The Heymann Family Journal

Aging in place is the idea of staying in your home as you grow old. One of the biggest problems people have in their home is the bathroom. If we plan to redo our bathroom this summer I think it's wise to just do it adaptable now. Even if we don't need the design now...we will age into it. So with a bath it means grab bars on a zero clearance shower that also has a seat, and an adjustable shower head. We have 4 flights of stairs in our house. It's not the most ideal place to grow old in. But universal design is a good idea for everyone. It could be the difference between staying in your home or going to a nursing home. I'm not even 50 yet , but if we put in a new bathroom maybe We should be looking 20 years ahead? And when my parents visit now it can still be good for them!

Here are photo's from my garden today. The tomatoes are starting to produce fruit. It's so interesting to see the different sizes and shapes of these heirloom tomatoes. Soon they will be a rainbow of red, yellow, orange, black, purple, green and even white. In a week or 2 they will finally be ready to eat. I'm watering them every single day, even 2 times per day because of the heat. I hope to make sauce, salsa, and even sun dried tomatoes. And I love eating cherry tomatoes like candy. We will have lots of tomatoes for our salad too! And I'm getting squash , peppers and eggplant. I also have a large variety of summer flowers. And look at the grapes and kiwi! We have strawberries but only enough for a handful at a time. I'm seriously thinking about keeping my house. We hope to have it painted in the fall. The bathroom will maybe get done in August. To move would cost allot of money and time, and create a hugh amount to work. In the end I fear I could...

I'm able to move slowly today. I got up at 9am to water my plants. It is getting very hot. They say it will be over 100 F by Saturday. The kids come home early when it's hot because there is no air conditioning in the schools. I am stiff and have a little pain. I can move slowly. I'm glad nothing is broken. I tripped on the garden hose. We need to mount the hose to the wall. The pathway is too thin to have the hose just laying there. I could have broken my leg! I'm OK, thank God! It does make me think about my age. Am I really young enough to manage a small farm? I want a bigger garden, but how long could I actually manage a bigger garden? Falling down was a shock to me, and it makes me think. I'm not old yet...but I can not stop that stupid clock! I hate having to even think about getting old. If I don't plan on it...will I be able to manage it? Perhaps it's wiser to perfect what I have, and not take on new responsibilities? I want to...

RICE, or rest, ice, compression and elevation, is a well known treatment for acute injuries and joint pain

I was in the garden cleaning up. I was carrying something down the path and tripped over the hose, and fell really hard. I twisted my bad knee and landed hard on my wrist (the wrist I sprained in China). The pain was intense. At first I thought I had broken my leg and arm. I just sat there in shock like a old person in one of those commercials. I kept praying, Oh God help, please God help. Know one was home. I wasn't sure I could stand to go into the house. But after a few mins I could see it was not a break. I slowly walked into the house and iced my knee and wrist. My knee is weak, but OK. My wrist hurts pretty bad. I don't think its broken, just sprained. I took a hard fall in China 3 years ago. I was taking pictures, and tripped on something. I have a brace for my knee. This is the knee I tore the ligaments in about 5 years ago. I guess I've always been a little accident prone. I’m always thinking and dreaming when I’m in the garden. I guess I had be...

It's warm outside. I don't know how hot it is but I'm sweating! I need to do some gardening . I'll wait until it cools off. As long as I keep watering everything my plants love the heat. Especially the tomatoes. It will feel good to take a shower tonight. We don't have any grand plans for summer vacation. I hope to be harvesting tomatoes and make sauce. The kids will be going to camp, maybe we will remodel the bathroom. I am also hoping to buy that video game system that does Nero feedback. I will be making the kids read and do extra math every day. We may do some weekend trips. Maybe a trip up north to see Juergen’s Dad, and a trip to Disneyland in Paris. I would love to go to Thailand for 3 or 4 weeks. That’s not going to happen this year…but maybe next summer!

My kids took off on a parade around the neighborhood! Germany 4 to 1 over England!

Germany plays England in the world cup today. My family will see it on a big screen TV at church. It's so exciting for Germany! I hope we win!!! USA played a very good game last night. They should be very proud. In 4 years or so they could be winning the world cup! Towards the end of the game the goal keeper from team USA was with his team mates fighting for one more goal. I never saw anything like that. They didn’t lose with out a good fight! I’m sorry America lost, but I’m glad Africa still has a team in the game.

Cherry, strawberry and raspberry jam.

I'm growing a bucket garden at my friend Petra's house. We added a few new containers of plants today. Everything is doing great. As you can see, we have peppers, zucchini and tomatoes. The kids jumped on the trampoline and I worked in the garden with Nicole. We also picked cherries. Tonight I watch the USA game. The weather is wonderful and it feels so good to be tired from garden work!

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I had a hard time dragging myself out of bed today. I’m glad it’s Friday. We can sleep in (God willing) in the morning. The weather is very nice. I hope to do allot of yard work. I’ll work on my garden today, and Petra’s yard tomorrow. I took the kids to Bad Schönborn yesterday. Nicole is getting tutored in Math by my good friend Inkeri. Philip and Sarah jumped on the trampoline while I watered plants. The plants are all doing excellent in the bucket garden. I harvested a large bowl of salad. The bell peppers are half grown, the cabbage is forming heads and there are about 10 tiny cucumbers on the vine. Everything looks beautiful! Now I want to expand the garden to include about 10 more large containers. We may need to skip the paint for now. We can grow flowers and veggies this summer, and paint the containers in the fall or winter. It’s getting late, and we don’t have time to paint anymore. We will see what can be accomplished tomorrow. I have tiny tomatoes on my pl...

I made shrimp with coconut curry and rice for dinner tonight. I used fresh peas and spinach from my garden. Nicole now says she likes shrimp as much as Philip. I wish my dad was around to share it with us. He loves shrimp too! The shrimp was on sale this week. If I had a big freezer I would buy more. It's fun to spoil the kids now and then. Juergen doesn't really like shrimp, and I could take it or leave it. This is basically for them! Sometimes I'm amazed at the love God has given to me for these kids. They can drive me crazy but I worry about them and love to spoil them. God loves us like that too. Every once in awhile he spoils us...even when we haven't been good...just because it gives him joy. Every good gift comes from him!

I had a check up today. I get so nervous before a doctors appointment. I guess I am worried they will find something wrong. Fear is such a powerful tool to paralyze us. But Juergen prayed with me and I felt OK. So it looks like everything is fine. This was the gynecology check up. Now I need to go to the house doctor for the blood screening, and another clinic for a mammogram. I have to pay for the mammogram because they are not free until age 50. It takes a little work to get a real checkup around here. I feel like an old car. I drive OK, but the oil needs to be changed and the break pads changed, and you can only expect so much at my age! The warrantee has expired years ago. If I want to keep on the road I’m going to have to get regular maintenance!

Jessica has been sick for 2 days. Today she felt better and wanted to go to school but her teacher is sick. She is home again. I have a head cold. Juergen let me sleep in today. I feel like my head is swimming! But I need to get up and get going. The yard needs water, the cloths need to be washed, the poor dog needs a walk. I don't have a maid...I am the maid! I'm not very good at the job, but it's hard to find good help these days! The family keeps me for sentimental reasons!

not me, Jessica. Jess is sick again with fever and an upset stomach. Poor baby!

NASA has helped develope technology that helps provide biofeedback to help treat ADHD. Here is a video about this.... http://videos.howstuffworks.com/nasa/2135-treating-adhd-with-video-games-video.htm You can buy this technology HERE . This system works with the Sony PlayStation Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple Planet. This is a very easy game that I think even Jessica could play. It also works with games the boys would want to play! Sounds very interesting. We really need to look into this!

I was thinking about buying a Neurofeedback machine to use on Philip, Thomas and Jessica. The boys have ADHD, and Jess has Autism. Maybe we can find a used machine? I wonder if there is a Neurofeedback or Biofeedback book for dummies? I want to get the boys off the medication, and just see more progress in all of them. It could take years. It cost 60-100 Euros per Neurofeedback treatment. The average treatment for ADD is 80 sessions. For Autism it's years. A new machine cost about 4,000 Euro. I'm sure I could learn to use it. I could also turn around and sell the machine when we are done with it. I have no idea why I'm thinking about this...it just came to me.

Juergen and the kids got home from the retreat. I'm making apple strudel. Happy Fathers day! Dad, I wish you were here!

I use to be the Amy in my brothers life...now he has a wife he calls "my Amy". I'm so happy for him I am crying! Amy is the sweetest, kindest women of faith! She is truly a sister! I'm sorry I was not there but Shelley writes on her blog that it was a great wedding. It rained a little, but know one really cared. It was beautiful!

I took Jessica to the church retreat today. She was a wreak. She basically did not want to get out of the car. Oh well! That's autism. What can I say? I had lunch with Sarah. She was excited to tell me all about her time. I assure you she is having a great time! Juergen watched Jess so I could drink coffee with a good friend. He was sick last night but is feeling much better. Thank God! When I was in the cafe I could smell the best rose I've every smelled. Really, it was amazing. I found out it's called a Frederic Mistral Rose. It is a very good rose. It is disease resistant, and hardy in winter. It grows to be 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. If you get one, you will need a large place to put it. I'm not sure I have the space. I'll keep it in mind for the day I have a big garden! So I got to see my boys playing soccer, Nicole sleeping in the sun, Sarah playing hard in the sand box, and I kissed Juergen good bye as he went for a hike. I brought Jes...

Happy Birthday Chris! It's Ricks wedding day, I hope someone remembers to bake you a cake! Big Hug to you!!!!

I talked to Juergen on the phone. He is at the church retreat. I'm planning on going there in an hour. Poor Juergen is sick. He is missing the morning service. I hope he recovers soon. He will probably watch Jessica in the room and I'll visit with people. I was sick at the last retreat. Seems to be our family tradition. Life is wonderful but it's never what you plan it to be.

It's my brothers wedding day. The forecast is for rain. My poor sister Shelley has busted her behind to get her yard looking like a garden at a 5 star hotel. It's beautiful. Thank you Shelley...you put so much love into every detail. You really out did yourself! It would be sad if it rains. But know one invited the New York times Social Editor, or Vanity Fair Magazine. I understand Martha Steward turned down a request to broadcast the wedding and The paparazzi are busy covering a Royal wedding in Europe today. So if it rains I hope you can break out the board games and pass out the hot chocolate. It is family...and family does not care. Enjoy each other and celebrate Rick and Amy’s commitment to each other. Please have fun...and laugh about it! It will be a great great day! Love you!

The German football game was a National disaster! First the euro now this. How much grief is one nation suppose to bear? I need chocolate!

My brother is getting married tomorrow. It's a big family event, and I'm not there. My sister Shelley has really out done herself. She deservers a great deal of honor! Truly everything looks amazing! Bless you Shelley for your hard work! Bless Eric too! I hope you get some good rest after this is over. I hope God blesses the birth of your first grand baby! What an exciting summer your are having! Rick and Amy, I love you both! It is huge the step you are taking. You need rest and peace too. Amy especially has so many changes ahead. Have fun in Hawaii. And I hope you can enjoy your big day! Dianna, so sorry about the loss of your grand child. There is nothing I can really say. I send you my hugs and prayers. I'm glad you will finally have your own space. I'm so glad you'll be surrounded by your kids and grand kids in that new home! I still expect you to come over next year! Mom and Dad, enjoy the ride! And also enjoy the calm after the circus has ...

We sit down for dinner every night. Generally I cook a hot lunch and we eat bread and cheese for dinner. But in the summer time it's too hot to cook during the day. I am now making a nice dinner, and just eating cereal or bread for lunch. Tonight I think I'll cook chicken. My kids really love chicken! REALLY LOVE IT!!! After dinner we tell a story about someone in the family. Each of us has a day, tonight is a story about Nicole. Then we will read the Bible to the kids before bed. We are trying to establish a good routine. Our kids do better with a routine. So I'm off to the store to buy chicken and butter milk. I start the marinade this morning. I am also teaching my kids to cook. So each one will know how to cook fried chicken. This isn't something we eat all the time...it's a once every 6 month kind of dinner. What sort of things do you do to establish culture in your home? I want my kids to feel like they really belong to a strong family. Home...

Juergen had an early meeting. I had to get Sarah and Jessica both on their busses. I forgot that Sarah has her kindergarten photo taken today. She was not dressed up very nice. The other kids were. One little boy had on a 3 piece suite. Poor little guy, his hair was greased back. I asked the driver to wait while I ran and got her a nicer sweater. She dresses herself. Today she had an older play t-shirt. It was perfect for play, but nothing for a school photo. At least her hair was shinny and clean. I have 100's of great pictures of Sarah. The school photos don't really mean much to me. I don't even buy them unless they are very good. I'm not a fan of formal portraits. I watered my tomatoe plants before my first cup of coffee. I thought it was funny that I thought about my plants before I thought of myself. I baby these plants. I've been growing them from seed since March. It hasn't been easy. We have had allot of cold rain, and not enough sun...

Juergen signed us up for a new energy program. If we run our dishwasher, or cloth dryer after 8 pm ( actually any electric use) we save 15% off the cost of electricity. So I'm saving the dishes until after eight, and doing a load of laundry every night after 8pm. It's not convenient for me to do this. I would rather get it done in the mornings. But we have 5 kids and one income. It's actually pretty expensive to raise 5 kids. They eat more and more. They have braces, new shoes, singing lessons, and summer camp. There is spending money, movies, birthday gifts, swimming lessons, and math tutors. The list goes on and on. I use to have the money for a house keeper. Now I have to do it all myself. And 15% off the cost of electricity could pay for music lessons or something. So I find I need to form a new routine, a new habit. Every night after 8 the dishwasher goes on, the laundry gets run, and I may even run the vacuum cleaner (no…that’s taking it too far)!

My sister Shelley is memorizing a Bible verse a week in Sunday school. I like the idea so I thought I would learn with her. This is the cool verse this week. It almost makes me cry! I was talking with a friend on the phone. This friend is in some conflict and does not feel appreciated or really acknowledged for all they have done. But all this conflict would melt away if their boast was simply in God who is kind and righteous. They may not see this now, but God is true to his word. I pray for peace and an end to this conflict! I am not wise, strong or rich but God is! He is kind and he is just! Our worth needs to come from God and not man! this is a lesson I need to know well. Juergen is now an elder. Everyone will ask him what he thinks, seek his wisdom, and give him a chance to preach. I am know one. I have no title and no job in the church. I am here to back him up, free him up. I would love to preach but I'm not allowed to. But God is kind and God is just. My...

It's over cast and dark outside. It looks like rain. I'm checking the adds online. I sort of plan to go to certain stores based on what they have on sale each week. There is nothing all that exciting. I’ll just buy the basics. I'm thinking about the weekend. We can not take Mickey to the retreat. Nicole wants to go to a school play on Friday Night. I know Jessica will not be so happy at the retreat. She is restless sleeping in a strange place. So I think I'll take Jessica and Nicole on Saturday morning. I'll stay until after dinner Saturday, then come home with Jessica. This way I don't need a dog sitter. Juergen can stay all weekend with Philip, Sarah and Thomas. Nicole will be there Saturday and Sunday. It's just one hour away. It's not ideal, but nothing ever is when you have to deal with autism. Jessica spent the majority of time in her room at the last retreat we went to. I never saw anyone. I might as well stay at home. I think ...

It's a great time to be living in Germany. We have a great football team. My sons know all the players. They were so into this game! It was so much fun to watch Germany beat Australia 4-0. The final score was made by Cacau . He is a very strong Christian and he spoke at our church about 2 years ago. What a gift to play in the world cup and to score such a beautiful goal! Every time Germany scores a goal people shoot off fireworks, and honk horns. The whole neighborhood was alive. I shot some video but the sound was somehow not working on my camera. Next game! We are so excited here because we have one of the best teams ever! I think we have a very good chance of becoming the world champions!

I'm a US fan too! I watched the whole game mostly alone. My family was sure England would win so they kept busy around the house. It was funny because Juergen walked in the living room in time to see America sort of score their 1 point (did they score or was it really England’s goal keeper who scored?). Anyway, it was great! They held their own against one of the best teams in the world. I think in a few years America could really be a world power in the game! I hope Germany lives up to their fans expectations. The US team has already surpassed my expectations! I think they will make it to the 2nd round!

Germany plays their opening game in the World Cup today. We are still a little sick so we will be watching at home. Sarah was up half the night with a fever. She still has a small fever, but I'm pretty sure she'll be fine for school. I'm tired but better. So far everyone else is fit. I have been watching the progress my sister Shelley has been making on her beautiful garden. She has a small park! My brother Rickey is getting married to Amy on Saturday. I'm sorry I will not be there. I'm glad I went to Oregon to help Mom when she got out of the hospital. I think I did the right thing, but It also cost me missing the wedding. I also did it for Juergen. He is a new elder at our church. The church has a retreat this coming weekend. Juergen really wanted our family to attend the retreat. If I was at the wedding, Juergen could not manage our 5 kids (especially Jessica) alone. So this coming weekend Juergen will help lead worship at the retreat, and I'...

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Green is my favorite color! America held their own agents England! Go TEAM!!!

I moved Grandpa can draw and so can I to an new address. You can find that address on the sidebar of this page, or Here . If you are a member of my family please send jpg photo's of your art work to me and I'll add it to this site. Thank you! http://grandpadraws2.blogspot.com/

Just saw the Mexico-South Africa game with the boys. Now I'm getting Sarah's virus. I'm definitely not going to any World Cup parties.

We may need to watch this weekend football games alone. Sarah is sick with the virus Jessica had early this week. I guess it's contiguous. We had better be careful. Nicole and Thomas both had "it" last week. I guess they are safe to go out.

I guess I'm tired. It rained hard this morning. I have to clean the house, cook lunch, do laundry etc... But I don't want to do anything! I'm guessing we will be watching allot of football this weekend (soccer). America plays tomorrow, and Germany plays on Sunday. We have been invited to a BQ tomorrow. We will try to have friends over Sunday. If any of our local friend want to come over Sunday let me know. We have a big screen TV. It should be good for something! I'm very happy for Africa (the whole continent). This isn't just South Africa's World Cup, it's Africa's time to shine. I bet the whole continent is excited! They say Germany has a very good shot at winning this World Cup. We will see. In the mean time, I better load the dishwasher, and the washing machine. I better pull out the vacuum cleaner. I better figure out what to cook for lunch.

There was a storm last night. The wind blew down a shelf I had on my balcony, and all the plants on that shelf. I have to repot about 6 plants. I haven't checked the yard yet. I'm guessing there is some sweeping up to do. I did plant all those plants I bought in Italy. Thank God for the rain. It was hot yesterday and it will get hot again today. I’m planning on taking the kids down to Bad Schönborn to check on my other garden. They get to visit their giant trampoline.

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Kale is a super food. Here is a blog about kale...how to grow it, save it and cook it. http://www.365daysofkale.com/

I didn't blanch the kale and other greens in hot water before freezing them. I hope it's not too late to do it now. I'll try. I read this on a blog, I guess it's how you should do it... • Put on a big pot of water to boil. • Wash kale in sink of water then drain in a second sink or on a towel on the counter top. • Tear or cut into 2 inch strips or manageable sizes (I did not freeze the big thick stems from the curly kale but smaller stems are ok). • Fill sink with clean cold water, including as many ice cubes as you have on hand. • Place the cut kale in boiling water and boil for 3 minutes. • Take kale out of pot with tongs, a colander, and/or slotted spoon. • Put hot kale in cold water and swish around. • Take kale out of water. • Drain any excess water off greens (save for future soup broth!). • Measure either 2 cups or 4 cups and place into freezer bags. • Mark freezer bag with date and type of greens. • Press any excess air out of bag and freeze. I'm new to h...

I picked 6 large bags of cabbage and kale today. Nicole and I washed it and chopped it up. I'll keep it in the freezer for stir fries and soups. I still have another 6 bags to harvest. I need a bigger freezer. The daylilies began to bloom. I'll plant the plants I bought in Italy. They will take the place of all the cabbage and kale. Everyday I pick a big handful of ripe strawberries. I love my garden!

The world cup starts in a few days. I just love seeing the flags flying everywhere you go. Germany needs a healthy national pride.

20 years ago a very nervous computer nerd asked me if I wanted to marry him. I immediately answered yes. I wasn’t about to play games with him. He was/ is a priceless treasure. I look at him now and still ask myself, how did I get so blessed? I am so totally blessed!

Jessica has the same bug Thomas had last week. She stayed home from school and slept all morning. I didn’t have much food in the house. I generally shop on Mondays. I decided to try the Penne all Arrabbiata mix I bought in Italy. It was so hot It made my nose run! Too hot for the kids. So I added 3 cans of beans and a can of sweet coconut milk. So now it’s sweet and spicy. Philip and I eat it. I’m not sure anyone else will give it a go. It has a very good flavor but a real hot bite! Here is a skit called Darth Vader at the death Star canteen. He orders Penne all Arrabbiata. I warn you the skit is funny but the language is a little crude . If you are easily offended then don’t watch this.

Dianna, I wish you were here. I would take you to old town Heidelberg for Dinner. IOU…OK? Happy 50th Birthday! And many many more!!! “Looking fifty is great if you’re sixty.” ~ Joan Rivers

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. You know I love you and I'm so glad God has blessed me with your friendship and love. Will you love me in December as you do in May, Will you love me in the good old fashioned way? When my hair has all turned gray, Will you kiss me then and say, That you love me in December as you do in May?

The photos from the trip home are HERE. We spent a good amount to time packing the car yesterday. It's good we didn't try to visit Florence. We decided to leave early this morning. So we were up at 4:30 am and on the road at 5am. 11 hours later I feel like kissing the ground. I wanted to check my tomatoes before anything. They have grown a foot! All my plants are beautiful! I even have giant poppies still in bloom and they are so amazing! Last year we were in Cyprus and I didn't get to see them. We bought 2 tomatoes in Italy that have been cultivated for over 300 years. I'll be adding them to my big collection. I also bought artichokes and 3 kinds of basil. I also bought 2 different kinds of olive oil to go with these. We will eat well this summer. I'm so tired! I'll write more later. If I can get it posted, here are some of our favorite photo's from the trip. It was really wonderful, but I'm also glad to be home.

Day 8 Yesterday was Juergen’s 51st birthday. We drove south to the Saturnia Spa. It was a 3 ½ hour drive. On the way we stopped at a hole in the wall sandwich shop on the coast near the port that takes you to Elba. The landscape was amazing. I personally wanted to stop every 5 mins to take photos. But then the trip could have taken weeks. You need to drive through very curvy roads and very small mountain villages to get to the spa. It was in such an out of the way place we were sure no one would be there. Wrong. It was very hard to find parking. This place was wonderful. I thought I would be the only one enjoying the spa. I love warm water. Wrong again. Jessica soaked in the warm water for one and ½ hours. Philip, Nicole and Sarah were so cute rubbing the mud all over each other. Afterwards our skin felt like silk. And I slept better then I have in years. We all slept well. It was great! When we returned to the Villa we had our family story time. It was Jessica’s...