10 years

In the car, on my way to work.  Driving on 35E, and had just past Highway 36.  Listening to the "pop" station in my city {KDWB for the Twin Citians}.  Thinking about all of the things on my to do list.

I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing the moment "it" happened.

I continued on my drive, with my mouth gaping open.

Source: wallpaperpassion.com via Arianna Roberts on Pinterest

I arrived at work.  "Did you hear what happened?", I asked our office manager.  "The planes? The World Trade Center?"

"Oh, that actually happened? I was listening to KQ and thought it was one of their practical jokes."

Because, seriously.  Why would that happen?  Why would men give their lives in the name of "a god" and take the lives of several thousand innocent people.  Affecting all those that know them for the rest of their lives.

Ten years ago today, as an American {and as a citizen of the world, because there were people from so many nations affected}, my life changed.   Not as drastically or tragically as did for so many, but it did.

Source: ef-russia.ru via Arianna Roberts on Pinterest

I was 23 at the time.  A newlywed.  Five months before, as we walked off the plane from our honey moon, my in-laws were there to meet us at the gate.

That wouldn't happen ever again.

In my lifetime, the fear of an attack on our soil wasn't overtly present.  Until then.

Because we didn't know to fear it.  Our parents did {with the Cold War, and WWII for some}.   But at least I  was naive enough to think it was something I didn't need to worry about.

But now I do.  And now I worry about it no matter where I am, even if it is across an ocean from the U.S.

Source: treehugger.com via Arianna Roberts on Pinterest

The biggest problems then were...  Well, it is sort of hard to remember.

But let me be honest. The problems that began to face us after that?  Had me wondering if I should even have kids.  Why bring them into this "new world"?

But I did.  And I am glad I did.  Because they are our future.

And what a bright future it is.

Source: ef-russia.ru via Arianna Roberts on Pinterest

Having a child that wasn't born on American soil may lead to some interesting questions in the future.  I mean, what if she wants to be president?  But this girl will know that first and foremost, she is an American.  And that we are proud of that fact.

I can't wait to show and teach my children the reasons we have to be proud of being Americans.
         ~ the freedom
         ~ the opportunity
         ~ the land
         ~ our incredibly brave and dedicated military that defend those things
         ~ our emergency personnel that serve and protect us on the home front
         ~ and so, so much more

Source: houseofrave.com via Jenny on Pinterest

On this day, I remember the thousands who tragically lost their lives that day.

On this day, I pray for our soldiers and their families, may they be currently serving or have the possibility of being called to a warzone at any moment.

On this day, I hope for the family and friends who have been left with an empty place in their hearts. I pray that you are surrounded by love and are blessed knowing that there are people across the earth that will never forget September 11, 2001.

A move update & Saturday (?!) Funday Favorites

Saturday can be fun day too, right?

Well, in my little bloggie world here, it is for sure going to be a fun day.  Because this week I'm moving my Sunday Funday Favorites to Saturday to make room for a special post on Sunday. Got that?

# # #

I have been laying awake at night this week for some reason.  No idea why.

Maybe it is adrenaline from running at night?  Or, I don't know, maybe it is our move that is coming up soon.

We are getting closer and closer to have a concrete move date.  We head to Scotland in the next few weeks to do some rental house shopping {yahoo--one of my all time favorite things!}, and once we know when a lease would be available, that will give us a move date.

But you know what the "laying awake at night" means here?  More pins!  I have the pinterest app on my ipod touch {LOVE!}, and its how I pass my "trying to get sleepy, but occupying my time quietly as to not wake up J#1 and J#4" time.

So...hope you find something you like here, I know I did.

Favorite Blog Posts: 
Miss Mommy's "Mommy needs a Time Out":    Oh, I feel her frustration.  And I sort of feel like she was spying on me. Just a bit.

Steady Mom's "Children are not adults":  So true, and such a good reminder.  Better keep this one around to go back to from time to time.

Favorite Etsy Finds: 

This helps me get excited for turkey day.  Yeah, I know...it isn't even Halloween yet.  Check out all of La Famille @ home's fall line, some really charming stuff.  {plus, she is having a summer sale!  good deals.  score!}  She also has a pretty fun blog too.

Love, love, love.   Thanks to Control the Chaos for featuring it on her blog, so I could find it!

You can find it at Simple Shapes on Etsy.  Looks like they have several different wall decals. Always perfect when living in a rented home.  Or you like to change things a lot.  {Like me.}

Favorite Pinterest "pins":

Source: athankfullheart.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

True that.

Source: funhandprintart.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

handprint makes bonfire...and if you like this, just wait until I get in the Christmas mood.  Which I am thinking might be soon.  Very soon.

Source: pennycarnival.typepad.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Awesome book storage option.

Source: etceteraecasa.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

I love me some creative storage/display ideas.

Favorite Photo: 

 Just kidding.  

Don't let her fool you.  This is a happy face.
Miss Princess is developing more of a personality.  So fun.

Holland Bucket List: an update & Den Bosche

Okay folks, so lets get real here for a minute.

There are only so many days in a month.  Real life creeps in, with work travel and rainy days.  Moves get a bit more defined, and weekends identified to do this and that.

So a few changes to the Holland Bucket List have to be made.  What's going to change?

1. The Museum of Bags & Purses in Amsterdam.     Headed here on Sept. 23, since we need to be in Amsterdam for our biometric fingerprints that day 
2. The Hague Completed August 2011
3. Madurodam (a.k.a "Holland in a nutshell").   Completed August 2011
4. Den Bosche Completed April 2011
5. Rotterdam  Planned for today, Saturday Sept. 10
6. Maastricht  Maybe, maybe not...
7. Kinderdijk Planned for today, Saturday Sept. 10

So, essentially, we are probably taking Maastricht off the list.

And Den Bosche?  Well, the kids and I have actually been there.  Its a charming town not too far from where we are living, and we wanted to get to spend more time there, but such is life, right?  

The best part of our visit to Den Bosche was that we were with a Netherlands native, so as we toured one of the churches there she was telling us of how she had been baptized there.  Cool, right?  

This is the main market area in Den Bosche.  Their market takes place on Wednesday, and it sounds like it is awesome.  Also, they are supposed to have scrumptios Bosche Bollens (cream puffs), so if you have the chance to visit...make sure to try them. 

Can you tell these photos are from before I took my photography course?

Den Bosche is a charming town, with a truly European feeling to it.  Oh, and J#3 got to visit with some old friends. 

 

 Looks like Arthur might be telling him some sort of secret here, doesn't it?

So there you have it.  Today we are off to Rotterdam and Kinderdijk.  Windmills, here we come.

Five Minute Friday: in real life

So, here I said I was torn.  But after reading some of the other bloggers who linked up with The Gypsy Mama this week, I was inspired.  Again.

Just full of inspiration today, aren't I?

So here we go, five minutes, unedited.

START:

In real life.  It's a quandary for me.  I get lost searching for what my real life is.

For some reason, I feel like our time here (in the Netherlands) isn't real life.  But it is.  I have real friends here.  I have a VERY real family here.  And this is what I have to learn.  Its why there are constant reminders around my blog (begin each day as if it were on purpose, living in the moment), because I NEED the reminders.

I keep thinking "real life" is back in Minnesota.  But, its not.  Well, it is...but not my real life, not right now.

Real life is here.  Now.  With my husband, son and daughter.  Living adventures each day, each weekend, crossing things off of my bucket list.

Real life isn't on the computer, isn't found in blogs.  Well, it is.  Don't get me wrong.  But I need to find my way away from the computer more.  To experience my real life.  With my children as they are right now.

I need to be present.  In real life.  So the time is coming...I need to turn off the computer.

Not all the time...but most of the time.  Being present, in real life, means being aware.  Being available.  Being a patient, loving mother and wife with all the time in the world for the people who matter the most to me.

STOP

Please make sure to visit The Gypsy Mama and check out some of these other wonderful bloggers. If I do this quick enough, one of the post just ahead of mine will be one of my real life friends.  Read.  Be inspired.    Have a great weekend!

It's the little things {week 1}

I'm a bit torn.  I usually link up to The Gypsy Mama on Fridays, for Five Minute Friday {and I might still, we will have to see how the day goes}.

But I have been inspired this week to link up with Lindsay from From the Aisle to Aloha  for her "it's the little things" link-up.  Because life IS is about the little things.

#   #   #

do you see those hands? J#1's hands.  love when he cooks.  especially special requests from me. 

oh, he loves that swiffer.  oh, how i can't wait until he REALLY knows how to use it. 

love finding conveniences from "home" in the Netherlands.  hashbrowns.  

perfect for one of our favorite recipes that we haven't had since moving (11 months ago). 

that face.  that shirt.  that hair cut.  

and yes, he is piling all of the couch cushions and pillows up for no apparent reason.  

this boy's energy astounds me. 

harvest pumpkin bars.  not perfect (does everyone have a jelly roll pan but me?), but still good.

a little taste of the U.S. thanks to pumpkin filling brought by mom (thanks Mom!). 

 being done with week 1, days 1 and 2 of the couch to 5K.  and being excited about day 3 (today)!

trains.  can keep J#3 occupied for hours at a time.  thank you, trains. 

J#4 did this ALL on her own.  maybe not such a little thing, but the best thing for me this week. 

seven months old, and pulling herself up?  i think we're in trouble folks. 

If you have a few spare minutes, make sure to check out Lindsay's blog and this fun link-up.  She lives in Hawaii, so you know you are going to see some awesome scenery.  And she is a great artist as well. Can't wait until we are settled somewhere so I can get a few for myself.  And if you are visiting from the link-up, welcome!  Feel free to take a look around...I'm sure I'll be doing the same at your blog!

Inspiration Workshop: Inspiring Books

Another Thursday, another two post day.  And another Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop.  This weeks prompt is inspiring books.

This one is easy-peasy for me.

Have you ever heard of this little ole' Shel Silverstein book called The Giving Tree?

Source: google.com via Brittiany on Pinterest

I was read this book as a child, and it has ALWAYS stuck with me. I am pretty sure it is what has inspired me to try and not be selfish throughout my life.  Put others before myself.  {And most of the time, that is a good thing.}

We bought it for J#3 for his 1st birthday, and we have started reading it to him at bedtime now and then.  He loves it.  And we plan to buy it for J#4 as well.  I hope it has the same meaning for them as it has for me.

The other book that inspires me?    The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.   I read this book for the first time right around the time J#3 was born.  And my life has never been the same.  Because people...a positive attitude can perpetuate positive experiences in life.

Source: google.ca via Richelle on Pinterest

There are times I go back and read parts of this book, because when I am in a "negative rut"  I need to be reminded that is just prolonging the negativity.

I am thinking The Secret might be a bit of a controversial choice, because there are some that might think God has a plan for us, and we can't affect it.  I am a BIG believer that God does have a plan for each of us, and everything happens for a reason.  But while we are living this life, why not live it positively?  With positive repercussions?

Oh, and I LOVE this bookcase. Isn't it awesome?  I am becoming a big fan of rainbows.  And who wouldn't want a rainbow shelf?  Well, I know I would.

Source: flickr.com via silk on Pinterest

But that will have to wait until we have settled down somewhere.

And who knows when that will be?

Because right now it is books on the Kindle for me.  Them books are heavy.

And we move.

A lot.



Make sure to visit Gussy Sews to check out more "inspiring books".

Xpat Blog Hop: Missing MN Fall

This week on the Xpat Blog Hop, Windmill Tales is asking us to do the following: 
List 5 things your country doesn't have and you wish they did and 5 things they do have and you wish they didn't.


I have written pretty extensively on the things that the Netherlands doesn't have that I wish they did.  You can read my original list from April (six months after moving) here and how I made sure that I got to experience all of the items during our July visit to Minnesota here. 


A quick top 5 things the Netherlands doesn't have at THIS moment?
5.  Fall scented candles. You know, apple spice, pumpkin pie, and the like. 
4. Convenient, low calorie foods.  Hard to be working on losing weight when there doesn't even seem to be low-fat yogurt!  
3. Anything pumpkin flavored (i.e. pumpkin spice latte via Starbucks).  Although I did use some of the pumpkin pie filling that my mom brought over with her in February for some nummy Harvest Pumpkin Bars yesterday.   And with that, folks, I'm not a one-trick pony anymore!

2. Target.  Duh.  Always on the list.
1. Family & Friends.  Always on the list.  Although I am VERY thankful to have made some good friends here.  And will be sad to leave them when we move to Scotland.  Which makes me thankful, as always, for Facebook & the world wide web.

& things that the Netherlands has & I wish they didn't? 


TUC Formage (cheese) Crackers

That's it.

Oh, and rude neighbors.  But that is a story for another day.   And could happen in any country...


This week I am again linking up with Tales from Windmill Fields.  Click on over to see what other Xpats have to say about this same topic.