A Little of This & A Little of That...

Last night I came home from an Otterberg Girls Night well after midnight. I can barely manage to keep my eyes open. So I jammed out to a 90's high school mix complete with the Goo Goo Dolls, The Atari's, Staind, & Incubus. Nothing like a little trip down memory lane to keep you awake. I stumble through the front door, arms loaded with stuff, and set the leftover cake down in the kitchen. I didn't quite make it back through the door without jamming my shoulder in the frame... yay for absentee depth perception. After the rest of my crap stuff falls to the living room floor, my eyes focus on the strange piece of furniture that now adorns our living room. Clearly this is what happens when I'm out of the house for the evening. My husband likes to perform magic tricks and overnight things happen and appear as if from nowhere. I am bewildered and intrigued. Where did this handy shelf/drawers set come from? What is it's intended purpose exactly? My next immediate thought "Can I use it to store D's massive shoe collection? Would they all even fit?" At this point I realized I was almost drooling due to fatigue and too many problem solving thoughts this late at night. Probably a good time for me to go to bed. As I snuggled next to my husband, I murmured a contented thank you for my free surprise furniture. While I still don't know the origin of this alien structure, looks like I have a new project! Thanks D! I love you!

The Sugar Queen's latest creation: Lavender Vanilla Bean cupcakes!!! I'd been craving these for a while now. The lavender came from a dear friend of mine in Cedar Rapids, Miss Erin Thomas. Thank you SO much!!!! This cake is a permanent addition to my company and was created in honor of you, Erin! I took them to Otterberg and Lily & Sam both ate their VERY OWN cake! Seriously one of the hilarious highlights of my week. Lily ate hers so daintily with one hand, icing first, then cake. Sam went to town with fist fulls of icing. Both children were licking the table when told they could not have any more. I'd call that success friends. They were a pretty big hit with the adults too!

Jess is leaving for the states for SIX WEEKS tomorrow. So Jen and I helped her out yesterday by watching the girls and making dinner so she could pack, stress free. One of those small but important luxuries when you're a mom of two. Jen also had to finish up a photo shoot with her, so I had the opportunity to play hair & makeup. Definitely taught myself how to french fishtail braid yesterday!!!! I was so pleased at the way it turned out! I even got to use fun shadows! I won't give away the theme, but we had a fantastic time! Girls night wouldn't be complete without a drink, and we indulged in a particular beer brought over by a friend! YUM!

Then of course we were witness to a fantastic sunset in Otterberg. Makes me with our windows face due west.... Because moments like this in life are rare!

It was a combined team effort for dinner that night. Home-made chicken pot pie with an appetizer of watermelon and feta cheese (who knew how amazing THAT is. With full bellies we put the girls to bed and resumed adult time downstairs. We indulged in nail painting, jen's music, and you tube videos. And best of all, Jess got to relax and not worry about the packing! Mission accomplished! Thanks ladies!

So last week for date night D & I went to this charming place in landstuhl called Gabriella's. It was warm enough out side (crazy... this is the end of July people!) so we were able to eat on the patio. I have to give this restaurant two thumbs WAY up. The food is fantastic, the service is very friendly, and they give you a free apple shot on the way out the door. Our only qualms was the number of Americans at the restaurant. I think it was due to us going at prime time, on a beautiful night... but we have become so used to not being able to hear other people's conversations, it was a hard adjustment to not be nnoyed at the sheer volume of the english speaking tables. The prices are awesome though. D & I ate with full bellies for only 29 euro, with dessert! Dinner was on "dot" last week as I had saved enough in my coin purse to take us out. Kind of like emptying the piggy bank. Definitely a great night!

In Other News...

Tomorrow I have plans to make pillow covers with Paula and Thursday we're having Crystal over for dinner! I cannot tell you how amazing it is to be surrounded by such fantastic people! I'd be lost without you all!

We received dates this week on when we're going to be invaded by the Wollschlager/Ndjerareou clan!!! I am SO excited!!! Mama & Papa W, Sarah, Nate & Sophia will all be staying with us for THREE WEEKS starting from October 17 through November 5th. Oh the possibilities!!! It will be wonderful to have a house full of family, not to mention a small child running around... although every time I see her she's not so small! So a huge shoutout to my W family for taking the time and resources to come and visit us here in our small town in Germany. We can hardly wait!!!!!!

That's all for today faithful readers! There are some fun projects ahead and I'm excited to share them once they're complete! Love you guys!