Somewhere in the Middle

My Little Man

Shopping for clothes is definitely not one of C's favorite things to do. Just mention shopping and you'll hear groans & statements like, "Mommy, please I don't want to go shopping. You take TOO long", "No more stores Mommy, PLEASE!!", "Mommy, only three stores and no more." lol! Yes, I think I may have scarred him for life with my 5-8 hour stateside shopping excursions. Lucky for C these events only occur once or twice a year.

The last time we were in Florida we went into Target & C sighed and my Mom told him, "Don't worry, C. Your Mom is going to be quick." His response? "Mema, you don't know my Mom!"

So needless to say I tend to do all his clothes shopping online but recently he needed a pair of jeans and the skinny jeans from the GAP that normally are fine didn't fit him. So last Friday we took a trip to the mall. C & I made an agreement... no more than three stores. Deal!

We struck out at Zara's but found lots of stuff at H&M. C was a trooper and tried on a ton of clothes for me. Of course, I promised to buy him some ice cream. C really likes to dress up & has wanted a tie for some time now. So it was perfect when we found these shirts. He looked so cute and grownup. I just couldn't help but snap a few photos with my phone.

Doesn't C looks so serious. This next photo in particular reminds me so much of when S puts on his ties in the morning. I love how grown up he looks.

But he wasn't serious for long. lol!

Saint Nicolas comes to Town

Here in Belgium, the 6^th of December is one of the most exciting days of the year for children. Why you may ask? Well, on the evening of the 5^th children place their shoes near the fireplace or the backdoor in anticipating of Saint Nicolas’ arrival. The following morning, children wake up to find chocolates/candy, Speculoos cookies, oranges, and presents inside their shoes.

Celebrating the 6^th of December is a new tradition for us. So Saint Nicolas tends to give C small gifts unlike the larger gifts Belgian children receive. For Belgians, the 6^th of December is all about the children and Christmas Day is more about gift giving among family & friends.

This year C woke up to find two “Magic School Bus” books along with a chocolate coin on top of his shoes. According to C, these are the best books because…”they have the two things I love – reading and science.”

Danny, where's your leather jacket?

A few weeks ago C went to a "Grease" theme birthday party. Even though C hasn't seen the movie yet he had fun dressing up. Now that I look at this photo I can't decide if C looks more like a mini version of Danny in "Grease" or maybe the Fonzie in "Happy Days"!

Making ART at the Musuem

Before the Fall break, I accompanied C's class on a field trip to a local museum. The theme of the exhibit was movement and I have to say it was really awesome. Not only was the exhibit interesting for me but for the kids had lots of fun. The museum guide did a fabulous job engaging the children. She asked lots of questions &  she photographed the children in several positions to make a short film exhibiting movement.

At the end of the tour, they lead the children to a workshop area which was like a little art-making heaven filled with all sorts of art supplies. It was fab! Each child received a canvas where they traced a figure multiply times to illustrate movement. And then they painted the piece.

I was really impressed with the museum and it's art facilities. I spoke with the guide and she explained that the museum has different art programs for kids throughout the year. I'd love C to participate in an art camp. Who knows maybe I can help too! And we can both work on our French! lol!

Before we left, they gave the children blank reindeer kits to decorate for the holidays. Aren't they pretty? And I'm not sure but either the reindeers or the children's movement pieces will be displayed in various shops throughout the city. Cool stuff.

Boy creates own fun while Return Queen wraps boxes.

So this is what happens when you need to pack up 9 boxes of worth of shoes!

C was super excited to share the news that he is now big enough to drive. He told me he knows how to work everything in the car.

Plus...

And...

Birthday Boy Goes Night Golfing

This year C decided he wanted to have his birthday party at an indoor blacklight miniature golf park. It's a really cool place... reminds me a bit of those nightclubs where everything glows in the dark.

Throughout the course were  many sculptures and paintings of different cities here in Belgium. The kids had a great time. And we had the place all to ourselves which was fabulous!

Compared to other years, where I've made cakes, organized games, and cooked for days this party was a breeze to plan. Not that I don't like to plan birthday parties because I do but it was nice to do something a little different. And since the birthday package included a cake I didn't have to spend hours baking a cake that ultimately ends with disasterous results. lol! No rabbits popping out of a top hats or Halloween spiders. This year C's cake was designed very much in the traditional Belgian style... very chic with fancy chocolate designs & shavings, macaroons on the sides, and filled with lots of chocolate mousse.

Hope you had a wonderful birthday C! Joyeux anniversaire ma chérie!

Birthday boy turns 9

Today Lil' C turned 9. He's growing so fast. It's hard to believe he's 9! lol! My sweet baby is growing into an amazing little man.

Being that today was his special day, I prepared his favorite breakfast (eggs & sausages, strawberries & plums, and a lime/orange juice) and he ate it in bed while S & I sang "Happy Birthday". What better way to begin your birthday. ;)

At C's school, the tradition is for the birthday boy or girl to give out little packs of candy. So this year we skipped the cupcakes and went for the candy per C's request. And since I volunteered at school today it was a really sweet treat for me to see the whole class sing "Happy Birthday" to C.

It was definitely C's lucky day because his French class was cancelled so he had the afternoon free. So what better way to celebrate than with a playdate with his best friend, Lil' J. 

Around our home, we celebrate the actual day of your birthday with a dinner of your choice along with your favorite dessert.

This year C chose home-made grilled pizza & a hot milk birthdaycake with lots of strawberries & fresh whipped cream.

Lil' J's family also had dinner with us so C was super happy!

Beach Day in October

So happy that Friday is here! And that my written & oral exam are over! There's no French school next week so it'll be nice to have some time to catch up on things. Like blogging & preparing for C's birthday.

The next few days are supposed to be gorgeous... classic Autumn days filled with lots of sunshine and cool weather. A combination I love!

About two weekends ago we had a mini heat wave so we took full advantage and hit the beach. That's right, the beach! lol! We had lots of fun with Backgammon Grrrl and her daughter.

The water was freezing but it didn't stop the kids from going swimming. ;)

Lil' C  & Lil' I also had lots of fun playing with the sand.

 

Just a few years beyond 20.

The other day C & I had a conversation about getting older. It went a little something like this...

"Mommy, you're still young."

"Really, C? You think so?"

"Mommy, remember you're much closer to being 20 than you are 100."

"You're right, C! I am young!" lol!

This is the year...

we become fluent in French. At least that's what I'm telling myself. lol! Let's hope C's on board!

But seriously, this year I'm making big strides to make this happen. Especially for C. He'll continue to attend an English speaking school but all his activities after school will be in French. So far I've arranged a couple of extra-curricular activities for him. He's already booked for 5 days out of the week.  Plus, I'm trying to coordinate some private French lessons for him & a friend. Surely, C will find his lessons more enjoyable if he takes them with a friend. I'm preparing myself for some bumps in the road but hopefully with persistance, hard work and bribery... I mean positive reinforcement C will be fluent within a year.

As for me, I'll continue with my French lessons. I also hope to join a French conversation group which will be good for me since conversation is where I need the most practice.

Souhaitez-nous bonne chance! [Wish us luck]