German Village

On the South side of Columbus lies an incredible historic district called German Village, and it is full of the most charming European architecture, and so many excellent shops, parks, bakeries and cafes. Here are some images from a little walk-about I took this week.

                            

Everything is bricked!

Pistacia Vera macaroons are to. die. for. Like crisp chewy clouds of sweetness and perfection. They are $1.25 a piece, but I'd pay more. Seriously...if I could land a private sponsor, I'd spend my calories only with their baked goods. I still might start living there part time for the free smells.

 

The book loft is the largest privately owned bookstore in the country, and I've never been anywhere like it. There is a side courtyard full of books, and inside is a multi-level maze of small rooms and tiny nooks filled floor to ceiling with every kind of book imaginable!

Every detail of this place gives off the rich feel of history. I absolutely love it and cannot wait to go back when the gardens and courtyards are in full bloom!

Right Now

Right now...

Andrew is taking his board exams. 8 hours today, 8 hours tomorrow. This will arguably be the most difficult and important test of his life (parts II and III of boards will likely be less challenging), and I have been here at home all day thinking of and praying for him and his classmates. I am so grateful for that sweet, dedicated husband of mine. He works so hard for our family. He is always so helpful, so involved and hands on. He let me sleep in until after 9 yesterday, even though it was his last study day. I love him.

Right now, we have two little boys napping in their beds.  I am (was) working on school work. Toys are littered about the floor, but they are in no danger of being picked up until closer to bedtime. An "I love you, dad" card is resting on the table. There is a blend of 10 herbs and spices made up on the counter in preparation for blackened tilapia - Andrew's favorite. We're headed out to grab ice cream for him after nap time. He seemed a bit disappointed I came home from the store last night without any (one of those little "why didn't you read my mind?" moments...any one else have those?). 

Right now I am feeling not anxious, but hopeful. I have so much faith in Andrew, his preparation and abilities. He has never made me pester him to study. I am so grateful for a husband who always pulls through. Still, I will be so happy when Wednesday night comes and this stress is behind him. The man deserves a break! 

Right now, life is give and take for us. We help each other in any way we possibly can. Our roles are blurred. There is no keeping score, only picking up slack. Today is a day we wish we could give more to a man who gives so much. 

Good luck, sweetie! We're rooting for you!

Expressions

Recently, Preston has gained a reputation around here for making hilarious faces. His expressions being completely independent of societal norms make for a lot of fun. Or embarrassment, when in line at the grocery store and the nice lady behind us is trying to get him to smile, and he just scowls. Seriously, he has a special grimace reserved for kind strangers. When he misbehaves at home, I'll sometimes get right in his face with raised eyebrows and pursed lips - "Preston, we do NOT hit!!" He often makes the face right back to me, but mistakes my purse for a pucker and plants a giant kiss on my mad-turned-melted face. Mama's are such suckers for that sweet crap. 

While he was hostage in the bathtub the other night, I took out the camera in an attempt to capture a few of those Prestonian expressions. It was mostly a failed attempt, but here's what I got.

When Asher noticed I was taking pictures, the little goofball plopped down and started showing me his funniest faces too.

These boys. What would we possibly do without them?