Reflections of Valentine's Day and winter in Wittlingen

It has been a little while since I have updated you all on life here in Wittlingen. It has been busy - lots of activity. I have continually had ups and downs - I have many projects to work on in my in between times as well - scrapbooking, writing, lots of wedding planning. I am constantly learning to balance home and here. I have had some very special times with different girls amidst the crazyness as well though. I cherish those moments when life seems to whirl around me.

These past weeks have been filled with basketball games, trips into Lorrach (for doctor's visits (for girls), ring resizing and times with the girls. We had many of our girls away for basketball games/choir trip one weekend, so we took the remaining girls to a restaurant up the hill at Alpenblich. It was a fun evening with them and having a truly German experience with schnitzel no less. :) The concentrated times with the girls make me even more thankful to be here.

Valentine's Day yesterday was a rainy affair with much activity. We had an All-Staff Resident Life Meeting yesterday that we hosted. We served scones and Rachel and I made lattes for the staff. It was a busy time but went well. That afternoon, the girls stayed through at school for a Valentine's party (a Sadie Hawkins theme with swing dancing and scottish dancing), so we as RA's didn't have to be on again for work until 7pm to pick them up. I thought of taking the afternoon to rest just at home, but as I realized how much I missed people from home on this day of Valentine's day, I knew it would be better to be with people, so I went to St. Louis, France - a little town just over the border with some other RA's. It was quite the random event - we wandered around looking for a place to have dinner - twas hard to find - it was not the most active of towns. I was in a bit of a whimsical mood however and enjoyed spinning around with my umbrella. We ended up at a little creperie where instead we had tea and sweet crepes since the dinner kind were not being served. I was glad I went, since it was good to be with people instead of being lonely. It is funny to think that it was my last Valentine's day as a single woman though! The rest of the evening was fairly quiet - the girls were exhausted from the day.

The sun came out today - after hearing of all the snow in the States it is amazing to be living without even a snow prediction as of late. I am thankful for less hazardous roads though!

Well, this has been a quite random entry - my thoughts are a bit disconnected. Pictures below are some glimpses of life as of late!

Mary, me and Rachel at Alpenblich Restaurant

What our first and only day of snow looked like so far this year.
Wittlingen Dorm Family Picture :)
Riki bought us girls flowers on Valentine's Day!