Sweetness

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This is just one of the sweet things I enjoyed today that made me smile. It’s an Oreo Pizookie and it’s the sweetest thing that hits that ooey-gooey yummy spot!

I wish I didn’t love food as much as I do, but I do!

Julie made me a delicious sandwich today and I think it tasted so good because she made it for me. Have you ever noticed that something you can make for yourself tastes so much better when someone else makes it for you? I think there’s a love additive they add.

And one more food story, just to see if you’re hungry yet…I was the lucky one who got to finish off the last few bites of the Christmas Gruyere au gratin potatoes with arugula and bacon. Mmm…was all you could hear and I couldn’t see anything because my eyes were closed, as I savored and enjoyed the decadent moment. They were that good!

The other sweet things had nothing to do with food.

We took down all the Christmas clutter and my house feels spacious again. I love Christmas decorations and I love putting them all back in the attic again before New Years.

The final sweetness involved spending time with friends. We were so thankful that our Dutch friends chose to come see us again before flying back home tomorrow. We loved having them here and fondly remembering our time living abroad, so thankful that we made lasting friendships. Thank you J, S and B for coming by and for dinner. We love you guys! Tot ziens.

Sweet dreams.

18Jun2014

Hup Holland!!

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I am missing Holland. I believe today was the last day of school at the ISA, and with the last day at an international school, comes some big goodbyes. Several people are moving back to their original home countries and some are getting ready to take on new expat adventures. I’ve been thinking of you Cami, Carolyn, Patti Beth, and Amy and Jen who recently left. And I’m thinking of all the friends who stay and continue on a little bit longer, adapting to the changes of good friends leaving and dealing with the loss and change and adapting. There are always new beginnings. Wishing all my friends smooth transitions and comforts.

I’m so thankful that we lived in Holland and that I felt such a connection to my Dutch roots. I got to celebrate with my Dutch friend, Pauline and her Dutch friends, watching Holland beat Australia 3-2 in the World Cup today. I was so happy to be dressed in orange clothes, orange boas and glasses and hats, watching the kids prance around with the Dutch flag, and eating off orange plates. When Holland scored a goal, Karen played Dutch music really loudly and began dancing, while I smiled from ear to ear. The house felt so gezellig and I was happy to be with the Dutch ladies and kids, drinking coffee and listening to Dutch being spoken again. I felt at home and so happy.

Jen sent me pictures of the Dutch flag flying from her new house in Minnesota and seeing all the Dutch celebrations from Holland on Facebook brought me joy. I miss Holland and my family and friends, but am glad that I’ll always have a piece of Holland with me.

Peace.

11Mar2014

Spring Tea Party

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Today was a beautiful day.

Jeff helped me get the kids ready and out the door so I could finish preparing the house for guests. He helped me move the table and chairs and then I was ready for the finishing touches. I love when the house is decluttered and organized and beautiful.

I love for the house to feel warm and cozy. I lit candles and baked everyone’s favorite cinnamon coffee cake so the whole house would smell inviting.

If you want the recipe, here it is:

I know, so fancy and formal, right? I like to keep things simple and delicious!

Marcia brought over beautiful, bright yellow tulips and I got to bring out my new Delft blue vase that Jeff bought me before we moved. I absolutely adore this.

Thank you Marcia for the gorgeous flowers and for thinking of me!! I love tulips.

Everyone brought something to share and Elizabeth brought her little ones who made everyone smile. I love babies! We all had a great morning chatting and just being together.

Can’t wait to do this again next year!

Dutch themed party today made me feel connected to my warm and loving Dutch friends. Miss you still girls!! Life is good!

13Jan2013

Day 172: Nieuwjaarsduik or New Year’s Dip / Dive

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Vinkeveen Lake – A sunny day for a freezing dip.

People say to me that it seems like I’ve settled quickly in Holland and that it feels like I’ve been here forever.

I’ll tell you my secret.

It’s family and friends that helped me to feel like I belong here and that Holland is also my home.

Home is where the heart is and having friends and family that love you and support you and want to drink coffee and wine (or margaritas) together, and to share meals and to play and explore together makes all the difference.

I AM home.

I’ve been so very lucky and fortunate to have family that helped us to adapt and helped us get our house furnished. They helped to make us feel welcome and came to visit us multiple times, and have invited us to their homes for dinners and birthday celebrations and this made us feel a part of this country, right away and at home.

My friends from the States connected me with their friends living close by, and their friends reached out and brought us gifts and invited us to their homes for coffee and dinner conversations. Thank you Simone, Ruth, Birgitta, and Pauline.

I’ve also been able to make friends through our school, our neighborhood and through tennis, and I swear, that makes all the difference in the world. My new friends are not only expats either, for which I’m also thankful. I love that we’ve been accepted and welcomed and have been able to experience Dutch culture and language and friendship.

Today I’m thankful for Joseine and Barbara. They are both Netherland Natives and are friends, whose kids are friends and who have made friends with Charlie. See how that works? Joseine introduced me to Barbara and Barbara invited me to her home today to enjoy a Dutch tradition of welcoming the New Year by jumping in the lake for a New Year’s Refreshing Dip – for all who are brave enough to endure! Thank you Barbara for inviting me to be a part of this fun and exciting day. I only wish Jeff could have been in town to be a part of it too.

I think you’ll enjoy the pictures of the adventurous spirits who celebrated this tradition and those who chose the saner path, bundled up on the side with warm glasses of gluhwein and warme chocolademelk, with cameras in hand. Be well, my friends, and Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!

This is Charlie – thinking about going in, although he touched the water with his foot and chose to warm up in the hot tub first. Smart boy!

These are the cute, beautiful and smart girls who took pictures from the side!

I love this picture!!! Look at the lighting. This is a father and son duo – and I think there is just something pretty cool about this bonding experience!