Global Nomads

2010-07-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

On your mark.... Get Set...... GOOOOOO..... The school bell has rung. This year we are schooling all seven. We did it last year as well but this year we are "officially" schooling Lilly.

Hannah is starting 11th grade. She has a heavier load this year but she is so smart I know she will just breeze right through it with flying colors. Leisha is starting 8th grade and we are treating this like 9th. We figure if we start her now, she will be a bit more prepared for high school. Abbi is in 6th grade. She has to work a bit harder to get the good grades, but when she does believe herself she always does awesome......(some times just convincing her takes a lot of work). Noah is steaming along into 4th grade. He is having a blast and doing well in all subjects. Math being the one he picks up quickly. SO didn't get that from his mother. Noelle is in 2nd grade and is getting better in the reading area. It took us a long time to figure out how she learns (she needs everything), so she is a bit behind the power curve but I have a feeling she is going to catch up this year. EJ is in K/1st grade. We have big plans of reading this year (I should say I have big plans... EJ might have other ideas, he usually does). He to does really well with math. Lilly is just doing preK/K work. but she picks things up quickly and already knows the letter sounds and is putting them together. She can also count to 20 plus when the mood hits her LOL.

I am using a modified workbox system for Lilly and EJ. I am hoping it will cut down "MOM WHAT DO I DO NOW??" and yes it is yelled most of the time, even though I am in the same room. Today it worked great. I pray it keeps working. It will take a bit more planning on my part but I believe it will be worth it in the end.

Noah's favorite place to read his readers......gotta love homeschooling.

2010-07-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night the dancers got together at an Italian restaurant and got to hang out and get to know each other. A couple of the girls in the picture are dancers from Munich.

Here is one more of Leisha during her dancing.

2010-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well again I am way far behind.... someday I pray to get in the habit of blogging at least once a week.....please pray with me. I am hoping I do this right and I will just blog about last weeks camp and then I can fill in backwards as I have time.

Last week we had a very full week. Hannah, Leisha and Lilly went to Irish Dance camp. This was Lilly's first time ever and she had a BLAST. Although by Friday she was pretty well pooped. Hannah and Leisha had extra longs days.. not only where they there to learn their stuff, they were also camp leaders (help teaching the younger dancers). Needless to say they were pretty pooped by Friday as well.

Noah and EJ got to learn a new sport. Hurling is an Irish sport although it is played internationally. It is kind of like field hockey with a twist. The boys LOVED it, even though their practices were done in 100 degree weather. The coaches were very surprised on how fast the kids picked up the game... they are hoping to maybe continue the practices during the year. EJ is thrilled with this idea.

Abigail and Noelle were my big helpers during all of this. Because I was having to leave the house so early on most days, they stayed home with the doggies to help keep them cool. ( we were having a heat wave of 100 degree weather with no real ac) I am not sure how I would have worked the week without them staying home. On Thursday I did get to bring them along and I took the kids to the pool and then on Friday to the lake right before the Ceili.
Here is Leisha in the air, good grief she is high.
The last class of the week., Hannah managed to hurt her foot, so during her time she walked the steps with her fellow injured. Hannah seems to be doing much better and is working on strengthening her arches a little every day.

2010-02-13T04:51:00.000-08:00

Daddy had a day off in May so off we went to our
favorite hiking place. Karl's Gorge. The kids love
climbing up the rocky hillside and hiding in the caves.

The dogs had way to much fun playing in the icy waters.

Daddy was brave and treked the kids up the side of
the hill to get these pictures.. I was down at the base
holding on the the puppies.

One of the best of all seven in along time.

CUCKOO!!

This is why......

2010-02-13T04:43:00.000-08:00

New couches are in our future.....'nuf said

Tsuanmi turns 1

2010-02-13T04:17:00.000-08:00

My handsome furkid is one years old. He has been such fun
to have in the house. He can be an exhausting brat but he is our
brat LOL. He is overly friendly and just doesn't want to take no
for an answer when trying to met a new friend or even an old one. He loves
his bully sticks and squeaky stuffies and he even loves his furbrother now that Ty can
play tug a war with him

Tsunami is enjoying his banana cake with yogurt frosting....

"you are done already?? did you even taste it Typhoon?"

Salzburg Feis

2010-02-13T04:08:00.001-08:00

For some reason this is the only picture I have
of Hannah for the Salzburg feis.... I know I took more........at least I thought I did

Okay so we went on a feis (irish dance competion), early May. We went on a whirlwind tour and somehow this is all I got for pictures....and I don't even remember what they were. I think I am going to have to go back and try again.

Spring 2009

2010-02-13T03:21:00.001-08:00

Lilly hoping to ride the dino right into the park

The Briggs and the Murphy kids looking great

Sometimes an extra hand is needed when dam building

Leisha looking cute in the bamboo

Noelle the flower child

Abbi is on the best swing ever....

The dam building is in progress... proceed with caution

The Murphy Boys are putting last minute touches on the dam before they let loose the water.....

It was finally warm enough to head the to best kids park in the area.... affectionately called Dinosaur Park. There are slides, climbing things, swings, sand and water. What more could a kids ask for. We homeschool families took advantage of the nice day and went and hung out at the park. The kids had a blast just being outside and playing and the moms enjoyed just being able to sit and talk to an adult.

Spring 2009

2010-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air. The girls all got together in the field right by our house and picked the wildflowers. They had so much fun making little bouquets and daisy chains. I love pictures like these, they really do show how well the girls get along and love just being together

Easter 2009

2010-02-13T02:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Easter Everyone....

Give The Dancers some Props

2009-05-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

At the end of May, Hannah and Leisha were part
of a dance recital through the youth center at
Ramstein. They were in a show with all the other
dance styles and ages that are done at the youth center.
These irish dancers were in a dance where brooms were their
props.

These are the Intermediate dancers and they were
Gangster Irish Dancers with chairs and hats as their
props...

both groups did so well. Irish dancers are usually the most
prepared and together groups during the recital show. All their hard
work really does show through.

2009-04-10T02:16:00.000-07:00

WELL doesn't Tsunami look pitiful? This new puppy is changing so many things......
HEY that is MY comfy spot....MOM... make him move!!!!

2009-04-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

All the kids that went on a hike in the woods.... they had a blast climbing over and on top of huge rocks, and fallen trees and wading through the VERY cold stream. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon.

2009-04-04T15:21:00.001-07:00

Here is my sweet little one being a huge HAM! She jumped up on the rock and told Ms Kissie that she needed her picture taken on the rock. She then proceed to pose. The world just better watch out....

2009-04-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

This past Friday I tagged along with some friends for a walk through the woods. The location was Karl's Gorge and it is said to be one of the prettiest walks in the area. I agree. Spring really hasn't hit the trees yet but I bet in about three weeks the new greens of spring will be present.

2009-04-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

I guess it is time for a Major update huh??? Goodness I have missed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Valentines Day; and I am in major jeopardy of missing Easter as well.... I am so sorry everyone. Since Eric has gotten back my life has hit overdrive. Trying to keep up with schooling, field trips, Girl Scouts, Irish Dance , Football (fall) and now Baseball as well as AWANAs and puppy training things been a challenge to say the least. The kids are doing great. Growing like weeds and trying to break mom and dads clothing fund. Hannah and Leisha have come a long way in Irish Dancing. They are hoping to place out of a couple of dances in their next competition in May. If they can get that done, then I think their teacher will move them up to the intermediates. Although this is a major goal for the girls, I don't think they understand that their feet could very well fall off. Abbi is still searching for her "something" to do. She just hasn't found what makes her happy yet. Noah is having fun with his sports. He tried football for the first time last fall and he wasn't impressed. They only have flag football for his age level so I think that takes some of the fun out of the game. He is now playing baseball and is enjoying it much more. Noelle is just a princess and still loves to just cuddle with you if you let her. EJ is waiting impatiently to get to DO something. EJ and Noelle were taking swim lessons up until about three weeks ago when our beloved instructor got very sick. Noelle is pretty good although she gets cold very quickly... imagine that... EJ sinks like a rock while moving his arms. It is kinda funny to watch. Lilly is just busy. She loves to swim and does VERY well. She has no fear and spends more time under the water then anything else. She also loves Irish dancing and will probably be in the beginner class before the year is out.

2009-03-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

Well since I am so far behind in updating.... I will try and add at least one or two new blogs a day..... then I will be caught up right??

We added our newest Newfie, Typhoon and the kids are in total love with him. He is so different than Tsunami, while 'Swami is loud and wild, 'Phoons is laid back and quiet. He is going to be much bigger than 'Swami so it is probaby a good thing he is a quiet gentle giant.

Mine Tour

2008-10-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know a friend of mine and myself somehow got nominated to set up field trips for our humble homeschool group here in Germany. During the summer we had set up things for me and others with deployed spouses the stay busy and it really just ended up carrying over. So far we have had only minor glitches... all and all not to bad..
On this day we went to a mine close to us in Idar Oberstien. This area is known world wide for their gem cutting...

Lilly trying to make the hard hat work for her

in the background you can see the ferns that
naturally are growing the cave...very cool

three jokers.....

Hannah with a great background

Daddy is Home

2008-10-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

I wish I could post a picture of when daddy finally got home but by the time he actually got off the plane we didn't have the camera ready. He was late and then we got soaked with rain as we waited for him... Bless his heart he got frozen pizza for his coming home dinner.... We were supposed to have Chili's but of course it was packed and I didn't have a back up plan ready... OH WELL at least he got home and was fed right??!!

Tsunami

2008-10-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well the puppy has defiantly added some spice to out lives.... He fits right in with the mess and relishes making messes of his own...

Thankfully he doesn't mind the the baths that go
making the mess

Back Again.....

2008-10-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Well everyone... life seemed to just take off and hasn't slowed down much. Since Tsunami has gotten here we have had a very full schedule and that was even before Eric got back.

2008-07-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Well all....Tsunami has landed. The kids and I picked up the new puppy July 11 and we are having a ball. Tsunami is such a good puppy as of right now I should say. I think he is still trying figure everything all out. The housebreaking is going much better then I thought it was going to be. He isn't eating as much as I thought he would be I am VERY sure we will get there very quickly. He is living up to his heritage and LOVES water. If there is water he will find it. He drinks with at least one paw in the dish or he will do what I call a drive by dunking. He will walk over and put both feet in the dish, take a quick sip of water and walk off.... with a nice trail of water behind. Makes a much better puddle to lay in if you do this several times LOL.
He is already in puppy training and we are working on all the basics a little everyday. It will be so much fun to watch him grow...

Hannah's Irish pics

2008-07-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late but I wanted to show a few pictures of Hannah in her Irish costume. She had just finished her big dance recital. Her group danced to the Lord of the Dance and they represented the color green. I guess all the dance groups at both Ramstein and Vogleweh picked colors to be. There were some very cute costumes... the only ones that could pull off dancing to "Green Acres" in little farmer dance costumes were the six and under crowd.. they were too cute. Hannah did great... plus she had a lot of fun which is all I ask.

Busy Busy Week

2008-07-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well this week has been a nightmare of schedule juggling. I didn't know I was so very flexible and the kids actually managed to keep up for the most part. Hannah and Leisha had their Irish Dance camp and are doing very well. Leisha got moved up to Hannah's group on Tuesday which was the first change to the schedule. Actually it worked out better for me cause it cut down on my driving time.
I got a call from Noelle's doctor on Wednesday and due to some test results she now has to see a urologist and have an ultrasound done on her bladder. (for those who don't know she has never really been fully potty trained.. or I should say she has always had accidents) So on Thursday Noelle will see a urologist and on Monday she will have a ultrasound done. From there I am not sure what is in store other than a blood test I think and then an appt with her doctor. We are praying that it is nothing major.

Friday will be a very busy day. Hannah and Leisha have camp, Noelle and EJ have swim lessons and then we are picking up our new puppy at the airport. The kids are very exicted for Tsunami to be here. He is a black Newfoundland with white patches... they are called Irish Spotted. I will post pics as soon as we catch our breath.

Barefoot Park

2008-07-02T11:05:00.001-07:00

My children were in a form of heaven today... they got to play with no shoes on. They LOVE not wearing shoes. Here in Germany they have parks or paths that you can go walking around with no shoes on. We walked through mud and creeks; Over mulch, rocks and other man made bridges and balance stuff. Unfortunately it was wicked hot and in some areas not much shade to walk, but all in all we had a blast. EJ was a bit hesitate in some areas.. and he didn't like to play Indiana Jones while walking over a long rope bridge. Lilly was in her element and got down and dirty. She even took her shirt off cause brother did when they were playing in the water. The rest of the crew had just as much fun. They stayed a bit ahead of us so there isn't wasn't a lot of photo ops with them...

We can hardly wait to take Daddy with us next time.. the kids have such big plans to spring surprises on him while we walk around. The funny thing is that I am sure that Eric is going to be well prepared for whatever they can dish out....

ej and lilly looking for treasure in the water

river crossing... it actually was kinda slippery

Off we Go....

2008-06-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Well this is my first entry of our new blog.... I thought I would try and see if I can keep it up. I don't usually have a lot of time to sit and try and keep my thoughts going in one direction... but I thought I would give it a shot.

Hannah is off to her first Feis and I am sad that I am not there. I just didn't think the rest of the kids would do good just sitting all day listening to the same song over and over. I am hoping to be able to take her and Leisha to one or two next year.
EJ and Noelle had their first swim lesson today it was a mixed bag.... Noelle did great, EJ was obedient but cried most of the time. It was kinda pitiful watching him blow bubbles in the water while crying. I pray he does much better next time. Lilly is the one that should be in the swim class. I have to watch her like a hawk... she keeps putting her face in the water and trying to kick her legs. Leisha and Abbi and Noah finished their week of day camps and while it was a fun filled week the kids are pooped and need a week to recover. Leisha and Abbi did all kinds of cool things like horseback riding, rock wall climbing, go carts, amusement parks and swimming. Noah did just fun crazy stuff (what ever that is ).