black and (A)broad

Then - about an hour ago.

Chloe’s crying because Papa left for work.
Paige is crying because she bit her own finger as she was eating the grilled cheese sandwich she asked for

“Mama, mijn buik doet pijn,” Chloe complains.
“I’m sorry your belly hurts, Chloe,” I reply, mustering up what sympathy I can without having had my breakfast. “You can either go lie down or have a banana.”

“Paige, Mama would like you to put the toys down and go back to the table and eat your sandwich.”
Boink.
Another round of crying after Paige hits her head on the table.

“I know you hit your head, but that’s why Mama asks you to eat in your chair and not under the table.”

Finally, a cup of coffee with milk and sugar. One sip. Two sips.

“Ok babies. Let’s get some coats on and get going. Chloe has to go to school.”
Of course it’s raining!

Now - about an hour and a half later.

Listening to “I Am an Endangered Species” by Dianne Reeves while reading Mridu Khullar’s blog. I’m always inspired after reading it.

Drinking a warm cup of coffee (with milk and sugar) in peace, waiting for a former colleague and friend to come over for tea and talk.

I congratulate myself for finishing the first revision of my memoir. It’s currently being edited.

I congratulate myself for sticking to my decision to take two weeks off. I finished Stieg Laarson’s third installment of the Millennium trilogy, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” (Go put your records on/tell me your favorite song/you go ahead let your hair down/sapphire and faded jeans). Yesterday I finally bought a new pair of jeans after my favorite ones ripped last week during mother/toddler gym class. I confess: I also bought some boots, two sweaters and a long-sleeved t-shirt.

I wish my friend would hurry up - I want another cuppa and a slice of that delicious-looking heidelbergtaart I just picked up from the bakery.

Posted in Lazy Dayz, Reflections | 6 Comments »

My oldest daughter keeps informing her little sister that spring’s almost here. Her declaration falls on skeptical ears.

“Mama, isn’t spring coming next week?”

I turn sad eyes outside. I must disappoint her. “No, Chloe-bear,” I reply. “Spring’s a long, long way off.”

Around this time of year, when Dutch people ask me what I miss most about the States, my answer is always the same: blue skies.

“In Indiana, where I’m from,” I explain, “winters are long and cold. But, no matter how cold, windy and miserable winter may be, the skies are clear and the sun likes to shine.”

During the wet, gray days that accompany Dutch winters, I’ve taken to bringing up my spirits by focusing on the things I love about living here. We’ve had a lot of snow and ice this winter, which has been unusual since I’ve been here. Many Dutch people still brave the slippery bike paths, as many don’t have cars. Others have taken to transporting their children around on sleds. What a brilliant idea!

I got our sled out of the shed, where it’s been hiding ever since my husband got it as a gift last year, and pulled my kids on it through the schoolyard. Not only did they get a kick out of riding on it, I didn’t have to carry Paige, who was afraid of falling.

I’m actually a bit disappointed all the snow and ice are melting away that little bit of winter fun. But, I’ve promised myself to get through these long days by focusing on other reasons to appreciate winter in Holland. What are you doing?

Posted in Dutch culture, Lazy Dayz | 8 Comments »

This is what was waiting for me when I woke up early Easter Sunday:

This is what my kids did after the Easter Bunny left:

This is what the EB left in our yard (besides eggs and chocolate)

*photos by my husband (inspired by me)

Posted in Lazy Dayz | 3 Comments »