You don't want to know how much I spend on a tree or the size of it. I got my Christmas tree craze from my Mom. This year I am at it again....my tree is picked and in two weeks will go up. Creating traditions is part of the fun of raising kids and the season.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsDecember 5, 2017Christmas Trees, Ornaments, Family LIFE, Christmas, Big FamiliesComment

Homesick during the Holidays

Young, in love and full of adventure. That was me at age nineteen but still....I missed those colorful lights that Germans found Kitsch, my siblings, the laughter and the way we did things at home....

Expat StoriesAllison OchsNovember 30, 2017Christmas, Christmas Abroad, Expat, Homesick, Life in EuropeComment

Holiday with eleven kids - Episode Three

You need ideas on how to make Christmas special on little funds...ask my Mom. Eleven kids and she made it as magical every time.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsNovember 28, 2017Christmas, Big Families, Sharing, Magic, CandlesComment

Will you invite me to Thanksgiving dinner?

These kids were sharing the joy on that Thanksgiving day. They felt the energy their parents were feeling. Thanksgiving with friends when abroad.

Expat StoriesAllison OchsNovember 24, 2017Thanksgiving abroad, Friends, Sharing, Love Comments

Holidays with eleven kids - Episode Two - Dress the Part?

I am a huge fan of dressing the part so why is it that I also say be comfy? Am I crazy? My Mom set the example by dressing the part and eventually I followed suit. Nevertheless she let us be teens...she let us be comfy and experiment.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsNovember 21, 2017Teen Health, Big Family, The Holidays, Enjoying the Holidays, ThanksgivingComment

An Ode to Libby Pumpkin

Germany 1989, with no internet and I tried to make pumpkin pie. The word try is important here. You've got to love those expat flops and oh how I love Libby! I am a loyal customer.

Expat StoriesAllison OchsNovember 16, 2017Libby Pumpkin, Thanksgiving Abroad, Pumpkin Pie, Fahrenheit to Celcius, Expat Life, ExpatComment

Holidays with eleven kids... Episode One

Episode one...a family with eleven kids during the holiday season. This month a story a week about holidays with a crazy gang... my family.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsNovember 14, 2017The Holidays, Big Families, Memoires, Kids Health, Thanksgiving, AppreciationComment

Americans ride bikes?!

Yes and I have been peddling around Europe on a bike for over 27 years. Kiel, Bordeaux, Fribourg, Montreux and Amsterdam. I am confidant curving in and out of traffic and yet others never cease to be amazed!

Expat StoriesAllison OchsNovember 9, 2017Riding bikes, Amsterdam, Expat, Expat Life, American abroad, AssumptionsComment

What teens need

Ever felt useless at night with your kids stuck on their phones and computers doing their homework. You're not! They need the pitter patter of your feet and trust me they want it.

The Big Family SeriesAllison OchsNovember 7, 2017Teen Health, Kids Health, Raising Teens, Family, ParentingComment