Vive le Vent --- A Belgian Christmas!

Well I would just like to reassure you all that since my last blog we have received about another foot of snow, making the total count about three feet. I have never appreciated our tractor more! Most people were stuck inside the entire Christmas weekend, but we are farmers, and with the power of our green machine we've been just as busy as always :)
December 21st through the 24th were very busy days for Benoit and Nicole; Benoit would get calls about every half hour from elderly people that needed him to come to the rescue with the tractor to shovel out their driveways before Christmas, and everyone wants their hair to look good for Christmas day so Nicole was working until 10pm some nights! All this busyness left Pauline and I home a lot to do little projects and thus I have become the honorary chef of the family... just a few of my adored creations have been: homemade spaghetti and sauce, grilled fish and ratatouille, and eggplant Parmesan! :)
December 23rd was what I would call our "last minute shopping day". Pauline and I went into Verviers together and met her aunt, Nicole's little sister Fabienne, who reminds me a lot of a friend of our Jo Ellen Legg. She was really fun, and we shopped for hours despite the constant removing and putting back on many many layers. Once Pauline finally found the absolutely perfect gift for her little boyfriend of 1.5 months, we got on the last running bus before they were all cancelled because of the snow and we went home. There is no better feeling than coming home to a warm house after a cold, snowy day!
December 24th was one of the most stressful days that I have experienced in Belgium. In the morning we went to school, which took twice the normal time with the snow, to get our report cards. I was shocked when I found my teacher and she was in the midst of showing my report to three other teachers. She said that she was really impressed and that I hardly make any errors in my writing at all; she even said that kids in my class would be very jealous :) Then we went home, and in not so good news we found out that Justine Bragard, who is my family's daughter that is currently doing her exchange in Kingwood, Texas, was admitted to the hospital and was put into an ICU room. She has been complaining about severe leg pains and weakness to the point that she had to use a wheelchair, she lost 5 kilos and it was getting to the point that medical attention was needed. The entire day I was little miss translator, from emails to telephone calls, I was needed to make them feel as at ease as possible knowing their daughter was in the hospital, in a foreign country, on Christmas! That late afternoon I got my present from my parents in the mail :) and then we all got dressed up to go to Grandma's house for Christmas eve dinner! A four course meal, but the soup was questionable, and I was so happy after my first bite that everyone around the table looked as disgusted as I did-- we discovered that grandma accidentally used orange juice instead of cream in the mushroom soup... ha! I loved playing with my cousins all night and then at midnight we went to midnight mass which was very cool, and they all wished me a "Merry Christmas" and then back to Grandma's for dessert and home around 2 when I skyped my whole family to join their Christmas eve :)
Christmas morning we actually had SUN!!! So I decided to brave the three feet of snow and go for a run... unfortunately I made a wrong turn somewhere and came back very sore and tired an hour and a half later- oh well! The four of us had a late lunch of fondue together, and then opened gifts! I got wonderful boots, a scarf, a ring, and a sweater! Then we all skyped the members of our family that aren't with us which was wonderful!
The day after Christmas we woke up early and had a pastry breakfast :) And then got ready for all of Benoit's giant family to come over! We were all out in the room we rent out and it was really a blast to have a big family around! We did secret santa and my present was bibs for the 2 month old and I got gloves from an "uncle". Around 3 I rushed off because I had a band concert at 4! We played really well and Nicole came to see which made me really happy! The sad part of the day was that I found out that I will have to change host families and will not be able to stay with the Bragards all year... I am trying not to think about it.
Monday the 27th we found out that Justine left the hospital and although the doctors never figured out her diagnosis, with steroids she is doing a million times better :) I invited Mallory over and we played in the snow of course, and made the Bragard family as snowmen! We also made dinner for the family and then just hung out like it'll be when we are roommates!
The 28th we woke up and went on a snowy run through the town and then got ready and her parents picked us up and took us to Maastricht Holland!!! (I love that that is just 20 minutes away) They have a whole bunch of sales going on right now and so of course we did some shopping! We went back to her house which is about a half hour from mine, and we had pizza with her host brothers and made no-bake cookies with frosted flakes... the Belgians weren't a fan of the cookies, but we had a blast making them! I spent the night at her house and the next morning we just hung out until I had to go home. I took the train and the bus and I think for the first time yet, there were no problems, like delays or stalls, with getting home :) I got home and opened a wonderful package from my aunt and uncle! Then Norbert, Gene and their kids, David 16 and Lea 11 came over for dinner-- they are very close family friends and the kindest people ever! We had a lovely dinner with them and around midnight we all finally went to sleep.
Tonight I am babysitting for the same family that I did last time and then I am looking forward to celebrating the New Year 7 hours before everyone in Missouri :) Around the holidays I missed you all very much, but just know that I am really a member of this family and was treated with incredible kindness! Oh and the title of the blog, Vive le Vent is Jingle Bells in French :)

MON ANNIVERSAIRE Belgium Style!!!

Well I just left you all on the edge of your seats waiting to hear how that soiree last Saturday went... well all I can say is that these Belgians know how to party!! The event was red and black flapper themed so everyone was looking smashing, and by everyone I mean about 50 guests ranging from a few months to eighties! The evening was filled with dancing, drinking, laughing, and music and with me being the honorary American, I was passed around from one person to the next on the dance floor! It was obviously an absolute blast because by the time Ben, Nicole, Pauline, and I climbed into the mini-cooper it was almost 3 in the morning!!! :)

Normal people might have decided to sleep in that Sunday morning, but Pauline and I had no intention of such nonsense. We were picked up at 9:30 and went to Liege with three guy friends to see the new Harry Potter movie, and although the French accents were a little odd, it wasn't hard to follow and was really fun! Differences between Belgian and American movie theaters: 1. The chairs are a million times more comfortable 2. You do not leave your trash where you sat 3. There is no globs of melted butter drenching your popcorn. That afternoon I really wanted to just come home and take a nap but finals week was starting the next day so I forced myself to study a little. That night we had dinner with Nicole's godson and all went to bed before 9!

Monday we had a half day to get ready for finals week and in my politics class my teacher was explaining the laws of paternal and maternal rights, and claiming a child as your own and such, and so she started making a whole diagram on the blackboard, but to be festive-- she used Mary, Jesus, and Joseph! We were in hysterics when Joseph started having a side relationship with Mary Magdalene, but still wanted to claim Jesus as is son when God was really the father!! Those are moments that I am really glad that I understand French :) Anyway, after school I went to Vise with Nicole and bought a winter coat!! It is big and down and WARM! Very, very content :) Then we went to a shoe store where a friend of the family Gene works (Norbert's wife) and I was just looking around while Nicole and Gene chatted... after about 2 minutes I realized that this was way out of my budget so I got a little nervous when Nicole asked if I found anything. I politely said everything was beautiful, but she was insistent and they made me try on a gorgeous pair of boots and in the end Nicole offered them to me as my gift for under the Christmas Tree. This family makes me want to be a better person because they are quite honestly the most kind and generous people ever :)

Tuesday I had my math final, which I passed easily, followed by my French final Wednesday (an in class essay on discrimination) which I thought went well, and Thursday was Psychology which I also felt very good about! In the midst of those finals about a foot of snow fell!!! And on top of that, the Commune ran out of ice-- so the danger level is definitely heightened for now; however, I am at least nice and warm in my new coat :)

Now what you all have been waiting for... DECEMBER 17th I TURNED 19!!! :) I started my day off by waiting at the bus stop for a bus that never came, but no worries, Fredo came a picked me up and took me to the train station. I took the train to Liege and spent a very snowy afternoon shopping and drinking tea in an adorable little cafe with my wonderful friends Mollie and Mallory. I left around 5 and with train delays (because I always have issues with public transportation) I got home at almost 7. I was told to be ready at 8:15 but I didn't know for what... In the midst of Skyping Sam I heard Nicole call me. I quickly went downstairs where I saw a group of family and friends in the dark, each with a glowing candle, singing happy birthday! I was SHOCKED! Even Mollie and Mallory were there, although they had both said they were busy! And my friends Christine and Celine from school too! We enjoyed a grand dinner together followed by a mousse au chocolat dessert :) Everyone left around midnight and I stayed up with Mollie and Mallory until way too early in the morning! It was an incredible surprise :)

The next morning the three M's went outside and played in the snow because it was a crystal clear day and we couldn't resist! They both left around 5 and I didn't do much besides rest.
Sunday, today, it may seem impossible, however we are currently getting another 20 centimeters of SNOW! I just came back from a run, I even wore my spikes but it was incredibly difficult! A route that usually takes me 20 minutes took me 45- I guess this is why my family was laughing at me when I said that I was going on a run... Oh well, I am warm now!

I had a fantastic birthday weekend and am enjoying the crazy snow that we are being blessed with! At least I am never thirsty! After four months in Belgium I have really started to feel like this is my home and am just so happy with my life every single day. Sending warm thoughts to you all!

Tis the Season!

Well I left off with going to a band concert... this is a whole new experience for me because I have never played in a community band, so I have never been a part of concerts where there were flyers and you had to travel long distances to your venue and such, it is a very different type of band. Nevertheless, I love it! These are some of the warmest people you will ever meet, which was really nice because we played in a very old church and thus heating was limited and of course it's below freezing outside! Although we were terribly out of tune, we given very good reviews and it was a really fun night! I didn't get home until about 12:30- Belgians are night owls! Every event, even when older people are in the mix, lasts until 12 at the earliest-- if you ever thought that the elderly can't party it up, come to this country!

Saturday I woke up and went to the first swim practice since the pool has been re-modeled... can't say that I notice a giant difference, but it's nice to know we are keeping things fresh. After that I did my usual Saturday afternoon activity, cleaning my room, and then Nicole and Pauline and I went into Verviers to go dress shopping for a theme party which is actually tonight, and Mallory met us there! We all went home and just hung out, talked about the weather, and went to bed anticipating the next day!

Sunday we woke up to SNOW!!! When I say snow, I mean snow! And it just kept coming!!! By the afternoon while we went on a snowy walk and attempted sledding on old farm equipment (shovels and siding) snow was already up to my mid calf! I think in total we had around 10 inches. Playing in snow isn't all that we did though... we played with cows too! Mallory loves cows, always has, and so we did all the fun farm activities-- feeding cows, petting cows, riding (well behaved) cows, driving the tractor, and playing on the tractor :) After a long, cold day we came inside and made a chocolate cake without a recipe (thanks to cooking class it came out incredible!) Then we sat around my room and did homework and chatted- just like it will be next year when we are roommates (if I haven't mentioned, Mallory and I will be rooming together next year at University of Arkansas). We thought because of all the snow she might be stuck at our house again but sadly her host dad made it here and she left around 9.

Monday I was praying for a snow day, but those don't exist here... So off to school we went, but it wasn't bad because it was ST. NICHOLAS DAY! I have never celebrated St. Nic's day, but here they love St. Nicholas more than Papa Noel (Santa)! He came to school and gave us candy, and then when Pauline and I got home we both had candies and a bonhomme (typical pastry that goes really well with cow's milk hot chocolate- mmmm) in our rooms :) There is a song that you have to sing over and over the night before for him to come, and I have learned some of it now which is fun!

Tuesday was Nicole's birthday- 48 years (yes, she is named Nicole after St. Nicholas) and after a COLD track practice we went to the pool that we have swim team at and St. Nicholas came there as well and gave us more candy, a team swim cap, and goggles :) We had a fancy family dinner to celebrate.

Both Wednesday and Thursday weren't really exciting except for that I came home from school early feeling very under the weather. I think that it is a mixture of weather and running from point A to B, but now I am feeling a little more perky.

Yesterday, Friday, we had our last gym class for the year and we all went to the pool and had to swim 400 meters, 16 lengths, continuously and as fast as possible (we are preparing for our Triathlon test in June). I won! I am not very fast, but then again I am not a swimmer... I did 400m in 8 mins 54 sec. After that, I had band, and guess who came again!! St. Nicholas!!! They really love this holiday... he gave us more candy and another bonhomme! I came home and added the candy to the communal pot in the kitchen because keeping it in my room is dangerous!

Tonight we are going to a "Flapper Themed" and all red and black surprise party for Pauline's god-mother. The party is apparently in a house that looks like a castle so I am excited :) Pauline and I have matching little red dresses with black boas! Should be a blast!

So I am wishing everyone a wonderful St. Nicholas, hoping no one gets sick, and sending good luck for everyone on exams.... Tis the Season! :)

I'm Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving....

Well this has just been a week of holidays, festivities, and new experiences!
After a bone-chilling track work out, I went with a family friend, Norbert and his daughter, Lea, to pick up Jordan from the train station! We were late because of a snow storm, so the poor girl waited there for 45 minutes, but all was wonderful in the end! We came home and discovered that Nicole speaks a lot better German than she had led on- in fact, she is basically fluent which is amazing because she and Jordan can chat all the time!
Friday morning we woke up and took the bus and the train to BRUSSELS! We dressed really warm, long underwear, and had a blast just playing around in the city. Jordan had her first Belgian waffle, and then her second which was a lot better, we saw all the famous stuff, and after four hours we were too cold, and we took the train and bus home again! That night I had to go to band practice so I left Jordan to peel apples and make pie crusts; I left band early and came home and the whole family, plus friends, came into the kitchen and worked until almost 1 am making 3 pies and tons of mashed potatoes!!! It was really fun though- everyone really started getting into the Thanksgiving spirit which just made it really feel like home :)
Saturday morning we woke up to a very white countryside, and then proceeded to go on a very snowy and icy run-- very slippery too, there might have been a little girl named Jordan who took a little tumble, but we're young, she popped right back up! Then we came home and went with Pauline and Fredo to get the turkey and some other groceries-- and we found Ocean Spray Cranberries!!! That entire day we cooked! Around three, Mallory and Mollie came over and some other exchange student from Taiwan, we worked our derrieres off until 6 when we got ready for the 25 guests to arrive!!!
The evening went off perfectly-- we had a feast of a beautiful turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, salads, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, sauted green beans, rolls and apple, chocolate pudding, and pumpkin pies. We all went around and said what we were thankful for which was really sweet, and after dinner we all played a giant game of pictionnary- youth vs adults! It was just so nice and family focused which was wonderful; everyone left around 12:30 and Mallory, Mollie, Jordan, and I all crammed into my room and fell asleep.
Sunday we woke up early and all got ready for a Rotary function- Le Diner Exotique- which is a lunch where everyone from each country brings traditional plates from their home and your parents and friends are all invited to enjoy the flavors from around the world. It was a really cool idea-- we brought some Thanksgiving leftovers (we weren't the only ones) and of course served a lot of PB&J sandwiches... After that, I was sad to have to say goodbye to Jordan, Mollie, and Mallory-- we have so much fun together and didn't really want to leave!
Since Monday we have had some crazy weather! It has been snowing everyday and about 12 degrees F-- I am cold and think I am getting sick from running in this weather!
Yesterday I went to Germany with the Rotary! In fact, we went to Aachen, which is about 30 minutes from my house (so crazy how close I am to another country!), to see Le Marche de Noel, which are in a lot of cities right now, but they are basically lots of little shops set up selling holiday things from scarves to chocolates and everything in between! It was three long hours walking around in the cold, but I am getting used to just dealing with the cold and not letting it get in the way of enjoying everyday!
Tomorrow is my first band concert- wish me luck! We are going to be playing Christmas songs and will have a choir sing with us for some! I am hoping we go sledding sometime this weekend and maybe ice skating too! Send warm thoughts :)