I guess when she can sing AND ride at the same time, the riding skill is well on its way to mastery.
Day 3 of riding a bicycle, and Amelia is clearly doing well. Few wipeouts, and endless circles. It was much easier than I thought it would be (and for her, too).
I bought Jack a bubble blower at Aldi today -- he was out on the terrace this morning, blowing bubbles and he yelled "This is the best day of my life." so cute!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Amelia Rides a Bike
Here's a video of today's accomplishment: we took Amelia's training wheels off! She did really well on the terrace, so we took her to Tervuren Park (the former summer palace of the king), and off she went.
A little wobbly, but she was amazing. Now she's excited because we've promised her a big girl bike when we return to Virginia this summer! Her current Walla Koala bike is pretty small and has seen better days. We've seen a (pricey) Littlest Pet Shop bike here, but she seems interested in a Barbie bike. Time will tell.
The Beginning of the End
Today, we made our last trip into Brussels. For all my talk about moving home, it was a little sad. Of course, it started raining as soon as we arrived, but we did see a really pretty rainbow coming out of the clouds.
The kids and I, thankfully, got bumped up to Economy Plus, and to an empty row at that! So they got to stretch out on 2 seats each and got some good sleep. I was even able to sleep, since I didn't have heads on my laps the whole time.
We arrived home to 2 good pieces of news:
1. No one had broken into our house (I had received a voice mail early on in our trip and I couldn't decipher it at all. I was worried that perhaps it was the alarm company calling but had decided it was probably just a wrong number. But since I couldn't understand the message, I spent quite a bit of time worried about the house.)
2. My car started right away. After 3 batteries in 1 year, several misdiagnoses and a 350 euro trip to the dealer the day before we left, we weren't confident they had fixed the problem. But amazingly, it started right away.
Oh, and our fish were still alive. I guess that's good news, although the poor things are pretty much ignored around here.
After a brief bit of unpacking, I walked down to the market, wheeled shopping cart in tow, to fetch food. Of all the things I will miss here, I will REALLY miss the walks to market on a day like today. The sun came out, the temperature is nice, and the flowers are blooming. After stocking up on chicken and ribs and tiropitaki and sweet peppers stuffed with cheese and waffles and Moroccan bread, I headed home.
I was listening to my iPod, and a Duran Duran song was on (no shock to those who know me well) and the lyric "A thousand Sundays seem to have drifted right by, I could've sworn, in one evening." That seems to sum up our stay here. It's been a long time, but it's gone by so fast.
So now, we have just about 6 weeks left, if you can imagine. So I start to think "Only 6 more Saturday markets." And I think of all the things I want to bring back. I will miss many things about here, but I will be happy to get back to all else that is familiar.
A man with a mini calliope just puttered down our street. We heard this charming music but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Eventually, a man with a little wheeled calliope appeared. He had a basket on top, for donations, and we did run out and give hime some coins. It was just such an unexpected moment!
On Saturday night, we kept the kids up late -- until about 10, and we all slept until nearly 11 Sunday morning. Hooray! Of course, we tried the same thing last night. Jack woke up at 6 and wasn't really able to got back to sleep. Amelia didn't fall asleep until nearly midnight, but she's still sleeping now. Hate jet lag.
More soon, I'm sure!
The kids and I, thankfully, got bumped up to Economy Plus, and to an empty row at that! So they got to stretch out on 2 seats each and got some good sleep. I was even able to sleep, since I didn't have heads on my laps the whole time.
We arrived home to 2 good pieces of news:
1. No one had broken into our house (I had received a voice mail early on in our trip and I couldn't decipher it at all. I was worried that perhaps it was the alarm company calling but had decided it was probably just a wrong number. But since I couldn't understand the message, I spent quite a bit of time worried about the house.)
2. My car started right away. After 3 batteries in 1 year, several misdiagnoses and a 350 euro trip to the dealer the day before we left, we weren't confident they had fixed the problem. But amazingly, it started right away.
Oh, and our fish were still alive. I guess that's good news, although the poor things are pretty much ignored around here.
After a brief bit of unpacking, I walked down to the market, wheeled shopping cart in tow, to fetch food. Of all the things I will miss here, I will REALLY miss the walks to market on a day like today. The sun came out, the temperature is nice, and the flowers are blooming. After stocking up on chicken and ribs and tiropitaki and sweet peppers stuffed with cheese and waffles and Moroccan bread, I headed home.
I was listening to my iPod, and a Duran Duran song was on (no shock to those who know me well) and the lyric "A thousand Sundays seem to have drifted right by, I could've sworn, in one evening." That seems to sum up our stay here. It's been a long time, but it's gone by so fast.
So now, we have just about 6 weeks left, if you can imagine. So I start to think "Only 6 more Saturday markets." And I think of all the things I want to bring back. I will miss many things about here, but I will be happy to get back to all else that is familiar.
A man with a mini calliope just puttered down our street. We heard this charming music but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Eventually, a man with a little wheeled calliope appeared. He had a basket on top, for donations, and we did run out and give hime some coins. It was just such an unexpected moment!
On Saturday night, we kept the kids up late -- until about 10, and we all slept until nearly 11 Sunday morning. Hooray! Of course, we tried the same thing last night. Jack woke up at 6 and wasn't really able to got back to sleep. Amelia didn't fall asleep until nearly midnight, but she's still sleeping now. Hate jet lag.
More soon, I'm sure!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
What do you think of THAT?
Words from my 3 1/2 year old son as he smacked a ball right at me when we were playing baseball today. It was pretty funny. He is a very good baseball and tennis player (even his tennis instructor suggested that he get private lessons, as he was doing far better than all the other children in his class [sorry, Amelia]).
We're looking forward to our last visit to the States this week -- the next trip we make from Belgium to the U.S. will be the permanent one. Hooray!
We enjoyed a sunny weekend here, and Amelia decided she wanted to ride her bike to the market on Saturday. She was excited, because I had bought her a special basket for her bike, with a handle so that she could take it off her bike and do her marketing.
The first thing that caught her eye were some wonderfully red, ripe strawberries. She couldn't wait to eat one, so while I stopped at the Greek stand for some tiropitaki, she dug in.
Her next stop was for tulips.
She picked out some beautiful white tulips with hints of pink -- 10 tulips for 3 euros. I will really, really miss all the fresh flowers when we move back. Especially the tulips!!
She did an admirable job riding all the way there and back (it's about a 15-minute walk each way). She was quite proud of herself, too.
The icing on the cake for the weekend was a personal concerts by my two budding musicians. I'm not sure which is funnier. Amelia's flamenco dress, or Jack's dancing. (Before watching the video, make sure your volume isn't too loud. And if you have dogs, they might start howling along.)
We're looking forward to our last visit to the States this week -- the next trip we make from Belgium to the U.S. will be the permanent one. Hooray!
We enjoyed a sunny weekend here, and Amelia decided she wanted to ride her bike to the market on Saturday. She was excited, because I had bought her a special basket for her bike, with a handle so that she could take it off her bike and do her marketing.
The first thing that caught her eye were some wonderfully red, ripe strawberries. She couldn't wait to eat one, so while I stopped at the Greek stand for some tiropitaki, she dug in.
Her next stop was for tulips.
She picked out some beautiful white tulips with hints of pink -- 10 tulips for 3 euros. I will really, really miss all the fresh flowers when we move back. Especially the tulips!!
She did an admirable job riding all the way there and back (it's about a 15-minute walk each way). She was quite proud of herself, too.
The icing on the cake for the weekend was a personal concerts by my two budding musicians. I'm not sure which is funnier. Amelia's flamenco dress, or Jack's dancing. (Before watching the video, make sure your volume isn't too loud. And if you have dogs, they might start howling along.)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Living Frugally? How, in Europe?
I've been reading lots of U.S.-based blogs lately on the topic of frugal living. I'm very impressed by all the folks who manage their coupons and store-based deals so well. There are very few coupons here (at least, that I've been able to figure out). I'm really looking forward to coming back home and being able to buy some things in bulk. There's just no such thing here. I've been shocked by our food bills -- we can pay some extravagant prices on some things, especially things from home. For example, I paid over 5 euros yesterday for a box of PopTarts, and the same for a bottle of Hunts BBQ sauce. A small bottle of Golden Griddle pancake syrup is 8.50, and a package of chocolate chips is nearly 6 euros (1 euro is roughly $1.30). THIS is why my suitcases are always so food-laden!
Yes, I realize that I don't need PopTarts, or BBQ sauce, so if I buy them I shouldn't complain. But STILL....
Now, I realize that with 3 months to go, I've kinda missed the boat on trying to live in Brussels more economically. But better late than never, right? One thing I've decided to try, on occasion, is some line drying. I hooked up a line and some hooks outside and have done 2 loads of drying outside. Given the temperature, and the humidity, it takes a long time. But I was quite pleased with how well it (eventually) turned out. Few wrinkles, not crunchy, and I didn't have to use the inefficient (and LOUD) dryer. And, as a bonus, it gave T.J. quite a chuckle. Not sure what the cost savings benefit is, but it made me feel better. But, of course, last night, Jack's diaper leaked -- all over his bed -- and it's raining today. So today, I try some inside line drying.
How many of you are snickering?
The kids and I have also been making our own bread lately. We found a good recipe here for beginner's bread that is very easy (although Jack isn't very patient during the rising portion of the process). One down side is that Jack wants to make bread faster than we can eat it. So I've been making lots of French Toast (perfect for a quick breakfast and it can be easily frozen!). T.J. seems slightly concerned that this could be the signs of an impending midlife crisis (kidding, of course), but he's decided that if it is a crisis of sorts, making my own bread probably lets him off the hook pretty easy. Laura just sent me a recipe for another easy bread (here) and I think that's what I'm going to try next.
I also made (if I do say so myself) a wonderful tartiflette the other night (see here for a recipe similar to the one I used). It's with sliced potatoes, bacon bits, onions, and a delicious Reblochon cheese melted on top. The kids, amazingly, were the biggest fans. Amelia had 2 helpings that night and asked for it again the next night. I highly recommend it. (The cheese is just a very creamy, mild cheese. Not sure what it would be comparable to in the grocery stores of the U.S.)
School Days
Jack is starting full days at school now. I'm not sure how that's going to go. He still needs that nap, so missing it more often than not has made him a little cranky in the evenings. But he's so excited to stay at school with his friends and set the table.
Upcoming Move
There are still no official details on our move, so we're a bit in limbo. I'm still trying to organize, toss, and donate, while buying all those last things that I don't want to leave Belgium without (great grocery shopping bags, a Le Creuset pot from the market, a quilt for the guest bed, saddlebags for my bicycle). There will be a lot to do once we establish our move date, but until then, there are just a lot of hypotheticals. I just can't wait to get back into our house in July. T.J. can't believe that I just want to go sit in the empty house the first day it's empty. But I am just longing for the day. I will probably sit on the kitchen floor, dispensing ice and running the garbage disposal. Just because I can.
Anyone want to come help me strip kitchen wallpaper? I didn't think so. I'd eventually like to renovate the kitchen, but until then, I'd love a fresh coat of paint. But the wallpaper seems like an ominous job....
Our last vistors
A lot of folks are making their last-chance trips to visit us. My sister is here now (generously bringing Cheerios, fruit juice snacks, Velveeta, ravioletti, and baked cheetos). the weather hasn't been too cooperative, but we're trying to make the most of it. It is ironic, though. She came to Belgium to come shopping, and I can't wait to come to the US to go shopping!!
We did go visit the Atomium. I've been before (though never up in it yet) and finally took some photos.
We also took the kids to a donkey farm that is reportedly one of the most important donkey milk manufacturing sites in Europe ... I know, ew, right? It was a bit of a letdown, but the kids enjoyed seeing all the animals.
Midi Market
Just when it's almost too late, Susan and I discovere the Sunday market at Gare du Midi. Hundreds of fresh food vendors, and a plethora of other goodies (my big finds, a roaring, light-up, walking dinosaur for Jack and Littlest Pet Shop sock for Amelia). Our favorite, though, was a Moroccan food stand. They were selling delicious mint tea, which we had adored on our cruise to Morocco (a wonderful combo of green tea, sugar and fresh mint). And to go with it, a freshly made flat bread, filled with a soft feta-like cheese and roasted red peppers and drizzled with honey). I know I talk too much about food, but this is an exception. This, I could eat every day. In fact, I will try to return as often as I can on Sundays to get my fill. Pure heaven!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Yes, I realize that I don't need PopTarts, or BBQ sauce, so if I buy them I shouldn't complain. But STILL....
Now, I realize that with 3 months to go, I've kinda missed the boat on trying to live in Brussels more economically. But better late than never, right? One thing I've decided to try, on occasion, is some line drying. I hooked up a line and some hooks outside and have done 2 loads of drying outside. Given the temperature, and the humidity, it takes a long time. But I was quite pleased with how well it (eventually) turned out. Few wrinkles, not crunchy, and I didn't have to use the inefficient (and LOUD) dryer. And, as a bonus, it gave T.J. quite a chuckle. Not sure what the cost savings benefit is, but it made me feel better. But, of course, last night, Jack's diaper leaked -- all over his bed -- and it's raining today. So today, I try some inside line drying.
How many of you are snickering?
The kids and I have also been making our own bread lately. We found a good recipe here for beginner's bread that is very easy (although Jack isn't very patient during the rising portion of the process). One down side is that Jack wants to make bread faster than we can eat it. So I've been making lots of French Toast (perfect for a quick breakfast and it can be easily frozen!). T.J. seems slightly concerned that this could be the signs of an impending midlife crisis (kidding, of course), but he's decided that if it is a crisis of sorts, making my own bread probably lets him off the hook pretty easy. Laura just sent me a recipe for another easy bread (here) and I think that's what I'm going to try next.
I also made (if I do say so myself) a wonderful tartiflette the other night (see here for a recipe similar to the one I used). It's with sliced potatoes, bacon bits, onions, and a delicious Reblochon cheese melted on top. The kids, amazingly, were the biggest fans. Amelia had 2 helpings that night and asked for it again the next night. I highly recommend it. (The cheese is just a very creamy, mild cheese. Not sure what it would be comparable to in the grocery stores of the U.S.)
School Days
Jack is starting full days at school now. I'm not sure how that's going to go. He still needs that nap, so missing it more often than not has made him a little cranky in the evenings. But he's so excited to stay at school with his friends and set the table.
Upcoming Move
There are still no official details on our move, so we're a bit in limbo. I'm still trying to organize, toss, and donate, while buying all those last things that I don't want to leave Belgium without (great grocery shopping bags, a Le Creuset pot from the market, a quilt for the guest bed, saddlebags for my bicycle). There will be a lot to do once we establish our move date, but until then, there are just a lot of hypotheticals. I just can't wait to get back into our house in July. T.J. can't believe that I just want to go sit in the empty house the first day it's empty. But I am just longing for the day. I will probably sit on the kitchen floor, dispensing ice and running the garbage disposal. Just because I can.
Anyone want to come help me strip kitchen wallpaper? I didn't think so. I'd eventually like to renovate the kitchen, but until then, I'd love a fresh coat of paint. But the wallpaper seems like an ominous job....
Our last vistors
A lot of folks are making their last-chance trips to visit us. My sister is here now (generously bringing Cheerios, fruit juice snacks, Velveeta, ravioletti, and baked cheetos). the weather hasn't been too cooperative, but we're trying to make the most of it. It is ironic, though. She came to Belgium to come shopping, and I can't wait to come to the US to go shopping!!
We did go visit the Atomium. I've been before (though never up in it yet) and finally took some photos.
We also took the kids to a donkey farm that is reportedly one of the most important donkey milk manufacturing sites in Europe ... I know, ew, right? It was a bit of a letdown, but the kids enjoyed seeing all the animals.
Midi Market
Just when it's almost too late, Susan and I discovere the Sunday market at Gare du Midi. Hundreds of fresh food vendors, and a plethora of other goodies (my big finds, a roaring, light-up, walking dinosaur for Jack and Littlest Pet Shop sock for Amelia). Our favorite, though, was a Moroccan food stand. They were selling delicious mint tea, which we had adored on our cruise to Morocco (a wonderful combo of green tea, sugar and fresh mint). And to go with it, a freshly made flat bread, filled with a soft feta-like cheese and roasted red peppers and drizzled with honey). I know I talk too much about food, but this is an exception. This, I could eat every day. In fact, I will try to return as often as I can on Sundays to get my fill. Pure heaven!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Amelia and the Wii, and Other Things
Amelia went for a 10-minute run this weekend with Wii Fit. She made it the whole time, too, even though we told her to rest! She really enjoyed it. She loves playing Littlest Pet Shop and Barbie Horse Camp, and both kids love playing miniature golf. We got a bass fishing game too, but we haven't been able to quite figure that one out yet. Only the kids have hooked fish so far, and even then, we haven't been able to reel any in. Amelia has been trying to hula-hoop, too, but she doesn't seem to weigh enough for the balance board to recognize her, poor thing.
Amelia got to talk to her best friend today, who moved over Christmas back to the U.S. It was sweet to see her so excited and asking a lot of grown-up-type questions. We're hoping to be able to arrange a trip for the girls to visit this summer.
I've been battling a sinus infection. Our doctor gave me a "concoction" of oils -- thyme, pine, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. -- to add to boiling water to inhale. It smells wonderful, but leaves a terrible residue on bowls. Nearly impossible to get off. I had to toss the plastic spoon I had used for measuring it. Effective, but gross. We picked up the prescription for this at the pharmacy that has taken over the Harrison's old townhouse. It was strange to be standing in their dining room, getting drugs. The pharmacist was nice enough to take Amelia for a "tour" of the renovated digs. She was quite puzzled, but very fascinated.
Jack has been doing very well with his two full days of school. So well, in fact, that he keeps asking me and his teachers if he can stay for lunch every day. So ... in March, he will go 4 full days. It will be a little sad for him to be doing such a big-boy thing, but it will also be a help, as official word went out today about T.J.'s new job, so there will be much chaos around here as I try to organize. I could just have the packers take everything, and then sort it out on the other end, but it would be nice to have things purged -- or at least organized -- so the move on the other end will be smoother.
Tonight, Jack belted out a pretty good try at "Frere Jacques." You can tell they learn the song by listening, because the only words that were right were "ding, dong, dong." It was a valiant attempt, and it was clear what he was trying to sing. It's cute, because now when we play hide and seek, he counts to 10 in French.
Today is the last day of school before the Carnivale holidays next week. The kids got to dress up in costumes, and I've included a picture below. Amelia just couldn't decide which dress-up dress to wear -- she must've tried on 5 dresses before she finally settled on this one.
Amelia got to talk to her best friend today, who moved over Christmas back to the U.S. It was sweet to see her so excited and asking a lot of grown-up-type questions. We're hoping to be able to arrange a trip for the girls to visit this summer.
I've been battling a sinus infection. Our doctor gave me a "concoction" of oils -- thyme, pine, eucalyptus, menthol, etc. -- to add to boiling water to inhale. It smells wonderful, but leaves a terrible residue on bowls. Nearly impossible to get off. I had to toss the plastic spoon I had used for measuring it. Effective, but gross. We picked up the prescription for this at the pharmacy that has taken over the Harrison's old townhouse. It was strange to be standing in their dining room, getting drugs. The pharmacist was nice enough to take Amelia for a "tour" of the renovated digs. She was quite puzzled, but very fascinated.
Jack has been doing very well with his two full days of school. So well, in fact, that he keeps asking me and his teachers if he can stay for lunch every day. So ... in March, he will go 4 full days. It will be a little sad for him to be doing such a big-boy thing, but it will also be a help, as official word went out today about T.J.'s new job, so there will be much chaos around here as I try to organize. I could just have the packers take everything, and then sort it out on the other end, but it would be nice to have things purged -- or at least organized -- so the move on the other end will be smoother.
Tonight, Jack belted out a pretty good try at "Frere Jacques." You can tell they learn the song by listening, because the only words that were right were "ding, dong, dong." It was a valiant attempt, and it was clear what he was trying to sing. It's cute, because now when we play hide and seek, he counts to 10 in French.
Today is the last day of school before the Carnivale holidays next week. The kids got to dress up in costumes, and I've included a picture below. Amelia just couldn't decide which dress-up dress to wear -- she must've tried on 5 dresses before she finally settled on this one.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Jack Bakes Bread
I was invited today to watch Jack make bread. It was quite a hoot, and the other kids seemed quite fascinated that I was there. Jack was very proud of showing off to me, but Amelia was very sad that I wasn't coming to her class today. She was sitting at a table at the bottom of the stairs from Jack's class (so she wouldn't miss me when I came back downstairs to leave), drawing pictures for me.
Every child in school loves to make the bread, and while it isn't the tastiest stuff out there, we always manage to choke some down, as the kids get to bring muffin-shaped bread home to share with the family, while they make a loaf for the class to eat at lunch.
Adding the oil.
Lots of (way-too-healthy) flour
Stir it up good.
Muffin-shaped bread to take home; the loaf will be for lunchtime.
Cover it up to let it rise.
Every child in school loves to make the bread, and while it isn't the tastiest stuff out there, we always manage to choke some down, as the kids get to bring muffin-shaped bread home to share with the family, while they make a loaf for the class to eat at lunch.
Adding the oil.
Lots of (way-too-healthy) flour
Stir it up good.
Muffin-shaped bread to take home; the loaf will be for lunchtime.
Cover it up to let it rise.
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