How about a root beer float?

Schmidt - they are everywhere!

Made in America

It's hard to believe that we have almost hit the 9 month mark living in Germany.  I thought I would take this opportunity to summarize the experience. I could have entitled it 'what to expect when you don't have a clue what to expect',but I think I've read something similar before and decided to call this entry root beer float.  It's funny how before you arrive you get a list from the well-informed and well-experienced expats just what to bring with you.  For me that included a huge run to Costco before the sea crate left the U.S.  You don't realize how much you really loved good old maple syrup.....or how often you use vanilla when baking.  As I navigate through the local markets I find an International section, and there you can find some American goodies....such as Heinz ketchup and barbeque sauce....and most recently I came across A & W root beer.  Now growing up in the Wisconsin.....I can remember the days of pulling up for curbside service and having a good old root beer float in a frosty mug!  So....while on my adventure I have come across cans of Root Beer...now you pay 1.89 euro per can.....but it doesn't even matter.......we can't serve it in the big old frosty mugs...those wouldn't fit in German freezers....but it's still a great taste of home. 

Still trying to find canned cranberries for Thanksgiving

There certainly are things I miss from home and I have to admit since I've completed my first journey back to the states during the summer.....I miss some things even more.  
Now living here 9 months I know the ropes and can find most things. ( it's a tight rope pretty high off the ground and it's like looking thru foggy glasses) But I manage.  One thing we truly miss.....  Hamburgers! Noah loves a good burger and there aren't any Five Guys  restaurants in Germany......we have a great relationship with a local restaurant and if we call Bernard two days before we come...sometimes he can get all the fixins for a burger......although it just isn't the same.  The funniest is as we ordered a steak at a restaurant right here in town that we walk to...and it's the best place around for a steak.  As the waiter brought the selections of meat around to show us....he said, 'this is the best beef around, from Omaha'.  Our good friends in Omaha will get a kick out of that one....good old Omaha steaks.  
Sports - well we lived through the World Cup....and little by little we are getting introduced to the game.....complete with a goal set up in the back yard. (and a basketball hoop - but that's for another time)  Along with all Noah's football jerseys....he now has 'fussball' jerseys....Both boys are playing soccer this fall....and it's a hoot.  I think those Europeans have an advantage as they start playing soccer when we Americans start our kids on rice cereal....seriously.  Nonetheless it's fun for them to learn and they are enjoying it.  There is no shortage of horses in Germany...so Hannah is loving it..and enjoying running through the beautiful German forests on cross country.
It's funny as I look back at the last 9 months.  I have my 'Deutch' days...where just nothing seems to go right.  I have those days where I just can't seem to get anything done......but when I think about it I had those days at home, too.  What do I miss the most?  Nothing material comes to mind...there is the occasional...oh, I wish that wasn't in storage and why didn't I bring that,....but what I miss the most is hearing my very own language.  Just hearing English is such a beautiful thing.....they say that you can re-invent yourself as an ex-pat and I now have reinvented myself with radar. Radar that can hear English....and not British English....but American English even if it's a mile or kilometer away.  I find myself stopping and chatting with them....just to speak the language and actually have a conversation with someone without stumbling over my words - it's easy, and sometimes easy is really, really nice....I'm using my German when I need to...but still have a long ways to go!  I loved standing in the checkout line at the grocery store in the U.S. and actually having a smile and nod from someone in the line......I have to chuckle to myself on days here in Germany when I see grocery carts overflowing......that's got to be an American, and boy is she wishing she was at Costco right now.....
I have met some incredible people on this journey.  I find the people to be open and willing to help (the ex-pats that is) - they've been there, done that...and now that I've been here awhile and not such a rookie...I feel I can share a bit of knowledge as well.  Making friendships is never an easy thing....you walk into a room and feel like there's a sign around your neck stating....talk to me....I AM NEW!  It's like that first PTA meeting you walk into and everyone seems to have already found a friend.  But since this environment is so transient....you're only the 'new one' for a short time.  The women I've met are incredible....they are intelligent, independent -thinking women...and I find that most are cut out of the same mold.  They look at this experience as an adventure and make the most of it.  I tend to steer clear of those that don't look at the glass half - full...but quite honestly I haven't found too many.  The people I've met have taught me many things over the last 9 months...and I look forward to all the new memories that are to come.  I do miss my family and friends.  Sometimes you have those days when you wish you could just click your heels and be sitting on the couch at your friends house and eating pizza and sipping wine like you did every Friday, or at Starbucks talking about the latest and greatest.  I am blessed to have friends from all over.....I do rely on them whether it is an International phone call,(they love me for those expensive phone bills they now have) a skpe chat or even if I'm lucky a visit.  My friends and family are here for me when I need them.....and they won't be talking German!
When you think of moving abroad to a culture and language that is so different - you worry about the kids.  Having a full brood of those...I have to say the transition has gone better than expected.  Kids are resilient and accepting and much like I said earlier with the adults...you're not the 'new kid' for long.  The hardest part is seeing your friends leave.....we all know we're here for a short time...and part of this adventure is seeing friends move on....that is never easy wherever you may be!  I attended a luncheon at the end of the year for those women who were moving on.  Some had been here years....some just months....I know it's part of this life journey, and it too will be my time to leave Germany someday....but it's never easy. 

We've had the opportunity to travel so much in the short time we've been here.  Lots of road trips! Ain't no suburban - but nice and cozy.  We just refer to it as family bonding time! (yea, right)

That's the car in front of us.......road trip Euro-style!

 We continually remind the kids that we are very lucky.....and being the 'writer' mom that I am, my kids are creating some great journals and keepsakes.....We've traveled to 7 countries already.....pretty unbelievable..and look forward to what's ahead.  Although now that we're settling in a bit..I think the long weekends will turn most into weekends at home.  Even though we are living as 'expats', I still have all the normal 'mom' things to get done.....the carpools to drive....the meals to cook - so I look forward to all the traveling ahead...but as someone once said, 'you'll run out of money before you run out of places to go'.   There are times you get the feeling that you're part of the 'Great European Race' or some days ' Survivor'......but we'll see what we can see on this journey.....and check them off the old bucket list.

Caleb informed his teacher he's now drinking beer.....and he likes it (we're in trouble)

The canals in Brugge, Belgium

One of the many lovely lakes of Switzerland

Swiss Alps as we drove over the top - magnificent

No, that's not a growth on Tim's head...just the Eiffel Tower

So as I sign off today at my 9 month mark....I feel proud to be an American...and that's no joke...when I hear the national anthem being played at a sporting event on t v....or hear something about the U.S. on CNN World...I am proud: there's no place like home.