Monthly Archives: April 2012

My Mama

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My mama leaves today, after being with us for two weeks. She flew up from Southern California so I could go to Holland for a week and she could be me, watching the kids and getting them to all their various appointments. She is the most industrious, loving and giving person I have ever met, and she never seems to tire. She gives from the heart and expects nothing in return except love. It’s amazing how many lives she touches. I love you mama and am so thankful for you. Thank you for loving me and my family and for taking care of us and playing with us. I am going to miss you and your spaghetti sauce. Hurry back so I can beat you at Suduko! xoxo

Letting Kids Go

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30 years ago, my parents let me go to Tahiti and Australia with my soccer team as part of a cultural exchange program. They were brave, sending me off to stay with strangers so far away and without cell phones or email to stay connected. They gave me freedom to explore and to become more independent. And I’m sure they were scared and sad and excited for me, all at the same time.

Today, CJ took off with his school group to explore Washington, D.C. He was excited and proud and ready, with a big smile on his face and no fear. He didn’t see the tears in my eyes, letting go and letting him be his courageous and adventurous self. I’m proud of him and I hope he has the best time! Don’t forget to write, text, stay hydrated, and call your mama!! 🙂

Enough

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Today is Easter and I’m so glad to be home with my family. Having been away from everyday life in Sunnyvale, made me really appreciate all that is good. I used to think my house was too small. After being in Holland, I realize my house is actually just enough. I used to go to the kids soccer and baseball games and would sometimes be hesitant to hang out on the field forEVER! I came back and couldn’t stay long enough. I feel the sun shining and even though the weather is cool, I now feel it’s warm enough. Sometimes we wish for more, but I think what we wish for is a change. The grass isn’t greener on the other side… it’s just different. Going away makes you appreciate what you have. Today, I wish you enough.

I Amsterdam

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Yesterday we were here near the Rijksmuseum, to enjoy a rijstaafel at Sabo Sebo with Tommy and his parents. Thank you to Mary and Jim for the wonderful tip. We enjoyed every bite, and walked out stuffed! They even served sayur lodeh, one of my favorite dishes that my Opa used to make when I was little. We enjoyed rendang, gado gado, satay, kru pruk, green beans, fried chicken, skewered shrimps, and on and on! Definitely not a Weight Watcher’s day. I think having friends and family in Holland will help us to feel more at home when we arrive, and hopefully help us to adapt more quickly. It’s already helped so much. Everyone is so friendly and speaks English to us. I am thankful.

Thankful

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I’m thankful for SKYPE and my family. Every night we’ve been staying up until after midnight, awaiting the kids to rush home from school and to turn on the computer. So glad everyone is happy and that we can stay connected from afar. Thank you, Oma – for loving our babies!!  Love you all. xoxo

House hunting

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We spent the day looking for housing near Amstelveen with a Relocation Consultant. I especially liked the Amstel River location and would be in heaven if I could bring my board out here. We visited the International School of Amsterdam and hope we have the opportunity for the kids to attend. The learning environment was amazing with a hands on learning approach. We also met with a woman from Philadelphia who gave us the inside story! What a gem. There is so much to digest and to make sense of, but today was a little easier. Tomorrow we will visit more schools and look for
office space.