The Blochers 3

The Cake

2010-03-20T22:01:00.001+01:00

Lance was in S. Africa on his 35th birthday so Jonathon & I didn't get to honor his milestone day until he returned. To celebrate him, we went out to dinner Thursday night and yesterday we baked a cake for him. Jonathon worked really hard on making a silver star on the top to represent Lance's favorite NFL team, the Cowboys.

After we sang and they ate a piece, Jonathon walked by the kitchen counter and snagged a piece of leftover cake from a baby shower cake I was making when I told him to throw away the rest of THE cake. He walked over to his daddy's cake, picked it up and dumped it in the garbage can. I could not believe it!!! My mouth was open in complete shock. Lance was grinning and Jonathon didn't know what he had done wrong. I had told him to throw away the cake. I did. I just didn't mean his daddy's cake...

The original cake.

The scrap cake that was suppose to go into the garbage.

The cake that did go into the garbage.

One silly boy.

One happy birthday boy ~ even without his cake.

Lance & Jonathon in "Heaven"

2009-12-13T19:10:00.005+01:00

Lance & Jonathon love to play in the dirt. They got the opportunity recently to get dirty while doing some "dirt work" at our church. The grass next to our parking lot needed leveling and filling in and Lance & Jonathon were eager to volunteer!

Dirty & LOVING It!

The Boyz

Jonathon Moving Dirt

Just Beautiful

2009-12-13T19:02:00.004+01:00

My words are too inadequate to describe

what a great and talented artist God is so I'll let His work speak for itself.

My current backyard.

Pumpkin Painting

2009-10-28T10:26:00.004+01:00

'Tis the season to Paint Pumpkins!

Last Saturday we spent some time with just a few of our friends painting pumpkins and enjoying brunch together. Time goes by too fast and we never spend enough time with those we love and care about.
Pumpkins to Paint

Anieszka'a work of art. The colors were bright and beautiful.

Jonathon, Elisha & Chayenne (Mark is sitting in the background)

Food to Eat

Isn't this the most beautiful fruit bowl you have ever seen? Lance cut and arranged the fruit without any instruction from me. He always impresses me!

Jonathon's New Best Buddy

2009-09-22T12:02:00.000+02:00

Emmitt loves Jonathon & loves to be where ever Jonathon is.

Today Jonathon was doing his class work and Emmitt jumped up into Jonathon's lap and turned around to watch him write. I think we have two 6th graders in the house!

2009-09-17T19:44:00.000+02:00

Can you see Grace?

They are best buddies and never sleep alone. They bring us such joy.

Jonathon's Silent Reading Time

2009-09-17T19:40:00.000+02:00

Jonathon loves to read & now he has a reading buddy, Emmitt.

Emmitt is the cool cat - he has thumbs!!!!

Where Did the Time Go?

2009-09-02T17:25:00.007+02:00

We have been experiencing a lot of firsts in our family recently. All of them revolve around Jonathon and the fact he is now a middle school student. That means 6th grade and membership in the middle school youth group at our church. (!)

I can't believe he is almost as tall as me and he won't stop growing!

Jonathon on his way to youth Sunday school for the first time.

My young man in true Blocher fashion ~ I love him!!

I Love Davina!

2009-09-02T17:16:00.005+02:00

My friend Davina is an awesome lady who has touched my life in tremendous ways.

She was in India last week on a mission trip and now she is in America where she is moving to and starting another chapter of her life with her husband and daughters in North Dakota.

On her way back through Germany to America, Lance, Jonathon and I spent a little time with her in Frankfurt during her layover. The picture above was taken in the McDonald's in the Frankfurt train station.

I'll miss seeing Davina but take comfort in knowing she will always be my friend and sister!

A Scooting We Will Go

2009-09-02T16:59:00.005+02:00

k. Please get out a pencil and a piece of paper and work the following equation:

1 hip-36 year old mom +
1 adventurous 11 year old +
2 foot-powered scooters +
1 dare from an 11 year old to a 36 year old to race =

Did you get this answer?

Yes. That's me after a fall on the sidewalk shortly after Jonathon challenged me to a race today. I was wearing a helmet but unfortunately I wasn't wearing knee pads or a chin pad.

I don't think anything is broken but yes it does hurt when I talk, eat, wiggle my nose, walk.

My friend Judy, who is an RN, came over and evaluated me. If I can't walk tomorrow I'll go to the doctor.

For tonight I'll lay on the couch completely bored with my leg elevated and a bag of frozen brussel sprouts on my chin.

This really is depressing because tonight is the first night of the youth's Wednesday night supper ministry at the church that I am managing. Or suppose to be managing. My heros, Lance and Jonathon, are there now with my co-manager cooking up Sloppy J's for a bunch of hungry teenagers.

Lance is a great nurse-maid but he can't help but laugh a little. I plan to be on the treadmill tomorrow morning. Atleast that is my type-A goal. Sitting around just isn't my style!

Just Jonathon

2009-08-28T13:51:00.007+02:00

I love my son. He is talented, creative, artistic, and one of the loves of my life.

He brightens every day with his laughter and sense of humor.

I am honored and thankful to be his mama.

My Jonathon

Julian ~ FCK's #1 Fan!!!

2009-08-28T13:20:00.008+02:00

Our friend, Julian, LOVES the German soccer team, FCK.

FCK is a local, international team and he is a 15 year-old season ticket holder.

One of the team's goalies, Luis Robles, and his wife worship at our church. Kara was Jonathon's crew leader during VBS earlier this month. Jonathon really liked her as she is very kind and tender hearted. Jonathon asked Kara if her husband would sign a soccer ball for him and for his friend, FCK's #1 fan. Not only did her husband sign the balls, most of the team did.

Last night while our friends were at our home, Jonathon gave Julian his ball. The look on Julian's face is worth a thousand words. (Julian has a piece of grass from FCK's stadium in his back yard and is cultivating it and keeping the seeds so one day his yard ~ when he owns a home~ will be covered in FCK grass. No joke. He LOVES FCK!)

VBS Day 5

2009-08-28T12:22:00.003+02:00

VBS has been over for a couple of weeks but I wanted to share our last day with you. I had such a great, relaxed week and am thankful I was able to serve Jesus through acting like a *little* crazy character named Skeeter. I loved every minute of it!

On Friday Skeeter played a joke on her acting partner, Ginger. I pretended to have caught a bird to take care of but everyone knew that Skeeter couldn't take care of a bird, even with his eyes closed! So at the end of the skit, I raised a cooler above Ginger's head in hopes the children would think water would come out and be very surprised when feathers floated out. As you can see in the last picture, they didn't float out so I had to dump them out. Skeeter learned that although she couldn't take care of a bird, that God always takes care of us. How true that is!!

The Feathers Waiting to be Set Free

Ginger kept trying to peak in and see what I really had in the cooler (even though she knew).

Me taking my bird on a simulated roller coaster ride with my eyes closed and "accidentally" dumping them on Ginger's head.

Me having to help the feathers out of the cooler.

My hero and the church handy man, Dave Bulen. He recommended collecting the feathers in his leaf blower instead of me picking up each one by hand. He is a smart man!

I Just Don't Want to Give Blood

2009-08-11T16:51:00.005+02:00

Last week Jonathon and I had the opportunity to volunteer during a Red Cross blood drive on base. I actually decided we were going to help and when I told Jonathon he said, "Okay."

That night he told me, very seriously, he didn't want to help and I was shocked because he has a tremendous heart for service. He told me he didn't want to give blood. I reassured him that we weren't going to give blood (I've lived in Europe too long and he's too young), we were just going to help and I would ask the coordinator to put us far away from the blood. And she did.

Jonathon and I were in charge of stocking the snack table. Easy task and one Jonathon enjoyed because he got his pick of the goodies.

OUR VIEW FROM THE TABLE

It was great to see people there donating blood that would otherwise cost the military $250 a pint if they had to buy it. One pint can help 3 people! One man I talked with gave blood every 59 days and I don't think he does it for the free snacks!

And I got to see a little drama - a girl passed out. Thankfully she was still on the cot but blood was everywhere, the techs were running around. She was ok but unfortunately Jonathon, who loves drama, was out with his dad eating lunch ~ he was sad to miss the action.

Can't wait for the next drive!

Emmitt & Blaze Blocher

2009-08-11T16:47:00.002+02:00

Don't you love to get a flouride treatment?

2009-08-06T16:59:00.002+02:00

Jonathon does(n't)! Can't you feel his pain?

Jonathon's 11 and a Half Birthday

2009-08-06T16:49:00.004+02:00

On Monday Jonathon turned 11 and a half! I can't believe it.

What's even more hard to believe is he can almost look me in the eye without standing on his tiptoes!! I try not to cry but it's hard...

So he and two friends went bowling, ate some 'dogs, played some games, ate some cake and played a little WII. It was a good day.

Sandstone Caves - Largest In Europe

2009-07-27T18:18:00.005+02:00

Saturday, Lance, Jonathon & I traveled 20 minutes to the west, near the French border, to Homburg and the largest sandstone caves in Europe. http://www.homburg.de/content/pages/1275.htm

It was amazing to walk where sand was once harvested to make glass and where hundreds of people took refuge during WWII. There is still a brewery that sits at the foot of the mountain which once stored barrels of beer along a mile-long stretch of the caves, before they changed to the metal vats.

All in all there are 12 levels of caves in the mountain. We toured a part of the 10th level ~ the only one open to the public. Engineers are bracing a room on the 10th level where parties were once held.

Just unbelievable what lies beneath an unassuming mountain.

For my local friends: The tour guide spoke German, of course, but after the group of Germans went exploring, he told us the history in perfect English. Perhaps a tour in English could be arranged if you are interested in going. The tour is not stroller friendly unless you have a 4WD stroller nor is it meant for little ones who like to touch things as the walls are very soft and crumble at the slightest touch. To start the tour, we walked down the mountain via a path or you can walk up the mountain via a path. Go! Great history especially if you are a WWII history buff.

Supports installed in modern times to hold up the ceiling of soft sand.

Jonathon & Lance are standing in what was a home for some local residents during WWII. The people would carve out a whole in the wall to live in for no more than 2 weeks at a time because of the lack of fresh air.

This home was dug deep into the mountain so deep we couldn't see the end in the dim light but Lance & Jonathon weren't afraid and ventured to the end. We couldn't believe the flash of the camera reached them.

A room where they use to keep unruley husbands. Just kidding. They only bricked it in in modern times.

Jonathon looking in to a room being excavated. This is what he saw...

The different levels have shafts going to them and from them. This is going up to the 11th level.

Tunnels Under Kaiserslautern

2009-07-23T08:47:00.004+02:00

We live in the city of Kaiserslautern, quite a large city and rich with history.

Yesterday Jonathon and I took a tour with some friends of a part of the old city that lies underground. Underneath the main part of the city is ruins of the wall that once surrounded Kaiserslautern, what is left of a brewery and hundreds of graves - most have been emptied but we did see one skeleton.

Jonathon and our friend, Heather, checking out a hidden passage...

Before yesterday we did not know these treasures were below our feet and the tires of our car! After living here for more than 3 years, that is an embarrassing fact!

The tour was in German but when our friends come over in September, we are going to take a tour in English.

Lazy Summer Days

2009-07-23T08:42:00.003+02:00

Jonathon and his best friend, Tim, after a hot day of playing.
They had a great time while accidentally watering the grass.

Jonathon and Tim are inseparable. Unfortunately, Tim is moving to the States in a couple of weeks. I have prayed and trust that God will send another friend for Jonathon but I can't wait until we settle down. We have lived in 9 houses in 13 years and I have been moving for more than half of my life. It's time to settle down.

I hope.

The Flea Market

2009-07-20T17:43:00.006+02:00

On Saturday, Jonathon and I booked a table at the flea market on Base for our final attempt at selling our excess items. What's left will either be sold (hopefully) on Amazon or given to charity. Jonathon had his own table full of toys and did pretty good in sales. He is an entrepeneur with a mind for money and is developing a respect for it. I am very proud of him.

Johannesburg, South Africa

2009-07-20T16:51:00.004+02:00

Last weekend Lance went to South Africa ~ to Johannesburg.

He was there to survey a couple of sites

and this time he got to go on a safari.

Here's some of what he saw.

The First Hotel Lance Stayed In

Lions

Lance "Being Schooled" by the Principal of a School Lance Surveyed

Hippos

Zebras & a Buffalo

Lance in Ghana

2009-07-20T16:44:00.003+02:00

A couple of months ago Lance went to Ghana, Africa, with a team of other Air Force members to survey runways at different airports. Why runways? At the time it was classified so I couldn't post about his trip but now we all know that President Obama recently went to Ghana. Lance and his team are the ones who verified the runway and emergency services would support Air Force One and all of the other aircraft that needed to land there.

Unfortunately, Lance's photos were mostly of runways (one made of red clay - yes it was active and used daily). The only one I have to post is of one of Lance's co-workers being briefed by an airport official. Quite boring but wait for the next post...

Praise! Praise! Praise!

2009-07-08T17:00:00.003+02:00

I can't thank Him enough. All in His time is what I keep hearing.

Last Spring Jonathon started suffering with daily headaches. We tried Tylenol; he was mis-diagnosed with migraines; kept a 30-day journal of what happened before he got his headaches (he would wake up with them); he saw a neurologist who wanted to put him on anit-depressants when he wasn't depressed because the medication had shown to relieve headaches in children; had his brain scanned; had this; had that; but never once did a doctor examine his body or his spine.

I am homeopathic. I have seen too many people that I love swallow pills to cover a condition rather than solve it so I refused to put him on meds. I have a friend, who I can't thank enough, who is a physical therapist that had helped me with my spine alignment issues. I asked her to look at his spine and see if needed an adjustment. He really did because she found he has scoliosis of the spine. Lumbar and thoratic. His spine was an elongated "S". 15 degrees at the top and 12 at the bottom. No wonder he was having headaches (as diagnosed by his non-medical degree holding mama ;)).

The neuro doctor didn't apologize for not examining Jonathon properly but did admit that scoliosis could cause headaches and wished us luck. No comment.

His pediatrician tried many times to get Jonathon seen by an American ortho doctor at LRMC but they were only seeing active duty, quite understandably. But I persisted and his doctor persisted and he got in last Fall. The doctor listened. He told Jonathon to lay down on the exam table and the doctor showed me that Jonathon's left leg was more than an inch shorter than his right. Thus the curvature of his spine. He said no therapy, no shoe insert, no funny pillow to sit on. Let his body catch up. That's the way God designed us.

Last week he had his third, sixth month x-ray to monitor the curvature. He started out at 15 and 12 almost a year ago today -- and he is now at 3 and 7 degrees! Unbelievable! Simply God! Simply God!

We are going to have a party tonight in the Blocher house! Thanking and praising God. He is always faithful to us when we aren't always faithful to Him!

Blocher Fact

2009-07-02T15:45:00.004+02:00

Fact: Not only does one have to have a great sense of fashion,

one also has to be crazy to be a Blocher.

Proof:

Lance & President Obama

2009-06-11T09:24:00.002+02:00

Last Friday night President Obama stopped in Ramstein to go to LRMC (Landstuhl Regional Medical Center) to see some of the wounded warriors.

His plane landed on Ramstein Air Base and Lance was one of 12 Air Force members selected to be there to meet him (there were about 24 military people in total).

Please don't ask Lance for an autograph, he is shy around the paparazzi. Just kidding.

Lance's Promotion Ceremony

2009-04-30T14:08:00.005+02:00

Lance's promotion ceremony was held today and a few members of our Faith family were able to attend. Their presence there meant a lot to us as they truly feel like family.

I could write a book about how much each person standing there means to us in so many different ways. Just having them there brought tears to my eyes ~ I love them all! And not all of our friends who were there are in the picture because they had already left.

PS. According to the number of stripes Lance's sleeve he is an E-13 which isn't possible. The top is his old rank and the bottom is his new. I wonder what the pay for an E-13 would be...

From left to right: Gisela & Ralf, Davina, me, Haydee, Jonathon & Lance. Emma belongs to Davina and Carl and she is standing in front of me - looking very lovely. Back row: Dave, Mike, Melissa, Carl

Tracy's Birthday

2009-04-30T14:01:00.003+02:00

Last Saturday, I celebrated my 36th birthday and it was my best birthday yet. Lance and Jonathon were with me and since most years Lance is gone on my birthday (and Jonathon's) I think it was his physical presence that made it special. Gifts, cake & time were showered on me and I loved and appreciated it all!

Lance & Jonathon made me a cake that was DELICIOUS! I joke with Lance and tell him that when we have a bakery, he can be my handy man or delivery man. But the icing he made for my cake was better than mine so I think he'll be in charge of icing making!

THE CAKE & 1 OF THE BAKERS

2009-04-23T17:14:00.002+02:00

Abigail Wade Richburg Blocher ~ An Updated Photo ~ She now has a little hair although I can't wait for it to grow long so I can put a pink bow in it ;).

Lance's Award

2009-04-23T16:10:00.007+02:00

(Yes, I'm bragging ~ just so you know in advance)

Lance was selected as the 2008 NCO of the year for his unit and was then nominated as one of the 12 Outstanding Airman in all of Europe. Although he did not win at that level, I am very, very proud of him. Last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, all of the nominees for this award and their significant other were treated to many activities as a congratulations. The USO, USAA and AAFES paid for trips, meals, prizes, gifts, transportation, and the list goes on. All 3 days were special to us and I am thankful I was able to share in most of it with him.

Lance in the group photo

Before we took a boat cruise on Thursday, Lance and I were able to look around a small German village, St. Goar. I am standing in front of what is thought to be the world's largest free standing Coo-Koo Clock.

Pictures taken from the boat

Us at the Awards Ceremony on Friday Night ~ Aren't my men handsome?

Jonathon's Academic Awards

2009-04-23T16:04:00.003+02:00

Today Jonathon was recognized for making the A/B Honor Roll (there is a typo on his certificate) and for improving his Language grade tremendously this last nine weeks.

My Girls

2009-04-05T20:33:00.010+02:00

Today, 4 of "my" 5 girls that I get to spend time with on Sunday nights, came to my house with their moms for lunch and cupcake decorating. Yes, my world revolves around 4 things: God, Lance, Jonathon & cakes.

The Decorators ~ All Pros

Lance In Illinois

2009-04-05T20:30:00.004+02:00

Lance is in his home state of Illinois for a conference this week. He was able to go home and see his mom, his dad, sister & brothers and other Blochers. Here is a picture of Lance with his niece (for the first time), Chloe, daughter of his sister Bobbi and her husband Rex.

Jonathon @ the Pool

2009-04-05T19:19:00.004+02:00

Yesterday, Jonathon met 3 of his friends at a local (German) pool. Not only was it a reminder of how European and American cultures are a (little) different, Jonathon got a black eye. 2 teenagers "got stuck" ;) in the water slide so as Jonathon slid around them at a high rate of speed, his eye came in contact with an elbow. Jonathon thought the slide was fun and wanted to go again. Yeah, he's 11 and fearless.

Jonathon, Cameron & Robert

Jonathon ~ Pretty As A Girl with His Purple Eye Shadow (aka A Black Eye)

Easter Celebration

2009-04-02T16:39:00.009+02:00

Today, Jonathon and his school mates celebrated Jesus' resurrection.

Out of all the activities, I think the egg hunt was Jonathon's favorite.

TAKE-OFF

HE WAS MOVING TOO FAST TO GET HIS FACE IN THE PHOTO

WAIT, I SEE ONE MORE!

THE BOUNTY

My Sister

2009-04-01T17:19:00.006+02:00

This is my sister, Janet. She is a CSI in Alabama and she loves her job. I love her so I thought I'd share her with you.

My Girls

2009-03-23T05:36:00.010+01:00

On Sunday night, God allows me to be blessed/privileged/honored by spending time with 5 wonderful young women who amaze me. Last night, they got to pick a hat to wear as part of our lesson. They are so gorgeous that I just have to share them with you.

Lance's Award

2009-03-22T05:26:00.004+01:00

I am a little late in posting this but I want to share with y'all an award Lance received recently. Lance was selected as the 2008 Noncommisioned Officer of the Year for 17th Air Force. He has also been nominated as one of the 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year for USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe). The selection for that award will be mid-April. Lance hates when I tell people, but I am very proud of him. He loves what he does and strives to always do his best.

SOLD!

2009-03-21T13:49:00.002+01:00

Today we went to the Flea Market on ROB (Rhine Ordinance Barracks) and SOLD some of our junk, I mean stuff. It is great to down size and to make back a little of the money we spent on the junk, I mean items, to start with. Jonathon also sold some of his possessions (almost as many as he bought while he was there).

Our New Baby Girl

2009-03-17T19:13:00.016+01:00

Yesterday we adopted a beautiful, fluffy baby girl. Her name is Abby. She is a sweet and loving 5 year-old. Yesterday she weighed 30 pounds, today she weighs only 20. Just kidding. She had a hair cut today and you won't believe the transformation.

Abby Yesterday ~

The Gift She Left the Groomer Today ~

Abby Now ~ We told her not to cry because it will grow back.

Jonathon's Etch-a-Sketch

2009-03-11T20:12:00.000+01:00

Jonathon's range of talents never cease to amaze me. He drew a city skyline on his etch-a-sketch and it is amazing.

Jonathon's Talent Show

2009-03-06T20:34:00.000+01:00

Tonight Jonathon's school hosted a talent show for the students to showcase their talents. Jonathon and his class (all 5 of them) sang a song. They were all great but of course Jonathon was the best ;).

What I Learned Yesterday

2009-02-26T16:50:00.000+01:00

Do you know that if you send someone a package with a card or letter in an envelope taped to the outside of the box that not only will you have to pay for shipping the box you will also have to put a stamp on the envelope that is TAPED to the box?

No kidding. Had to do it yesterday.

Fireproof

2009-02-22T19:49:00.001+01:00

Our church is hosting the movie Fireproof. Our friends, Larry & Tricia, and Lance & I have the privilege of organizing the event. We are super excited and can't wait for Friday night. The movie is another amazing production by Sherwood Baptist in Georgia. Not that I'm partial to Southern things ;), but Sherwood Baptist has a great film ministry that is blessing hearts, families & marriages all around the world.

Yesterday the Stuarts & the Blochers worked on a "mystery" project for the movie. What a blessing the Stuarts are to our family.

Lance's Other Woman

2009-02-22T19:42:00.001+01:00

Well, I never thought it would happen. Lance has another woman in his life. If she weren't so sweet and cute enough to eat with a spoon, I might be jealous.

Sydney is the beautiful 3 year-old (going on 30) daughter of our friends, Steven and Melissa Bussey. During Christmas time last year, Sydney saw Jonathon's collection of snow globes and FELL in love with them. Every time she would see Lance there after, she would crawl up on his lap (melting his heart) and ask if she could go to his house and see the 'No Globes.
Lance gave her one of her very own Saturday, and I wish I knew how to spell her reaction. It was a squeal of delight (maybe more over just getting a gift, but it was still a squeal).
I guess I can share him with her.

Lance's Joy.

Injury & Sickness

2009-02-20T10:34:00.000+01:00

Tuesday night we found ourselves in the ER at LRMC until midnight. Lance had taken a good portion of flesh of one his fingers off after he caught it between 2 snowboards when he was unloading them from the Jeep. He was advised to seek medical help after it hadn't stopped bleeding after 12 hours. End result: there was nothing left to stitch closed so he has to just let it heal.

Jonathon is still very sick. His body temperature spiked to 104 on Sunday. 5 days later he is now on an antibiotic and his cough is subsiding. I'm sure the medication is playing a part in his healing as is answered prayer, but I can't help thinking the quilt my mama and I made 20 years ago that he's wrapped in is helping also.

London for The Day

2009-02-19T14:12:00.000+01:00

Recently we flew to London for the day to enjoy lunch and a ride in a "Nanny Taxi".

We took our friend Stephanie and her son Lachlan with us. The day was fast & perfect!

Jonathon by the Nanny Taxi

Me, Stephanie & Lance Enjoying the Ride in the Taxi

Dinner or Lunch?

Big Ben by Sunset ~ Time to go back to the airport.

2009-02-19T14:07:00.000+01:00

Vonda & Ella Rose wearing her crown.

Sadly we said "Good-bye" (ok, I didn't because I can't say that word) to our friends, the Livingstons. Their smiles and positive attitudes are already being missed.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2009-02-19T13:56:00.000+01:00

This past weekend we went to Garmisch to enjoy the snow and to spend time together. Sledding, snowboarding and rest ~ just what the doctor ordered.

The Most Beautiful Angel I've Ever Seen

My Men