Does this sound count as annoying?

Back in the '80s, we were in the midst of renovating our house. Because of all the dust and the work going on, we temporarily moved in with our grandparents for a couple of months. They lived in a different town but not that far off. My grandparents were really funny people. They loved to laugh and we had a wonderful time staying there. It must have been around the summer that we were hosted in their house, because I remember the jingle of the ice cream truck. Most of the time, my siblings and I were playing outside. Their was a rectangular grass field not far from the house. A small chapel was on one of the sides and we used to play ball there. As soon as we heard the ice cream truck, we would race back to grannies house and beg for some change. She would always give us the money to buy ice cream. We would pick a corn with one or two flavors of ice cream. Grandma would pick an ice cream sandwich, 3 flavors in one: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. When I think of it, I can still see her lick the sides, her eyes closed so she would enjoy her treat to the fullest. I don't recall my grandfather having any. Maybe he wasn't home around that time, I don't remember.
I have good memories of the time I spent with my grandparents. Grandma was there for us and we could always play outside with our friends until sunset. Sometimes our uncle stopped by. He owned an MG convertible and every time he drove into that street, he would honk his horn to warn us. We were all chipper and jumping up and down so he would take us along for a ride..

Nowadays, there is no more ice cream truck in our town. It's a shame. There used to be one, when we just bought the house. Some neighbors complained about the hour the truck drove through town. Their kids would be in bed and rush downstairs to get a cold treat. Maybe the truck will come back one day... just maybe. Just for old time's sake..

Kiss me goodbye

This morning, around 5:20 AM, our car was packed with suitcases and bags. Three beautiful young ladies were sitting in the backseat, very quiet and somehow sad. Hubby and I were in front, trying to hold back the tears. I turned off the radio, for the music didn't seem to be appropriate. Only 15 more minutes, before we had to say goodbye to our new member of the family.. Ilaria is going home. She has been living with our family for 3 months, as an exchange student. Coming from Bari, the Southern part of Italy, Ilaria had a hard time coping with our cold season and chilly evenings. Going to school in a very different setting, she couldn't understand why she couldn't use her cell phone during school hours or chew gum in the class. The rules were pretty stupid, in her opinion. Back then, she could've decided to go home and rejoin her own class and continue her life. But she didn't.. She hung in and talked to us about her concerns and questions. We are glad she persevered.

The taxi was waiting for us at the school gate. Gianmario, the Italian friend who came to Belgium with Ilaria, was standing on the curb, tears in his eyes. Even this young man had mixed feelings about going home. After all, having spent 3 months in a Belgian home is an experience. On one hand you want to go home and see your family and friends. On the other hand, you have to leave your new family and friends behind, not knowing if you will ever see them again.. The taxi driver was emotional too, I could tell. But then again, he was not just a taxi driver. This young man had become very friendly with these Italian youngsters. He even came to visit Ila for a last time yesterday afternoon..

Yesterday was a very strange day. So many things we wanted to say, so many stories left to share. We knew this relation would not just stop here. There is Skype and Italy is not the end of the world. I'm sure the girls wouldn't mind visiting her and her loved ones. We have a lot of memories, many thoughts to make our faces smile. I'm sure we will all have to get used to being by ourselves again. That one bedroom looks so empty now and there is no fifth chair at the kitchen table. Tonight around 9:30 PM, nobody will come down the stairs and ask: Can I take a "douchan"?

We will miss you, Ilaria Landriscina.. You are a wonderful girl and we enjoyed your company. You will make more rides with Daddy Cars in the future and your Belgian sisters are looking forward to going out with you in Bari. I'm not to sure about the piercing you promised Eva though... Hahaha... we'll see. Rebba, Inthe and Arthurio are looking for you and they can't find you. Inthe was on the sofa wearing your "muts". I think I will listen to Gente di Mare and dream of a visit to your beautiful home..

Telling tales

When the girls were little, I used to keep diaries and scrapbooks on their adventures. They love it when we tell them about their childhood. They have tons of pictures and there are plenty of stories to read. They get to keep their scrapbooks in their room and I'm sure they have read them over and over again. Some stories are being told all the time. Maybe it's time to dig up the scrapbooks and have another peek in them. I'm sure I have forgotten many stories, but it will all come back to me once I see the pictures. We have lived in several houses over the years and they all have their own tales. I remember Lana coming down the stairs - at the age of just 2 years old - holding her newborn sister Eva in her arms. It made my heart stop for a moment, but she was real careful. I didn't like the sight of socks on that slippery stairway, so I asked her in a calm voice to sit down  and to hold on tight to her little sister. That's exactly what she did. The story has been told numerous times since.
There are several video tapes on the girls as well. Birthday parties, footage of ordinary days, days out at the zoo or the amusement park. We no longer make any video tapes any more, since our last camera broke down. But the girls make plenty of pictures themselves nowadays. All of their pictures come with stories too. I hope they will remember them, since they don't write them down.
I have no more than 1 photo album of my childhood and no stories to go with it. So I need to rely on my own memory. Going back to my teens isn't that hard, but the years prior to that, are tough. I like stories and tales. That's why I write them down.. just in case I forget one day...

Could it be? Yes, it could..

My two girls... Never thought they would get along so well. It warms my heart to see how well they are doing in their lives. They are happy and cheerful and have plenty of friends. And best of all: they are becoming good friends to each other as well..

Eva attended boarding school for two years. During that period of time, the girls didn't see each other that often. It took them some time to adjust having each other around again, but they worked out a system and they do well.

I feel fortunate to have these beautiful girls as my daughters. They make me proud and I'm lucky they chose me as their mom. Life wouldn't be the same without them.

Christmas finals are over. They will get good grades, I'm sure about that. They studied well and they deserve some vacation now. I'm glad they will be home for a while. Looking forward to doing fun things together and enjoy their presence.. Love you girls.. xxx

I'm over the moon

While we were enjoying our midweek in Holland, I got notified by Facebook that two people wanted to become friends with me. Two names I didn't recognize, so I put them on hold, until I was home to check my laptop.
I replied that I was curious to know who they were. To my surprise, these people were whippet lovers. And even more: the lady behind the name is the proud owner of a sister of little Inthe! Joy oh joy! Inthe is from a litter of 6 girls. Spread around the country, we have not had the chance to meet up. And now it's really going to happen. Little Valerie and Inthe will meet again for the first time. Of course I will bring Rebba too and Valerie will bring her friend Vito, a beautiful male whippet who is only 1 month older than these two girls. We'll have a great time, no doubt about that!

Valerie

Inthe and Rebba

Freckles and photos

Photo by Lana Joos

Doesn't she look great, our little freckled girl? I'm so happy with this snapshot and I love those lovely freckles.
Lana did a very good job capturing her sister's face on camera. It was the perfect picture to enter this photo contest. Lana would love you to vote for her picture if you like it as much as we do. Don't hesitate to ask your friends and family to do the same or share it on your Facebook account to let the other viewers vote as well.

It would help her finance another lens so she can improve her talent.

Thanks for helping out. It's much appreciated!

Back in time

Photo by Lana Joos

You got a third lens for your camera. It was a good investment, to buy that camera from our friend. So far you have made so many beautiful shots. People are startled that you make these pictures without any schooling at the young age of 16. The results are absolutely stunning. Photographers need this special eye and you have got it.

Photo by Lana Joos

The places you pick out to make photographs, are unique too. This time, you, your sister and her friend found an abandoned house. Full of cobwebs, but the ideal background for the theme you had in mind. Your sister and her friend were more than willing to be your models of the day. Your sister is learning a lot from you and she looks up to you for what you achieve. You give her tips and you take her along on your photography routes.

When you chose economics as your main subject in school, we had no idea what could be your later job in life. You had no specific career in mind at the time. It may be a little early to speculate, but there are some subjects you really like to do. Maybe journalism could be your future? You would love to see the world, explore, see things, write about it, take pictures. Sounds interesting, doesn't it? It may be something to keep in the back of our head, for future decisions. In the mean time, keep doing what you do well: making wonderful snapshots.

How do you do it??

Both of you were in your rooms, sorting out things and cleaning up. Well, at least, that's what you were supposed to do. I climbed the stairs all the way up and that's when I heard you sing. I had never heard you sing before. In fact, you were playing your guitar and singing at the same time. The hairs in my neck stood right up.. How do you do it?? You have never taken guitar lessons and I had no idea you could sing so well???

I asked your sister and she confirmed your talent. She really enjoys the sounds you make. She even turned down the music on her TV to listen to you. She said you often sing and play the guitar or flute. I didn't know.. It's wonderful to listen to you. But as soon as I came into your room, you stopped playing/singing. Don't be ashamed: you're good!!!

I feel blessed..

School's out for summer

Just 2 months ago, school was out for summer. There hasn't been much of a summer though. Temperatures were too low to enjoy the sunbeams. Not warm enough for outside BBQ or puddling in the pool. Only 2 short trips to the beach in Holland..

Nevertheless, the girls had a good time. They enjoyed their time away in summer camp. It was a good opportunity to have fun with their friends, away from home. Mom and dad had a good time too. Top of the bill was our vacation in Florida, where the sun welcomed us and warmed our hearts.

The new books have arrived and school supplies will have to be bought this weekend. Bus routes are being checked, luncheons prepared and closets need to be reorganized and cleaned up. Three members of the family will be in the same school now, since Eva is joining Lana in school and so is one of their cousins. Time just flies by and before we'll know it.. autumn leaves will wave across the pavements..

Sound of Silence

To be honest: it was awesome.. It was breathtaking. It was phenomenal..

We had been looking into visiting a State Park in the Kissimmee area. Lana wanted to take pictures and train her photographic skills. She's particularly fond of making nice sunset shots.

caterpillar on flower

In the afternoon, we headed towards Clermont, Florida, a half hour ride from the apartment. I had googled the Lake Louise State Park and it sounded promising.  At the cost of only 5 dollars, we spent a wonderful afternoon and evening in the park. It was like we had entered a completely different world. This is the real Florida. This is so different from Disney and the parks, although they have a charm of their own.

A gopher tortoise - the state turtle of both Georgia and Florida - tried to cross the road while we just entered the park. Okay, that was worth a first snapshot. We knew not all wildlife would be that slow..
We stopped at three lakes: Dixie Lake, Hammond Lake and Lake Louisa. At the first stop, we saw this prehistorical looking alligator in the lake. It was really creepy! We intended to rent canoes but we kinda chickened out after we realized there were actually real gators in the lake. What if our canoe tipped over and we fell in? Or what if an alligator came up to our canoe? Would we have to hit it with our paddle? I'm not scared that easily, but I wasn't sure about this idea anymore..

gopher tortoise

alligator in Dixie Lake

There was another alligator prepared to pose for the camera, in Hammond Lake. It was just so surreal but then again it was more real than the rest of Florida we have seen so far. The lake was full of beautiful waterlilies and numerous fish.

We decided to follow the signs so the next stop was a hiking trail. We thought it was going to be a brisk walk through the woods, but in the end, we must have walked for over an hour. Supposedly there were bobcats, rattlesnakes, wild turkey, raccoons, opossums and squirrels around, but we didn't see any - except for a troop of turkeys and 1 squirrel. The walk took a bit longer than expected and my pace was slowing down. Stupid me.. I had not taken my purse.. meaning no glucose meter nor dextrose within reach. I didn't want to hold up the rest, so I kept going and I couldn't do much more than hope we would reach the end of the trail pretty soon. We had followed the blue track, but all at once, there were no more blue signs to follow. We only saw red signs, so we changed tracks. My blood sugar kept dropping and I knew I had to get out of these woods somehow. After at least another 20 min we arrived at the parking lot, where I tested and corrected that 42 mg/dl with half a tin of lukewarm ginger ale and about 8 animal crackers. Man, that felt so good..

hiking trail in the woods to Lake Louisa

mating butterflies

Those are moments I truly despise diabetes. You always have to consider what you bring and how long you will be gone. I know that, but see: every now and then, the excitement wins from the brain and that's when you get in trouble. I'm glad I didn't pass out.. There was nobody to be seen in that forest and we had left the cell phones in the car. We did not even have a clue where we were.. I'm glad that hypoglycaemia got fixed in an instant, because we were ready to visit the third and biggest lake: Lake Louisa. That was too much... so serene, so pure, so untouched.  Lana was over the moon. She said it was her best day in Florida.  And yes: she made extraordinary pictures. We even came back later that night to watch the sunset. We were all quiet... for once, the radio was not turned on while driving back to the apartment. I believe we were all moved by the beauty of this scenery..

Eva and Lana in Lake Louisa

sunset Lake Dixie

The reason why

For about 6 months, I took care of you and your (at the time) 4 siblings. There were two of us, two au pairs, to take care of you all.
There was your oldest brother, a very bright kid and very responsible. He was eager to learn and he always got good grades. Your sister just started primary school and reading and writing was what she liked to do best. She was a very pretty girl with long, black, shiny hair. I loved to read to her when she was ready to go to bed. This brother and sister were very good at playing the piano together, dressed in their best outfits.
The next in line was another boy. A bit more shy but at the same time full of life and sometimes mischief. Not meant in a bad way, he was just a little boy who liked to have fun and fool around. He loved to play in his room and the two of us had long conversations.
Then there was you. You had the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen. I still have your pictures. All of you children had special names, but yours I had never heard before. You were a special little boy, only 3 at the time. You liked to cuddle and I always thought you would break many hearts because the girls would fall for you by the dozen.. You liked to sit in my lap and we would sing songs together.
Your baby sister just learned how to walk. She was the little princess of the house and we all liked to pamper her.
I got to know my husband and I got pregnant. I left your house. Later, I learned you got another baby sister. There were 6 of you then. A beautiful family in a house like a castle..

I heard the awful news just the other day. It hit me in the face. It was so surreal. You decided you no longer wanted to remain in this world. What happened that life wasn't worth living any more? Why, sweet little boy.. why? I assume you had your reasons and maybe life wasn't that good for you as people thought. I hear you had so many friends. They will all miss you. So will your family. You will always remain one of 6. To me, you will always be that little boy with the bright eyes and the wonderful smile. RIP Augustin. I hope you will find the tranquillity you needed so desperately..

I'm gonna pack my bags

It's your turn, cupcake! Your bags are packed and daddy checked your bike to make sure you'll make a safe trip to your destination in Limburg. You and your friends will ride 170 km in 2 days. What a shame it's still pouring out there.. I hope you'll be able to keep yourself warm. There are spare clothes in your backpack and enough snacks and drinks for 2 days. You wanted a chicken curry pasta for lunch and some bread rolls for later on. You do need your munchies!

Your sister isn't home yet and now you're gone too. It'll be quiet around the house. But not for too long. Sweetie pie will be back tomorrow by noon and she'll have a lot to tell. Don't forget to memorize your stories too, huh?

I'm sure you and your friends will have a blast. You always do. You have been looking forward to this summer camp for weeks and it's finally there! Enjoy sweetie!!!!!

Chirolokalen Overpelt Centrum
Chiro Ekyrpak - Lana Joos
Ravotterkespad 2
3900 Overpelt
Belgium

Photo by Eva Joos

There's nothing you can't be

My little girl is growing up so fast.. Sometimes I still see her as the little girl she once was, but then again, I have to let go of that phantasy and come back to Earth, to see the beautiful young woman she has become.

You have changed so much in the last two years. Being in boarding school, we didn't see that much of each other as I wanted to. I'm sure we missed out on a lot of your activities and we didn't always know what kept you going.

You showed me one of your blogs you're keeping. I was truly stunned.. Wow girlie! You are truly amazing! Congratulations! There's nothing you can't be! I had a great time reading your blog and I will be a follower from now on. I'm proud of you! You are very versatile and your talents are worth mentioning: drawing, designing clothes, making great pictures, being a fashionista and a good friend..
I'm so happy to read you and the fact that you let me in to your blog world, means a lot to me. Keep it up sweetie. You're doing a great job! xxx

Photo by Eva Joos

Sons and daughters

Being pregnant for the first time, I had no idea what to expect. People asked me whether we wanted a boy or a girl. I had no preference. I wanted the baby to be happy and healthy, that's all. Maybe there was a slight preference for a boy as our first child, followed by a sister. But it didn't matter to us.

In my seventh month, I nearly went into labor because kidney stones were playing rough house inside my body. The radiologist asked me if I knew the gender of my baby. We didn't at the time. So he told us we were going to have a boy! Great! A boy huh? We would call him Nathan..

My gynecologist didn't agree with the radiologist. She said she wasn't sure so she wouldn't tell us tales. We would see..

You came three weeks early. It was full moon, just like I had predicted. You were not a boy by far. You were a beautiful baby girl. We instantly forgot about the boy. We were thrilled with your birth and the fact that you were a girl! I thought pink leotards and pig tails in your hair, nailpolish and Christmas dresses. We would shop together and I would teach you how to cook..

Over the years, every now and then, I wonder what you would have looked like if you had been a Nathan instead of a Lana. Not because I really wanted a boy. Just out of curiosity..

Last night, you and I had a special mommy - daughter night out. We went to see the Russian Bolshoi Ballet Coppelia. It was amazing.. I knew you were going to love it. You no longer wear pink leotards, but you're still a dancer and I know how much you love ballet. So I guess it was the perfect idea for some special together time. You're a wonderful girl xx

PS if you had been a Nathan, I probably would have taken you to a soccer game. I'm not sad.

What's love got to do with it?

Everything! Nothing matters more to children, than being loved. Not the most expensive game neither the newest toy is that important, that kids would trade if for the love they crave...

We have been thinking about what to get you for your 69th birthday, grandma. Eva came up with the idea of giving you some framed pictures of all of your 9 grandchildren. Because that's what's most important to you, grandma: family.. You love all 5 of your children and their partners and you would do anything to please your grandchildren. You're awesome! Our girls love to come over and spend time with you. You are a very loving person and all 9 of your grandchildren are treated equally. Although you're the godmother of our youngest, you love our oldest daughter as much. Thank you for doing so!
Our girls like to go through your drawers and wardrobe, and you even let them try on your wedding dress and pearls. Whenever Lana has a dance or music performance, you're the first one in line to get tickets to come see her. You always stand up to clap your hands and cheer. That means so much to a child and they are so lucky to have you.

Have a very happy birthday, grandma! We hope you enjoyed your present and Eva's famous chocolate moelleux!

Looking hot

Photo by Lana Joos

Look at you, Eva. You have changed so much since you turned 14. Being a teenager was something you looked forward to. Being 14 is so different from being 13. Being in second grade is a whole lot more interesting than the previous class. By now, you know your way around in school. We were pretty proud of you, for being the second best of your class, when you handed over your last report card. You and your sister are good students and you do your best. That's exactly what your teacher told us!

For nearly two years now, you have been in boarding school, the school of your choice. It's time to make a choice for the upcoming year. Will you make a choice that will allow you to stay in this school, or will you choose something else and leave your school? We don't know yet and neither do you. One day you say you want to stay, the next day it's the other way around. It's difficult to make choices in life, isn't it? Especially if you have no idea what to expect. How are you supposed to know whether you will like Economics or not? I totally understand your hesitation sweetie.. It's not easy at all. But I'm sure we'll work things out and you'll make the best choice for you.