December 10

The Deutschkurs. My school. It's in down town Kaiserslautern, about 15 minutes from or house. It has been very interesting meeting people from all over the world. In this picture we have 13 Countrys represented. Over the weeks we have had several Potlucks which have been fun. Most poeple bring a dish from there home and we eat and talk. We have a few people missing from the picture, but it's always hard to get everyone in.... There are six modules and we are finishing with the third next week. Almost half way there! Iam so thankful to be in Germany and have this oppertunity!

December 9

Isn't it beautiful beyond words? The kids love to play in it. It's heavy and makes great snow men. Last year I bought two great pair of Snow Boots and my feet are soooo toasty. And I can't remember the last time we had a White Christmas. Not that it will stay that much longer, but who knows!

December 8

December 7

Before the forth Sunday before Christmas you can find Advent candle holders all over. There are the traditional round ones, and long ones with four candled. You can also buy a large plate with candles. We opted for the rectangle one. It came pre-decorated. On each Sunday a candle is lit, and each one represents something. Naomi had the honor of lighting the second canlde.

December 6

5:00 PM

You'd never guess who came walking up our driveway tonight. It was none other than Nikalous. He came with a big burlap sack packed full of gifts. He had his golden book in one hand and his bundle of sticks in the other. In the book are all of the names of boys and girls, and if they have been good or bad. The bundle of sticks is if anyone was naughty. Thankfully he didn't have to use that. He sat in a chair and asked for each child. When they had answered he said something good that they have been doing and then something that they have to work on. After all of the kids had a turn (There are 10 kids in our little circle) he passed out a small gift. We ended our time with a song "Nikalous ist eine gute Mann". It's really fun taking part in new traditions, I think this is one we will keep.

*In Germany Nikalous is the equivelant to Santa, except he comes on the 6th of December. On the 5th you put your clean boots outside and in the morning your boots are filled with nuts, fruit and a small gift. And that's the end of it. He makes guest apperianced throughout the day if you are lucky, but then he's gone. You don't hear about him after this day and on Christmas all of the gifts are from family.

December 5

This afternoon we took a little walk in the woods. The sleds glide nicely over the snow. It's a little windy, so we don't stay out too long. Long enough to not have Cabin Fever when we get home. And long enough for the Chili to be nice and warm when we walk in the door.

December 4

I totally don't get the whole boy wresteling thing. It can be pretty entertaining, that is until someone gets hurt. The boys don't wrestle all the time, but when they do it's not just wresteling. Screaming. Throwing. Tripping. Pinning. Running. Hiding. And did I mention screaming? Is it a scare taktic? I don't know. But, there they are. Play by play. If only you could hear the roar they make.