Joke of the Day

Q: What did 50 cent say when Eminem made him a sweater?

A: Gee, you knit?



HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...


If you don't get it, I'm not explaining it.

A little surprise goes a long way...

Stephen left me a sweet message to enjoy upon getting out of the shower today! It was the perfect surprise. My husband is amazing, and deserves a little public recognition :)

Don't be a hater!

You never know what hobby you might take up when you are really bored. As I mentioned earlier, scarves are vitally important in the arctic (exaggeration) winds. We never leave the house without them! When my mom was here, we found a store that had millions of scarves, but not only were they expensive, they were all more or less the same. In the back of the store were hundreds of different rolls of yarn, though, and the idea was born. Yesterday I received a package from my mom, and among other things was a knitting kit. I put the instructional DVD in (which was hilarious, sure you can imagine), and tried it out. 5 hours later, I had completed 2 scarves for Gracie (see pics) and a liner for her new carrier (a gift from Stephen). Today, I'm 75% complete with a scarf for me...of course it matches. Now that I have the hang of it, I'm going to go pick out some crazy yarn patterns and make some serious scarves, gloves, and maybe even some booties for some lovely little babies I know! Am I a nerd? I think so, but it's addicting. Don't knock it 'til you try it...and until you have nothing to do all day, keep your jokes to yourself :)

Doesn't she look adorable??

Here comes the sun....

Woo Hoo!!! January has been so depressing here...the weather has been yucky! But, today changed it all! It's gorgeous outside! I needed it. It's been a while since I've updated the blog, mostly because I didn't have fantastic things to tell you. It's been pretty ho-hum here. But, I'll do my best to fill you in. Training is going great! I've had to run in the rain and terrible winds lately, but it's not that bad. I've gotten over myself :) The half marathon is in 7 weeks, and with it comes the DOTSON'S!!! I'm very excited they are going to be here soon. We will be spending a few days in Portugal (the race is in Lisbon) and then heading to the countryside of France for a week. Stephen is REALLY looking forward to some vacation time, and I'm looking forward to fellow English speakers, and family to boot!! It will be a great time.

Gracie is getting well adjusted here as well. Every Sunday she gets a park adventure...she really loves those, as she can bark freely, roll in sick things, and people watch, race Stephen. She truly enjoys it...especially the bath afterwards (sense any sarcasm??). We hiked up to the Citadel (where the big steps are) a few Sundays ago, and she was able to pose on the overlook! She doesn't get along with our landlords dog too well...she thinks she's better, which she is. Every time Cleo is downstairs while we are going outside, she avoids her at all costs-but then again, she did that with Bella, so maybe she's just anti-social with canines...she sure loves humans :)

I'm still teaching English classes every Thursday. My class is great, so fun to watch them learn. The last two weeks we've been dealing with the "th" sound. In French, the 'h' is never pronounced...so they want to say Tursday, trow, tirty tree (which was the number of our lesson last time, we had fun with that.) So, we've all been spitting on each other learning to say the 'th' sound, it's really humorous. Stephen was there last night to witness it...it kept him amused! I've been writing a children's book while over here, and I'm almost finished. I might have a contest to help with the title, cause I'm having a hard time. I'll keep you posted, and if you're lucky I might give you a preview :)Our car has lasted three weeks now (the PT Cruiser), so keep your fingers crossed we can make it three more weeks on Drama Row without any major accidents. We are nearing 6 months being over here...I can't believe it. We have our homesick moments, but there are longer spaces inbetween each one :) Thanks for your prayers and support...hope all is well with each of you!

It's a....

Andy and Natalie are having a GIRL! I'm going to be an aunt for the second time, and I'm very excited! Olivia Belle Kampen will be gracing us with her presence in early June...stay tuned!!!

Perspectives...

We've been here over 5 months now...can you believe it? Though some of you have forgotten about us, and some of you are glad we've been away 5 months...we miss everyone. It doesn't get any easier with time. In fact, I think it gets worse. Those inside jokes are forgotten, the little texts and phone calls are lost, and we're still here. My sister has been gone a week tomorrow, and it's still painful. I miss her tremendously! We have so much fun together, laughing IS good medicine! All of this can be numbing at times, but then you wake up on a day like today, the sun is shining bright over the river, casting pink and purple shadows over the city, and you stand in awe of what God has done...not just in our lives, but in general. He wakes us up every morning with a beautiful kiss from the sun (I'm exaggerating a little, cause usually it's fog and rainy here...but work with me) and He puts you to sleep with the stars. I'm learning, of all things, perspective. I would love to sulk and in my hardships and suffering, but how can you with all of the good that surrounds us? Laugh when something strikes you as funny, breathe in deep when you're taken back, and love completely and unashamedly! Take a moment to look around you...I'm sure each of you has a pretty good view :)

"I trust in God's faithful love forever and ever. I will praise You forever for what You have done. In the presence of Your faithful people, I will put my hope in Your name, for it is good. " Psalm 52:8-9

"But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up." Psalm 71:14-15

Paris!!!!

Ok, Paris is beautiful. I had a newbie's eyes when seeing the city (both Stephen and Hayley had already been) and I was in awe. It's gorgeous...until 1am after New Years Eve in the park, then it's pretty nasty! We arrived in our PT Cruiser around lunchtime on NYE, and found our hotel with ease, thanks to the Dotson's who bought us a GPS for Christmas! Lifesaver!! We were staying a block away from the Eiffel tower, so we headed there first. Gracie acted like a movie star during her photo shoot in the park, and we had worked up an appetite taking all of the pictures. We decided to eat a little cafe on the river. It was beautiful. The weather had gotten a little chilly, and Hayley and I were in skirts, so we cancelled the bike tour...but tackled the city on our own. We ended the day at the Notre Dame, and had dinner in the square just outside. It was a nice New Years dinner, and then we met up with Aimee and Craig. We decided to sit outside one of the cafe's for a drink and head over to the park before the tower "sprinkled." At around 11:50 we marched over to the park and caught the Eiffel in all her glory, sparkling so pretty! It was jaw dropping. We even were able to talk a guy selling champagne from 25 euro to 10...Stephen noticed the bottle was Andre, and Aimee strong armed him. He was no match for our wits...but the joke was on us in the end because it was hot and we didn't have glasses. We managed, don't worry! I was disappointed in one thing...the fireworks. They were so puny. I figured (dreamed) there would be this HUGE fireworks show and we would stand there in awe, unfortunately the only fireworks shot off were by teenagers at the front of the park...nice, but not anything special! We then walked back to the area we were staying in in hopes of finding a cool dance bar. We didn't find such bar, but were able to catch a group of metro-Italian DB's dancing and making out with each other (all dude's by the way) and one even tried to pick up Hayley. Once they started throwing rubber balls, we were out. We ended the night at the Hilton, where Aimee and Craig were staying. It was so fun to be able to hang out with them on NYE, and in PARIS!! Such a fun night...many memories made, and definitely nice to have spent it in the city of lights! The next morning we woke up and seized the day. We walked around to find a breakfast spot, and then conquered all of the touristy spots, including the Starbucks! Gracie even did some driving! It was an amazing weekend, and we had such a fun time! I hope all of you had a great NYE, and wish you all the best in 2008.

For the rest of the pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/katie.dotson/ParisFrance

A Little Drama????

I mentioned in my last post that we had some drama on the night of my birthday. Well, let's just say it involved our car (again), a police paddywagon (again), and an extremely intoxicated man by the name of Gigi. No lie, his name is Gilbert and he goes by Gigi. My mom has a dog named Gigi...I digress. We were having dessert and heard a bang. We didn't really think of a car accident, because usually you hear the brakes screaching before the big "BANG." But if you're wasted (or pissed as the Brits say) you don't brake. Not at all. So, we look outside, and sure enough 'ole Gigi hit our car going about 40 mph...no brakes. We get downstairs lightening fast, thank goodness because he was doing his best to get away. I say this lightly because he couldn't even find his door handle to open his door. He was pissed. Both of his airbags had deployed, and he had an open beer in his door for easy access. Nice. Finally, the cops and ambulance showed up. We are starting to feel chummy with cops, but not sure if it's a good or bad thing just yet. The paramedics die laughing at their attempts to get Gigi out of his car, and then became frustrated when he refused treatment. Our landlord was doing her best to get him to go the hospital, but all he cared about was his car...which was totalled. Finally, he decided to go in the ambulance, but they were already driving off. In frustration, he decided to drunk push the cop...which did not go over well. All I heard were some very hasty "Monsieur's" and Gigi was thrown against the van, then face first on the concrete. He didn't even make a sound, didn't even feel it. It was great to be front row, I have to say. They dragged him to a police car, handcuffed, and then drove away, with Gigi standing up in the backend trying to get out. A man in his mid-forties completely defaced in front of the whole neighborhood. I have little to no sympathy! Stephen, however, was able to have round two in the paddywagon. This time, our landlord Debra helped out. I was nervous we weren't going to have a car for our trip to Paris the next morning, but we were able to get a tow truck to tow our car and give us a rental...a PT CRUISER. Hey, at least it's not a minivan. Needless to say, it was dramatic, sad, exciting, and I would venture to say better than the "Iceman vs. Tito" fight I had on my last birthday!

Christmas Update...Birthday musings

Well, it's over. I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone. We had a nice, quiet Christmas morning here in Liege. We opened presents and gave Gracie her present (shown above)...a lifesize boyfriend. We then headed over to Pierre-Francios' house for an afternoon lunch. P-F is Stephen's coworker, and he and his wife were gracious enough to host us at their family lunch since we were "all alone." Rosanna, P-F's wife, is full blood Italian, and she and her mom stayed up very late making the pasta and pesto for the delicious lasagna we had to eat. It really was good, even picky Stephen had seconds. They have three children, both P-F's parents and Rosanna's were in attendance, as well as her brother and his wife. It was a packed house, and made our Christmas loud as usual!! Of course we missed our families, but it was a great distraction.

Hayley (my sister) came in town the next morning, so it has been quite busy ever since. We've traveled to Brussels, Maastricht, and even spent yesterday in Amsterdam. It's so nice to have her around...and it gives me a running buddy! Tomorrow morning we are headed to Paris to spend New Years Eve. I can't wait. I haven't been yet, and I'm so excited to see the city of LIGHTS...even if it's only for 24 hours! Ha! We've had a little drama today...I'll explain in a later post, but all in all my birthday has been fabulous! I can't believe I'm 26, seems old. I know I'm not, but it seems old. It seems like yesterday I was reflecting on my 18th birthday how cool it would be when I'm 25. It's flown by, but I feel great, healthy, and blessed. My sis-in-law Natalie sent me some "Sprinkles" cupcakes to have for my birthday. We definitely enjoyed those with the cannaloni I made. I'm becoming quite the cook these days...so domestic!

Thank you for all of your prayers in this adventure Stephen and I are on. We truly do feel so blessed to have each of you on our side...it's feeling more peaceful here now--and we thank God for the opportunity and the experience. Here's wishing you and yours a blessed, peaceful and healthy 2008. I'll post Paris debauchery as soon as I have them!

My Baby is 6!

No, I don't have a child I've kept secret from you...it was GRACIE'S 6TH BIRTHDAY on the 15th. We celebrated over the weekend, and her big present was tonight! She got to have Stephen's pork chop bone...and boy was she excited! Unlike most dogs, she usually doesn't get to act like a dog, nor does she get to have normal dog "carnal instincts" because her mom keeps her on a tight leash (pun intended) and dressed like a human. But, tonight was VERY different. She was able to eat all she wanted of the bone. That's a lie. She's still crying at the trash can where the carcas lies. We had a small family dispute when mom decided she was done. However, she's fulfilled. She might need a Tums before bed, but she's one happy dog! I've attached some pics for your viewing pleasure, and a video of the feeding frenzy. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Kid in candy store

That's how I felt when I walked into Schlepp's (funny name, huh?). It's a Hobby Lobby-esque store, with more artistic flair than anything else. They have easels, canvases, drafting tables, ink, brushes, mosaic tile sets, watercolor sets, and much much more! I was in heaven! I wandered all 4 floors for over an hour and finally made my purchase. An acrylic paint selection, brushes, and 8 canvases of all different shapes and sizes. I had decided early on that our walls were too bare. So, I decided to paint. All except for two were my own creations...the two knock-offs were inspired by Amy Tartar's (Steph Johnson's coworker at Antioch Berlin--where we had Thanksgiving) dining room paintings. I must say, I am no professional, nor is it even natural. But I enjoy it. It's fun! Go out, buy some canvases, and make a day of it. Have a glass of wine and don't worry about the outcome. I favor some of them more than others, but either way it's a chance to reach deep within for that "creative side." Stephen used his creative talents on the computer, researching his favorite authors' quotes on Life and Marriage. Hope you like (but secretly don't care...we like 'em.) Ha!!

There's a good and bad side to everything...

My mom left on Thursday after a week-long stint in Belgium. It was very hard to see her go. There is an unmistaken comfort in having your mom nearby, even if it's just for a short while. As you grow up you learn to have your own life, your own adventures, but you still miss your momma. You just do! It's so weird to walk into the bathroom she used while here and smell her perfume, and instantly feel safe. Mom's are a comfort. I have been blessed with an amazing mother, and I truly miss her. Of course we're normal, and we bicker and disagree. But to be fortunate enough to have a mother that has faith in me, selflessly gives and gives and GIVES for me...it's truly a blessing from God. She's my best friend. I just hope that i fulfill her life as much as she does mine! I'm married now. And God has also blessed me with a husband that understands that bond. And he loves her just the same. And now I have a mother-in-law that I love dearly, that trusts me with her son and believes in me the same. Life is so wonderful. I can allow myself (embarrasingly too often) to sulk in the thoughts of life going on without us in the states, but what truly matters is the love of our families and friends...no matter where we are. Home is where we are together...we are here. Stephen and I are home, together. And we're going to make it.

In true Cricket fashion, we walked my mom into the ground. We visited Cologne, Monschau (Germany), Valkenburg, Maastricht (Holland), Brussels and Liege (Belgium) and were able to see all of the different Christmas Markets. We went in caves, tried on fun boots, ate waffles, tapas, and treated my mom to some good 'ole Leigeois Meatballs. I think she had a good time. I know I did just being with her (and selfishly an English speaker, ha!) AND.....GRACIE IS HERE!!!! She's already brought us so much joy in just a week. Funny how much a dog changes your life. She's so great! Although I'm excited, we still have another dog not yet on foreign soil...so pour one out for Bella in Austin. She'll get here eventually! Mom also helped us purchase our first European Christmas tree. I'm rather lazy in the "picking up pine needles" category, so it's a pre-lit fake. Guess I'm kinda lazy in lighting trees too :) We had so much fun picking out ornaments, and we all decorated the tree together. Gracie even gave moral support. Having the tree (and presents and stockings, thanks mom) helps our/my emotional state during the holiday season! Thanks mom for a wonderful trip. You made my holidays! Sometime early next year my parents will both come over, and we'll get to spend time with my dad, too. I cannot TELL you how excited I am to see his face and hear his voice in person...it's going to be so great! What an amazing person he is, I miss my daddy :) In addition, March brings the Dotson clan over! We are going to have so much fun. We are renting a house in the French countryside. I am eagerly awaiting seeing them as well, it's been far too long! There's something to be said about being able to hug them and see them in person, not just on Skype. I completely lucked out with my in-laws. They are my family, not in-laws and a sister-in-law. They are family! So warm and caring, it will be so nice to relax and catch up with them...and long overdue! We are very blessed, and spoiled. We know!

In happier/lighter news...I got a JOB. Thanks for the prayers and support from everyone. This is truly a blessing. I have sugar-coated my personal experience here, in short because no one wants to hear someone gripe when they are in "Europe." Well kids...Europe is great, especially when fantasizing about "all the places you can go, cool things to see..." It gets old, you get cynical, the fantasy wears off. I need something of purpose. I've prayed for a long time. I need something to do with myself after I've run. I need to be busy. I now have a job. I couldn't be more excited. I'll be teaching English at a language center in the Center of Liege. The bus stop is directly in front of the building. It took me 7 minutes to bike there on Friday. I'm so blessed. God has a funny timing with things...I needed a pick me up after my mom left--I have a job. It's still setting in.

You guys are amazing for reading all of this nonsensical blabber from me...I appreciate it! My sister will be here in 10 days...she's such a breath of fresh air. Just like moms, sisters are pretty great too. I have three sister-in-laws that I adore (I got lucky, I know) and Hayley...who really is a blond extension of me. We'll definitely paint Belgium and all surrounding countries red! I can't wait...I'll need the pick-me-up after a Christmas family-less, and I can't think of another person I'd want here for my birthday and New Years. Speaking of New Years...we are going to be in Paris!!! Craig and Aimee Miller will be there too...so we'll have some familiar faces to ring in '08! I hope all of you are doing well. We love and miss each of you! Send us an update, we'd love to hear the latest and greatest!

For your viewing pleasure...

I've added a little compilation video of our "cheap thrill" at the Potsdam Christmas Market in Berlin! Enjoy...

Update: Parlez lentement, s'il vous plait...

Well, I must say I'm disappointed in your lack of participation in the "story-building." However, I feel I must tell you what really happened. Stephen and I were abrubtly awoken on Saturday morning by the persistent knocking of our landlord at 8am...to which we ignored. When she started calling, though, we felt it must be an emergency. She regrettably informed us of our car's 'accident,' occuring in the wee hours of the morning. Once we got out of bed, we found this:

Apparantly someone under the influence ran into the car behind us, sending it over the barrier and into our back-end. Our poor minivan now has an inoperable back door...but the real delight was Stephen giving the policeman the report. There were a lot of "how do you say..." and "I don't understand..." phrases thrown out, but we got through it and have it filed for insurance. Just another experience in our journey!

Interesting...

The Chinese Restaurant we go to in Liege seems to be doing pretty well, it's mostly packed on weekends...but they obviously don't have enough money to complete the bathroom. Or, maybe this was intentional?!@# Frightening!