Gather & Gratitude

I've been trying to schedule and plan and gather while we still have time with the people we love here. Walli headed out on her big annual trip to the U.S. and we got to have her over for dinner before she left. 

She was my first friend in Berlin. Her's was the first home we visited when we arrived. And over the last three years, she has been the one to consistently check in and stay in touch. She also lives the closest to us out of our ward family! Thank goodness for the M10. 

I admire many things about Walli and I'm so thankful for the memories we share - many of which are documented here. <3

But dinner wasn't really goodbye, because I had a lunch the next day with these ladies! Some more best, best friends. I'm so thankful for Alex & Timna too. Full of selflessness, faith, optimism, and joy. 

Dinner then game night with our Aversas. <3

I love them! & I love how games always bring out the competitiveness in everyone. Ha! Lots of laughing with Bank.

& one more trip out to see Norman, Birgit, Anneliese and their family. I feel so confident & at peace going to Justin's games alone with the kids because I know they will be there to help me & Logan loves them so much. 

So, so grateful for all of these relationships that have developed.

Ezra Taft Benson said, "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can."

I know that these people and relationships didn't just come out of nowhere. I've been seeking & praying for friendship and family ever since we came to Berlin. These people are just a few of the answered prayers I've received. <3

Motherhood Lately

I only have 29 more mornings of playing with Logan and Emery in our little Berlin apartment. I just wanted to remember today. Window cracked to clear the "diaper air", music playing on Alexa, Logan's little voice announcing each color as he rolled his dice. 

A pan of thankfully not spilled brownies hanging off the counter that include a missing corner from Logan's fingers.

A small tantrum over a Luigi car.  & then a hug and saying "it's all better". 

Asking me to say the lunch prayer, then interrupting my prayer because "Heavenly Father wants to hear from Logan". 

Dipping chicken nuggets in applesauce for lunch. 

Watching only the beginning of The Lion King before his nap because once Simba is old, the movie is boring. 

Singing, I Love to See the Temple after tucking him in with Ooh Ooh Ah Ah, Horsey, and his brown blanket.

All the while, Emery is her smiley, patient self who can't get enough of her big brother. She loves Logan and when she's sitting up, her eyes are constantly on him and what he's doing. 

I love being their mom! I can't believe they're mine. I love that Logan wears his jersey every day and points out Alba Berlin, the basketball, number 3, and number 4. 

I love that he loves his sunglasses, croissants from Rewe, and knows that this is his home.

Justin was out of town and we really needed groceries. Our elevator was broken so no stroller for that trip! Emery went in the carrier and I had our backpack full of groceries after walking to the store together. It was a fun, happy morning.

Another fun outing to get family picture outfits. 

Logan: Look, sunglasses like Logan! Cheese!

Logan: Ran around the store, falling to the ground acting like he was fouled until we helped him up.

<3 This was the first Sunday in two months we were able to go to church as a family. Grateful Justin could snap this picture. I looooove going to church with Justin. 

I love that Logan loves music. Any time I finish playing the piano, he slips onto the chair and begins playing the singing his favorite church songs.

I love that Emery is so sweet, smiley, and our daughter. I love her!!!

I love that this morning, Logan joined me on my walk and I got to talk to him about all of the delivery trucks, Lightning and Sally cars, buses, and birds while we explored a little bit of our neighborhood.

I've loved being their mom here in Berlin. Our routine includes things that will surely change as we move to a new place. This early season of motherhood has been pretty special in Germany. <3

Our Neighborhood!

Chat GPT told me that one of the best ways to help my postpartum body continue to heal is to walk daily! I've taken different roads and routes over the last few weeks. These walks have helped me to remember how much I love my neighborhood. 

I can't believe I've called these streets home. I love them! 

My favorite view of all. <3 Our home as truly been a sanctuary while we have lived here. I love walking from the busy street, through the courtyard to our front door. The traffic, tram, bike noise slowly fades away and it's so peaceful by the time I reach our apartment.