My Boys

Long before we started having kids, I decided that having two children of the same gender right next to each other was just trouble. It was trouble for me as a kid, and I am all about avoiding trouble. So I decided to separate the boys with a girl, and the girls with a boy. Done--girl, boy, girl, boy, girl.

It turns out that all that planning may have been unnecessary.

We took my parents to the Chateau l'Hulpe for a picnic last Friday to celebrate the unbelievably beautiful weather. We brought a blanket, bagettes and books, and Benj brought a football. Matthew was reluctantly recruited to throw the ball with Benj, and the show began. Benj went out for the long pass, and Matthew watched it drop. Benj fired a short cross and Matthew let it wizz by. Now, Matthew is perfectly capable of catching the ball, he just wanted to read, and the whole ball tossing episode was messing with his plot line.

Benjamin wanted to play ball.

The next pass was accompanied by the warning "If you drop this I will tackle you."

Matthew dropped it.

Benjamin came tearing across the grass and Matthew went down.

He caught the next one.

Then he dropped one, and Benj charged him again.

After a few minutes of Benjamin running full speed right into him, Matthew got creative. The next time he dropped the ball, he waited until Benjamin was almost on him, then he dropped to the ground and curled up--evasive maneuvers.

And, after a few carefully timed defensive curls Matthew was reading once again.

I don't think I needed to worry about competition.

Ummm...Sorry

Please don't check the date. Or the date of the last post. I have no excuses.
Well, that is not exactly true. I have lots of excuses, just no good ones. And now that I am feeling the need to catch up, my computer has crashed. I am typing on the home computer and it has no pictures of Istanbul or Italy or France or Matthew's Play or Sarah's Engagement or Moldova or Africa or the most beautiful Belgian spring I have ever seen or Utah or lemon tarts or Chicken Man or David's parent's visit or teaching or the massive Brussels service day or Anna's International Award hike or fresh asparagus or anything remotely recent. So, although there is not much interesting going on on this page today, there will be...soon.
We are still here. The potential is out there.

Some days...

Sometimes my days start out like this:At least I am not the one in the big truck and being a mother does not require head to toe neon.

See, even on a bad traffic morning there is a silver lining in all those clouds.

Sun Favorites

I just downloaded approximately 5,000 pictures onto my computer than have been languishing on the external hard drive, waiting for some long overdue attention. Since it is still cold here, don't smile to broadly all my Texas friends, I thought I would turn on the visual heater and call up some warm memories. A random assortment of warmth:

Jubes and I at Kinderdijke in the Netherlands.

Sun shinning through the passage at Knowth burial mounds in Ireland.

Belgium triumphant on the Cinquantinaire Arch just a short walk from our house.

The harbor in Split, Croatia.

Fall sunlight on the Japanese Pagoda on the Royal Grounds at Laeken.

Pictures at the Flea Market--my destination of choice on sunny days.

Matthew and Julia on the beach at Etretat, Normandy.

The Sea of Galilee.

Toledo, Spain

Kyaking on the Lesse River in the Ardennes.


Proof that every so often, bathing suits can be worn in Belgium.

Bring on the spring.

SDD

I have made a discovery. I have SDD.
Although related to the more famous SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), SDD is less recognized and often goes undiagonosed.
I also have SAG, but that is personal.
SDD, Seasonal Defective Disorder, causes mental defects during the darkest months of the year. These defects include confusion (I can't remember if I need to get dressed today), selective memory loss (mostly in relation to New Year's Resolutions and household maintenance projects, oh and unpaid parking tickets) and general lethargy (Can someone put in the next DVD for me?).
Unlike SAD, SDD vicitms remain rather chipper and good natured in their defective period. Unfortunately, their families members often suffer periods of depression and hopelessness.
Recovery is sudden and usually coincides with a 7:30 am sunrise. Sometimes any sunrise at all will shock the victim into partial recovery, but beware of relapse caused by susequent gray, cold mornings.
These symptoms often mimic the behaviors common to 11-13 year old boys, however SDD sufferers rarely forget to bathe and generally change clothes daily (unless they are stuck in a pajama rut).
It is usually only after recovery is well underway that victims recognize the patterns of defectiveness that are completely obvious to those closest to them. Family support is essential in these fragile times.

Sunrise tomorrow: 7:24

What Just Happened?

It has been quiet on the blog. We have been focused elsewhere. And January is such an odd month, really. Contrast the emotional and physical post holiday collapse with the obligatory introspection and resolution of the new year and your brain is receiving some seriously mixed messages. It is cold, and in Belgium, dark until way after 8:00 am. Prime hibernation weather. All of this goes toward an excuse for 24 days of not much on the Passey blog. Lest you think we have been curled up under a blanket the whole month, here is our January in brief:

Sarah went back to college with puffy cheeks and a great attitude.
Benjamin started physical therapy for his knee.
Matthew earned a part in the Middle School play "Treasure Island."
David attended a conference in Garmisch, Germany.
I taught 5th grade--again.
Anna twisted her ankle and missed two basketball games.
Benjamin aged 15 years worrying about his semester exams.
Benjamin passed all his semester exams.
Anna turned 15 and spent a fabulous weekend in Istanbul, Turkey.
She let me come along to pay for things.
Matthew discovered that his mother has pretty good taste in literature after all.
David explored future employment options.
Sarah got serious about Chemistry.
Julia realized that fractions weren't as bad as she thought.
Matthew developed an affinity for his sonic screwdriver.
Benjamin pined for rugby.
We had dinner with friends.
David did lots of laundry.
I stressed about travel arrangements.
We missed our families, and a wedding.
Julia played the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean approximately 356 times on the viola.
I bought a carpet--a completely unplanned meeting of the perfect carpet with an impressionable mind.
We made more fudge...and caramel.
We got less sleep that we needed.
We worked hard.

One more month mostly gone.

Socialized Medicine

Thoughts for the new year...
We had two surgeries this week. Benjamin had an arthroscopic repair of his torn meniscus and Sarah had all four of her wisdom teeth removed under general anesthesia at day clinic. They are both doing really well. Both spent about 5 hours in a shared room after the surgery. Both had surgeons and anesthesiolgists and were recovered in a pretty standard recovery room. Overall, the facilities and care were pretty comparable to what we would have expected in the US. There were a few differences, however.
1) Sarah's surgeon offered to take Dave and Sarah's coat when they came for the initial consultation. They wouldn't have been surprised if he had offered them a beverage.
2) Benjamin's surgery was postponed by a week due to a one day nursing strike at the Antwerp hospital. Stinks for him.
3) After taking her blood pressure post surgery, the nurses left Sarah alone...all day...until it was time to check out. She slept really well.
4) Not only did the surgeon call to check on Sarah the day after surgery, but he have us his private number and cell phone number in case we had any questions or complications.

Ready for the bottom line? Benjamin's surgery--Dr's fees plus hospital stay--2063 euros ($2,762) with an expected refund of 400-500 euro (+- $600).
Sarah's total cost for hospital care and stay--315 euros ($421). I am thinking that there has got to be more to that one. 315 euro???? Really????

I wish there had been more attention paid to the cost of health care in the US debate, not just who pays and how. We got great care in this "socialized" system for approximately one tenth of what we would have paid in the US. If we can get an MRI here for 157 euros including the radiologist's report, then why does it cost $1200+ in the US with an additional $250 for the radiologist? I don't think the machines cost that much more in the US. Doctors here have very small offices, with generally shabby furniture and minimal staff. Most serve as their own receptionists, nurses, book keepers, and probably even custodians. Our family doctor, the very aimiable Dr Deome, has holes in the seats of his two rattan consultation chairs, but guess what? I have his cell phone number and if one of my kids gets really sick, he will come to my house for the exam. And he will charge me 50 euros to do so--about $75. That is it.

Now I will freely admit that we have never faced serious, long term health issues in our family for which I am profoundly grateful. Maybe my perspective would be different if we had. But I think the word "Socialized" has come to represent for Americans a scary psudo-communist European welfare state intrusion into the freedoms we value. Maybe this kind of healthcare system just wouldn't work for us in the US. But I just wanted to let you know that for me, it seems to work pretty well and I kind of like it. Thanks for listening.

Christmas Bliss

"Where are you going for Christmas?" We begin to hear that question the Monday after fall break and the query continues right up until the very last person with travel plans steps into his escape vehicle and jets off. In past years we have ventured out into the wide world over the holidays. This year we stayed home. We had our reasons. Both Sarah and Benj are having minor surgeries this week (Benj's was yesterday and today he is fit and fiesty as usual) and we decided that it would be best to lay low. Wow, was that ever a good choice.

I am all for travel and exploration, but I am also a big fan of simplicity and rest. I love sleeping late (in my own bed) and waking to a house of still sleeping teenagers. I love searching for the leftover rolls that Benjamin has stashed somewhere in the kitchen. I love watching entire seasons of dumb TV shows and playing games until midnight and eating popcorn and chex mix and the apples and carrots and red bell peppers that David conscientiously sends in our direction. Love dancing to the Brave Combo Christmas album in the kitchen. I love wearing three different sweaters in one day just because I can. I love lounging about reading our Christmas books and making yet another batch of fudge on a whim and playing with the few friends who are also staying home for Christmas.

I think I just love a quiet Christmas because it is a great big sigh between intense sprints and being home allows me to just fall right down deep into that sigh and settle in for awhile. And while I am there, I can think, and be grateful for the love of a Father, and of a Savior, and of that baby born to traveling parents thousands of years ago.
Merry Christmas.

We're Only Here for the Food

One of our favorite things about travel is the FOOD. I say one, but really, it is pretty high up there on the list...maybe even at the tip top. Dave and I went on a weekend trip with some friends. Can you guess where by this culinary tour? The hints get better as you go along...

Lunch!

White Christmas

The snow is falling from the sky
On the arch as I drive by

The Stocklet Palace is cloaked in white

And Woluwe, a lovely sight

From my bedroom window clear

A stunning view to end the year.

OK--I know that was completely lame and I acknowledge my lack of poetry skills. If Dave were here, at least it would be clever. But Dave is sledding with the kids and I am making fudge, caramel, and seven layer cookies. Can I plead mental distraction? So what we lack in literary genius we try to make up for in Norman Rockwell-esque familial charm.

Let it snow.

More England

The sun is shining here in Belgium and that, my friends, is not something I can say every day. We have had snow and rain and ice and wind, but precious little sun. But today is amazing. I am about to plant myself in a ray of the precious stuff and get serious about Christmas, but before I do, here are a few more pictures from our trip to Bath, England.
All of you Jane Austen devotees out there will recognize the Royal Crescent--the most prestigious address in Bath. Anne Eliott comes out of the door on the far right to seek love and Captain Wentworth. Ahhhhh.

These baths date from the 16th century and were unknowing built right on top of the ancient Roman baths. Can you imagine the people watching 500 years ago?

Another Jane Austen reference--the pump rooms. This pump provided the wealthy access to the curative waters and the best society. You can still get water here for 50p a glass. And it tastes nasty.

A view of Pulteny Bridge and the park. Benj was run over by a man in a motorized wheelchair on this very bridge. I wish I had a picture of that to share.

We got our fall colors in abundance and class this year. We just love those Edwardians.
And the market around the corner. Fabulous scones and pastys and cheese and raspberry shortbread. It really is all about the food. And the fall. And the family.

Thanksgiving

I used six pounds of butter in 3 days. It was a good weekend.

Vacations

David and I have been pondering an existensial question for several years now: When does a vacation really begin? Does it begin when you finally shut off your computer, empty the last dish from the dishwasher, or close your schoolbook? Does it begin when the car is loaded with bags and snacks? When the vehicle has pulled out of the driveway or the wheels are up? Or does it really begin when you have arrived at your destination, be that Grandma's, Gran Canaria, or the couch? We have wondered because sometimes vacations seem an awful lot like work. However, I think we have finally come up with an answer...and a picture to illustrate.

The vacation begins when the raisinettes begin to fly. (Left corner of the mouth. Artfully pelted by me from the front seat. Reaction time: approximately 7 minutes.) I just love roadtrips.

Passeys and the Henge

Fall Break--did we every need it! November in Brussels means dark, cold, rain, and the irresistable urge to hibernate. Since we can't succumb, we had to get away. And where did we go? ENGLAND! Darker, colder, pretty rainy, but great TV, comprehensible conversations, and big rocks. We started our adventure on the Salisbury plane and Stonehenge. Matthew's comment: "Wow, that is big."

We learned some new vocabulary too. "Henge" means hanging. Those big tall rocks standing upright and weighing about 24 tons are called Sarcen stones and nobody knows exactly how the highly intelligent inhabitants of the British Isle in 3000BC got them to stand up like that. And then got the blue stone lintels on top. They are heavy too.
The rebellious irregularity of the fallen stones only adds to the appeal. Too bad Anna's room doesn't look that good when the towering piles of laundry collapse off her bed...

We learned lots from our handy audioguides. Matthew searched for the Tardis...

We had some impromptu Passey love...

Jubes posed beautifully...

And we decided that some interpretive art was definitely in order.

I was there too.
We miss you Sarah!

Complete

Good Morning. It is Friday. The house is quiet, and warm. If you had opened my front door at 7:43 on Tuesday morning, this is what you would have seen.

This is the view at 8:18 today:

Do you notice that subtle rosy hue? That is because my kids are all happy, my bed is made, my husband is good and kind, there is food in the refrigerator, gas in the car, peace in our hearts, and the birds are singing. Our lives are insulated in double paned happiness. We are very grateful.

Monday Morning

I am having a delightful day. It is a sunny 39 degrees outside. It is also 39 degrees inside. Why, you ask? The boiler is working just fine. All the radiators are turned on. Here is the reason for the chill:
We are having our windows replaced. All of them. Consequently, half of the windows from upstairs are on the front driveway being chiseled and hacked and caulked and cleaned. The front door is wide open so that the five French workmen can keep hacking and chiseling. We are getting a nice cross breeze. It is 11:46 which means that a 90 minute lunch break is moments away and the windows will remain on the driveway until at least 2:07.
But I really am having a fabulous day. I have to stay home to monitor progress. Because of the weather both inside and out, the only habitable room in the house is the family room. After braving the arctic climate in the master bath and giving it a good scrub, I am feeling guilt-free in my hibernation. In the family room I have my computer, my knitting, the TV, a down comforter, several loads of laundry and easy access to the kitchen. So far today I have:

Cleaned the bathroom --my justification for the rest of the list.
Talked to Sarah and her friends Chad and Megan who want to come for a visit.
Chatted about our collective future with David and decided that maybe we should refinance.
IM'd with Benjamin during his advisory. I guess it is OK to chat with your mom during advisory.
Booked our Eurotunnel tickets for Fall Break in a cottage near Bath, UK.
Figured out how to fix the colossal mistake in my knitting that could have required me to pull out half the sweater.
Messed around on Facebook
Listened to a fabulous Jeffery Holland compilation on Youtube. I love Elder Holland. Here's the link if you need a little injection of hope and humility: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5bUKNYgRi8
Tried to book a house for our RS trip to the Alsace Christmas Markets.
Watched 4 minutes of Oprah and decided it wasn't worth it.
Listened to some classic jazz.

I am now contemplating lunch and that laundry.
I love chilly days.

German Wine Country

Everybody needs a friend that will make you do things that you wouldn't ordinarily do. Meet Anita:Anita and her family have been in Belgium for over 20 years. She is incredibly fit and loves the outdoors. She is holding the 3euro tart that we devoured with our hands at the halfway point of our adventure on the Moselle.There is a bike path that hugs the Moselle river in Germany through some of the most beautiful wine country you'll ever want to see. Anita has ridden the whole route (3 days solid) and has been talking it up so much that we decided to give it a go...in abbreviated form.

So Antia, Isabel, and I strapped the bikes to the car, drove over the Belgian border just past Tier, hopped on our bikes, and enjoyed a most beautiful fall afternoon.

This region is know for it's vineyards and the grapes were ripe on the vine. We passed several work parties gleaning by hand, and this jolly gentleman wished us "Gute Fahrt."
Don' you just love linguistic humor?

As the most inexperienced biker of the lot and general whimp, I spent most of the time behind the group. It had it's advantages. I got great shots like this one--love the downhills...

And I sometimes got to ride with the senior citizen groups that were out and about on the trail. They usually passed me up too.

A nice German couple helped Isabel with her tire. I just had to include this picure for the outfit on Mr. Fixit: Biking shoes, black socks, plaid man-pri's, a plaid shirt in similar colorway but hmmm. I love it. Reminds me of Sarah's comment when we first arrived: "You can pretty much get away with wearing anything over here..."

What a fabulous day. And I am keenly reminded of the joys of a good bike trip each time I sit down. Thanks Anita!

Second Generation Passey Blog

Hey everyone......Sarah has her own BLOG! I highly recommend that you click on over and check it out:

http://www.sarahepassey.blogspot.com/

Reading her posts makes me want to take a little time travel back to BYU. But definitely not during mid-terms.