Pottery and Sad Goodbyes

Some great friends of ours are heading back to the states. This is one of the only bad things about our nomadic lifestyle. But when you think about it, if it were for the military, we would never have met them to begin with. We decided to spend one of our last nights together doing something that we've had a blast doing in the past...racing at the go kart track. All too soon, the night was over. Next thing you know, and we're taking them to the airport. Sadness. The Smiths are some amazingly awesome people, and it's hard to let them go, but they're ready for the next stage in their life. Retirement. And new adventures on the horizon. They have started On Target Outdoor Ministries, so be sure to check them out. When you do, say Hi for me. I'm sure our last year in Belgium will go just as quickly for us as it did for them, and we will soon meet up with the Smiths at Disney World! It's been a week full of endings, it seems. I had my last pottery class this week. We spent the day glazing our creations and getting them ready for their final firing. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of my work... especially my bowls. I'll post more pics after they are fired, so you can see the final products. Maybe I'll add a pottery room when Russ builds me my castle. Then I can become a famous artist and sell my bowls on the internet. Our retirement is fast approaching, so I need to be thinking about the future. Castles don't build themselves, you know.

Summer Has Arrived

It's another gorgeous day in Belgium. Hope yours is just as nice.

One Friendly Canal

After a very rainy week, the clouds parted and the sun came out...resulting in a gorgeous afternoon. Russ and I decided to make the most of it, and took off on a bike ride along the canal. We weren't the only ones out enjoying the weather, so we made a few new friends. Is it just me, or do you find it a little ironic that one of the smallest countries has some of the largest animals I've ever seen? Actually, with all the coffee, waffles, and chocolate, I'm a tad larger now than I was when I arrived. Best get back to peddling that bike! Hope your weekend is full of blue skies as well.

Each Ending Is A New Beginning

To some of you, this might just be another Friday. In our neck of the woods, it marks the first official day of summer. Brandon is more than a little excited about yesterday being the last day of school. He seems to think that this summer is going to rock! Jess is a little more understated. She's sad to be saying goodbye to some great friends that are moving on to new adventures of their own. It's quite possible that she's also tired of having her picture taken by her overzealous Mom. But wait a minute...what's that on her hand. Could it be...a ring? Not just any ring, but a Senior ring? That's right. My baby Princess is now an official High School Senior. One year from now, we'll be saying a sad good bye to beautiful Belgium and flying home with a High School Freshman and a High School graduate. I can't believe how fast time is passing. I know what you're thinking, too. How can she have kids this old when she's only 28? My hubby is a cradle robber. I'm just saying.

A Day In Brugge...Is Paradise

One of the most relaxing ways to travel through Europe is by the train. Tickets in Belgium are pretty reasonable, as well, so that's always bonus. With the end of the school year quickly approaching, some friends and I decided to squeeze in a quick day trip to Brugge.

We hopped aboard the train and settled in for a scenic ride. It took a few hours to get there (and one quick train change around half way there), but soon enough, we arrived.

When I first told the family that we were moving to Belgium, my Dad sent me a copy of the movie In Brugge. He told me to turn off the sound and just watch it, so I could see some of the amazing sites waiting for me to explore. If you've ever seen the movie, you'll understand the "no sound" part. Just about every other word is the "F Bomb", but if you can overlook that part, it's a very funny movie, and they do show a LOT of the city of Brugge. Don't pay any mind to cranky old Ray. (Let's face it, the last place he wants to be is Brugge, and he considers it the end of the earth.) Brugge is, in reality, a little slice of Heaven.

This is the Minnewater Pond, and that building on the left is the Lock-Keepers House. I would love to be the Lock Keeper in Brugge. Maybe that's what we'll do after the hubby retires. :0)

If you've seen In Brugge, you'll recognize this.

There are beautiful buildings just about every where you turn.

This is another view of the Lock-Keepers house.



This is the Minnewater Pond.

There are lots of ways to enjoy this beautiful city. You can walk, take a boat tour, or hop on a horse drawn carraige.
Any way you view it, you'll think you've stepped into a Fairy Tale. This bridge leads into the Princely Binguinage on the left. The houses here date back to the 17th century.
This fountain is to provide a nice, cool drink of water to the carraige horses that escort the tourists through town. It's located in the Wijngaardplaats.

St. John's Hospital dates back to atleast 1181. Augustine nuns and the brothers of St. John tended to the sick here, and provided shelter to poor travelers.

The Church of Our Lady was built in stages, starting at the 14th century and continuing through the 16th century.

The brick tower was built in 1440, and it 122 meters high.

Inside this church, you'll find Michelangelo's Madonna and Child (1504-1505).

It was originally intended for an alter in the Cathedral of Sienna, but the Mouscron family of Brugge bought it and gave it to Our Lady's Church. It's one of the few works by Michelangelo that is outside of Italy.

This is the tomb of Charles the Bold. He died in the Battle of Nancy in 1477.

Beside him is the tomb of his daughter, Mary. She died at the age of 25, as a result of a riding accident during a hunt. She was the last of the Burgundian line to rule Flanders.

When walking around European cities, don't forget to look up.

The Dijver is a beautiful place to sit, relax, and have a drink. The view is one of the best around.

You can even see the Church of Our lady in the distance.

Winding through the city streets, you get your first glimpse of the Belfry.

Don't forget to stop off in this little side street to admire the wall of beer. There is a bottle of beer (and it's matching glass) representing every beer they make in Belgium. This guy on the right didn't want to leave.

This sign reminded me of Tink and Ashley. See? There's something for everyone here.

The Belfry, or Halls Tower, stands in the Market Square. It's 83 meters tall and dates back to the 13th century. If you have lots of energy and time, you can climb the 366 steps to the top and admire a panoramic view of the city. We didn't have time today, but I'll definitely do it on my next visit. (Yes, I'll be back!) There are 57 bells in the tower, and they can be hand operated by the Carillonneur, or mechanically.

Wednesday is Market Day in Brugge. The square was lined with vendors, selling their wares, as well as the occassional street performer. This guy was lots of fun to watch. He really got the audience involved in the act.

The Government Palace and the Post office are also located on the Market square.

In the center of the square is the monument to Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. They were important men in the Battle of Garden Spurs.

Not too far from the Market Square is the Burgh. It used to be the center of Brugge. Here, you'll find the Gothic Town Hall. It was built between 1376 and 1400.

To the right of the Town Hall is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Unfortunately, it wasn't open during the time we were in that area. There is a small vial of Holy Blood (brought back from the second crusade) inside the Basilica, and has been kept there in a golden shrine since 1617.

Just another quick peek at the Town Hall.

Soon, it was time to make our way back to the train station.

It was a wonderful day in the gorgeous city of Brugge. There's nothing better than exploring with a great group of friends. If you ever find yourself in Belgium, make sure you take the time to check out Brugge. Like I said , it's paradise.

When Good Poef Poefs Go Bad

Our bean bag chairs (PoefPoef Lazy Bags)  have been loved.  Quite a bit in fact.  I bought them almost 2 year ago, and the kids use them all the time when we watch movies.  Sadly, they've started to lose a little of their "poefness".  I decided to head back over to Van Cranenbroek and pick up some refills for them.  It seemed like such an easy task.  I was smart enough to close myself up in our tiny mud room off of the kitchen before I opened up the Poef and started pouring in the refills.  (Thank goodness for that.) It was going pretty well until Poef let out a big burp.  Apparently PoefPoef's are a lot like babies.  Feed them a little at a time and burp them in between to get out the extra air.  Well, the baby puked all over me.  Tiny little white balls covered my shirt and jeans.  And the floor.  And the walls.  And...well, you get the picture.  It took forever to get the mess cleaned up and Poufy fed and zipped.  For some reason, I felt the urge to hum Christmas tunes while I worked.  The bags are finally poofy once more, and back in their assigned spots in the TV room.   I'm still finding little white "snowballs" in unusual places around the house.  And for some strange reason, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....

Too Much Caffeine

Dude.  You really should lay off the coffee.  Your eyes look pretty crazy.

Dinner And A Show

We went out to eat with some friends over the weekend.  We drove over to Maaseik and ate at Den Soeten Naam Jesus (that's Sweet Name of Jesus).  It's a tad pricey, but the ribs and chicken are great.  Brandon wasn't too hungry, so he asked for the kids portion of ribs.  Their kids meal comes with ice cream.  That's a bonus for him, because we normally don't get desert.  When he finished his meal, they brought it out.  And it was on fire.  Yes.  You read that right...ON FIRE! 

I was a little distracted at the time, so I didn't get a picture of it before it burned out, but that's a roman candle stuck into a scoop of ice cream.  Flames were shooting out the top of that thing for a several minutes after the waitress deposited it at the table.  Did I mention that this comes with the kid's meal? Who cares about those pesky safety issues when it means entertaining the youngins, I always say.  I thought Brandon might be a little embarrassed to eat ice cream out of the cartoon cup, but he just shrugged.  Who cares how it's served?   It's ice cream. 

Thursday

I haven't had many big adventures to share lately.  Life has been full of little day to day ones, though.  We are all caught up in the frenzy of end of school activities.  Work. Classes.  Saying good-bye to awesome friends.  *sniff*  (It's always easier to be the one leaving, then the one left behind, isn't it?)   Still, all the business has been interspersed with lots of laughter.  Today, for instance, I had my pottery class.  If you've never taken a pottery class with a bunch of crazy women, I highly recommend it.  I didn't accomplish a whole lot in the artistic department today, but boy did I have fun.  That's all that really matters in the end.  Tomorrow, it's back to laundry, errands, cleaning, helping with homework and other activities.  School is almost out, and you know what that means?  It's almost time for The Summer Of The Moms.  Heh heh heh.  Think of it as a cross between Club Med and Boot Camp.  They'll never know what hit them. 

Muck Wars

Have you ever heard of Muck Wars?  Me either.  Until recently, that is.  Apparently it's the opportunity for the Middle School and High School students to all get together in a big field and throw food at each other.  Syrup.  Ketchup.  Mustard.  The list goes on and on. Who on earth would want to do something like this anyway?  Um, yes.  That is Brandon in the blue shirt, pelting someone with flour.   My bad.

*Thank you, Robin, for the use of your picture.*

Boys. Ew.

It's Friday, and you know what that means...my baby is home. We picked up Brandon and a friend of his from the school at 7:30 pm. It's been a long week. The boys kept up a never ending conversation about how much fun they had and what all they did this last week. Apparently boating school is quite the experience. More so than we had expected. Here's a highlight from the conversation...

Brandon: Hey, Mom, you know that black bag I took with me?

Me: You mean your suitcase?

Brandon: No. That little one.

Dad: Your toiletry bag?

Brandon: Yep. That one. I don't think I used it all week.

* crickets chirping *

Me: You didn't brush your teeth all week?

Brandon: No.

Dad: Did you take a shower?

Brandon: No. Oh, wait. I think I did. Maybe on Wednesday.

Ew. Boys are gross. But I missed him any way.

Strawberry Vending Machine

Say you have a craving for fresh strawberries...at 3 am. No problem. They have a vending machine for that. 24 hour access to beautiful, freshly picked strawberries. What more could you ask for? Hmmmmm. Maybe a vending machine stocked with whipped cream?

Captain Of His Own Destiny

Yesterday, I packed my baby (yes, I know he's 13 now, but he's still my baby) onto a bus and sent him off on a week long school trip. Today, he's in another country, learning how to sail a boat. And I'm sad. I'm slowly adjusting to Jessica heading off on her own adventures. She's 17, and almost ready to leave the nest. Now I am watching Brandon start to do the same. I think it's a little harder over here, because when they take school trips, they really take trips! Heck, Jess has been to England 3 times already! Brandon went to the Ardennes last year! I'm happy that they are getting to have these wonderful experiences that most people only dream about, but it's still sad. My babies are growing up. I guess you can't keep them home forever. Or can you? Hmmmm. I do have rope and duct tape. Don't tell anyone. It'll be our little secret.