Vienna-2

I know y'all are so eager for more! And you are in luck. Because I am a ding-dong, I pulled a muscle in my back last night picking up Ingrid. Therefore, going into work today would have been impossible. Ever tried to move a pregnant woman with an epidural with a bad back? I haven't tried and decided that I probably shouldn't. I feel bad about it but I gave Davis a pretty good show of how long it would have taken me to just bend down and put the baby on the monitor.  Just so you know, it IS a good idea to use your legs for lifting not your back.

So day two in Vienna!

a golden Strauss, Austrians love their music heritage

We went to the park across the street from our hotel to see this golden guy. Davis remembers having a picnic here years ago with his step-family. Davis and I both love classical music. It was fun to be in a culture that embraces it everywhere. Although, it seemed a lot of people just turned on the radio to American top 100 station, irregardless of age. We listened so some HORRIBLE music with some people just because it was American. Since we rarely listen to popular music, I couldn't believe how incredible terrible lyrically and musically it was. It always makes me wonder if life imitates art or the art imitates life. Either way, popular music today does not speak highly of either one. But that is a total side note.

Schobrunn Palace

We spent Sunday morning touring the ginormous summer/country side getaway of the Hapsburgs. It's really in the city but at one point it was just a hunting lodge until Maria Theresa took over. I found it funny all her daughters were Maria something. I don't know if that was a ego thing or tradition or totally normal. Despite the weather, we also toured their gardens. Davis and I both really love gardens. We were more excited to wander around outside than inside. Inside was mostly tribute to Maria Theresa, the infamous Sissi (who really just seemed odd and vain), and the hard working Franz Joseph--- and their fancy decor. By the way, the gardens are free except for the zoo, green house, and hedge maze.

from the balcony, gardens behind

fancy water fountain

opposite end now, hair up from walking

View of the palace and Vienna. See St. Stephen's Cathedral? Yeah, it's cool.

funky awesome tree growing.

they, like Davis, were obsessed with Roman ruins.
they had these built in the garden to look like ruins

Roses working on making a tunnel

After walking nearly every path, we headed back into town. Davis needed to eat some Wiener Schnitzel when in Wien! It was huge and yummy. And of course, beer with every meal!

discreet photos means mouth full and
head cut off

back into St. Stephen's

Being that we were around the corner from St. Stephen's, we popped back in. There was less people and still just as epic.

Sacher torte at Hotel Sacher

Not that a giant schnitzel wasn't filling enough, we decided to pack in the famous sacher torte  with some coffee. By the way, coffee there is amazing. You pretty much can only get lattes as a basic coffee, no complaints here. This chocolate and apricot cake is famous and good, although people complain it is dry. It is a tad dry by some standards but it was still delicious. Can't go wrong with three of my favorite things: coffee, fruit, and chocolate.

Stuffed to the brim and the sun starting to peak out, we walked around even more. With the festival over, the tents were mostly taken down and less people lurking about.

Opera house

 This is the Vienna opera house. They show the current performance on the screen out front. There was a large crowd sitting there watching. One day, when we go back to Vienna and don't have to pack like vagabonds, we would like to go to the opera here.

Rathaus/government stuff from the Volksgarten

epic statues on everything make life more epic

the Theater

Austrian banners on the Rathaus

Rathaus means council house. But generally considering how corrupt most government activity is (in my opinion), Rat house works just fine in my mind.

epic statues//modern EU signs

perhaps the home of giant?

 The following pictures are mostly from in and around the Hofburg, the palace in Vienna.

I love old buildings. Personally, I think most modern architecture is rather ugly. Especially from the 70s, which seems like all of the science buildings on campus were from then. Davis and I always had to learn in ugly buildings. Again side note.

view from our room

So thus concludes Vienna. Monday morning we caught a high speed train to Salzburg.

Vienna-1

I don't think blogger likes me to load a ton of pictures so, I am breaking the posts down to make it happy :)

We did it! We finally got our trip to Europe in!

Vienna may go down in our books as one of our most favorite cities ever. That is even with a chilly drizzle. It is lovely with beautiful buildings, parks tucked here and there, lots of fascinating history and culture, and even though it is a large city it does not give that impression once in it. Our method of traveling has two objectives: see old stuff and eat food. This is mostly accomplished by allowing ourselves to walk to anything that looks interesting and safe. For the record, Vienna never felt unsafe even when we were out walking after the sunset. Most of our walking kept us in the inner ring of town. If we saw something, we walked over and looked at it or in it. We decided early on while planning that we wouldn't go to see things just because they were there. For example, if we ever find ourselves in Cooperstown, NY we probably won't go see the baseball hall of fame because neither of us have interest in it. One can drive themselves crazy trying to see everything a place has to offer. We enjoy of lovely blend of seeing major sites while simply enjoying our surroundings.

Waiting for the S-Bahn, crusty from long airplane trips
ps. Austrian airline has free alcohol. wine with dinner!

After dropping our bags off at the hotel, we immediately, although exhausted, took off to see things. We wandered a bit and discovered we were only a few blocks from St. Stephen's Cathedral. Hands down, my favorite of the probably dozen churches and cathedrals we wandered into. 

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It is quite the popular thing to see and it was easy to see why. I wanted to be able to see it minus all the other people, to really take it in. The size and the particular beauty was mesmerizing. But of course, it's hard to get an epic place like that to yourself. So we wandered on and found out that nearly every old church in Vienna was incredibly beautiful, old, and generally free to visit.

amazing artwork everywhere

Augustinian Church, location of some private ceremonies
for the Hapsburgs

Karlskirche, which we didn't go inside because after a handful
of free churches 9 euros seemed a bit steep.

happy hungry davis getting fed

We went to the Naschmarkt to check out the local foods. We found some inexpensive meats and bread, just what I expected. Perfect for the moment.

After fueling up, we continued to wander and found protestors marching around the art museum to the government buildings. It was pretty exciting. So we watched it.

police running to the gathering protestors

While in Vienna, there was a Vienna city festival. So there was a lot of random events going on all around town. I mostly was annoyed at all the tents set up in front of beautiful old buildings. Also, much of Europe was in election season. We were able to experience the very bland political ads contrasting to the passion of protestors.

Davis in front of the Queen Bee herself, Maria Theresa

and old roman road in the heart of the city

Davis' mind was blown by the roman road. I think we'll have to go to Italy next. After romping all over town, we took some naps in the hotel. Staying up all night and walking around all day made us exhausted. We would stop and sit in a church to read about it and almost fall asleep. After napping, we went out for dinner. After dinner, we went straight back to bed and slept until eight the next morning.


Also, I realized so much of Europe was  changed by WWII. Much of history was damaged or destroyed. War is a terrible thing that destroys so much. I am glad many of these beautiful places were restored after damage or destruction.

So, another time day two and so on!

May recap

poopsie

So, lots has happened. We are back from Europe. But let me back up a little first. May has been one busy whirlwind. But I supposed most of life is that way. The beginning of the month we finalized our trip and spent as much time as work would allow with the Moffatts before they moved. They stayed at our house for their final week and sent us off to Austria. Davis and I have been trying to be garden champions. We may have planted ten tomato plants and tons of other things. I love a good fresh tomato. Hopefully this summer will be a good one for growing delicious fresh vegetables and fruits. I, after a month of deliberating, decided to quit Labor and Delivery and focus only on one job, Same Day Surgery. There are so many factors that made the decision really hard and being a huge people-pleaser makes decisions more challenging. After stressing over this, Davis finally said it sounds like you've made up your mind so why do you keep making yourself miserable over it? So, the Wednesday before leaving town, I put in a three week notice. And let me tell you, making a decision and sticking with it has been wonderful. My mind was clear and free to relax and soak in time with Davis on our trip.

So, then we went to Austria and Germany. I will write about it in future posts, too many pictures will require me to take it more slowly. Davis took this photo of Ingrid before we left because we were sad to leave her. We might be a tad overly sentimental towards her.

We are back in Utah for a few days then we leave for Colorado to our dear friend's wedding for the weekend. It's been a fun and busy month. Now to sort through some photos for future posts.

weekend recap, because it really isn't that bad here

Just so you know, I am not entirely unhappy and downhearted by everything right now. Davis and I frequently take strolls around the neighborhood that serve as a constant we reminded of how much for which we should  be thankful. This week has been quite lovely.

Davis was able to leave work at lunch on Friday. We took a walk with Ingrid to the park and sat in the sun. We were a little over zealous of our sun intake and now we have sunburns. Oops.

Friday morning coffee buddy in the sun

beautiful flowers everywhere

found some bonus candy in the kitchen
from the pinata at Davis' birthday

Friday night we took a picnic to Red Butte Gardens with the Moffatts. We also had some frozen yogurt after. Mine of course had some scoops of gummy bears of which I always eat first.

Red Butt Gardens

Great evening with friends

Saturday was a productive but full day.  It started with helping the RUF intern pack her moving truck. After packing, her wonderful family treated us to lunch at Red Iguana. Always so good. We finished most of our gardening. I cleaned out some side beds where were over grown with weeds and nonsense. We got some more strawberries. I think about with every five I plant, I eat one berry... Still hoping for a good harvest some day. A few tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and rhubarb were purchased and planted along with other seeds. We finished our day with just enough time to read for a bit before crashing.

Sunday I had to go to work, boo. Thankfully it was only for eight hours. I enjoyed welcoming another sweet little girl into the world for my job. Although, I dislike having to do this on a Sunday. We had youth group tonight. Even though our group is tiny small, they are so very interesting and a treat to spend time with. We concluded our weekend similar to the way we started it, a walk with Ingrid around the neighborhood as the sun set.

I have so much I can give thanks for... I know I tend to focus on all the negatives and that is no good.

Oh and less than two weeks until we'll be on our vacation! Hooray!

it flurried off and on today but this as nothing to do with that.

It seems lately Davis and I, probably mostly me since Davis tends to be eternally optimistic, have been experiencing growing sadness, frustration, annoyances and so on with our current situation. First of all, let me just say I realize in the scheme of life we really have nothing to complain about. None-the-less, it's easy to get stuck in a pattern of seeing negatives and missing the everyday joys. This pattern of negativity tends to fuel itself into more negativity and can easily be spread from person to person. Let's just say we have been passing back and forth our frustrations, allowing each other to sink deeper into "despair", for a lack of better wordage. Of course we missed the opportunity to show each other truth and love, we missed countering our hopelessness with God's perfect hope.

But let me set this post up a little here. I am frustrated by work. No surprise here, it's often the theme of my woes. Growing anxiety, frustrations, and just a lack of enjoyment have fostered a festering bog in me. The jury is still out on what I will do but I may be cutting back to just one job soon. Also, as previously mentioned, we feel like we are losing our family here in Utah. We peer into the future and it seems lonely. We want the comfort of these quality friends to spend our time with. In April, we had three different sets of visitors. Mostly my family and also a friend of mine who has been in my life since I was fourteen. We enjoyed them all so immensely. These most recent visitations pushed more on our hearts, all our families are plane rides away. We don't always sense it, but we are lonely out west because they are all so far away. Finally, one which I won't go into much detail over, but we have been focusing on the faults of our local church here. It's very easy for us, in our pride, to assume we are the most awesome, giving, serving Christians in the whole state of Utah. I have been so consumed in pride and self-glorification I have hardly noticed how much this has become a problem. I am often to blind to my own sins as I lay in bed at night bashing this and that about others and situations.

As I write this, I feel nearly sick to my stomach. I am so sorry I have not loved anyone well because I have only served myself lately.

God is good. Despite me often being an impossibly slow learner. The RUF pastor, Bryce Hale, preached this Sunday on why Christian should love the Church. And while this isn't perfectly applicable to all my woes, it sure did snap me back to reality and renew my heart. It made me realize I often view the church and really the whole wide world  as how they can serve me and promote me.  Here are just a couple of truths gleened from the sermon on Psalm 87.
1. God loves to be in the presence of his people, the church.
2. God makes his presence known through his people, the church
3. The church is made up of God's former enemies. God spared no expense to rescue his former enemies by sacrificing His son.
4. God exists in the Trinity (mind blowing yes) A God in three persons. He has always existed in community. He also makes his presence known to us through community, his Church.
5. The community that is his Church is the answer to my (our) self-centered, prideful, sin bent ways.

Here I am complaining about church because I am selfish. The church is means of grace to get outside of myself and serve. It helps me see my place rightly, with God most glorious and to be praised. Also, complaining about life can be put into a better perspective when I consider I am one of God's former enemies who Jesus gave his life for me to be made whole again.


I don't think I really did much justice on the beauty in that bit of scripture and God's truth which provides infinite hope for the soul. I think there may have been several side rabbit trails my brain and heart went through to come out the other side. I am just thankful for truth proclaimed and that God loves me even if I was once his enemy. I definitely am more refreshed and renewed.


And if you made it this far, here are some pictures that you maybe did or didn't want to see. I don't have many from this week.

high quality selfies.

coffee, lazy pants, doggie and Davis (not pictured)
these make a girl feel at home

So other updates: Two a half weeks before we have the vacation to Europe and the garden is sprouting.




Here is the link to the sermon, not the one from Sunday but when he gave it at RUF. It's the one dated 2/5/14 Things Christians Love; the Church

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Easter kind of gets the shaft over Christmas. Even in my life as well. I was listening to a sermon that really made me think about the Fall of man and what Christ really accomplished on the cross. It made Easter season more poignant and joyful. It encouraged my heart to really see how truly lost I was and redeemed I am.

For Jesus' death and resurrection to really mean something to us, we have to believe when sin entered in the world we lost everything. Nothing was untouched by the pervasive stench of sin, leaving all broken and bent. We are not just a little bad or half dead. We truly are dead in our sins and unable to resurrect ourselves even the slightest. Easter is all about Jesus addressing this impossible problem we have because of the Fall. He has victory over sin and death. All will be made new.

It's really awesome. Hallelujah!

My parents flew in from Georgia to spend a few days with us. Davis had Good Friday off. My parents had never seen any of the desert west, the setting of nearly all western movies. We spent two nights in Capitol Reef National Park. Here are some of the pictures...

Sunset shortly after we arrived

castle rock

these good people raised me and treated us to a nice weekend

I love this guy

rocks are cool

colors of the desert

sweet mom

getting coloradical in utah

picnic spot

hike to the arch

desert in bloom

arch

this guy under the arch

my turn under the arch

parents under the arch (and to show scale)

It was a beautiful desert park. We enjoyed all the rocky vistas, the river supplying life to orchards, petroglyphs, and time together. Sometimes living so far away from family is really hard. I am thankful we were able to celebrate Easter together and see more of this beautiful earth. We made it back into town Saturday afternoon after taking a scenic tour of Utah. Davis played his according and trombone for music at church. Easter dinner was hosted by friends in town. Overall, it was such a great treasure to share the day with so many.

visitors are good for the soul

It seems I am always saying or thinking this but life has been busy. Much is going on around us and in our hearts. I am trying to catch up on blogging because I probably will only get further behind. I do not like to be behind.

My sweet and spunky little sister came to visit. We made a goal of walking Ingrid and visiting a coffee shop a day. We did other things too but mostly enjoyed time together with much needed catching up.

To be honest, I just home got off work about an hour ago and fell asleep there for a second while my pictures were loading. Sleep did not come easily last night. I kept having weird dreams about work then when I would wake up I'd keep thinking about work.

Tulle Bakery and Coffee and a cutie

 

at Natural History Museum to see chocolate and dinosaurs

these two are buddies. makes my heart happy

heart to heart with some bones

ingrid got a lot of love from her auntie

also buddies, i love my family

The weather was kind of chilly, cloudy, and rainy. We managed to find breaks to explore outside. The visit was over too fast. Family lives way too far away. Boo.

I worked the one day in between visitors. Sarah left Saturday morning. I put in some hours at the baby factory Saturday evening. Sunday a dear friend, who was also my youth leader in middle and high school, came through town on a road trip. It was lovely to spent a quick 36 hours with her between work days. I might be some what of a lazy host but I enjoyed just laying in the sunshine at the park during her visit.

krystal & me above SLC

It's very refreshing and comforting to spend time with people who have known you  a long time. So thankful they took the time to spend a few days way out here in Utah with us.

In a little over a month, Davis and I head to Europe for our vacation. My parents come in a week for Easter. Lots of good and sad bustling about and prayer these past weeks and coming weeks. Right now my brain is too tired to analyze or say much more. I may need shut my eyes again for a few seconds before starting dinner :)