Adjusting

Many have asked how we are adjusting after moving back to Texas. Overall, we are doing just fine. The first few weeks back were rather stressful with lots of decisions to make. But it has been so nice to come back to familiar territory. Our friends have just picked up right where we left off and it has been so nice. The girls and I are definitely busy during the week with playdates and other activities. It's been nice to get back to the gym and workout. The girls really enjoy the kidzone at the gym as well. And even though Rachel seems to be quite the popular little girl around here (new kid on the block), she would go back to Amsterdam in a heartbeat. She's not miserable, but she does miss a few friends and talks about them all the time! Just this morning she was asking to head over to a friend's house in Amsterdam.

I am definitely enjoying have a vehicle at my disposal 24/7. Although I do miss the days when I could strap the girls in the stroller, head off to the shopping center, and accomplish several errands. The other day I went to 4 different places, so 4 times I had to take the girls in and out of their car seats. I realized that if I had been in Amsterdam all 4 of the places I went would have been at the shopping center and it would have been so easy. But not here. There's no way I could have walked between the 4 different places. Such is life though! Rachel has finally mastered strapping herself in her car seat, so that helps. She just needs help getting out.

I have also realized that there are little American habits that really bug me. Not to say everyone does this, but talking on the cell phone while driving without a hands-free device really bothers me. It was against the law in Holland and I wish it were here. The other day I almost got clobbered by someone yakking on their cell phone. Also, texting while driving, it's insane and people do it over here like crazy! Who knows, maybe it's the same over in Holland but I didn't seem to notice it as much. I guess because I rarely drove around in Holland... Anyhow, I have also discovered that I am really impatient when someone decides to write out a check. Seriously, it takes so long and when you have 2 little ones with you, come on! We are definitely fans of the European banking system - checks are not an option! :)

We also miss some of foods we enjoyed in the Netherlands. One random thing, is actually peanut butter. Skippy and Jif are just too sugared up for us. If anyone has any suggestions out there, we'd love them! And of course the chocolate... Although I have discovered Milka chocolate is sold at Target. So, last week, which was the first time since being back, I was desperate and splurged. But after hunting through a department store for 15 minutes looking for my car keys that my toddler has misplaced, I figured I deserved some chocolate. Although, the toddler was the one who actually found them....

We are enjoying several things. Just to name a few... I smile every time I run my disposal; do a large load of laundry (wash and dry) in 80 minutes or less; the baggers bag my groceries (although I do take my own bags); enjoy the nice, warm outdoor pool (as a matter of fact, it was a bit too warm one day); walk over padded carpet barefoot; sit down to play the piano; tell the girls to put all their toys in the playroom; go to the "English" library; lay and actually stretch out on our comfy couches; get a babysitter and go out for the night; drive 3 minutes to church; etc...

Life is good. We feel blessed to have the opportunity we have had. Andy and I were talking the other day about if we think we could go back. And we could. We would change a few things, but we could go back... It's not going to happen though and we are happy in Texas. One thing we did learn, is to enjoy the time you are living wherever you are. If there ever is a next time, I think we would be better about learning the language.

So, to all my Holland friends, live it up! And to all my friends in Texas, thank you for such a warm welcome home! :)