Gedenkt Macht Frei

Loosely translated: Remembering frees.

As the prisoners entered the Dachau contraction camp, they were greeted with the words ARBEIT MACHT FREI in wrought-iron letters. The door slammed behind them and they entered a world of forced labor, starvation, medical mistreatment, and intentional mass murder. When the SS told the Holocaust victims that "labor frees" it was a disgusting and horrible mockery of an idea otherwise valid and venerated in society.

What does make those tortured souls free -- what will make us all free -- is remembering. Taking serious note of what happened, sharing with others the truth of the past, and vowing to rise above, appreciate our differences, and find a better way.

Somehow we have managed to reach our picture limit for Google's Blogspot (unless we want to start paying... no thank you). From here on out, we will post thoughts and reflections on here and then provide you with a link to any pictures related to the topic. Videos will still be linked directly on this site.

Please check out Our new picture venue! to see some of the photos from Dachau. Seeing these photographs comes nowhere near providing you with the direct experience every human needs to have at a camp memorial, but it gets you started.

Willkommen in München!

No clue who these fun Deutschers are.
Two things I do know:
1.  Their outfits are not a joke
2. They didn't try to charge for this picture. I think they grabbed Grammy
and threw her in the sleigh with them.

The capital of Bavaria is easily one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities in the world.  I have been to Munich three times now, with a trip already on the books to go back there next weekend. When Zeke and I knew Grammy and Pappy were coming to visit, we knew we had to fit Munich in on our family vacation.

Here is a glimpse of Bavaria's capital -- enjoy the tour!

MEXICAN FOOD IN MUNICH!

GERMAN BEER IN A MEXICAN RESTAURANT!

This is what happens when countries don't believe in air-conditioning

Schloss Nymphenburg

So there is this nice little humble home in Munich. Based on its name, you're possibly thinking this place was a glorified brothel. (Completely possible, being that it has been the residence of Bavarian royalty during its existence.)  However, we like to think its name gains more meaning from one of the more peculiar rooms in the palace. There is a large study whose walls are graced with bust portraits of 32 random women considered "beauties" -- their societal roles ranged from seamstresses to noblewomen.

Nymphenburg is the birthplace of King Ludwig II, arguably Bavaria's most famous and intriguing leader. You'll learn more about him from me in upcoming posts.

View of the castle (this picture captures maybe 1/3 of the entire set of buildings)

Swans were everywhere -- paying homage to Ludwig II,
who was given the nickname "Swan King" during his life

The ceiling in the Great Hall.  Very simple decor, right?

Shot of the gardens

And they say men can't multitask

Liam is LOVING him some Grammy!

Karlstor Tor, one of the four city gates marking the bounds of old Munich

Someone finally discovered a better use of those silly size-clasps found on the tops of hangers

The infamous Munich Rathaus-Glockenspiel (dates back to 908 -- more than 1000 years old!)

The Hofbräuhaus has been around since 1589.
Can you imagine just how cool you'd have to be to qualify for your own
padlock-protected drinking mug at their establishment? 

Duck!... Duck!... GOOSE!

Picture nominated for Best Parents Of The Year 2012

The National Theatre Munich

Easily Liam's most favorite piece of art in the world: The Walking Man

"Daddy. DADDY. DAD! LOOK! The Walking Man won't stop staring at us!!"

Falling in step with a long-standing Munich tradition:
you make a wish while rubbing each of the three lion faces 

Beautiful city, beautiful faces to share it with, and beautiful memories to cherish.

Memory Lane Series: Grammy & Pappy in Bamberg!

Circa, yeesh... April? My preliminary New Year's resolutions are already set:  I vow to do two big, fabulous, outstanding things before 01 JAN 2013:

1.  Finish the INSANITY program (Day 17 of 60 and counting!). With a successful conclusion. Despite the fact that (1) I am hosting a kickass Thanksgiving potluck and (2) my dear friend Tiffany and I will be stalking every single Bavarian Christmas market within her 4-Runner's reach. Oh yes. It is ON.

2.  Get this blog back up to date... which means reminiscing about visits from grandparents, a bittersweet deployment update, pictures and videos of Sir Cuteness, and photographic glimpses of some of the most amazing views in Europe.  Oh, and rundowns of almost every single one of the 25+ Christmas markets throughout Bavaria. It is ON.

So in true Grammy & Pappy fashion, Steve and Maralyn made it out here as soon as we got comfortable in our Euro ways and Zeke had the ability to take some time from work.  We raced them down the Autobahn at 100 MPH in our Ford Fiesta (I still remember how white Steve's knuckles looked as he "rested" his hands on his knees in the passenger seat). 

And also in true Grammy & Pappy fashion, they settled in here at our home and fit right in, making coffee, helping with dishes and meals, and bringing more joy and laughter into our days.

Showing Grammy how good he is at eating noodles while playing cars

Grammy was my saving grace, wanting to take this picture...
because she knows I jump at the chance to smother this guy
in hugs and cuddles

On the shoulders of the very best giant

Grammy wanted Stateside folks to see the prices on these accessories.
Remember it's in Euros, so 216 earrings? Yeah, around $300 a pair. OUCH.

I'm allowed to brag because he's deployed: we are so beautiful together.

Grammy and Pappy thought this was both hilarious and odd:
This cigarette machine is permanently fixed on the siding of a private residential home.
The profits go to the State.
Welcome to Socialism, America.

Perfect depiction of The Grandparents' Bill of Rights:
(giving a grandchild candy he'd never be allowed to have before dinner 
while letting him play on toys too expensive for any toddler to appreciate)

Operation TJBIZSM: Was I NMC?

For those of you not obsessed with military acronyms, NMC means Not Mission Capable.

I did not win the finals. I believe I did well with the moment that was given to me, and for a very good and important reason, God has me remaining here -- being Zeke's Sugar Mama in the intangible ways that only a good wife and mother can do.

My first thought? I felt a strange relief afterwards when I realized I wouldn't have to deal with the stress of leaving our home, coordinating care for Liam while competing in the Army-wide finals, arranging for someone to replace me here with my church group, etc...

Funny enough, my second thought was this:

Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.

There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.

...

The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.

Ernest Lawrence Thayer (1888)

Operation TJBIZSM: The Saga Continues!

Bottom line:  *this little lady right here* is in the Bamberg finals. Our post will have its final round at our Oktoberfest celebration in 2 weeks, and I plan on tearing the roof off that place with my fabulousness... which shouldn't be too difficult, being that our venue will be outdoors.

For this most recent round, I ended up drawing #6 from the hat -- the final performer. I followed on the heels of 4 traditional ballads and a slow Alicia Keys number. And how did I follow? With my interpretation of an Alanis Morissette piece. Booyah, my friends. Booyah.

It's not my best performance by any stretch of the imagination, and I can blame only so much on the "German Funk" that is inhabiting my sinuses and throat this week, but still. I had fun, I noticed people grinning and singing along in the audience, and that's what it all comes down to. Well, that and that whole bottom line part -- I'm going to the finals.  And for my next 5 minutes of fame, I'll be giving the judges the ballad they've been wanting out of me.

Oh, and listen closely to the chatter at the beginning... shortly after I get the guitar plugged in, you can hear Liam say, "Mommy's going to sing 'Ironic.'" Such a cool kid. (I believe he also said, "I gotta go potty" shortly after he said, "All done" and folks stopped clapping. What a guy.)

Operation TJBIZSM

For an expansion of the aforementioned acronym, please see the previous post. I was trained as a lawyer and Zeke has given me the Army life on a silver platter, so there is no escaping acronyms in our existence... no matter how absurd they may be at times.

Long story short:  Round 3, here I come! Made it through the last round and had a blast. My dear friend Aimee flew in from Wales for the weekend and was able to be in the audience, playing with Liam and cheering me on. I told her she's going to have to return for the next round because she was definitely a good luck charm!

For this round, the audience was able to participate in voting and our faithful spectators put in more than 360 votes. Everyone seemed to have a really good time -- and I can't wait to raise the bar for myself even higher next week.

We were required to have accompaniment for this round (and all to follow), and I opted to play guitar instead of sing along to a pre-recorded track. I performed "Hallelujah," written and performed originally by Leonard Cohen but made more famous by the likes of Jeff Buckley... and the movie Shrek.

I think I got a nice boost in votes for doing a song from Shrek. Food for thought.

For a video of my performance (and the fun, constructive comments from the judges), here you go. Enjoy!

Operation Rising Star...

aka Operation Turn Jess Back Into Zeke's Sugar Mama

I made it through the first round, with three to go (in Bamberg, that is). We're looking at competitions every two weeks, and for the remaining rounds, I will be able to play the guitar for backup. SUPER EXCITED about this opportunity -- Operation Rising Star is the only practical way someone in our lifestyle can have access to such a venture. I feel good after last night, but it's a long road ahead and I'm going to bust my patootie and see where this experience takes us.

Here's a video of my performance. Feel free to tell me your thoughts, both positive and critical -- the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement and goodness knows I am sitting my butt on a stool smack-dab in the middle of that room right now.

I already have some recommendations for myself to start off the list:

1.  Push past the weird plexiglass throat-crushing device that tends to grab at me when I start singing in such circumstances. It's not real. So just get over it.

2.  Make sure I take time to let the phrases settle on everyone's ears. I don't know where the fire was last night, but I seemed to be running from it vocally. I don't want to turn it into a funeral dirge, but I shouldn't take for granted the time needed for the audience to care.

Now it's your turn. Be my Simon Cowells.  And Simon, if you happen upon my blog, be my Simon. Give me your worst. 

(Sidebar:  Who here thinks Simon Cowell might Google his name?  Don't we all?  And if, in fact, he does, what are the chances his Googling quest will lead him here? If all those fabulous little events transpire, how excellent would that be? A productive and inspiring insult critique from him would be like manna for this songbird's soul.)

Lots o' Liam

Because I owe you guys. Big time.

So I'm not making any excuses, but (prepare for list of excuses right about...now) Liam and I are so busy these days, doing what we do, that I often forget to take snapshots or videos, let alone post to the blog. But I have been beyond remiss lately. Call it my summer vacation.

Liam is doing so well.  He speaks in detailed, complex sentences; he remembers way more than I'd like him to; he has a knack for problem-solving, especially if he talks it out to himself or me (cutest thing ever to see a little 2-year-old putter around the house mumbling to himself like a geriatric) and he is just a wonderful young man. He potty-trained pretty much without incident back in May, and even since Zeke has been deployed, Liam hasn't regressed a bit. He handles it like a pro. Same with sleeping (still a serious napper, which makes me a happy mama) and eating (he scarfed down a wrap I made with TAHINI in it today. Weirdo).

Now for the fun -- I'll let the videos and pictures speak for themselves... unless I can't help myself and have to tag them with some witty little ditty. Videos are at the end -- and totally worth the wait.

When I work out in the morning, he climbs into
Daddy and Mommy's bed and nestles under the covers with a good book.

(Don't worry, it's not loaded. And the event was supervised.)

Just like Daddy's rifle

Clearing his weapon. I'm sure Daddy is proud
(though not proud about the fact that Liam is pointing the gun directly at Mali while clearing)

"Tough Like Daddy" says it all. *snicker*

Popcorn With Liam: Sundays at 9pm on A&E

Our Little Tailor

So I guess we can see where Liam gets the tongue-sticking-out thing from

Riding his first Hog

Anyone who has ever had a few beers with Zeke knows just how perfect this picture is.

This is my house.

I'm so mean to post this, but come on! How funny is this?!?!
Caption could read:  If this is how the day is starting, I might as well go right back to bed.

Liam loves sticks. Our checking account loves that Liam loves sticks.

Mali is cheering for Liam because he had just finished peeing on the sidewalk.
Right. Next. To. Her. Foot. True friends right there.

Liam's most recent heartbreak: losing one of his girlfriends, Kailey, to the Army --
they made her family move away (and I lost a dear gal pal -- miss you Christi!!)

If Doogie Howser had been into dude things, more attractive, smarter, and funnier...
He would be Liam.

Liam and his crew taking a much-needed nap

Just like Mommy: cleaning the kitchen with the phone at the ready in case
Daddy calls!

He annihilated this meal: peas, grilled tilapia, and "purple potatoes"
(mashed potatoes combined with oat bran & boiled purple cabbage and topped with parm cheese -- delish!) 

Don't tell me this kid doesn't look like his Daddy. When he wants to, he whips out the various Zeke looks
and breaks my heart

He also breaks my heart when he shares his juice with his Velociraptor

I helped him build a dog... and he turned it into this!

... and then he fell asleep at dinner an hour later

"Angry face, with the ears, just like Daddy!"
He does this look, prefacing it with that statement, just about every day.
I KNOW.

And finally, some videos of our precious little guy:

"Bumble Bee" by Liam and Mommy

Liam's First Solo Somersault

The Nose Horn

OUR BABY CAN READ, YO!!