Thursday, September 30, 2010

Coretta is Eleven Years Old

Coretta turned 11 yesterday. I still can't believe how old she is. It seems like yesterday that I was giving birth to her at fairview Medical Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. She is a true blessing in my life and I am very lucky to have her. She is funny, witty, compassionate, caring, and lives life to it's fullest.

It is today as every day, I am honored to have the privilege of being her Mom. I love you Coretta and I am so very proud of the young lady you have become.






Sunday, September 26, 2010

Game Day















Yesterday was Game Day and the Vikings were playing Detroit. For good luck (as always) Geno put on his number four jersey, and when Bob came over to watch the game, he, too, was wearing the same jersey. It must have given the Vikes some good luck, because they ended up winning their first game of the season!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Nick and Crystal's Day Getaway to Einsiedeln Switzerland

This Friday, Nick decided to take the day off, so we decided to travel to Einsiedeln, Switzerland. The only thing that we knew about this small village is that it had one of the largest Benedictine Monasteries in Europe. We found out that Einsiedeln is part of the Canton of Schwyz. The French revolution had definitely changed the face of Switzerland forever. The old Confederation no longer existed.

In the 17th century, they began reconstruction of the Abbey. The Benedictines attempted to construct the ideal monastery that would be laid out in such a way, that all necessities of life: water, mill, garden, etc. and all occupations could be practiced within it's walls.

The benedictine Monastery has become a place of pilgrimage for many, in part because of the Chapel with the Black Madonna. Many ask what caused her face to be black, and what we found out, was that the soot from the candles, incense and oil lamps had darkened the original color gradually throughout the ages. It is thanks to this, that Einsiedeln has attained its international standing as a pilgrim's place.

This was a quaint and beautiful village where Nick and I enjoyed a peaceful and beautiful day together.

Coretta's Week at Verbier
















Coretta just returned from her five day stay in Verbier nestled in the french region of Switzerland near Geneva. They drove there in a double decker bus which took approximately seven hours to get to with a few stops along the way.

The first day, they checked into their rooms, had supper, and became acquainted with their bunk roommates. Coretta stated that the rooms themselves were beautiful and had a great view of the mountains. Each child had their own locker with a key to put their belongings. She bunked with Gabrielle, Rosalee, and Daisy.

The next day, they woke, had breakfast, and made their way to the ropes courses. Here they needed to help getting suited up with all of the gear such as helmets and harnesses in case they fell, and then they were off. They had to climb up quite high, carry wooden 2x4's across a tight rope, go through tunnels, and nets. Coretta said that at times she was scared, but this ended up being the highlight of her trip.

The next day, they went mountain biking in the village and mountains. Each student was fitted for a mountain bike and helmet and they had a blast riding all throughout the area.

The next day was filled with mountain climbing. Each child had to be suited up properly for this as well and had to climb up the mountain as far as they could. Coretta liked this the least because it was hard to get a grip with her feet.

Every day they had a barbecue outside for lunch and a nice buffet dinner at night. Coretta was even able to try traditional cheese fondue. The downside was that her body started to itch, and she felt as though she was having allergic reaction to something she ate. With a little benadryl and a shower, she was able to get rid of this reaction.

The last night, they had a disco which is typical of any field week at her school. She stated that this was by far the best field week ever.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Geno

Here's a few photos of Geno in his new clothes. I just cleaned out his closet and realized we needed to update his look. He is growing taller every day, and some of his pajama pants look like man capris. Although they do wear these in Europe, I am opting out of that look for him. His favorite shirt was SpongeBob. He didn't want to take it off. So easy to make them happy at this age.

Coretta leaves for Verbier

We sent Coretta out the door at 7 am today for 5 days away from home. I am really going to miss her. The house just doesn't have the same energy when she is away. I know that she will have a great time, meeting new people, and bonding with old ones. I just realize how quickly she is growing up and I wish I could stop time. I can't wait to hear all about her adventures on Friday.

The teachers just sent a link to some photos of the kids at Verbier doing the ropes courses, touring the Red Cross Museum, and mountain biking. Coretta is in a few of them. Check the link: Verbier Photos

Sunday Circus

This past Sunday, we decided to take the kids to the circus in Cham, Switzerland. That morning, we got ready, and hopped the bus down to Cham. We walked around the lake until we spotted the big top tent. Once in, we found our seats and then waited for the show to begin. Meanswhile, both Geno, Coretta, and Nick were content eating popcorn.

This being Geno's first circus, I didn't know how he would react, or sit, for that matter. it was a two hour long show, but he did fine. We saw clowns, tiger acts, acrobats, llamas, goats, camels, and many other animals.

Geno's favorite were the two clowns, and Coretta loved the tigers. Afterwards, we ate at Postli for some kebabs and then walked home.

Now I can say I have been to a European circus production.

Geno is a Big Boy

Geno is successfully potty trained, but ever since Dad left for America a year ago, he hasn't slept in his own room, but rather on his mattress on the floor in our room.

I had almost given up, thinking that he would probably sleep in our room forever, until I decided to try a rewards system.

I created this racetrack, and attached it to his bedroom door, explaining that for every night he sleeps in his own bed, he will get a car to place on the track. When he makes it to the finish line, he gets to go to McDonalds. I am happy to report that Geno has met this goal now and we are very proud of him.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

5th Grade Field Week


















Coretta will be leaving on Monday for five days with her class to 'Les Elfes" Verbier in the french region of Switzerland near Geneva. Verbier is situated in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions of the Swiss Alps.

The camp experience itself is designed to give each child an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities such as mountain biking, ropes courses, and visiting certain points of interests. Along the way, they will stop at the Red Cross Museum which Coretta is looking forward to, since she has decided that she would like to be a nurse when she grows up.

Here is the site if you are interested in seeing where she will be for a week: Les Elfes

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

My Life

I have been quite busy with the start of a new school year. Coretta starting fifth grade, and Geno starting a brand new preschool. With any year, we are never certain what the next one will hold, but I feel quite positive about this one.

Towards the end of the year last year, I had started teaching again. Previously I was the Head Teacher for The Beehive Preschool in Hunenberg, which gave me great skills into how learners think at multiple grade levels.

Then, I started substitute teaching at The International School of Zug and Lucerne. I first was called in for what seemed like an interview. The principal sat me down, asked me a few teacher related pointed questions, and then welcomed me to the team. I have been trying for months to find a way to penetrate the school system to no avail. I emailed the principal with my CV, talked to specific teachers that I know personally at the school, as well as those same teachers turning in a copy of my curriculum vitae to principals and assistant principles. It wasn't until I was able to see that I might have a chance to teach again, I realize how much I miss it.

My first subbing assignments was in a Humanities class. Now back in the States, this would be the equivalent of a history or civics teacher. I was going to be teaching 7th and 8th grade students about slavery for the day. Students were working on a creative project that tied in with this theme.

The next work assignment I had was for teaching P.E. (Physical Education). The students were going to be playing basketball matches. I used to play basketball in middle school and loved the sport. It was great to be the referee of these games and witness first hand the teamwork and competitiveness of these students. We then decided to switch it up and play some dodgeball instead. I don't know why, but dodgeball seems to be one of those common threads in childhood that bring all decades and groups together.

The next work position I was offered was a 6th grade Humanities and I loved it. The topic was on the Gunpowder Plot that happened in November 1605. James I was the King and wanted to get a divorce from his wife. When the Pope denied him this he became enraged. It was at this time that Catholics put together a plot to overthrow the current King by blowing up the House of Lordes. Catholics were hoping that this would allow them the chance to have a Catholic King once again. After reading this article, students were given a side. They either had to look at the Protestant or the Catholic view. Once decided, I asked students who were Catholic, and some raised their hands. I asked the students who were Protestant and they raised their hands. I, then asked if they could explain the differences between religions. Students then had to decide if it was treason or a conspiracy.

This past week, I have substitute taught in English, my area of expertise. I was quite excited when the librarian was talking about bibliographies, and I offered to teach a bibliography lesson to 6th graders. I then was able to teach 7th graders how to write a five paragraph essay. Anyone who knows me, knows this. That I love to teach writing.



With my professional life going well, I was happy to see the kids flourishing in their own academic environment. Coretta, now a 5th grader, is more confident and sure of herself, hard working, funny, and responsible. They just announced the new student council representatives for her grade, and Coretta and her friend Rosalee won. When she told me why she was going to run, she said she liked public speaking. What almost middle school child will say that? She is becoming quite advanced in skyping with her friends, chatting on facebook, and texting on her phone. She likes to go into Zug and go shopping and have lunch with her friends on the train, and then go swimming at the Baar lattich. She has field week coming up next week, and she will be in Geneva, Switzerland in the Verbieau area for five days with 100 of her classmates. Coretta is currently taking piano and guitar lessons and plans to try out for the traveling Choir as well.




Geno is loving his new bilingual montessori school. Although it is hard for him to part with his Mommy in the morning, I have been told that he actively participates and is fine after that. Every day when I pick him up, he tells me that school is fun. He has recently started talking aboout some of his "best friends" and how "boys don't play with girls because they bonk their heads, and boys are strong and have muscles." The names that seem to be coming up as potential bff's is Niko, Tom, and Nessa (Melissa). His speech therapy is coming along nicely. He is continuing to see Ms. Tabea once a week, and Geno is doing well. In fact, almost everyone can understand him 100 percent of the time. he has developed a little bit of a stutter, but I am unsure if that is him concentrating on saying the words or something else. Tabea tells me it is not so easy for him to always get his ideas out as fast as he would like. He is completely potty trained and it took no more than two days. I am also happy to report that he is also sleeping in his own bed and not crawling into Mommy and Daddy's bed in the middle of the night.

Nick is doing well too. He is working hard at Thomson Reuters, hiking every chance he can get, and just registered for a class at the University of Zurich. He has become an avid runner and usually runs four miles a day and lifts weights. Nick is definitely in the best shape of his life. He is reading more as well. Reading about post war Europe, his latest passion in books.



This is the Bieter month in a nutshell.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Coretta's 11th Birthday--Hollwood Bash

Coretta turns 11 on September 30th, and we are planning a Hollywood Costume Party and Sleepover with five of her closest friends. We plan to have a red carpet, fancy drinks, watch movies, play games, and a trophy for the best costume.

The picture above is the party favors for the guests. their own memory board which I will place a picture from the evening.

Lugern Mountain Trip

Nick, Geno, and I decided to drive approximately one hour away to Lungern for a day of sightseeing and hiking in the mountains. We arrived around 11:00 am and then decided to make our ascent up the mountain by cable car.

Once to the first area, we then jumped onto a chairlift that took us all the way to the top. Not sure how I would be able to handle the chairlift because of my fear of heights, I decided to roll with it. We stood in the spaces and waited for the chairlift and jumped on. Nick then put the bar down over our heads and we were in the air. I started to have a panic attack, mostly because my feet were dangling free and tried to look straight ahead instead of down.

Once to the top, we decided to walk around the mountain and take in the views. We stopped at the chalet for lunch and then made our descent down.

The town itself was cute, so we decided to walk down by the lake and let Geno throw some rocks. Gorgeous sunny day in the best company a girl could ask for. Thanks Nick.



Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Bachelor Party and Bridal Showers 1997

November 1997 is the date when I had my first bridal shower in Minneapolis, MN hosted by my mother-in-law Marilyn at her friend Ruth's community room. Here are a few highlights from that day.

Coretta's Birthday Bedroom Make Over

For Coretta's 11th Birthday, she wanted a room makeover, so I went up to IKEA and started creating. I know that she wanted a new rug and curtains, as well as frames for all of the art she created. She absolutely loved it, and I do too!

Geno and Tabea

These are just a few pictures of Geno and Tabea during therapy the other day. We kept trying to blow up balloons,but they kept flying off and going into the air and scaring Charlie half to death. Geno did not give up, and his persistence paid off. He finally blew one up all on his own. Good job Geno!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Jazz Night in Zug

Jazz Night in Zug took place a couple of weeks ago, and Nick and I and a few friends went to check the scene out. They had several beer and wine tents set up and one main stage followed by several smaller venue stages. Overall, it was a great night with good music and good friends.

Our Wedding Photos

Above I have created a collage of our wedding photos with the background of a picture taken of us in the summer of 1995, when we met and started dating. This is significant to me because this is the day that my life truly changed forever and is clearly the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

Thanks Nick, for being there for me, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, and hope that with each year our life together gets better and better. It has in the past 15 years for sure. I love you.