My testimony

7 years ago... I went on a trip to my home country of Belgium. Little did I know that this trip would change my life forever, help me grow emotionally and spiritually, and be my last trip there for 7 years (and still counting).
It was December 2004. I had lived in the United States for a little over 4 years, but I had made the trip to Belgium every year for the holidays. This year was different, though, because instead of staying 2 weeks, my schedule allowed me to stay 2 months (yay to no winter semesters in college). I wanted to stay that long because Noelle was getting married at the beginning of February 2005.
Short explanation about Noelle: A couple of months after I was born, mom had to go back to work. So she asked a friend of hers from church, Taty, if she could watch me, 9 am to 5 pm, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year, for the next few years. She willingly accepted and basically raised me. She had a daughter 10 years older than me, Noelle, who became sort of like my older sister. Even after my mom quit her job to be home with my brother and I, I continued to go there to hang out with Taty, Tonton, and Noelle. And even after Noelle got married and had her first baby, Oceane, I continued to spend time with them. Eventually, I, in turn, became sort of like Oceane's older sister. When my family and I moved to Maryland, I was sad to leave them. I felt like I left a piece of my heart with them.
Shortly after I moved to Maryland, Noelle got a divorce. Whithin a couple of years, she started dating the most wonderful man ever, Xavier. I knew him from church, and I was really excited that they had decided to take their relationship to the next level.
So anyway, there I was, in Noelle's apartment, laying in bed and trying to get myself to sleep. As I drifted off to sleep, I woke up to hear Noelle crying. I could hear Xavier whispering to her, and I knew whatever was going on was none of my business. After an hour or so, Xavier walked into the room where I was staying and told me he was taking Noelle to the doctor's. Before I had time to say anything, he was out the door. From the tone of Xavier's voice, I knew I had nothing to worry about. But early the next morning I got a call from him telling me that he was at the hospital with Noelle and needed me to take Oceane to school. He said he would call after Oceane was in school to let me know exactly what was going on. After I took Oceane to school, Xavier called. Noelle had had a stroke. The doctors had put her in a coma to figure out what was happening to her and would wake her up that afternoon. Once she was awake, I would be welcome to see her.
As soon as I got the call that afternoon, I hopped on a bus and make the trip to the hospital. I knew I needed to be strong for her, but when I saw her I broke into tears. The left side of her body was entirely paralized and she had a hard time speaking. A million questions popped into my mind. Would she be able to speak again? Would she walk again? Would she play the piano so beautifully again? Would she still get married in just 6 short weeks?
For the next few weeks, I took the role of Oceane's mom. I took her to school, picked her up from school, made dinner, helped her with her homework, gave her a bath, and did the whole bedtime routine for her. In the meantime, Noelle stayed in the hospital. The ward, let me rephrase that, the STAKE, prayed and fasted for her. For the first time in my life, I prayed and fasted with real intent and purpose. It was then that I knew she would be okay. She would learn to use the left side of her body again. She would speak clearly again. She would walk again. She would play the piano as beautifully as she always had. And she would get married, just as planned.
On Christmas day, I didn't care about anything but her progress. Then, I got the call: Noelle had moved the fingers of the left hand. This was the best present I could have hoped for. She was on her way to rehabilitation. She continued to make progress the next day, and the next, and the next. I visited her every day while she was in the hospital.
Finally, the week of the wedding, she came home. But everyone in Noelle's family and Xavier's family had a big task in front of them - putting the whole wedding together without Noelle and Xavier being there. I helped as much as I could while continuing my temp job as a mom.
Finally the big day arrived. Although she got tired easily, Noelle looked beautiful in her white gown. The whole day was perfect. The wedding ceremony was emotional. The wedding reception was fantastic. Everything was... perfect!
When I made the decision to stay in Belgium for 2 months, I had no idea what those 2 months would entail. In the end, my presence became one of the best things for the special circumstance. I was able to motivate Noelle, take care of Oceane, and support Xavier.
But I received something even greater in return. My testimony grew and became much more real to me. I came to know that faithful prayers are always answered. I also realized that fasting could help me to be more prone to feel the spirit. And I observed first-hand the power of a whole stake praying and fasting together for one purpose. I know with my heart and mind that praying and fasting made it possible for Noelle to be the same she was before the stroke. I am thankful for the opportunity that I had to grow on an emotional and spiritual level. But most importantly, I am thankful I got the opportinuty to serve my neighbor.

Picture time!

Getting pictures of the kids hasn't been easy these days, or these last 18 months, I should say. Only the Christmas lights could distract them long enough for me to get some pictures. Even then, they were looking down at the lights most of the time.

Usually, this is what we get when we try to get all the cousins to sit still for a picture. 2 happy kids and 2 sad ones.

We got lucky when we got this picture of everyone actually looking at the camera. YAY!

This picture turned out okay thanks to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - our hero.



Lucky Bonne-Maman and Bon-Papa with their 4 healthy and good-looking grandchildren =)



Luc's blessing

While in Maryland, I got to meet my new little nephew and godson, Luc. He is Fred and Marie's #1 child and grandchild #4 for my parents.
Luc is such a sweet and mellow little boy. I already love him to pieces. I can't wait to see him grow into an active toddler, respectable young man, and successful adult.

Kendall looks huge sitting next to Luc.

Christmas Part 1 (Maryland)

This past week, we made the 7-hour drive to Maryland to have an early Christmas celebration. It was so fun and enjoyable to be surrounded by family. I feel blessed that we are ONLY 7 hour away, instead of 16. It makes it possible to travel for special occasions, like Christmas.

Logan and Taylor are now old enough to get excited about seeing their grandparents and other family members. It makes it really fun and enjoyable for everyone. I love watching my parents play with the kids. I never got that opportunity as a child, so it makes me happy to know that they can get to know their grandparents and see them on a regular basis.

Marie and Fred (baby Luc was napping)

Bonne-Maman and Bon-Papa

Logan opening his 1st present. He knows how to unwrap really well now.

Taylor discovering his 1st present. He was really excited.

Logan playing with one of his new toys.

Taylor opening another present - a POTTY seat!

Kendall was more excited about the paper than the present, so Logan and Taylor gave her a hand.

Bonne-Maman is a blast!



And daddy is yummy!

Kendall is 7 months

Kendall is 7 months!

Although she still looks like a little baby to me, she is acting more grown-up every day. She laughs along with us, she plays with her brothers, and she stares at us while we're eating dinner together. Basically, she just wants to hang out with us, and she does, and she wants to be a part of the family, and she is.

This month, Kendall:
- MASTERED sitting up
- has rolled over 3 times (accidental? maybe.)
- CRACKS up when Logan and Taylor get wild
- eats all baby food vegetables
- HATES baby cereals
- plays with all sorts of toys
- still loves being outdoors
- still loves taking baths
- still loves her jumper
- still loves books
- still sticks her tongue out a bunch
- still stares at her daddy for at least 10 minutes when he comes home
- still gives mommy lots of wet, open-mouth kisses

This month, Kendall also welcomed a new cousin, Luc. She will meet him in a couple of weeks, when we go on a trip to Maryland.

Kendall is such a joy to be around. Her laughs are contagious. Her smiles are adorable. And she's always so happy and content. I feel truly blessed to be her mom. I thank our Heavenly Father for her every day.

No more naps *sigh*

A few weeks ago, Taylor figured out how to climb out of his crib. And then Logan figured it out, too. So Billy and I transfered them to their toddler beds. I knew naps would become nonexistant. But I didn't know quiet time would become so stressful. During the one-hour that they spend in their room, they pull out all the clothes from their dresser, they take their clothes off, and they poop on the carpet. Needless to say, it is not a re-energizing time for me. So I started just chilling in the couch with them. And this is what happened. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't work every time, but occasionally I can sneak from the couch and get a few things done. Maybe. If Kendall is not awake by the time Logan and Taylor give in to sleep.

It helps with the evening crankiness. Maybe. Sometimes they wake up even more cranky than they would have been if they hadn't napped at all. It's a process, I guess. We're still trying to figure out what works best for them, and for me.

Girls' Night Out

Wife: Hey honey, Breaking Dawn, the 4th Twilight movie, is coming out this weekend. Would you rather go see it with me or cook dinner for a whole week?

Husband: I'll cook.

I know it sounds really bad (or maybe really smart), but that's how I get good deals. I give him options, all of which I am okay with, but I usually know exactly which he'll choose. That's how I got to see the movie with a few friends. Girls' night out! We had a great time and I needed that to re-energize. I wish I could have talked him into cleaning after cooking but I'll take what I can get.

Wildlights at the Zoo

Last week, Billy worked through the night. Fortunately, he's not going to have to do that again for a while. But the kids and I decided to go out and have fun anyway. So we went to the Wildlights at the Zoo. It was a little cold, but AMAZING! Logan and Taylor called out all the colors they saw, "Blue lights! Red lights! Purple lights! (...)"

Best of all, the kids sat on Santa's lap. None of them looked very excited or happy, but at least they didn't freak out. And I got to take pictures that look somewhat decent.

Yesterday we went back, with Billy this time, and we made it there just on time to watch the Wildlights Show. The Christmas lights came on and off with the beat of the Christmas music. It was really cool. Even Logan and Taylor were amazed. They don't normally sit still very long, but they did for this show.

 

Thanksgiving in Sandusky

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving with our Med School Family. The Pitchers are now in Indiana while the Renchers and Rackers are in Ohio. What better way to spend Thanksgiving than to be with friends who were practically our family for 2-4 years. The food was delicious, the company was awesome, and all 14 kids behaved wonderfully. I don't even think it was as chaotic as I imagined it would be. It was perfect.

This year I am most thankful for wonderful friends.

And my husband

And my children

And my family

And my house

And food

And Pinterest (haha)



When we got back, Kendall got busy looking for good Black Friday deals. She worked hard to find the perfect 64 inch TV, and when she found it, she ate it. She is such a thoughtful girl.

Kendall laughing

Don't mind my mom's "boobie" comment. She's very... open about stuff like that.