22 Week Belly Shot

Ooh, Baby Boy Frank is growing! This shot was taken on Thanksgiving Day, BEFORE the feast we enjoyed with some friends. So, maybe now the belly is a few pounds heavier!

Fourth Grade Thanksgiving

Both of these pictures are from the Thanksgiving mini-feast that I had with my class on Wednesday last week. We had food from Japan, India, USA, Nigeria, Austria, and the Philippines. It was worth it to indulge:). We thanked God for all the blessings we enjoy in our home countries before we ate, too. One thing I am thankful for in my home country is YOU!

Weekend in The Hague

I just realized today that I haven't been blogging...so here goes!

I got back late Sunday night from the ECIS conference in The Hague. It was jam packed with learning. I told my students on Monday that I just went to school from 8 to 6 four days in a row. They were impressed, hehe. Really, though, I learned SO MUCH more than I could ever implement this school year. Representatives were there from the International School of Bangkok, Prague, Brussels, The Hague, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Saudi Arabia, and so many more. They imparted wisdom to me and other teachers about teaching science, using portfolios, new books for kids, and having students lead their parent-teacher conferences to name a few. I am really thankful that VCS paid for me to attend this learning-fest! The four of us that went are planning to share all that we learned with our staff during the next few staff meetings.

for you non-German-learning folk

boy

Danktag

A turkey sat
on the backyard fence
and sang this sad, sad tune
Thanksgiving is coming
Gobble gobble gobble gobble
And I know
I'll be eaten soon
Gobble gobble gobble gobble
Gobble gobble gobble
I would like to run away
Gobble gobble gobble gobble
Gobble gobble gobble
I don't like Thanksgiving day
I love it.

Sorry to keep you waiting...

So you might be asking us:
Knabe oder Mädel?

The answer is:
Pimpf! Junge! Bub! Knabe!!

Is this mean and cruel??? I guess it would be if I didn't give you a way to find out the meaning of those words. Never fear - the answer is here. Then type in the word you want to know and hit enter (or click "Suchen"). Then you'll find out!!

What educational fun!

Organ Screen

So, Baby Frank had an organ screening today. It was really amazing to see all the intricate parts - the spine, the brain, the heart, the stomach, the bones all over the body, the eyes, the mouth - just amazing stuff. We heard the heart beat and it was fast! It weighs about 1 pound and is 9.5 inches long.
We were in the same building as where we might have the baby, so we got a tour. It's called Privat Klinik Döbling. The lady was so so nice that spoke to us (which isn't very normal in Austria). The place was so clean, quiet, and seems to have all kinds of the latest technology and nice stuff for people like me that will have to wander around and wait - free drinks, comfy chairs, etc. We were really sold. :)

Oh so you might be wondering if it's a boy or a girl. We aren't. :)
But we can't tell yet. Soon........

Summer Memories

So today I took a walk after school around 5, and it was PITCH DARK. I mean, really! As I walked I dreamed of being in Oden, Michigan, like we were in the summer, where the sun shines until 9:30 or 10 p.m. You can water ski AFTER dinner. Oh, the days! Here's a few Michigan memories from this past summer. Top: Us with Chris's parents, Fred & Judy. Second: Us the night we told our parents were were PREGNANT! Third: Anne's crazy cousin, Laura, making a typical Laura face. Bottom: The grandparents to be: The Franks and the Luginbills.

The Business Manager Hard at Work

Chris definitely works hard every day at V.C.S. These are a few shots of his office, which he is proudly decorating more and more as the year goes on. One of his favorite things is the green dog dish on his desk filled with candy for his visitors. Maybe you should make a visit to the Business Manager's office sometime soon. You might win a yummy treat!

Watch out world...Baby Frank is coming!

If you can't see the blue shirt...it says "we're hungry." It was fun to wear it to school yesterday! The we're hungry shirt is 19 weeks, the green t-shirt is 18 weeks. The belly is ever-growing! Watch out world...Baby Frank is coming!