There Are No Small Renovations

It wasn't until after we moved in that I noticed a pee smell in the carpet by the piano.  I was the only one who could smell it, but it was surely there!  This awful smell eventually led to new flooring.  We decided the best time to do it was over Christmas break when the kids would be with their dad.  We tore up the carpet and old laminate one day and then had new laminate and dura-ceramic tile put down over the next few days.  I thought it would be quite simple; move some furniture, floors out, floors in, and move it back.  Not so!  There were layers under layers and hundreds of staples to remove, baseboards to paint, dust everywhere!  It was almost like moving again.  But the results were worth it!  Almost like moving into a new home!  I love it!

Here are some photos to compare from before we even bought the house, to now.  

Joel put up bead board to cover that burgundy paint.  

Notice that crazy crooked line of carpet and laminate; GONE!

Little changes here and there add up to one great big difference!

BEFORE

AFTER

                                     

BEFORE

AFTER

My favorite is the kitchen.  I love the butcher block, the pot rack, and the floor!
We also replaced the black dishwasher with white a while ago after it was leaking.

AFTER

Belgium is the Perfect Getaway!

 And my sister, Elise, is the perfect travel companion!

 I was supposed to be taking classes this summer, but when plans changed, I was able to accompany Elise on her trip to Belgium, thanks to my mother's help.

 I saw  beautiful architecture and art work, walked thru great parks, and tasted the sweetest treats.

 I got to escape the pressures of home and meander down cobblestone streets without a worry in my head.

 I saw world famous places at the peak of the the World Cup! (That's the Manneken Pis sporting a Belgium uniform, in Brussels) 

Most memorable though, was getting to travel and see it all with a seasoned traveler who let me tag along and soak up the romance of this great country.  Thanks Elise!  Some highlights follow.

Belgium is Delicious!

We usually grabbed some fruit for a late breakfast and then saved our appetite for a hearty dinner.  There was a variety of cuisine, from Italian to Greek, but we tried to savor the home flavors of Belgium as much as we could.  

 This was Chez Leon, which was recommended by our travel brochure.  Good luck finding them on the crazy, twisted roads!  Elise ordered the traditional Waterzooi soup.  Yum!

 We found this restaurant in Ghent, hidden, meaty and famous for the best ribs.  The sauce on the baked potato was lovely.  I ordered shrimp and was served the WHOLE shrimp.  Hello, little fella!  I somehow ordered a whole fish (head, skin, and bones included),  smoked salmon (that I thought was raw at first, but now have an affinity for), and rabbit with organs included ( I think I ate a lung).  We did pretty well considering the menus we had to translate.

 This was Elise's birthday.  The waiter took about 2 hours to serve us that day.  No one was in a hurry.  The fries are served everywhere.  People eat them dipped in mayo.  Lots of creamy mayo.

 Some days, we stopped for an afternoon appetizer after all the walking we did.  Soup was perfect!

 My favorite was to sample the treats along the way.  The little shops were plentiful and fabulous!  Here we found a macaron shop.  They were fresh, delicate, and unforgettable!  Another great quick bite was the gyro from the Greek street off Le Grand Plaza in Brussels!

 Here's the famous Belgium waffle!  Topped with strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream.  Of course we had to come home with traditional recipe books.  So far I've made the waffles and waterzooi, and I know Elise has made the rabbit.

This was a multi course fare from a middle eastern restaurant.  Fabulicious!  I ate more treats and more food than I had in years!  Good thing we walked as much as we did.  Too tempting to resist.  After dinner, we would trade the goodies we had bought throughout the day.  We picked our favorites, then went back on the last day to purchase more of them for gifts.  It took me a couple of weeks to get out of the habit of indulging like that after we got home.  Too many pictures of sweets to put up.  Or maybe I'm too embarrassed to show how much we ate!

Even the Doors are Exquisite!

 Everywhere we went we saw the most unique doors that were begging to be photographed!

 Some were entrances to museums.

 Some were doors to cathedrals.

But some were just on the side of buildings we passed by.

Belgium is Enlightening

 Each city had museums full of Belgium artists.  We spent hours walking through the mazes of rooms.

 Many, many artists painted Mary and the baby Jesus or the crusifiction.  There were definitely styles I preferred over others.  Some made Jesus look like a man baby and some were very graphic.

I felt very cultured and inspired after each museum. 

 It was not a trip for little kids.  No rides or beaches, but lots of looking and admiring.

It was quiet, reflective, and humbling.

Belgium is Beautiful

 It seemed like every single building was rich with detail and majesty.  Knowing that some of these structures have been standing since before 1300 adds to their strength and workmanship.

 The cathedrals each had their own style and atmosphere, but were all centered around Christ.  I kept thinking of all the people in all the world from all the generations and how his love and atonement reach them all.  Amazing.

 I had to look up, I had to look down, and I'm sure I still didn't see all of the wonder there is to see.

 It was hard to believe that people still live in this kind of city.  It wasn't a fairy tale land, it is real!

 If I were rich, I would love this ceiling above my dining room!

 Even the statues seem to know how gorgeous they are.  

 I want to sit like that!  How stunning!

60 Years is a LONG Time!!

My grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June.  Elise planned a beautiful party complete with photographer, dinner, and toasts.  Here is my family with the guests of honor.  They have been a perfect example of love, friendship, and endurance in a marriage.  

This is what happens when 2 people fall in love and make a commitment. 

Congratulations on 60 years together!  It is not a common thing anymore and I'm glad I got to see it happen in my family.