Home Sweet Home!

Welcome to Bertha Von Suttnerlaan 91!!! The new place we call HOME! I told you it was small and condo like. We are the second home in the long row of six. We have a small little garden in front (as you can see) and a small garden in the back (I will post pictures of later when the flowers and trees are in bloom.)














I know it looks like we have a garage but it's just a disguise. Those doors are just for looks. The room behind the doors is the laundry room.

We are still in the "trying to find a place for everything" stage. Actually all our stuff isn't here yet. Well, let me clarify. Our stuff is in the Netherlands just hasn't made it through customs. Hopefully once it's all here we will finally feel like this is home. Talynn asked the other day if we could go to her home. I told her this was home. She got a sheepish smile and said, "NO, MY HOME!"

Overall we are doing okay. There hasn't been any major tears shed. The kids like school. Jon and I ask them everyday what was better today then yesterday. They always have something positive to say. We were very concerned with Bailee. I was nervous moving her in the middle of a school year especially with her shyness. Our first Friday here we went to the school to meet the teachers and let the kids meet their class. After Bailee met her class she walked out and said "Mom, I know what girl is going to be my friend." I was a little shocked. I asked her who and she told me in detail what the girl looked like. Both Jon and I noticed her as well but didn't really give it another thought. On Sunday we went to church. I couldn't believe it when this little girl comes walking in that is the same little girl Bailee saw in her school class. They have become instant friends and all my worries and concerns are out the window.
Chase has just fit right in. I knew he would. He has made friends in class and loves going to school. I signed him up to start Basketball in two weeks. Both kids are in swim lessons and love every moment.

I guess all in all we are surviving. I'm very ready for the weather to warm up so Tally and I can venture out more. It has rained almost everyday since we arrived. Plus the wind comes roaring in off the North Sea and freezes us.

Many of you have asked about the food. Well, we are starving!!!! What I would give for a taco at Taco Bell!!!!!! The kids have eaten a lot of cheese sandwichs and for dinner it's been a lot of spagetti. I walk around the grocery store and have no idea what I'm looking at or what to do with it. Everyday I find new stuff. Yesterday I found sour cream and thought I had hit the jackpot! I'm creating a wish list of food or spices I wish I had. Be prepared if any of you come to visit I might send a shopping list of items to bring with you.

The language is coming slowly. I thought I was prepared to converse a little but they talk so fast. I get very nervous so all responses have come out in English. I was a little brave the other day and said a few words to the cashier at the grocery store. My tutor would be very disappointed in me.

Jon's job is going okay. He has been working many hours. He leaves for work around 7:00 a.m. and gets home about 8:00 p.m. He feels like he has a lot to tackle but I know if anyone can do it he can and will. I keep telling him to DELIGATE!!!! I think that is one big thing he needs to learn but last night I over heard him on a phone call from home back to the USA for work and I was very impressed with the way he handled himself and didn't beat around the bush. No wonder we keep moving, he is a good employee.

The past couple weekends we have gone shopping. It was so weird to watch at 5:00 p.m. all the stores closing their doors for the day. Last Saturday we went to IKEA. WOW! What a HUGE store! I think we were in there for a couple of hours. They have a cafeteria inside so we decided to stop and get an ice cream cone. I wouldn't recommend the ice cream. It tasted like very rich whipping cream on a cone. Not so good.

I'll end this post for now since I have written a book. I just wanted to thank all you guys for your support. Thanks to the Goodrich's who are storing our most precious possesions from our home and watching over our home. Thanks to the Johnson's for housing us for two weeks while we were homeless. Thanks to all of you who sent emails and wrote on my facebook wall. I loved reading all of the them last night after the internet was finally hooked up. I have great friends and family and love and miss all of you! For now TOT ZIENS!!!!