Europe meets Texas

We decided to take my daughter on a trip between continents.
She is a first generation Belgexan and of course must know both cultures.

We needed to get some stuff for my impending Mother-in-Law (MIL) visit one week from today and where else should we get those items than good ol' IKEA.
As a Texan, Ikea is like awesomeness rolled into furnishings. Where else can we get all kinds of cute, modern knick-knacks for a cheap-o price? Target? Well ya, but it's not as huge and in Texas the bigger the better!
My husband, being the good Belgian he is, told us that we were going to be eating at said Ikea for dinner. I was not on board as I had it in my head that we would be dining at Cheesecake Factory for dinner, but after his insistence the entire 40 minute drive, I gave in.
Here I am with my swedish meatballs feeding Lyric her mac-n-cheese (note that I have no roots thanks to the FABULOUS Abigail)

Lyric had a great time eating her meatballs, mashed tators, mac-n-cheese and french fries (a well balanced meal).

We walked around and marveled out how uncomfortable all the cute couches were. We got a few items, but of course our big ticket item was sold out. I mean seriously! That always happens to us!! But I did find the bed we are going to get Lyric when we move her out of the crib. Yes, it's a toddler bed (I know my sister thinks they are impractical), but it is SOOOO cute!

So after leaving the store with a few purchases, we decide to hit up Walmart to get a few things... Oh Walmart... the gathering of cultures, classes and ethnicities... We were driving from Ikea off 161 and counted 3 Walmart SuperCenters in less than 5 miles... only in Texas (or at least the South).

So that was our experience last evening... Europe clashing with Texas.
And there in the middle is our little Belgexan who is heir to them both :)

PS. Please note that I know that Ikea is Swedish, not Belgian- but I was refering more to the point that it's a European company, not a Belgian company.

Good Stuff!

Stephenie Meyer. She literally has to be one of my favorite authors. When I read her books I get absorbed. Like completely and totally. I forget where I am and what I'm doing and I emerse myself in the world she creates. She is actually the reason I want to write my own novel. She was just a mom who decided to finally write a story that had been in her head for awhile and she produced one of my favorite series of all times! If you haven't read the Twilight Series, you are totally missing out. At first glance, the fact that it's in the youth section and the fact that it's about vampires turns most people off, but if you can make it through half of the first book, you will seriously be hooked! The love story is so amazing! I felt like it was Carrie/Big/Aiden all over again! :) Well it looks like she's done it again in a whole new genre. I just read the excerpt from her new book The Host and boy is it freakin' good! If you have a minute, here read this. It's going to be good!

http://stepheniemeyer.com/pdf/thehost_chapter4.pdf

So American Idol girls went last night. My faves are still my faves. Asia'h and Carly are my girls!
My vote for who gets kicked off tonight are:

Amy Davis and Joanna Borgella
Garrett Haley and Luke Menard

Tonight is going to be good!!

I miss my husband! I've only talked to him once and for just a minute. He is busy, busy, busy. They ministered at a youth group last night. Landon and the team led worship, Nathan gave some words and Jon spoke. The leader's meeting starts tomorrow.... okay, never mind! He just called me while I was writing this! He must have picked up the I miss you vibe I was putting out. He is doing great, but they are eating my favorite meal tonight! I'm so jealous! They are going to be eating rocklette. You make it yourself with cheese that you put on a little shovel thing till it melts, and then you use the top to cook veggies and meat, etc. It's a fun meal to eat and socialize! :)
Here are some pics from my birthday in Belgium when we did this with Jon's family.







So they should have a great time tonight. I really wish I was there because I miss my Belgian family, however, someone has to hold the fort down here! I mean, what would Jedi do??! :)
I have pictures to upload from yesterday, but I left the camera in the car, so I'll do it later this afternoon. I will be up at the front all day because our receptionist had an emergency so my productivity will be low and my blogging will be high. :) It's the name of the game, I can't concentrate up here, don't have access to half the programs I need and am constantly interrupted. Oh well. That just means this day is going to looooonnnnnngggggg. :(

Okay, well I'm out! Only to be back a little later!

PS. I love you Jonathan