The Rest of the Story

I guess I should have known there would be trouble after my previous post, so here's the pertinent information that was deliberately withheld until I received the reaction I wanted from my kids:

There were about 75 people participating in the 8K. My time was 58:30:1, about 4 minutes behind the other person in my age division. The only other person in my age division. But we ran a fairly close race, right??! Actually, when I checked the official times later in the day there was a bronze medalist posted, so there were 3 of us.  And there was one really sassy lady in the age division above mine (only one, which meant I was the second oldest female in the race); she finished about 6 minutes ahead of me. Loved her attitude, I wanna be just like her when I grow up.

The cheesy picture I took was bait. You all know how much I love to have my picture taken. It worked too well - Brei, you can take it off of your blog now, OK?

Babies, Running and a Surprise Ending

I think I was a pretty relaxed mom from the start. I wasn’t too worried about what I would do with a new baby, even with my firstborn. I was excited, I never experienced morning sickness, I enjoyed food (very much, thank you), and I had a great guy who supported me and was as enthused about beginning our family as I was. In fact, I think the first time around I was more focused on how pregnancy impacted me than the responsibility for a new little life. It probably was all about me that time, but it was fun. We were living in Phoenix where Keven was finishing up his MBA, far from any family. We had made some good friends, had a great ward, a nice little apartment with a swimming pool, and no telephone (no, not even a cell phone). When we finally figured out that I was in serious labor Keven had to run downstairs and across the parking lot to a grocery store in order to use the outside payphone to call the doctor. The doctor told him to call the hospital, which would let him know when to come. Oh. So Keven ran back to the apartment to get another dime (yup, just a dime) and made the call to the hospital. They invited us to come right away.

Pregnancy #2 was a piece of cake, but I worried that I would not be able to love a new little one as much as I did my first one. It’s amazing how that works – the minute he was born I knew I loved him every bit as much, and it didn’t take anything away from my love for his big brother. The heart just expands. I think it’s one of the miracles of mothering.

And so, with pregnancy #3, I was finally able to just focus on the joy of bringing a new little spirit into our family. It was a bonus that we got a girl! Each baby that came was added happiness and blessings and it just got easier and easier. OK, I will admit that I ended up endorsing the advice my friend gave me when I was pregnant with #2 and was wondering how on earth I would keep up with everything. Jackie, already an experienced mother of 6 told me that I would just relax my standards. I was aghast, but didn’t say so out loud, I just determined that that would not be the way I did it. But it was, and it was OK.

When I was still in the hospital after baby #5 three of my good friends came to visit. They had literally just completed an international run between El Paso and Juarez (I don’t think they’re doing that one anymore!) 3K? 5K? 10K? – I can’t remember, but I was so impressed with their accomplishment and felt like a total schmuck. However, I had a pretty good excuse for not having joined them so I didn’t let on then either.

Recently I started running to augment the work outs I am doing to get myself back into some kind of shape. My motivation was when I realized I weighed as much as I ever did at full-term pregnancy, and my “baby” is 25 years old! I have never, ever been a runner, unless you count my 9th grade year when I was on the track team for less than 6 weeks. I was pretty good at the dashes and hurdles – short distances. But I never had any desire or stamina for the long distance running. Since that hasn’t changed why would I want to run now? Well, Ayrel threw down the gauntlet last fall, inviting her sisters and mom to join her in a half marathon. Ugh. But I took the challenge.

I started by adding some jogging to my walks with the dogs. Then I got serious and made myself run my first mile since high school. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t fun. But I knew it would get easier as I went along. Wrong. Mile 2 was painful. Mile 3 was painful. Mile 8 just about made me quit. It’s not getting easier. At all. How on earth am I going to run this thing in September???

Today I "practiced" and ran in my first event since 9th grade track, an 8K (about 5 miles) in McKelligon Canyon supporting a great cause, Candlelighters of El Paso, and sponsored by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. I figured it would be a safe enough place for a first race, what with all the uniforms and such. My mantra was, "Do what you can, and count your blessings."

It felt good! I was happy with my time! I was surprised when they awarded me the silver medal for my age group! And now, I really think I can do the 1/2 marathon next month. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

A Wedding in Verviers

Once upon a time there was a lovely young lady from Belgium who bravely ventured to the USofA as an exchange student. We had the good fortune of being her host family, and thus began a wonderful relationship which has become dearer and dearer through the years.  When we heard there was a special man in her life we only hoped he would be good enough for her. When we met him last summer we knew they were perfect for each other, and we were thrilled when we heard they were planning a wedding.

August 7 was the day of Julie & Pierre's wedding. It was supposed to be a gray, rainy day but the weather was perfect!  Even if it had rained it would have been a perfect day as Julie and Pierre had done a wonderful job planning a full day of celebrating their marriage, which was delightful from start to finish.

An early morning visit to the salon for "tra la la's"

(and croissants - can you tell everyone is eating croissants?!)

Back to front: Julie's sister, Zazie; mother, Kate; friend, Gertrude, & the bride

When everyone was gorgeous we came back home and dressed for the wedding. Wedding guests started arriving just before 10am and stayed in front of the home. At about 10:15 Pierre arrived, bringing Julie's bouqet, and we all watched as he waited for her to come through the door. It was a very touching moment.

Julie and her father, Paul, and Toma.  Her cousin drove them to the town hall
for the ceremony and then to the reception in this spiffy beamer convertable.

After everyone had a chance to dab away the tears and visit a bit we drove to the town hall in Pepinster where the (very friendly) mayor welcomed us on the front steps.  He was wearing a ceremonial sash around his waist and looked extremely official. We went upstairs to a room with a large table. He and his assistant sat on one side, with their backs to the window. Julie and Pierre sat opposite them with each of their witnesses at their sides. Ahem. I was Julie's witness! and feel very honored that she would ask me to do that. Other people sat in chairs around the perimeter of the room or stood in the entryway.  Since I don't understand very much French I just enjoyed watching and listening. The assistant read some things, which included the names of the parents and the witnesses, and where they live (the women's maiden names are recorded, so I am on an official record in Pepinster, Belgium as Laurel Ann Snider from Texas), and then the mayor talked to them and then read something, which I assumed was the official marriage ceremony (Julie told me later that he skipped the part about what they should do if they started to have problems because right then everything was fine and they didn't need that part). They said their vows, which I think sounded very beautiful in French. Of course there were some tears, but mostly smiles and happiness, and I think it was very obvious to everyone there that these two really love and care about each other. Julie's nephew, Maxence, brought their rings to them tied to a pinwheel, and they exchanged rings. The newlyweds signed a paper and then Pierre's witness and I signed it; then the mayor presented them with a beautiful velvet-covered wedding book that contains their marriage certificate and pages to record special family events.  (There is room to record the birth of 10 children, and they can request additional pages if needed!)  And then we all stood and there was much hugging and laughing and joy. A room full of happiness and joy.

The wedding took place in the room behind the upstairs window

Wedding rings

Wedding book

Mr. and Mrs. Wuytack

Following the ceremony we were very thankful we had someone to follow to the wedding reception because we wound through streets and climbed a small mountain, eventually driving on a one-lane dirt road through a very wooded area to arrive at the site. It was a beautiful setting. When we arrived we could hear music, and soon found a quartet of men playing French horns to welcome the newlyweds and their guests. It was a surprise planned by Julie's father (she grew up hearing a group practice in her village!), and was a lovely touch. We spent the afternoon and evening visiting, eating glorious food, taking pictures, walking through the woods, eating more glorious food, visiting, playing with the darling children, oh, and eating.....and eating....and eating....it was marvelous! Later that night there was dancing! And more food! The bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, the guests were interesting and engaging. Oh yes, it was a wonderful celebration!

French horn quartet

 Nadine, Roland, Laurie, Pierre & Julie, Keven, Kate, Paul, Lilianna and Phillip

Maryann, Chatoune, Julie, Zazie and  Kate with Wallis (Chatoune's dog)

Zazie & Chatoune visited Julie when she was with us, so it was so much fun to be with them again.

A relaxing and beautiful setting to celebrate a very special couple on their wedding day.

We left the party after 11pm to pick up our errant luggage and catch some sleep, but the feasting and dancing continued until 2am! About midnight we heard the heavens open and the rain begin to pour, but by then everyone at the reception was inside dancing so it didn't matter a bit! Have you ever slept in an attic bedroom in Belgium with the windows open, listening to the rain fall and the bells from the church next door chiming in the middle of the night? It's wonderful.

Post Script: The flowers for the wedding were gorgeous, and more beautiful aarrangements had arrived at the home from people sending wedding wishes to Julie & Pierre.

An arrangement from Pierre's parents Nadine & Roland and sister Isabel

Julie's bouquet from Pierre - she didn't know what he was choosing for her, isn't it beautiful?!

From the neighbors

The arrangment we had in our bedroom

Orchids Julie already had, in bloom for the 2nd time

Enquiring minds may want to know: Why did our luggage arrive 36 hours after we did? Why is the sky so blue and the grass so green in these pictures? What is so special about the food in Belgium? What did we do when the wedding was over?  Hopefully all your burning questions will be answered if you continue reading this epistle! 

Traveling from El Paso to Brussels was memorable only because not much more could have gone wrong. After boarding the plane we were informed that there were mechanical problems. We sat for 2 hours until they announced that the repairs were done, and were hopeful we could still make our connection in Atlanta.

If only. They then announced that the delay had meant a reprogramming of the flight plans which had somehow caused the computer system to shut down. It took another hour to take care of that.  And then they announced that there were weather delays, and then - can you believe it - that they were shutting down one of the runways to pour cement! but someone must have complained pretty loudly because we were allowed to go anyway.  And so we left El Paso 4 hours late, about the same time our flight from Atlanta was preparing to leave without us. No problem - we were told we had been rebooked on another airline on a flight through London that would get us to Brussels 6 or 7 hours later than our original time.

If only. When we checked in at the gate for that flight we were told that our luggage had not been released by the first airline. A quick run back to the desk with no help offered in time to allow us to leave, and there were no other options that night. And so we spent the night and all of the next day waiting for the flight to Brussels, with repeated assurances that our luggage would be with us.

If only. This time we only had to sit on the plane for 2 hours before taking off (weather delays again). When we arrived in Brussels we were notified that our luggage was still in Atlanta and would not arrive until the next morning....about the same time the wedding would be taking place. You can imagine how we jumped for joy with that news!
Julie was there to meet us, and she was so gracious about everything. Think about it - the bride 24 hours before the wedding  - takes a 2-hour train trip to pick us up, helps us deal with all the hassles concerning our luggage, and then spends the rest of the day helping us shop for clothes for her wedding. I was mortified, but she was just as sweet and patient and helpful as could be. With only a few hours before all the shops would close we hit the cobblestones running! First we went to a boutique just outside of Liege where Keven found a suit and shirt and I was able to find a blouse. Then we went to several shops in Verviers where we both found shoes and Keven found a tie. If the unnamed airline comes through and reimburses us for these expenses they shall remain unnamed.

Once we had what we needed to be presentable for the wedding we headed to Julie & Pierre's, and that was the end of anything negative about our trip.  And the beginning of many grand experiences, of which food played a pretty prominent part. I could actually title this whole post "Eating Our Way Through Belgium". I took many a picture that will make me drool for years to come.

I shall begin with the first meal we ate. When Julie lived with us I heard alot about her mother's famous spaghetti, and finally I was able to understand! Kate made it for us, and came by to make sure it was just right. We learned her secret ingredient too - toothpaste!!!

Pierre serving up Kate's famous spaghetti

Alfresco dining in the back courtyard

♥            ♥           ♥
The Wedding Feast
♥           ♥           ♥

A Four Course Affair

1st Course

Carpaccio de veau, marinade de legumes, Copeaux de Parmesan Reggiano, Huile à la truffe
Ou
Le cannelloni de saumon fume et marine à l’aneth farci de mousse de ricotta et ciboulette
Mousse aux piments d’Espelette et salade d’herbes croquante
Le Sorbet à votre choix

Sadly, I didn't take pictures of the first course, but Keven had the salmon and I had the veal.
Both were divine!

2nd Course

Le foie gras oêlé un chutney de fruits au gingembre,
Tuile croquante et jus au xérè

Ou

La papillote transparente composée de rouget, saumon de Norvège
Gambas et filet de sole, bouillon de homard et julienne de légumes

Doesn't this look like a present? We had the fish soup. Divine.

We then visited and enjoyed the lovely day, cleansed our palettes with melon sorbet, took deep breaths, and were served the

Main Course

Le couchon de lait en cuisson douce laqué au miel et sésame
Gâteau de pommes de terre et patates douces enrobé de Jambon de Parme
Purées de carottes, Ramonas, Brocolis

Of course, it was divine...

Julie is radiant and Pierre looks a bit like Harrison Ford, don't you think?

Eventually it was time for dessert!

L'assiette de desserts avec les quatre plus belles préparations du moment

Simply divine!

Philip, Kate, Roland & Nadine (I think Roland is sleepy from all the yumminess!)

Paul, Bernadette, Pierre & Julie

Maxence and Sasha

Even the children were delicious!

And then there were the endless offerings of h'orderves:  before dinner waiters circulated with trays of foie gras on sticks (so pretty - they looked like lollypops!), shrimp, mussels, sesame-covered duck, and more - sadly I can't remember everything. But be assured, they were all beautiful and delicious.  After dinner there were endless offerings of pastas and rice and french fries and other yummy things. (Everybody knows that french fries are really from Belgium, right?)

Our luggage was delivered to Julie's father's station after 11pm that night. I couldn't resist taking a picture of the church across the street.

I thought I wouldn't be hungry for a week but I was ready to eat this yummy bread with meats and cheeses for lunch the next day!

We drove to Aachen, Germany where we were able to see Charlemagne's Imperial Cathedral.  In medieval times it was surrounded by forest and must have been quite formidable.

Of course there was a wonderful bakery where we had to find something good to eat. And buy some chocolate covered gingerbread cookies. Everything in this display window, including the butterfly, is gingerbread. Now, why did I think of Birgid??!

Julie & Pierre in front of the Mexican restaurant they like.  Notice that it's next to a Belgian chocolate store. I know where  I would be spending my time and money!

Julie & Pierre treated us to dinner at this charming restaurant in an old farmhouse in the country.  At the risk of sounding redundant, may I just say that the food was divine?

The appetizers were scrumptuous - shrimp with slightly spicy avocado, cucumber in a marvelous sauce with tiny sprouts, and tomato crème brûlée, followed by this wonderful meal.  I didn't pay much attention to what the others ordered because mine was The Best ....

.... shrimp & scallop brochette with homemade pasta. Sigh.

Then came dessert....

Julie assured us her strawberry soup was perfection

Pierre couldn't choose just one dessert so ordered this
assortment. He wasn't disappointed either. (I was ogling
the crème brûlée but I think he was ignoring me.)

So much yumminess!

My choice: I don't remember what this is called in French, but Pierre
told me he calls it Paradise.  It was.

This is the end of Day Three. Can you even imagine what could be next?

Monday morning Pierre and I ran the "loop" 5 times on the same path we would take to walk Julie's dog, Zasha.  We followed the road from their home, around some meadows, alongside a horse stable, and then back into the village. Pierre said it was 10k but it sure didn't feel like it as we were able to have a great visit while we ran.  It seemed very familiar to me. I was cetain it was the same area where we had walked with Brei's 1st host family 6 years ago, and learned later that it was - they live just a hop, skip and a jump away from Julie & Pierre!

Beautiful spaces in beautiful places





 



I never tired of the
window boxes overflowing
with flowers

 

Content neighborhood cows - no wonder Belgian chocolate is so excellent!

A few pictures of Julie & Pierre's home:



Front room - we ate at the dining table in this room

Family room - the kitchen is to the left



Stairs to second level

The office - Julie's desk on the left & Pierre's on the right. Julie's photography covers the walls, and the one on the far left is of Wilson Arch that she took when we drove to Utah.



I loved this door! Behind it is the very roomy master suite, whirlpool tub and all!



Our room - Julie & Pierre spent the month before we came preparing this room for us! It was completely
unfinished, and they did a beautiful job. I think there are plans for it to be a nursery before too long....

Stairs to third level

Views from our room:



Flowers on a funeral hearse


A Provencial Afternoon
Later that day we drove through Verviers and into the countryside where Julie grew up.  We walked up and around the meadows and then down into the village of Hévremont. Julie knew pretty much everybody we saw!

 

 

 

 

 

 

View of Hévremont from the meadows behind Julie's childhood home. In the distance on the far right is Germany.

 

 



The beginning of a delightful "wike" (more than a walk, but not quite a hike).





Farm house up the road from Julie's home



There is no store in Hévremont - but there is a vending machine! Double-click if you don't see it



 

The church in Hévremont where Julie was baptized

Leaving Hévremont we started on a trail that is called the Gate Walk because of the many gates and stiles one goes through to pass from meadow to meadow. Such a pastoral setting, with cows, horses, sheep and goats.



Keven demonstrating one of the stiles



Zasha was a good walking companion





You should have seen us do the can-can!

 

The village of Goé

 

As we followed the trail from Goé we saw the church in Limbourg atop the hillside in front of us.

Limbourg is a beautiful medevial village - I couldn't believe we just walked right to it through meadows and up a hill. It was in a perfect setting for protection as you could see for miles from almost every direction. The old stone walls and ramparts surrounding it were fascinating, and it wasn't hard to imagine life there hundreds of years ago.

Beautiful background for a beautiful lady!

 



Julie's school though sixth grade. Can you imagine going to school in a medevial village?!?

 



Typical garden
 



 









There is a secret passage way hidden in this tree, it's true, Julie told us so!



Pierre didn't tell us he had hurt his foot that morning - what a good sport!



The beautiful church

 



Julie would go with school friends down this steep trail to another village



We went through this charming gate....



.... and ate the very best ice cream (the raspberry was better than you could ever imagine)

 

 

Leaving Limbourg

We started our walk in the area out of the picture on the upper right side and circled these meadows to Goé, which is out of the picture on the left; Limbourg is behind on the left. We made a big loop; this is the view as we head back to Hévremont.

It was more than special to be able to walk with Julie and have her show and tell us all about her unique and beautiful childhood home.

 



Meadows below Limbourg



Wall that protected the village of Limbourg

That evening we enjoyed a wonderful al fresco dinner with the newlyweds and Brei's 3 host parents. It was such a unique experience to once again spend time with all these wonderful people whom we had first met when they came to the states during the year Brei lived in Belgium and/or when we were there in 2004.

Left side of table: Pierre, Julie, Keven, moi, Luc,

Right side of table: Chantelle,

Tuesday morning we met Kate, Julie's delightful mother, for drinks at the old train station that has recently been renovated and turned into an elegant hotel.  For our many future trips to Vervier we may need to stay here so we won't wear out our welcome!

Our wheels in Belgium, in front of the hotel.  I'm thinking Pierre looks like he could land a job on "Let's Make A Deal!"

Voila! the lovliness of Belgian french fries!
(This is a random picture that I can't make go away, so just pretend you are going to get to eat some of these babies!)

Kate joined us for lunch at Julie & Pierre's, bringing us beautiful gifts. I was overwhelmed by her generosity. We were both so sad that we couldn't communicate better as I felt like she could quickly become a close friend, and tried desperately to remember some of the French I learned way back in my high school years.

Later in the afternoon we returned to Hévremont where Julie's father Paul fixed us a marvelous barbeque.  He did the whole thing himself, and while we waited and watched him slave over a hot grill we enjoyed some delicious munchies.

Keven, Paul, Maxence, Julie, Zazie, Chatoune and Pierre.
Zasha is front and center. This dog knows how to pose for a picture!

A master at work

Notice the beautiful box of macarons (nothing like macaroons, trust me!) that Chatoune brought for us. Major deliciousness!  Notice the hedge with the entrance to the neighbor's yard. Ask Keven to tell you the story....

 

Bet you didn't know there is such a thing as curry ketchup!

Mmmmmmm, good! We had chicken, pork, beef and lamb from the grill, and salad with goodies from Paul's garden. The couscous was seasoned perfectly and served cold. Note to self: must have the recipe.

Pierre serves up the rice pie. This is a local treat that we had tried to find in Limbourg the day before with no luck. I loved it so much that Julie & Pierre looked the other way when I had a slice for breakfast the next morning!

Chatoune can't eat any because of allergies :(
She was consoled by smelling it.

Paul bought this antique high chair from a trucker who stopped at his station.  He stripped off layers of paint so that Maxence can use it.

Speaking of Maxence, I couldn't resist taking pictures of the many faces he makes. He wasn't too sure about me initially, but warmed up to me when he saw me making fish faces. He even let me carry him down to pet the horses!  He is one cutie-patootie! 



Paul's horses, Tomi and Kamel

We didn't want to leave that night because it meant the beginning of the end of our stay.  I went into a state of denial and pretended that it wasn't going to happen. I'm still in that state, actually. I felt so much at home and could go right back immediately, easily.

C'est la vie.  Au revoir, Verviers. Au revoir beautiful friends.  Mercy buckets and silver plates.

Brussels Briefly
Wednesday morning before heading to Brussels we made a quick stop at a grocery store to pick up some goodies to bring home. Can't leave Belgium without some chocolate - and we discovered, Speculoos!

Chocolates, Belgian cookies from the Delacre factory in Pepinster (SOOO much better than Pepperidge Farm), Speculoos spread, curry ketchup and other interesting "toothpaste" items. Kate's special ingredient for her pasta sauce is in the green box!  Julie & Pierre never quit spoiling us.

Ella, the very helpful GPS system, helped us find our way to Pierre's father's cousin's home in Brussels.  We had met Guy and Dorothea at the wedding, and had enjoyed visiting with them. Pierre had  arranged with Guy to take us to Waterloo as he is retired from the Belgian military and has tremendous knowledge and interest in the history of the area. We had a nice visit before heading into the heart of this most beautiful and amazing city.  First order of business - can you guess? - lunch at a wonderful Italian restaurant!

Keven, Julie, Laurie, Dorothea, Guy and Pierre

No disappointment here!

Nor here

We passed wonderful lace shops - saving our visit to Bruges for our next trip

Brussel's Grand-Place
(I took all the pictures of these buildings standing in one spot)

I had to take a picture of the cobblestones - they were here before Columbus sailed to America!

These workers were creating the grand floral carpet that was on display right after we left,  from August 13-15th. Next trip!

Of course, we had to check out the chocolate shops!

And eat Belgian waffles!

FYI: the chocolate ones are not as good as the original - can't believe I'm saying that!

Waterloo
We went to the museum that is housed in the building where the Duke of Wellington headquarted during the 4-day battle. The art and exhibits housed here are extensive, comprehensive and impressive.

After, we drove to the battlefield. A large hill and a monument were built by Holland in the area where the Prince of Orange was injured (but survived). We climbed the 257 stairs to the top to see the fields, and it was then that all the scenarios we had been reading and hearing about became real and clicked. Sometimes there are just no words. As Guy was explaining the area and pointing things out to us there were some other English-speakers who were anxious to hear what he was saying. It was a treat to be with someone so knowledgeable.

One of three farm houses that was a stronghold during the battle. It is a working farm today.

We returned to Guy's home where we were served ...

Rice pie! and another lovely pie!

Guy spoils his cats and gives them big servings of whipping cream

And then it was time to leave. Ella helped us find the way to our hotel by the airport - that was easy. Finding a gas station to fill up the rental car before turning it in was a bit trickier, but with some help we managed. And then it was time to say good-bye to Julie & Pierre. Denial, denial, denial. They took the shuttle back to the airport and then the train to Verviers. "Wait!" I silently screamed - "Take us with you!" Yeah, right, like they would want us to tag along on their honeymoon to Bali!  But I would have been happy just taking care of Zasha and their home while they are gone.
Dang reality.

ps - I can at least report that we had no problems coming home, we actually landed in Atlanta and El Paso ahead of schedule. But not enough to make up for the delays heading over!  How thankful we are for Tanja & Bertha, and their willingness to stay and take care of Kris and the homestead while we were gone.

pps - Julie & Pierre are in our family picture from our reunion last summer, standing right behind me and next to Keven just in case you didn't already notice that!