Day 148: Mean Mommy

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I made my kids take ski lessons today and was the meanest mommy on the planet!

They have indoor ski places in Holland that I thought sounded like such a good idea. When we were talking about what to do for Christmas Break, I asked the kids if they wanted to go skiing because there are fabulous places to ski in Europe like Austria and France and I thought we should go there. But everyone voted no on that idea. None of us like to be cold, and the thought of skiing didn’t sound attractive. Now, I was afraid that I might be rubbing off on them and that because I don’t like to be cold, they were just saying that. We hardly ever choose to go to the snow in California when we have vacation time because yours truly really hates to be cold, and why suffer with three kids and a long drive in traffic to Tahoe if everyone is going to be miserable? At least, that’s the vision that floats in my head, and you know I could very well be wrong.

So now we’re in Holland and I learned of this place where I could bring the kids and the weather was controlled and the conditions would be just right, so why not try it?? I was pumped for them, to give them this opportunity to learn something new and just for a day and without a long journey and with their friends, even. Guess what I got? Guff. I got guff from 2 out of 3 of them. And not just a little guff. There were tears involved and they were rude and angry and demanded their rights to not go and I couldn’t make them and blah, blah, blah.

We went anyway. I thought they’d change their mind when we got there. But no… more words and frustrated feelings. And they were mad at me and I was disappointed in them, but I pushed on anyway and paid for the lesson and tickets and equipment and said goodbye, enjoy, have fun!! And told them how our family values adventure and trying new things and that they have to at least try it. And I wagered the bet that they might actually like it once they tried it and I was really hoping they would, so I would feel better about pushing them out of their comfort zone. I don’t like to make them do what they don’t want to do. I’m not one of those moms that feels like I know best and that they should do exactly what I say or want. I usually tend to listen to them as little people, unless there is danger or they are being rude. But today I felt like I had to push their boundaries a bit and I had to step out of my comfort zone. And boy, was I uncomfortable with all their unhappiness and the scene they were making. But in the end, all was good.

They put on their boots, gathered their lift tickets and gear and hit the slopes with Braum, their ski instructor, while I watched from behind the glass with a capuccino. I cheered them on by waving my arms in the air and was so happy for them when they decided to leave the bunny slope and take the lift up to higher ground. They all loved it and didn’t want to leave. They stayed way past the time we had planned and I felt content, for them and for me. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do and good will come from it. I hope they learned something today. I know I did.

Indoor skiing in Holland

unhappy skier waiting for the dread to begin…

Happy after 30 minutes of lessons! Phew!!

Happy, little skier!

The non-complainer who actually tried both boarding and skiing with a smile on his face all day.

20Dec2012

Day 147: Mama Girl Day

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Doesn’t this look like a fun way to spend the day? Juliana and I headed into Amsterdam for a day of fun. We both got our curly hair cut – she went for the curly look and I chose straight. It’s so much nicer when they do it!!

After our salon visit, we went to meet up with Jeff for lunch at Le Pain. I love that restaurant. They serve healthy, organic and fresh food that was so refreshing and deliciously flavorful. I’ll definitely be going back there again.

We shopped around a little bit, exploring the nine little streets, also known in Dutch, as the Negen Stratjes, a quaint shopping area along the Amsterdam canals. It was cold out but not raining, so I’d say it was a good day. It’s funny how my expectations have changed and I’ve adapted to the cold weather. I’m pleasantly surprised. The highlight of the shopping was exploring the new Abercrombie & Fitch store that just opened up on the Keizersgracht. Going in there was like going into a nightclub, with “bouncers” at the door, good looking people filling the place and a long line to get a “drink” (pay for your loot!) It was dark inside, with a fancy chandelier, nice furnishings, fancy displays, red carpet covering the stairs and loud club music playing. The recognizable smell of A&F filled the air and the street outside. Amazing, marketing, I’d say.

We took the tram home and relaxed for a little bit before we baked chocolate chip cookies together and cooked dinner together. The cookies were so delicious!! Thanks to Kristy and Patty for teaching me to take out a TBS of flour for each cup of flour to make things just come out better here.. don’t know why, but it worked!!

I’d say it was a perfect day… I’m so thankful that my little girl still wants to hang out with me. How long do I get?? Hopefully forever…but I’ll just enjoy today.

(This post never posted last night… I wonder why.. but found it in my drafts today still waiting to be shared. ;-))

19Dec2012

Day 146: Backies

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This is me and Patti Beth after coming home from a Christmas party in Amsterdam. We took the bus and when we were coming home, the bus didn’t stop at my stop even though I pressed the button. PB’s stop was two stops away from mine, and she had her bike at the bus station. So she gave me my first bike ride straddled on the back of her bike at 12:30 am! They call these “Backies” but usually the back rider sits side saddle. I chose to straddle so we’d be more balanced.

We only fell while trying to get on the bike on the slippery, wet bricks. But then we were ok, laughing all the way! This picture was taken after our safe arrival back at the bus stop!

What a great way to end day 2 of vacation. I’m so glad we stayed in town.

17Dec2012

Day 145: First Day of Vacation – Let’s Go to the Movies

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Today was the first day of winter break, and we set an alarm clock for 6:30 am!! My Mom and Dad had an early morning flight back to California. I was fine with the transition until we got to the airport before the sun rose. Looking in my mama’s eyes made me cry. And then again more tears flowed as I hugged my dad goodbye. We are going to miss them being here with us!!

Luckily, my friend Jane was thinking ahead and planning outings for this week. We met up with Jane, Kim, Cami, Patti Beth and a couple other new friends and their kids to see our first movie at a theater in Amsterdam.

The movie was in 3D and was produced in English with Dutch subtitles, popping out in 3-D as well. The movie was really cute and I’m glad that we had something to do to get us out of the house. After the movie, we walked along the Singel and I had heard about a great, Indonesian restaurant, called Sampurna that was on the flower market. We decided to try and it and enjoyed a noisy family meal that included Sayur Lodeh, Rendang, Bami Goreng, Rice, Satay Ayam, and Krupruk!! Trying to take 3 kids to a quiet restaurant and expecting them to sit still and quiet is a joke! Once the food arrived, all was well again and we all enjoyed our delicious meal.

Today was good after all. Mom and dad arrived safely in Los Angeles and are very excited to see my nieces and sisters and brother and their own house and own bed again! Welcome home, Mama and Pops! Slaap lekker!!

17Dec2012

Day 144: One Last Hurrah

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My mom and dad leave tomorrow, after being with us for 2 months. I haven’t been together with my parents for this long since my college days. And living under one roof, as one big, happy family wasn’t all that hard. We’re all ready for the change and to get back to “normal” and our own space, but we’ve all really enjoyed the shared journey and are thankful for the experience.

Tonight we had a going away party for them. While mom and I were out shopping for the dinner tonight at our local Jumbo (the Dutch supermarket that is actually open on Sunday!), we were given a fun surprise! As I was gathering my groceries after we paid, a man comes up to me with a big red box and a huge smile on his face. He said something to me in Dutch, but my translator(aka my mom) had already left for the parking lot. I told him I didn’t speak Dutch and he said that was ok, and “Congratulations! You are the 1000th customer.” He handed me the sealed and decorated box and I left with a smile that matched his. I love winning things and being lucky, no matter what it is. I just love the shear joy of it and the excitement.

The box was filled with various items including snacks, cookies, shampoo and soaps, non-alcoholic drinks, and Christmas decor. I loved it!

Our company arrived just as we got home. We enjoyed a great afternoon and early evening with loved ones, and a simple Dutch dinner of soft rolls with deli meats and cheeses, along with salad and fruit and chips. A simple dinner, and a simple evening at home, that was simply perfect. We all are going to miss my parents and can’t wait to see them again! xoxoxo

15Dec2012

Day 143: Delft

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We all explored Delft today for the first time. Delft is about 35 minutes away from our home and is a quaint town to visit. It has a new church and an old church and a town center. There are quaint shops and a Saturday market place selling stroopwaffels, frites, fruits and veggies and flowers.

The architecture is beautiful to look at, especially along the canals. I enjoyed watching the kids explore and walking in and out of the antique shops. My mom loves talking to the shop keepers and telling them our story. She loves to speak Dutch and to connect with the locals. She makes friends everywhere she goes.

We were outside for several hours and it was freezing cold out. We’re starting to get used to the weather now and dressing more appropriately. I still prefer the warmth but am choosing to not hibernate indoors! We’ll see how I feel next month!!

My favorite part of the day was finding an antique red bread box, that my mama bought for me.

We had been looking for one and today was my lucky day. I also loved watching the kids explore and seeing what they found interesting.

I hope you enjoy(ed) your loved ones today, too.

14Dec2012

Day 142: Love and Community

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My kids read my blog so I won’t go into details about today’s events, but there is a deep sadness felt for the families affected by the unimaginable choices of others.

I’m sending love and light and prayers to the Newtown Community, especially to the mamas and papas. And in our own little community, I wish all the families safe travels as they move around the next couple of weeks. Let’s keep love and optimism in front of anger and fear. And win! Namaste.

13Dec2012

Day 141: Let There be Light

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For all my friends who have lost loved ones, whether through death or divorce or broken relationships, I wish you peace for your soul, love for yourself and light to lead you forward out of the dark.

** I hit the Publish button before I meant to, but the message is still the same, and I think I’ll leave it just the way it is.

12Dec2012

Day 140: Art & Technology & Community in Third Grade

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One of the many things I love most about the kids’ school is their access to art and technology, as well as their community values. Today the 3rd grade had an open house celebration to demonstrate what they’ve been learning and to bring our community together. The parents brought food for a potluck lunch. The kids shared their power point presentations and shadow puppet plays for our entertainment. You would be amazed.

Each 3rd grader created their own power point presentation slide show, picking their own backgrounds and fonts and content. They’ve been doing an investigation, called Believe It Or Not, which has taught them about the world’s various religions and beliefs. They visited a Sikh Temple on a field trip two weeks ago, and have been learning about different values and traditions. Today’s presentation had them share their thoughts on what their own values and beliefs were and they made connections between their own beliefs and those of others. Charlie shared his connection with community groups such as Green Team, an environmental and recycling club on campus, and Boy Scouts, and Christianity and God. He talked about what these values looked like and gave us examples, such as being kind, helping others, and turning off the lights when not needing them.

Not only was I impressed with what his class is thinking about and investigating and sharing and understanding, but also that they were able to create a slide deck with 6 slides to communicate their thoughts so clearly. Each student created their own presentation on their own Macbook air, linked to their own website on their school community site. How cool is that? Each kid had to stand up in front of a small group to present their findings. The parents had a rubric chart to give the kids feedback, that they would then incorporate into their learning review. How cool is all this?

The kids went outside for recess and the parents socialized and had coffee together. Afterwards, we moved down to the drama department to meet the drama teacher and to watch the shadow puppet shows. two clases were divided into groups of 4 and we were able to see 10 small shows. The students created their own art puppets too. Each group introduced the title of their fable, and then hid behind the screen and did their show. Afterwards, they came out and took a bow. I was so impressed.

I enjoyed the community feeling at the potluck lunch today too. It reminded me of our hospitality lunches we put on for the staff back home. But this time it was a lunch for the parents and students and teachers, right before we break for the holiday. The parents gathered money and signed a card for the teacher, and the students presented the gift to the teacher, just like we do back home. I love this new little community too, and all that it has to offer, and hope my friends back home are enjoying the last few days of classroom parties and celebrations too. Enjoy the moment my friends, with the craziness and busy-ness of all the holiday fun. xo

12Dec2012

Day 139: Happy Birthday!

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Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Today (or now it’s yesterday) is Jeff’s birthday. We had a great day celebrating him – quietly and with our family, just like he enjoys celebrating.

Charlie was excited last night and asked me to wake him up early so that he could help me decorate the kitchen before his daddy came downstairs. We always decorate the house for birthdays with streamers and balloons and homemade cards. I was excited that he wanted to help and be part of the excitement.

Charlie’s handmade birthday banner, made at 6:30 am!!

Coffee and hugs for breakfast. What could be better?

After breakfast, Jeff, Dad and I went for a 40 minute morning run together. My dad is over 65 and can still run and keep up. He hadn’t been running this long or running at all until he came to visit us and today he kept on going. How cool is that? I want to be running and fit when I’m that young!!

Our lunch date celebration.

The Birthday boy with his (flaming) homemade cheesecake (and CJ’s Green Bay Packers fan screensaver in the background!!)

I loved today because Jeff was truly happy. He enjoyed his gifts, his family, his partial day off from work, his run through the forest, his phone calls and email wishes, and the many shared meals together, and of course his birthday dessert. We came home after dinner and one of our neighbors dropped in to join us for cheesecake and conversation. We sang happy birthday to him in several different languages including English, Dutch, Spanish and Mandarin. And he smiled and was content, and said my cheesecake was delicious. I’d say, the day was good.

Happy Birthday, J. and many, many more! I love you. -A.