March Update

Well, well, well....March is here and now I am 26. Yes, that downward slant toward thirty. I feel older but not wiser :) Well...maybe. It was a lovely birthday weekend. Matt provided me with my usual scavanger hunt of birthday clues and goodies followed by the big ending reveal that we were going away to THE SEA!!! We spent the weekend in Oostende, Belgium where I got the best b-day present of all, a sunset. We weren't totally in love with Oostende, espeically since it was Carnaval there. (we didn't know, it was lame and not cool at all like Maastricht's) but I had read about another close by beachy resort town so Sunday we ventured over there! It was AWESOME. Just like being on Mackinaw Island. So cute and quaint. We had gelatto and strolled in the sand. Watched the kites whirl in the wind and the kids in their wellies, kersplash in the puddles/waves. Don't get me wrong. It was indeed bitter cold but the shining sun warmed our hearts and even put a little color back in my face. :) It was great to feel like we were in Michigan because we were surrounded by dunes and beach grass. AHhhhh....

I was also blessed with a great celebration at school. My kids were so sweet and thoughtful and we really have a fun day. I was sung to in English and Polish and got lots of nice messages... and with Dutch tradition kisses from my collegaues. To wish congratualations on a birthday they kiss you on the cheek (three times) and your family members too. So Matt got birthday congratulations kisses for my birthday too. It was really nice. We went to Dutch class the night of my birthday and a collegeaue brough champagne (yes to class) to celebrate and then Matt and I went for a nice dinner at a Greek restaurant. I got a lot of sweets and Matt bought me a piggy bank which is tradition to have in all houses here. They have the coolest ones and I have been wanting one for awhile. Pictures to come via facebook. I also got a few books, tea, chocolate, a nice jacket from my family and some gift cards and lovely pictures of my family back home. Plus a little garden...Two hyacinths and a daffodil. It's like spring in my house!!!! Ahhh....

School continues to go well. My teaching partner had her last day yesterday. I am utterly devestated by this as we have messed into one person and made teaching so organzied and easy. Plus she has become a great friend and it's been fun to go through her pregnancy with her. I know we'll stay in touch but I will really miss her. On a happy note, she has a wonderful replacement who I think I will become good friends with as well! :)

Two weekends ago Matt and I house sat for friends with two teenage boys. It was a fun and enlightening experience. The boys were great. We watched a lot of TV, played a lot of WII and computer. Plus they eat a ton of food!!! The life of boys....

This weekend we are off doing lots of church things and Matt maybe appointed to church council. We are also going house hunitng this week (to rent) as we'd like to move in May out of the city a bit!

Lots of celebrations: Christina got a long term sub job, lots of babies on the way (Julie (best friend/sister due in a few weeks) , Alycia (sister due with a girl in July), Michelle (friend due in August boy), Shawna (cousin having a girl soon), Suzanne (teaching partner due in April) plus many other former collegues and another current collegeuas. We have a few high school graduations coming up to celebrate. We have three weddings coming up this summer/fall and are just extrememly happy. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Lots of love from the Netherlands!!!!!!