Happy Halloween

Pumpkin picked. Check.
Pumpkin scooped out. Check.
Pumpkin decorated. Check.
Pumpkin seeds roasted. Check.
Costumes ready. Check.
House decorated. Check.
Count down over. Check.

Happy Halloween.

Happy Birthday Little Boy

It was three years ago tomorrow my little guy arrived bringing me as much joy as I had imagined.

It was three years ago tomorrow that my life became more complicated, but in a way that I am thankful for every day.

It was three years ago tomorrow that me time, means us time and for that I am grateful.

Tomorrow my little guy turns three. It doesn't seem that long ago that we drove to the hospital and my little guy was placed into my arms bringing with him daily joy and often worry.

Happy Birthday, little man. Guacamole and a campfire with marshmallows and hot dogs await.

Love Mommy

Dear Grandma,

Dear Grandma,

Despite my professional, words often escape me. Or at least words I think are good enough to honour a woman such as yourself.

Instead I will list some memories:

Accented names; red check; brown; sleepovers; warnings about Teddy; dislike of chickens (yours); those same chickens pecking at my shoelaces; oversized boots; straw hat; working Grandma; getting in trouble for sleeping in; the Look; handmade sweaters and skating outfits; church; Thanksgiving blessings; large family gatherings; laughter; oillenbollen on New Year's; Dutch hail both fruit and chocolate; chocolate letters; gas stoves; your laugh and smile; your acceptence and love for extra people; holding little boys; love; short jokes; silly bands.

I love you my Holland-travelling partner.

Love Lisa

My grandma, Geesje ter Steege, passed away Oct. 7. The head of the family, the one every child used a a marker for trying to be taller, was 85. As a note, the only one who almost didn't make it - other then the great-grandchildren of course - is my full-grown cousin S. Bad luck with the gene pool there, S.