Joyeux Noel

Merry Christmas! What a great day. Nothing is better than spending an ENTIRE day doing absoulutely nothing but playing with your kids. It was so much fun! I think Christmas is the only day your kids can wake you up at 6 in the morning, and you are happy about it.

5:43 am. We awoke to the shuffle of small feet and Daxton's little voice whispering in my ear "Mom, open please." He then showed me the mini-m&m's that he had already unwrapped from his stocking. Turns out that Josh and Daxton were up extra early and had seen the display of presents and stuffed stockings and could not restrain themselves. They each dumped out their stocking and opened a few treats while Cam and I were still dreaming of sugar plums.

Here are the faces of Christmas:

Giggles

Laughter

Excitement

Exhaustion

Brussels holds a beautiul Christmas Market every year. It is full of all the sights and sounds of Christmas.

We took our small family there last Tuesday and had a wonderful time eating festive foods (including Bratwurst and Sauerkraut-yum), all the while trying to stay warm in the frigid temperatures.

Here is a clip of the light display in Grand Place.

The highlight of the evening were two antique carousels. They were incredible-no painted ponies on these, instead an octopus crawling up and down, a jumping grasshopper, a flying plane, boats, and a rocket ship. It was awesome! (I so wanted to ride!) Here is a clip. Josh is in the rocket and Daxton, the plane.

We also had our ward Christmas party this month, and we had a special visitor at the end!

Josh-

Josh was an Ox in our ward's nativity production. Please, hold your laughter when you look at his costume. In my defense, I had very limited resources. He is sitting next to his good friend, Blake, who was a sheep.

Here is Josh in his rocket at the Christmas market. The rocket went up and down, clear up and out of the tent (they had a hole in the top of the tent that it passed through.) I have never seen anything like it!

Josh's last day of French school (he was ecstatic-but very sad to say goodbye to his friends). Josh and I made sugar cookies to give to his class. Josh is on the far right.

On Christmas Eve we were talking about the birth of our Savior and we asked Josh what gift we could give to Jesus on his birthday to which he replied "We can give Jesus our love, and of course frankincense and myrrh." Josh was very excited that Santa received the letter he wrote because Mr. Clause sent Josh the toy he wanted-a "Sonic Leapster" game. I absolutley love the squeal of delight that comes from a happy child. It fills the room.

Dax-

Dax sharing his pez with Ella.

Daxton eating his giant sucker from Aunt Lisa. Can you say "sticky mess?" He loved it.

On the other carousel, Daxton chose to ride on the boat which rocked back and forth as he steered the wheel.

Daxton continues to keep us laughing. He exudes personality. He too is at the age where Santa's arrival is greatly anticipated. It makes the season even more enjoyable. We have been trying to get Dax to wish people a "Merry Christmas," but Dax thinks it's funnier to yell "Halloween" at everyone, as is evident from the video below.

He also thinks the phrase "picking his nose" is funny, and is constantly saying it. We always reply "no, we don't pick our nose," then he laughs and says it again. Funny boy.

Here is a clip of the boys with their new helmets. Josh is silver, Daxton black (Josh calls Dax the "bad guy.")

Ella-

Girls are great. She loves the constant entertainment the boys give, and most of the time, likes to be right in the middle of the action. Much to the dismay of her brothers, her only defense at this point is biting.

This is her Christmas outfit given to her from my good friend, Heather. Ella is so soft and cuddly in this outfit.....I don't want to let her go!

Ella's bed head each morning. It's fierce.

Cam-

Two papers down, one more to go and 2 weeks to get it done . It's crunch time, baby! Yes, 2 weeks from today we will be home in Utah! HOORAY! Cam has done a great job at staying focused and on top of things. We moved Ella's crib in with her brothers, and turned her room into a make-shift office. So Cam is shut up in there most the day writing and reading. Doesn't that sound exciting?

Me-

Things are great. I'm coming home in 2 weeks! Finally I can meet my new nephew and neice and hold them in my arms. I can't wait to see my family and to be back in the USA. God Bless it. Tomorrow we leave for a 3 day trip to Germany with our good friends, the Pehrsons. We are very excited to see new things and to spend time with this amazing family.

This next note is for my family. I love you all so much and thank God for you every day. The past year you have demonstrated your incredible gift of giving, service, and love as you have sent emails, pictures, letters and packages. Each word written made me grow so close to you and made me feel loved. Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers. I can't wait to get home and put my arms around each and every one of you. I tried not to think about being away from you on Christmas, it's hard to be away from you all. Okay, it's REALLY hard. But soon enough we will be together again! Yeah! I love you and can't wait to see you in 2 weeks.

One year old and Life in India

I had to post another blog before the end of the month because Ella is one year old! Our little Bella turned one on December 3rd.

Here are some birthday photos.Ella with the doll Grandma Holly gave. It's the baby's baby.



And a video clip of Ella with sugar in her system.



I also wanted to share some of Cam's Indian experiences. It began with the flight over. When describing the private jet he flew on, he said "picture the nicest hotel you've every stayed in and put that on a plane." He said it's the only way to fly (no kidding.) Here is a picture.

Once he arrived in India, he was amazed at the poverty, traffic, and smells. The poverty is immense, people living in tin shantys cooking food over an open flame while there children play in the garbage on the streets. Describing the traffic he said "Fill the streets with buses and trucks as tight as you can. There will be spaces left . Fill those spaces with cars. There will be smaller spaces left. Fill those spaces with 3 wheeled taxis. Still some space. Fill those spaces with motorcycles and scooters. Still space. Fill those with bicycles. Still a little space left. Fill those with people on foot." Concerning the smells, on Cam's last day he told me, "You know it's time to leave India when your pee smells like curry." Here are some photos.

Overall, an incredible experience to learn and grow from. He met great people (connections are good things), had great food, and came home happy to be here and happy to have so much.

Cam's so great, he even bought me a Sari that I plan on wearing to church the Sunday before Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Attitude of Grattitude

The table's set, and food is spread before your eyes. You feel like a child peering through the candy shop window. Your mouth begins to salivate. Those digestive juices are flowing, baby! Hooray for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving-an American holiday. There are things you don't really stop and think about until you leave the country. Holidays are one of them. I admit to being a little naive (okay a lot naive). But when Thanksgiving day comes and school is in session, people go to work-just an ordinary day like any other...it's a little different. Sadly, there is no stove top stuffing here, no turkey, no french fried onions for your green bean casserole, you are lucky if you can find a can of pumpkin. (however, if you can get access to the military base, you score with all these items) That's when you thank the Lord for great friends who buy you a turkey (thank you Amanda) and great friends who host a Saturday Thanksgiving day-(You're tops, Heather!)

Being away from family is tough-especially around the holidays. It is great to have such wonderful friends who gather together when we are all a bit homesick-and share wonderful meals, stories, and laughter together. It felt like home. It was fabulous.


I've been thinking. (oh great, she's been thinking-look out 'cause here it comes). There are few things we can control in life, but we all have control of our attitudes. I openly admit that I struggle with this one. You see, my dryer broke this month (oh, how I loved that dryer). I was rather upset and all but cursed the heap of metal. Back to hanging the clothes on the drying rack. But then the thought occurs to me "you still have a washer." Thank goodness for this washer! Can you imagine hand washing all your clothes? Me neither! Yet people do that every day. Oh, there is so much I take for granted. Attitude of grattitude. Something I need to work on.


Josh


He must have overheard me talking to Cameron about what to do for stockings this year (since our's are packed away at home). This morning he came up to me and said "It's okay mom, I don't need a stocking. I can just use one of Dad's socks." Man did I feel bad. So while he was at school I borrowed my friend's sewing machine and used an old sheet to sew 3 stockings for the kids. I dazzled them up a bit and they actually turned out pretty nice. No smelly sock for my 5 year old!


Josh is very excited for Christmas. He already wrote Santa a letter asking for a "Sonic Leapster Game." Let's hope Santa can deliver it by Christmas! Josh's new favorite thing is having Ella walk to him. He loves it.


Daxton

This boy is talking up a storm. He wants you to look at everything. "Momma look! See it?" He LOVES the Christmas tree. I have a great friend that let me borrow her Christmas decor since she is leaving on the 15th. The decor included a tree and ornaments! Dax and Josh hung all the ornaments in one giant clump on the tree. It was great. Dax always wants me to look at the tree, then he lovingly strokes an ornament and says "Its nice."


Still no potty training. I am not physically nor mentally ready for that one. Nana-how about you teach him when I get home? (hee hee)


Ella


Going.....
Going....
Gone!

She did not want her picture taken-can you tell? It doesn't help that Dax is strangling her either.

Ella is walking! Max is 3 steps at a time. She gets too excited when she starts and does this little dance where she bends her knees and giggles, causing her to fall on her bum or her face. (Which with all tile floors in this apartment, has caused her to chip her front tooth. Ugghhh.)


She is getting a bit sassy. The girl attitude is emerging! Look out! It's so interesting to see how different she is compared to how Josh and Dax acted at this age. Ella loves to comb her hair, put on sun glasses, and help wash Daxton when they bathe together. Quite cute. Very "girl." (sorry Shera, I'm going to get a talking to for that "girl" comment aren't I.)


Cam

Last month D.C. Today he left for New Delhi, India. And on a private jet, none the less! I hope it is a fun trip for him. He will be able to do a little sight seeing and is planning on visiting the Taj Mahal on Saturday. I can't wait to see some pictures.


Cam is pretty swamped at the moment. He has 3 huge papers to write, (which entails hours an hours of research) a discertation after graduation, 30 hours a week at his internship, and find a job in the meantime. Kinda stressed. Wish him luck.


Me
3 double strollers! It's the mormons on parade!


This past week I traveled with a few friends to Aachen, Germany and attended their annual Christmas market. The scencery was very picturesque. A large beautiful cathedral in the middle with pine trees attached to every lamp pole, lights everywhere and small wooden booths filled with items from around the globe. The scenery-Beautiful! The chillins-Crazy! (can't blame them, it took 1 1/2 hours to and from for this one. Poor kids). But, I was able to see a few booths and buy a few items-including a breaded apple dessert (I have no idea what it was called-it was in German, of course-but it was delicious!)


I am very happy. Only one more blog until I am writing the next from the U.S. of A.! Yeehah! People keep asking if I'm sad to leave. Heck no! Okay, truthfully I will miss many great friends I have made here (that's you Heather and Vaitiare). And I will probably miss Belgium more once I am away from it. But I will NOT miss the gray sky or the lack of sunshine. Nor will I miss the language barrier. I won't miss bagging my own groceries. Okay, there's a lot I will not miss. BUT I have learned and grown in a way that was not possible had we not been here this past year. I am so glad that Cameron had the courage to take this leap because we have both greatly benefited from this experience. (now just add a job to the equation and we're golden!)

Love you all. Hope your holiday season is a happy and reflective time!

Happy Halloweening

Poop. Seems like it's everywhere I look. I think our apartment permanently has this poop aroma. Today I changed 6 poopy diapers, that's 6 times I am wiping bottoms (and that doesn't include Josh's or my own. Sorry, too graphic?) Everyone has this stomach bug, and it is taking it's toll.

On that note, Happy Halloween! Belgium doesn't celebrate the holiday, but my good friend Heather lives on the one street in Overijse that does trick or treating. She invited us over on Thursday for a nice dinner of chili and hot dogs, then we were off trick or treating at the homes on her street. It was so fun to see so many different cultures coming together to celebrate this Holiday. Many thank you's, dank u, and Merci. How fun!

This evening the primary threw a Halloween party at the church. It was lots of fun. Josh's favorite game was bobbing for apples-his first time and he loved it! He said he will be in charge of the game for Family Home Evening, so he can do more bobbing. When we were driving home from the activity Josh says to me "Mom, Halloween isn't about the trick or treating or about getting candy, it's about sharing. So you can have this." and he hands me a piece from his loot. Isn't he great?

Josh

Joshua is doing very well. Cam went to his parent teacher conference on Thursday. They said that Josh is doing great in class and has many friends. They said in another 2 months the language won't even be a problem, so that was encouraging. I am hoping to find a french class at home to enroll him in to keep up the language. He is a great help to me-physically and spiritually! This boy keeps me in line.

Daxton

Who would have thought that Dax would become such a sweet heart? Certainly not yours truly. But he is growing into a very sensitive and compassionate little boy. He is very polite, always saying please and thank you (even merci to Josh's bus driver everyday). The other day Josh was crying because he hurt himself running into the door, and Daxton was there almost immediately, giving him a hug. He LOVED trick or treating, and didn't want it to end!

Ella

SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! YEEHAH! I stopped nursing Ella a couple weeks ago, and now that she is on formula, it has done the trick and Cameron and I are enjoying a full nights sleep. It is wonderful! Ella's personality is blooming everyday. She likes to be silly and to make people laugh (especially her brothers.) She is crawling now, and walking around the furniture. She will stand on her own for a few seconds. I think another month or two and there will be one more child for me to chase. I really love this little girl. She is so much fun!

Cam

Cam left for D.C. this morning. He will be there for a week, and we are both excited for this opportunity (though both Cam and I will need some serious R&R after the week is done). School is going really well for Cam, and the semester ends Dec. 17th. He then has 3 hefty papers to write and turn in by Jan. 7th, then his discertation is due in April. He is searching for jobs when he finds a spare minute.

Me

I am enjoying life. I think I tell Cameron everyday how much I love our kids. Being a mom is the most wonderful thing in the world. I try to enjoy each day I have, because I am quickly learning that time does not slow down. I fear that I will blink, and my kids will be grown with kids of their own! I'm trying real hard to grow up (yes, this is hard for me, I know). It seems that once I feel I have mastered one weakness, I slip up again and have to tell myself that I still have a lot of work to do. Oh well, one day at a time, right?

We plan on coming home January 8th. Cam will stay in Utah for 3 weeks, then fly back to Belgium where he will sell the items in the apartment and write his discertation. I think people think we're crazy for this path we have chosen (and we are) but each time we pray, we feel like we are doing the right thing. As far as a job choice, Cam and I keep praying. We feel like if we do everything in our power to find a job and reach our goals, that everything will work out okay. This past year has been very humbling and we have seen God's hand in everything we do and have. It has been a very memorable year.