As you can see from the picture above we don’t all share the joys and challenges at the same time.  Mason and Eden are happy as can be, but poor Sophie was cold and wet and had just fallen down in a puddle.  Some days are just like that I guess.

I have had my own share of joys and struggles such as:

*Trying to figure out my blasted clothes dryer.  They only sell the model we have in The Netherlands so the instruction booklet only comes in Dutch.  Can anyone tell me what “Het kan voordomen dat u, na het drogen, toch no vochtige plekken in het wasgoed vidt.” means?!!!

*Due to the lack of instruction on using what should be a simple appliance, I have clothes, towels, etc for a family of five hanging all over the house to dry.

*The major downsizing from size and quality of our home has taken some adjustment.  Of course all I have to do is look out the window or go for a walk to remember what a great place this truly is.  It will also help when we have our own furniture.

*The language - wow, this is quite a language.  It still sounds so strange to my ear.  I have taken two, two hour lessons so far and still cannot pronounce my postal code.  Thankfully my teacher is patient and kind.  Even more of a blessing is that no one really expects me to speak Dutch and they all speak very good English.

*Food shopping is both a challenge and joy.  I love the freshness and quality of the foods.  I love having a bakery next to the cheese shop, next to the produce shop, next to the butcher, next to the wine shop, just down from the chocolate shop, across the street from the grocery store that I can walk to.  I have found translating food labels is easy until you have a large shopping list.  Also, because of the freshness of the food and the lack of space in my kitchen to store it, I have to go shopping every day.  I do love the little surprises when I find something truly wonderful though.

*Our neighbors have been so nice and helpful.  Anneke was kind enough to call to get larger trash cans for us.  We were trying to stuff our garbage into a tiny trash can the first week.  She called the city for me and ordered new ones.  They also are the reason why we can now update our blogs.  She and her husband Frank gave us their wireless signal pass code so that we can stay connected.  Thank you!

*One big adjustment is the store hours.  Almost all stores are closed on Sunday and Monday mornings.  They all close at 5:30 - 6:00 on the weekdays and usually have one “late” day where they are open until 8:00.  The grocery stores are usually open a little later, but they too close on Sunday.  I really have to plan ahead so that we have enough food for Sunday all day and breakfast and lunch on Monday.  Did I mention how small the refrigerator and kitchen are?!

*If you’ve read Kevin’s blog you know that you have to have a coin to get a shopping cart.  I did not have a 50 Eurocent coin the last time I was at the store and could not find anyone to change my money for me at customer service (the cash registers had very long lines and I was in a hurry).  I nearly broke my back trying to carry a shopping basket full of milk, cereal, meat, juice, etc!  From now on I will hoard those little coins in my coat pockets!

*The weather - what can I say.  No one here complains, they are used to it.  It is that damp cold that is difficult to shake.  We learned early on that if you wake up and it is sunny, that does not guarantee that by the time you finish your first cup of coffee that it will not have started raining, sleeting, snowing and the be sunny again.

*The flowers are a huge joy.  They are plentiful, beautiful and fairly cheap.  It really brightens things to have fresh flowers around.

*Seeing the kids adjust, learn, gain in confidence, and have so much fun is the best!  They really love it here and I love seeing them grow and bloom so beautifully.

*Planning our summer holiday has certainly been fun! We are looking at renting a small villa or apartment on the beach in Spain or in Tuscany for the latter part of June.  Warmth and sun - hooray!

I’m sure this list will grow and change - I’ll keep you posted!

Blessing to all - we love and miss you.