so sweet and gentle a majority of the time.
Our quiet boy is starting to put more words together and use them in different ways. Today? Straight comedy from those dear lips of his.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8392131596/" title="Snowy morning. Painting in our jammies. #snowday by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Snowy morning. Painting in our jammies. #snowday" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8392131596_f964d808c0_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I will set the scene:<br />
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John: (Singing loudly.)<br />
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Kaleb: (Said with a touch of sweetness and innocence.) "No more dada."<br />
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Oh my, I lost it. Too funny. And not one hour later....<br />
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Me: (Dancing around in a quirky sort of way.)<br />
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Kaleb: "No mama."<br />
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I just couldn't stop laughing.<br />
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Tonight I tucked him in, pulled the shades down and heard his sweet voice say, "Mama?" To which I responded "Yes, Kaleb?" "Mama go nigh nigh too?"<br />
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Melt. My. Heart.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-62910386112735433802013-01-15T14:28:00.002+01:002013-01-15T14:28:33.503+01:00Back in time: Day trip to HeidelbergAs I was looking through photos the other day I found these gems from a quick day trip this fall to Heidelberg, a beautiful German city only one hour away from Ludwigsburg. We were fortunate to take my parents there when they visited us for Christmas. However, it was cold and rainy and I only snapped a few photos which makes me all the more thankful to have these ones from a pleasant sunny day.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8284490753/" title="DSC_0712 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8284490753_d7fa20904f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_0712"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8285551660/" title="DSC_0707 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8285551660_a561638387_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_0707"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8284492497/" title="DSC_0704 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8284492497_6550e4ac74_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_0704"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8285553170/" title="DSC_0703 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8285553170_1132f44904_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="DSC_0703"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8284493371/" title="DSC_0690 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8284493371_0b1954407f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_0690"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8284493957/" title="DSC_0684 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8284493957_851610c3c2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_0684"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8284494663/" title="DSC_0678 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8284494663_768f246bc0_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_0678"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8285556230/" title="DSC_0670 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8285556230_f5336c2060_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_0670"></a>
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Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-68410445808278006262012-12-11T10:28:00.003+01:002012-12-11T10:28:51.869+01:00Scentsy 220v Warmer ReviewFor those of you living in Europe, Life Lessons of a Military Wife graciously accepted to do a review of <b>Scentsy 220v warmers. <i></i></b>
Go check it out here: <a href="http://lifelessonsmilitarywife.com/?p=3465#comment-112098">Life Lessons of a Military Wife: Scentsy 220v Warmer Review</a>
And while you are there, her blog is a fabulous resource. Look around while you are there!
Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-17322438777251761962012-12-05T20:43:00.002+01:002012-12-05T20:43:39.549+01:00It's Christmastime! I have been slacking lately. It isn't that I haven't been taking photos, I just haven't done anything with those said photos. They have remained on my SD card safe in my camera. That is, until I had a moment of conviction while doing some dishes this evening. I can't let time slip by without documenting this crazy life of ours. Someday this is all my boys will have of their childhood. (Okay, so maybe they will also have the 5000 blankies I save for them along with the countless outfits I just know I will never be able to part with, ha!)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8248127964/" title="DSC_0110 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0110" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8248127964_72d902ac06_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8248128396/" title="DSC_0127 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0127" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8248128396_4b7cc033a6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
These boys. They seriously make my heart go pitter patter.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8247060055/" title="DSC_0093 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0093" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8247060055_1f612afc22_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8248127196/" title="DSC_0122 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0122" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8248127196_fa1ac5007f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8247058803/" title="DSC_0107 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0107" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8247058803_8d755bf0c6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
We are having fun with traditions this year. Kaleb is old enough to really get it. We are giving him one new Christmas book to read with each day of Advent, and on about day three started asking for a book as soon as he finished eating dinner. "Read book?"
So we get in our jammies, snuggle up on the couch with the Christmas tree all lit up and read the story of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. (After which he points at Isaiah and says "baby.")
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Little Isaiah is full of smiles, and coos and buzzes away with those sweet lips of his. This morning I had Christmas music playing in the car and I am fairly certain he was trying to sing, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8247057187/" title="DSC_0121 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0121" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8247057187_e60fa50a0d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
It most certainly is the happ-happiest season of all!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8248124282/" title="DSC_0098 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0098" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8248124282_92ded2455b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8248118182/" title="DSC_0104 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0104" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8248118182_69bf8bbf8f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-3861465730337980492012-11-05T14:17:00.004+01:002012-11-05T14:17:29.961+01:00Scentsy- in Europe!It is with great excitement that I am sharing my latest adventure with you. I recently started up my own business here in Germany selling <a href="http://www.euroscents.scentsy.de/" target="_blank">Scentsy</a>, flameless candles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KaXNJGN_7nEIoSD8PnZqkvDOriVwakZvwRqAHwu275sD8E-MEmgUd7Ux03KoIAlFPyygoFD-nAn6KO83hZlmGXgD3sIAX9uMJHHmqB-_mr81y_j8N30Tv811YpZBOdTdIOyw5mFT5bM/s1600/R2_0512_Styled_Cordeline.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KaXNJGN_7nEIoSD8PnZqkvDOriVwakZvwRqAHwu275sD8E-MEmgUd7Ux03KoIAlFPyygoFD-nAn6KO83hZlmGXgD3sIAX9uMJHHmqB-_mr81y_j8N30Tv811YpZBOdTdIOyw5mFT5bM/s1600/R2_0512_Styled_Cordeline.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.euroscents.scentsy.de/" target="_blank">Scentsy</a> has been in the States for a while now and just keeps gaining in popularity. I went to my first "party" several years back and was intrigued by the products. However, since we live over in Europe a majority of the year I couldn't justify buying the warmers. So, I just listened to the rave reviews from afar, wishing that I could enjoy some <a href="http://www.euroscents.scentsy.de/" target="_blank">Scentsy</a> in my life. Last spring though, when a friend was having a <a href="http://www.euroscents.scentsy.de/" target="_blank">Scentsy</a> fundraiser for a victim of the wildfires in Colorado, I purchased some warmers to help out.<br />
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And, of course, I loved them... and wished they were available in Europe. I am always dragging candles over here and with two boys we have never needed more space in our luggage than now. So, here I was with a limited candle supply this fall and thus started searching like a mad woman to make my home smell nice and cozy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwSduUjORpDwAjE2m6h6sTPt8i5ePH7oCHoZjeXyKRNgPJhbOCF53ZOrB_VAScIgD4SPqlciOt7TI5JSIFjP7SISR06GukgP1rdPup66tgbH58Txs8ZuHS3LsuJO5nAASv5-z9vkVc60/s1600/R2_0512_Whoot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwSduUjORpDwAjE2m6h6sTPt8i5ePH7oCHoZjeXyKRNgPJhbOCF53ZOrB_VAScIgD4SPqlciOt7TI5JSIFjP7SISR06GukgP1rdPup66tgbH58Txs8ZuHS3LsuJO5nAASv5-z9vkVc60/s1600/R2_0512_Whoot.png" /></a></div>
Enter <a href="http://www.euroscents.scentsy.de/" target="_blank">SCENTSY</a>! 220v warmers along with highly scented fragrance bars had arrived in Europe! I couldn't have been more excited. No more lugging candles over here and I can replenish my supply whenever needed. I did some searching and finally found a consultant to help. A week or so later I was sitting in Starbucks sniffing tons of scents and buying a warmer to take home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu_8Mtj7Uq7RWvHLVs88On5QVoIBJaSXmaG3oeCx6CnJWONJN6x7jFaQeMgv0fQdxp7sN1z_IIW-h6257Agk08DIbd-qX_zJQgDWvp_tCxsvQ5PmE2QeEeO1oJgAtKK_Cr6wnqHryljg/s1600/R2_0512_Tilia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNu_8Mtj7Uq7RWvHLVs88On5QVoIBJaSXmaG3oeCx6CnJWONJN6x7jFaQeMgv0fQdxp7sN1z_IIW-h6257Agk08DIbd-qX_zJQgDWvp_tCxsvQ5PmE2QeEeO1oJgAtKK_Cr6wnqHryljg/s1600/R2_0512_Tilia.png" /></a></div>
Which brings me to selling these little beauties. There aren't many consultants in Germany yet, but I imagine it will gain in popularity here just as it did in the States. It is even harder to come by quality candles here, so really the market isn't nearly as saturated. I am looking forward to meeting new people and getting the word about <a href="http://www.euroscents.scentsy.de/" target="_blank">Scentsy</a> out there. It gives me something to do on the side while being a wife and mama to these two sweet boys.<br />
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Visit my site: <a href="http://www.euroscents.scentsy.de/">www.euroscents.scentsy.de</a> for product and shipping information. You will be glad you did. I am also keeping a little blog. Check out <a href="http://www.euroscents.wordpress.com/">www.euroscents.wordpress.com</a> for some fun product reviews!<br />
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<br />Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-41311156364825764892012-10-25T10:18:00.001+02:002012-10-25T10:18:24.106+02:00Staying in the pic. If you are a mom, and you haven't read the blog post <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-tate/mom-pictures-with-kids_b_1926073.html" target="_blank">Mom Stays in the Picture</a> please stop what you are doing and read it now. I figured it was a must read after at least five of my friends recommended the article on facebook. Sure enough, it has convicted me. Not only to stay in the picture, but to try to take as many photos of Isaiah at this stage as I did Kaleb. It reminded me that these photos are not only for me in the years to come, but for him as well. (Okay, maybe his wife, ha!)<br />
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One of my fav instagram photos as of late:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8115894724/" title="Big bro just puked all over. Thankfully lil bro is smiling on. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Big bro just puked all over. Thankfully lil bro is smiling on." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8115894724_73d83e1f99.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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(I am mrsturek on instagram if you want to follow. Above photo taken with an iPod touch. I brightened and reduced noise using the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/adobe-photoshop-express/id331975235?mt=8" target="_blank">photoshop app</a> then instagrammed.)<br />
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On a random note. Our local mall had "Mexican days" recently so Saturday morning I got out for a bit and was able to check it out. What did I find? Truffles, sushi, fresh bread, sparkling wine, olives, fancy cheese, and a few tortilla shells and salsa. Hilarious.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-68639792705453311552012-10-20T20:13:00.001+02:002012-10-20T20:13:31.803+02:00Four month old Isaiah. My little Isaiah dear just cooed himself into a happy, sleepy place. And my heart could not be more glad for those sweet sounds bubbling from his lips.<br />
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The days of having to bounce him around the house while frantically turning on the vacuum cleaner for noise seem so distant now. Smiles and laughs have replaced the inconsolable cries and screams. I knew the day would come, but I often had to remind myself that it was just a season. I would do it all over in a heartbeat, to be where we are now. Sure, we aren't sleeping through the night yet and I often find myself wanting to complain about the lack of sleep. But when I think about the progress we've made? Well, the shift of perspective makes me thankful to be where we are.<br />
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For you mamas out there that are in the same boat we were in just weeks ago. Hang in there. Your time will come. It will come before you know it, even if it does seem like light years away right now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8080352233/" title="Four months ago today we welcomed our Isaiah into the world. As his daddy said the other morning, "You can keep your mommy up all night and one smile in the morning makes her light up like a Christmas tree." Yep, I am smitten. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Four months ago today we welcomed our Isaiah into the world. As his daddy said the other morning, "You can keep your mommy up all night and one smile in the morning makes her light up like a Christmas tree." Yep, I am smitten." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8080352233_afb49f0bec.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I have said that I knew right away that we were "in for it." Isaiah entered the world screaming and I quickly called him my "spirited child." This boy seems to know what he wants. He is already rolling from his tummy to back, his back to tummy, is scooting a bit on his tummy, moving in circles given enough time, and is even sitting up a bit with support. He loves his big brother, tracks him around the room, laughs, smiles, and imitates our facial expressions. I am loving nearly every minute of this stage.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8053934598/" title="No more relaxing in my bouncer. Gotta lean forward so I can eat my toy. #bjornbabysitter by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="No more relaxing in my bouncer. Gotta lean forward so I can eat my toy. #bjornbabysitter" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8053934598_c3849096f2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Were we "in for it?" Yes. In for so much joy and happiness that this little face would bring to our family.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8033341056/" title="Love pulling out kaleb's old clothes for lil bro, especially jammies. Nothing beats a sweet cuddly baby ready for bed. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Love pulling out kaleb's old clothes for lil bro, especially jammies. Nothing beats a sweet cuddly baby ready for bed." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8033341056_5c0c7295cb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Lest you think I forgot about big brother, he melts my heart too. This morning he kept coming up to give me kisses on the lips. Oh my sweet firstborn.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/8047502888/" title="Snack time on the balcony, enjoying the lovely sunshine. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Snack time on the balcony, enjoying the lovely sunshine." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8047502888_48674c0fbd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<br />Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-43649637015068548392012-10-07T18:35:00.001+02:002012-10-07T18:52:02.400+02:00Isaiah: Day EightI love newborn photos. They capture a stage in life that is so fleeting. These images bring back a flood of memories. I can so vividly remember Isaiah's eighth day of life. He lost his umbilical cord that morning, just in time for photos that afternoon. As I got ready for photos that day, it felt good to feel a bit "normal" again. The incision from my c-section was still painful as my skirt rubbed against it, but I was still feeling much better this time around than I did after having Kaleb.<br />
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Day eight: tired, but still running on a bit of an adrenaline after bringing new life into the world. I knew the effort getting photos taken would be worth it in the end. And, it was. Totally worth every ounce of energy.<br />
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We are fortunate to have had Creative Images by Tammy take our wedding photos, Kaleb's newborn photos, and now Isaiah's newborn photos. Three months later, I finally got around to creating a video with these images, and I get all teary eyed every time I watch it. My these little ones grow fast. Part of me wants to go back and do it all over again, but the other part is thankful to be through some of the most trying of days. As life goes though, some of our most difficult of days are also the most beautiful.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/50927197" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/50927197">Isaiah: 8 days old</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user13941156">Suzanne Turek</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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(A couple of stanzas of Brahm's Lullaby were played in our hospital every time a new life entered this world. Ever since Kaleb was born I have played this version for both of my boys over and over, often before bedtime. Every time I hear it, it takes me right back to the hospital room.)Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-8822640437648418842012-09-18T10:53:00.000+02:002012-09-18T10:53:28.315+02:00Pumpkins and a Palace.I grew up in the midwest of the United States. A region where I was fortunate enough to experience four seasons each year. Sure, I got sick of the harsh winter come February. But it come Spring? It made the buds on the trees and the warmer temperatures all the sweeter.<br />
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As for fall? It is one of my favorite seasons. Apple cider candles burning, crisp leaves falling, trees changing colors. The cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Boots. Pumpkin lattes. Football. Chili. You get the idea.<br />
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I remember our first year overseas: I was missing fall scented candles like something fierce. My mom sent a care package full of yankee candles and I opened that box inhaling every scent like there was no tomorrow. (Since that year I have been sure that scented candles have always made my packing list!)<br />
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I may be able to pack candles, boots, jeans and sweaters. But one thing I can't pack? Pumpkin patches or apple orchards. With Kaleb getting older, these are traditions that I crave even more.<br />
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Enter the Ludwisburg Palace Gardens. Surely, a magical place. The pumpkin festival had me at hello. So much in fact, that I bought a year membership with only two months left of the "year." This my friends, has made up for missing the past seven years of pumpkin patches back home. Sorry Vala's, but you got nothing on this palace.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7985362879/" title="DSC_0800 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0800" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/7985362879_39761d3e83_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
Pumpkins line the walkways. Enormous creations are made of pumpkins. Pumpkin seeds are being roasted in cinnamon and sugar and are sold to those passing by.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7985405023/" title="DSC_0821 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0821" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/7985405023_70e1868d34_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
Children play in the hay.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7985388838/" title="DSC_0813 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0813" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/7985388838_18e47bbf6c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7985375627/" title="DSC_0803 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0803" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7985375627_96dbac421b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7985370709/" title="DSC_0812 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0812" height="426" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7985370709_02b9479406_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Parents chat over lattes and pumpkin bread. Or pumpkin strudel. Or pumpkin muffins. Or pumpkin cookies.
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My favorite? The pumpkin soup. I can't go back for enough of it.
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Apparently this pumpkin festival is the largest in the world when it comes to variety. Pumpkins comes from all over the world to show themselves off. I see you guys, you little beauties you.
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It's kind of funny how it works, right? You don't know what you are missing until you have gone without you. Sometimes that is what it takes to make you appreciate the simpler things in life. I mean in the whole scheme of things, pumpkin patches really aren't a big deal. But, when you go without something for a while it makes you stop. Breathe. Appreciate. Cherish. Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-64874622655517479902012-08-21T10:06:00.002+02:002012-08-21T10:15:01.249+02:00Made it. I am taking advantage of a few minutes of household quietness and a mug of hot coffee to write a quick post to let you all know that we are still alive.<br />
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(Of course, as soon as I typed that sentance my sweet toddler emerged from his new bedroom where he was playing independently.)<br />
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We. made. it. Made it through the hardest weeks with a fussy newborn, made it through packing to move across the Atlantic with tow littles in tow. Made it through good-byes. Made it through a long day of travels. Made it into our apartment and made it (half way at least) through unpacking.<br />
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I'd be lying if I said it has been easy breezy. There were moments I thought I might lose my sanity. Between Isaiah dear not wanting to be put down, generally dreading the trip in front of us, and being more sad than ever before to say good-bye to dear friends and loved ones, I knew that if we could just get ourselves on the airplane the excitement would come.<br />
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And, it did.
Seeing the world through your toddler's eyes only brings more joy to your life. Kaleb was so incredibly excited to get on the airplane. In fact, two of the three meltdowns he had were 1. because we weren't boarding yet and 2. because we didn't have a window seat. (The third being because he hadn't slept a wink and it was 10:30 at night and really needed to fall asleep.)<br />
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Our journey over went so much smoother than I anticipated. I was prepared for the worst. Isaiah has fussy spells where he just screams and nothing seems to help. We traveled internationally at three and a half weeks with Kaleb and he was an angel. I can remember Isaiah dear at that age and thinking, "there is no way on earth I could get on an airplane right now." God always knows, doesn't he? His timing is perfect indeed.<br />
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Sure, he cried here and there... but for the most part he was pretty easy. That said, I am thankful that our boarding experience was not an indication of how the rest of the trip would go. Both boys were crying at once and all eyes were on us. I had to just remind myself to stay calm, and that no matter what happened we would reach our final desintation in just nine hours. (And of course, I prayed.)<br />
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We finally landed and managed to get all 400+ pounds of luggage into two waiting cars and up three stories into our apartment and basically crash landed. The team wanted us to go register our stay with the city and go to the team office, but both boys lost it and thankfully they obliged to pushing back our appointments one day.<br />
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We are almost at the one week mark now. The first week is always the hardest. One more week and we should be adjusted and feeling a bit more like we are at home. As for this mama? I may still be tired, but I also feel relieved and am looking forward to getting into more of a routine.<br />
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More to follow soon!
(By the way, if you want to ruin golden silence in your home, just try writing a blog post.)Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-72986237669432361072012-07-12T17:54:00.001+02:002012-07-12T17:54:45.565+02:00The birth of Isaiah John.One month ago today, on June 12, 2012, we welcomed sweet Isaiah John Turek into this world. Born at 8:52 a.m. he weighed 8 lb. 9 oz. and measured 21 inches. After seven long weeks of waiting for John to arrive home in time for the birth, he got home with three days to spare. God is so, so gracious.<br />
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While we were hoping that baby Isaiah would come on his own, we had a c-section scheduled just in case. Although I was having contractions my body didn't show any signs of progress. Thus, we ended up heading into the hospital that Tuesday morning knowing that in a matter of hours our sweet boy would be in our arms. Although I had done it before, it still seemed just as surreal knowing that one minute my boy would be inside of me, and the next he would crying his way into this world.<br />
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I wasn't nearly as nervous with this birth and was able to relax and enjoy the experience even more. I was so fortunate in that a friend who is a nurse and was there for Kaleb's birth was also there for Isaiah's birth. Of course, a little bit of humor helped the situation.<br />
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So ready to meet our little guy! Those final minutes just seem to drag on forever.<br />
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But then I heard those cries... Isaiah John announcing his arrival. Oh, what a sweet sound.<br />
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If those final minutes before his arrival seemed to drag on... the minutes I had to wait to hold Isaiah seemed to last forever.<br />
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Finally in my arms.<br />
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I made it through post-op quickly while the nurses finished up with Isaiah and I was able to actually hold him, do skin to skin, and nurse him for the first time. Such sweet, tender moments that I will always cherish. I love that photos capture each moment.<br />
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Big brother Kaleb was out in the visitor's area with grandma and grandpa waiting to meet his baby brother.<br />
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After this precious photo he decided enough was enough and tried pushing Isaiah off his lap. Oh the thought process of a toddler!<br />
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Thankfully baby brother gave his big brother some puzzles to work on to keep him busy in the hospital room.<br />
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Isaiah's first bath was done later in the day which was nice because I was more with it at that point and able to take it all in bedside.<br />
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Clean, sleepy boy and happy mama.<br />
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And finally, our failed attempt at a first family photo. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7516699298/" title="DSC_0183 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0183" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7516699298_d55a0dacb4.jpg" width="500" /></a>Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-21048357374673681922012-04-16T18:26:00.000+02:002012-04-16T18:26:50.709+02:00Reflections at the end of yet another season.The regular season has officially come and gone with play-offs just around the corner. Kaleb and I leave for the States <i>this week</i>. And with that... I am pretty much an emotional wreck.<br />
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A dear friend of ours watched Kaleb for us last night so John and I could go on a date. The first in months and probably the last in months too. The anticipation of this past weekend kept my thoughts of heading home at bay for a bit. But when we got home after a special evening together, everything hit all at once and I couldn't fight back the tears. I cried again tonight as I put Kaleb to bed. I have tears as I write this. <br />
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I remember one of John's teammates telling me our first year out that he just didn't get close to anyone because it made the good-byes easier. I thought, "what a sad way to live." And so, every year I put my heart out there, knowing that my time with the people I meet over here will be short but sweet. It isn't easy, saying so many "see you laters." In fact, it hurts. But I wouldn't trade the friendships I have made over the years for anything. I often wonder if people truly know just how much they mean to us. If they will ever know just how much we appreciate their support being so far away from family and friends back at home. If they know how much I would love to build an idyllic little city and make them all my neighbors. <br />
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So, dear friends around the world that may be reading this... thank you. Thank you for being part of our lives, for loving us and accepting us. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes, for supporting us in hard times and celebrating with us in the good times. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for laughing with us. Thank you for each and every memory that was made because of you. We treasure you more than words will ever be able to express.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-30396756496541995822012-04-12T16:22:00.001+02:002012-04-12T19:39:19.456+02:00A near perfect morning.If there was actually such a thing as a "perfect" morning, we had one the other day. The sun was shining and so we headed down to the beach to just "be." No agenda, just stale bread to feed the birds, mommy (plus itty bitty baby), daddy, and son.<br />
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Kaleb loved feeding the "birdies." He chased them around, giggling and doing this funny little solider kick with his right leg. I was just waiting for one of them to relieve themselves on our heads... thankfully, they were kind to us.<br />
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We walked along and collected shells to take home as a little souvenir to put in Kaleb's room. Every time I look at them, I will remember this morning outing as a family, full of smiles and giggles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7023738487/" title="Collecting shells. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Collecting shells." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7023738487_0755d34397.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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We were there early enough to watch the fishing boats come back to land with their morning catches. They literally pull the boat onto shore and then take the fish up to a little strip of shops where they sell fresh fish from the sea.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6877643220/" title="Watching the fishermen come back from sea with their morning catch. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6231/6877643220_87298401f5.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Watching the fishermen come back from sea with their morning catch."></a><br />
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We then found a little cafe with seating outside by the beach where we ordered some fresh squeezed orange juice, tea, and a polish version of cheesecake. Kaleb was loving life playing on the pony merry-go-round, and almost threw a fit upon leaving until we found a motorcycle to distract him with. Upon returning to our apartment my heart was so full of joy and happiness.<br />
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The next morning we woke up and I found myself even more thankful that we had taken advantage of the sun as we sat indoors watching a springlike version of a blizzard whirl around in the courtyard outside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6885505218/" title="Lovely spring weather. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Lovely spring weather." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/6885505218_30fba43a45.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Was my first instinct to complain? Absolutely. And then I decided I had two options: complain or embrace. So, Kaleb and I lit candles, made coffee, snuggled up and spent an extra long amount of time in a warm bath. It kind of felt like Christmas.... in April.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-14643658928539380282012-03-28T13:54:00.000+02:002012-03-28T13:54:46.485+02:00No Countdown, Please.Our time here is getting shorter by the day. I said something to John about it this morning and he got a sad look on his face and said, "Let's not do a countdown, okay?" I think Kaleb agrees.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6976221735/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Infatuated with the mixer. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Infatuated with the mixer." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6976221735_1e0fa90d57_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Kaleb is infatuated with the mixer these days, and wasn't happy until I put it on his highchair to eat breakfast with.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6976230041/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="27 weeks. Love my boys! by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="27 weeks. Love my boys!" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6976230041_71bc901bb3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As for me, I try not to think about it either, but tending to details that need to be taken care of at home makes that nearly impossible. If you would have asked me just a few weeks ago how I felt about leaving I would have still been feeling really reluctant about our situation. But, we keep praying... and God has slowly given me a sense of excitement about going home and "nesting." Meanwhile, Kaleb seems to be getting older by the minute. He now goes potty on the "big boy potty" with each diaper change. He is just as proud of himself as we are of him. Time just keeps marching on. I can hardly believe I am in the third trimester already, yet the first trimester seems like forever ago.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6976226545/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Big boy! by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Big boy!" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6976226545_cc54fcf94c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7014987427/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="29 weeks! by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="29 weeks!" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/7014987427_bda291a7f6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We are enjoying every last game of daddy's before we head get on several airplanes to get back home. Kaleb had a jersey made for him, and he sure is cute sporting it. He just loves watching daddy play, and also enjoys playing himself. It is hilarious to watch what he picks up on, such as "dribbling." (Which is him hitting the ball on the ground and then shooting.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7014995059/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Waiting for daddy's game to start. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Waiting for daddy's game to start." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7014995059_dbbcfd02b5_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7014995707/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6110/7014995707_4dc5402c98_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/7015007729/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Still waiting.... and trying to keep the little one entertained. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Still waiting.... and trying to keep the little one entertained." height="320" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6032/7015007729_5ace42c747_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I feel the same way every year a season starts to wind down. A sense of "if only" hits me pretty hard at some point. "If only" we would have done this, "if only" we would have seen this. And soon I feel as though I am trying to make up for lost time, squeezing everything in. Yet, at the same time I am looking forward to wrapping things up and heading home for the summer. This year will be more bitter than sweet as we have to leave daddy behind for a while. I just hope I can hold myself together at the airport, for Kaleb's sake at least.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6868903218/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Drinks at the Gdansk Hilton. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Drinks at the Gdansk Hilton." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/6868903218_b66237cbf1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6868911692/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="29 weeks- this one to the day. Downtown Gdansk. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="29 weeks- this one to the day. Downtown Gdansk." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/6868911692_06b906394b_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Although we have contemplated staying here to have the baby so we could all stay together during the final stretch, we just don't have a peace about it. We have been praying and praying that God would lead us in the right direction, and now we have to step out in faith and trust that He will work out everything for His glory. As of now, my due date is June 10 and John's last possible game is June 5. Kaleb and I finally have our tickets rebooked for late April... and now all we can do is trust. Trust in God's perfect timing and His provisions. He will give us strength no matter what lies ahead. We are just all looking forward to meeting this little bundle of joy. We have so much to look forward to, that is for sure.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-34363330098901155512012-03-08T15:18:00.000+01:002012-03-08T15:18:15.072+01:00The Hope of Spring.The days have been getting longer (read: night is no longer upon us at 3:30!), the sun shining a bit brighter. Although it is still only in the 30s, the hope of Spring is here. The long, dark days of winter are behind us, and it only makes me more excited for what is in store.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6955538273/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Untitled by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6955538273_7f5faca4c6_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6955556573/" title="26 weeks by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="26 weeks" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6955556573_07cae19006_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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We have been bundling up and taking more walks to the beach. Sure, it is still cold... but manageable at least. Kaleb just loves exploring the beach and I enjoy watching the world through his eyes. Everything seems more beautiful at the sea, and everyone just seems happier... even the dogs seem to have a look of contentment on their faces, if that is possible.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6809453706/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Winter by the sea. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Winter by the sea." height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6809453706_9636fce8dc_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6809448344/" title="Wants to go in. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Wants to go in." height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6809448344_1ca880fa0e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Kaleb also makes a great morning coffee date. Daddy had some treatment to do at a local hospital, and thus Kaleb and I went along and walked to a nearby Starbucks. Give him his cheerios and a book and he is one happy camper. He is breaking out of his shyness more by the day and was quite enthralled with the other little boy playing alongside in the kids' corner. And swimming? Oh, it is ever still a favorite. I must say it has been a favorite of mine lately as well. (What pregnant woman doesn't enjoy feeling weightless?)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6809447390/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Lil swimmer. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Lil swimmer." height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6809447390_83804a3fc4_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6955558019/" title="Starbucks date with mommy. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Starbucks date with mommy." height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6955558019_cb4fc82ceb_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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I am thankful for these sweet moments. In between all the daily tasks and demands of a mom and wife... there are these precious moments when you just want time to stand still. You don't want to move forward or backward. The other day we were praying for John before he went to practice and asked Kaleb to get daddy's shoes so he could go bye-bye. What did he do? He just climbed onto John's lap and held on tight, patting his back... as if to say "don't go daddy." These are the moments I will treasure for a lifetime.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6959685629/" title="Sweet boy just wouldn't let go when we told him daddy had to go bye bye. by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Sweet boy just wouldn't let go when we told him daddy had to go bye bye." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6959685629_da0b21d71f.jpg" width="500" /></a>Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-86804677378087145682012-03-04T22:24:00.000+01:002012-03-04T22:24:10.293+01:00The Miracle of Life.For you created my inmost being; <br />
you knit me together in my mother's womb. <br />
Psalm 139:13<br />
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At our last doctor appointment we were able to see our itty bitty baby boy (at 23 weeks, 4 days) in 3D. What a precious gift we've been given.... life.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-77577917647697198342012-02-27T22:07:00.000+01:002012-02-27T22:07:43.349+01:00Valentine's Day.There are times when familiarity is comforting. Perhaps it is because in this lifestyle I don't have too many constants. So, the little things often become more comforting than they ordinarily would be. Right now I am sitting on the coach next to my husband with the NBA All-Star game playing and it just feels comfortable. Sure, we are watching it one day late, in Polish, with sub par videography, but nonetheless, it feels normal. Even the pack of "black five" cookies (a.k.a. fake oreos) we just finished up seemed normal. (And yes, you probably guessed right... there are five per pack. What clever marketing.) <br />
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All this leads me to Valentine's Day. No matter where we are in the world, we try to celebrate. Valentine's Day isn't hugely popular in Europe, which is actually quite nice as things are absurdly overpriced. I still remember John bringing me two dozen beautiful roses the first year we were married. I am not sure who was more excited, John thanks to the good deal he got, or me because I had never received two dozen roses before, let alone on Valentine's Day. <br />
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Holidays in general are comforting to me though- they come every year and each year evoke memories of holidays past. They are familiar to me, even if every year does look a bit different depending on where we are living. <br />
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This year was a two day celebration. John had the day before Valentine's Day off, so we celebrated with dinner that evening. John, bless his heart, had scheduled a surprise visit to the spa, but I opted for a trip to the salon instead. (Sitting up for an entire massage just sounded more awkward than relaxing, but it was definitely the thought that counted.) We both ended up getting our hair cut at the same time which made for an interesting scenario as Kaleb patiently watched us getting our hair shampooed from his stroller. Later, John said he looked over at Kaleb, who wasn't making a sound.... and he had little tears rolling down his cheeks. Sweet boy was too shy to make a peep but ended up being perfectly content once he was given some goldfish crackers to snack on.<br />
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I know I am biased, but I find my boys to be oh so handsome.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6932352467/" title="DSC_1502 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1502" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6932352467_5a405b632c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Celebrating with a toddler in tow may not have been the most romantic of dates, but it was special nonetheless, with each of his little smiles reminding us of just how blessed we are to have welcomed this little guy into the world together with another on the way.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6786249482/" title="DSC_1499 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1499" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6786249482_80aec47660_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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John was sweet and brought home roses after his practice on Valentine's Day. One rose for each Valentine's Day we have celebrated together, which happens to be 13. I am one blessed lady.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6932393591/" title="DSC_1507 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1507" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6932393591_17dc535b95_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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It is hard to imagine that twelve years ago a nervous junior in high school appeared on my doorstep early on Valentine's Day morning with three red roses ready to take me out to breakfast before school started. Who would have known back then what this journey would hold... only God, that is for sure.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6932399393/" title="DSC_1510 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1510" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6932399393_40a4e3b212_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Kaleb was old enough to start a new tradition this year: decorating sugar cookies. He just kept getting the shaker stuck on the frosting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6788920202/" title="DSC_1523 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1523" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6788920202_172e75fb0b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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So, I put them on the plate... until he discovered he could eat them. He was so happy eating the sprinkles that I didn't even bother letting him try the cookie. One day he will realize what he is missing out on, but for now he doesn't seem to care, does he?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6932620641/" title="DSC_1519 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1519" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6932620641_82b6d1353d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Familiarity can be found in a number of places. The grocery store worker that you know speaks English, seeing someone you know in a shopping center (which is rare for me over here), or feeling welcomed at the local cafe. We discovered this quaint little "literary cafe" around the corner when we first arrived but kept procrastinating our visit as we explored other places. Now I wish we would have frequented this place long ago as Kaleb is only getting harder to contain these days.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6788948496/" title="DSC_1516 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1516" height="426" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6788948496_f77f70c8a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I think it is all a balance. Exploration versus comfort. There are times when we need to step outside of what is comfortable as it stretches us and makes us more aware of the culture around us. There are other times when it is nice to find something that later become familiar territory. Valentine's Day was memorable for so many reasons this year. It was the perfect balance of trying a new fancy restaurant one night while I surprised John with one of his favorite meals the next night. And honestly? Our dinner "in" was just as special as our dinner "out." Really, it is just special to be able to celebrate, no matter how, or when, or where.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-34596487842162907742012-02-25T09:39:00.000+01:002012-02-25T09:39:38.938+01:00My newest nephew.My sweet little nephew, Jadon, entered the world less than one week ago.... keeping us all waiting in suspense for just over two weeks after his due date! We are overwhelmed with joy, and I find myself wanting to call every hour just to check in and see how he is doing. (No, I haven't actually do so as I remember how exhausting those early days are and how everyone wants to meet baby!)<br />
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His perfect little features leave me wanting to reach through the computer screen to hold him. His little reflexes and squeals make me oooh and aaah. His tiny little fingers and toes remind me just how precious these little bundles of joy are- how God perfectly designed each one. I look at Kaleb and then look at Jadon and find it hard to imagine that Kaleb was ever so tiny. (And by tiny, I mean nine pounds at birth- they were about the same birth weight!) Jadon is just such a beautiful baby boy, and I couldn't be a prouder aunt.<br />
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I have six nieces and nephews on John's side already, so I am not new to being an aunt. But, I will admit being an aunt this time around is so much different. I don't think it is because I love my nieces or nephews differently as I want to love them all the same. I think it is because of this: every time a baby is born so is a mother. Watching my own sister become a mommy is a such a treasure. Seeing the love on her face for her son is beautiful. Relating to her on this new level is so special to me. Not only am I a proud aunt, but a proud sister.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-25217781980206474852012-02-17T10:47:00.001+01:002012-02-17T12:26:41.284+01:00Never ending snow days.It has been snowing here.... nearly every day. And sometimes we get a little cabin fever so we find new things to keep Kaleb entertained. The other day we spent a good 20 minutes playing with photobooth. Kaleb just kept saying "mor" when I tried to stop, so we kept at it.<br />
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This one has to be my favorite:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6890567229/" title="Photo on 2012-02-08 at 04.22 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo on 2012-02-08 at 04.22" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6890567229_251fc96882_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Of course, I love the sweet ones as well:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6890567289/" title="Photo on 2012-02-08 at 04.17 #3 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo on 2012-02-08 at 04.17 #3" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6890567289_9ba8655047_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61740391@N08/6890567383/" title="Photo on 2012-02-08 at 04.26 by turekfamily, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo on 2012-02-08 at 04.26" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6890567383_5568de7ff2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Please tell me other mamas find similar ways to pass time. I think more than anything it is nice to find a good excuse for your busy toddler to sit on your lap for more than two minute intervals!Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-52641413047685741372012-02-03T18:42:00.000+01:002012-02-03T18:42:10.537+01:00Endless Kisses.You know what else I will never tire of? My sweet toddlers endless kisses. The best kisses are the ones unasked for, because even though he can't say, "I love you mommy," I feel as if he is saying just that when he opens his mouth and leans toward me with this bright gleam in his blue eyes.<br />
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We took our little guy to the pediatrician here in Poland yesterday for some catching up on his immunizations. He was actually quite friendly with the doctor and nurse until they wanted him to stand on the scale to measure him, then he proceeded to melt down fast. Laying him down to measure him didn't do any good as he was longer than the tool they tried to use. In the end we got him to stand still by giving him a cracker and they said he measured in at 92 cm (36.2 inches), but I am not so sure how accurate that is. He would literally be off the charts if it were (as in an inch over the 98th percentile), so I am thinking it is not.<br />
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And then came the shots. Poor baby. He didn't mind them much when he was an infant. But the past two visits have been brutal. The nurses was so sweet with him though, letting me cuddle him in between shots and letting him sit on my lap the entire time. In the end he got his two stickers and was just fine. We went to the mall to buy some blueberries as a treat (they are not easy to find here!) and to let him go on some rides and he was as happy as could be.<br />
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Which brings me to today. The endless kisses. The sweet cuddles. He just needed some extra love today as he was running a fever from the immunizations. While I don't like to see him not feeling up to par, I must admit that I do enjoy the extra cuddles, the extra time spent reading books, the extra kisses. I am thankful that I get to be the one here to love on him and to pray for him. You know what else I am thankful for? The five minutes that I spent reading him some Psalms this morning and for every time he said "moa" (more) when I would stop. Sweet, precious moments for sure.<br />
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Mommyhood isn't always easy, in fact it is exhausting at times. But one tilt of the head and smile or kiss reminds me of how much joy there is in this great task God has granted me. In those moments, it doesn't matter that half of the bath water was spilled (or rather dumped) on the bathroom floor or that most of dinner ended up on the kitchen floor. In the end I won't remember the messes, but I will always remember the sweet kisses.... especially the ones I didn't ask for.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293474790933531774.post-59307954902060176922012-01-31T21:50:00.000+01:002012-01-31T21:50:10.741+01:00Sweet baby kicks.There are a few things in life I will never tire of... and feeling this miracle move around inside of me is one of them.<br />
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I first felt this little one move much earlier than I felt Kaleb. The tiniest of little flutters were experienced when the world around me was quiet and still, usually in the middle of the night. Then we went home for my grandfather's funeral and I stopped feeling flutters much, but I attributed it to not really sitting much and crashing as soon as my head hit the pillow.<br />
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Sure enough, two nights before Kaleb and I headed back to Poland I was up in the night, unable to sleep when I felt baby's distinct kicks. Two of them to be exact. Not just little flutters, but definite little kicks. And with that a flood of memories can rushing in, reminding me of the precious moments in store. From the faintest of flutters to definite kicks, to daddy feeling from the outside, to strong movements, to being able to determine which body parts are where.<br />
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When I arrived back in Poland John was able to feel baby kick that first night. (One benefit of being up with jet lag!) Sweet, precious memories that I will always hold close. I tend to make a big deal about firsts, and first baby kicks felt is certainly no exception.<br />
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Now our little guy's movements remind me that he is constantly growing, getting bigger and stronger, and preparing to join our family in the months ahead. Each little kick also reminds me that God is so gracious, that His timing in perfect, that He is in control, and that He loves this little one even more than I already do. Amazing.Suzanne Turekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06774024867449609609noreply@blogger.com0