Little bit of everything.. all roled into one.

• O'Sheas is going really well. I love the pub, the people and the atmosphere. I have met so many great people, both behind and at the bar. My hours vary depending on the week. This week i have to work Friday and Saturday nights, from 9PM until 6AM!! tough ha! considering i have to be up with the children at 7.45 in the morning!!! need a bit of thought on that one please!
• Jack got fired yesterday. Well, not exactly. Basically, everyone had an individual meeting with the manager yesterday. Jacks was going really well, starting of by congratulate him on how well he is doing. Leading to there next point of Jack not getting his promised pay rise untill September (Jack is earing a lower wage that every other person working there) Then continuing to say they are docking 40 euros from his pay packet as he forgot to put a spare rib (yes - a spare rib) in the fridge.. leading to Jack letting lose of a few 'rather rude' words and walking out. So, there you have it. House hunt on hold.
• I got my tongue pierced yesterday, (sorry Mum..), Anyone who says it doesnt hurt is a liar. I have seriously never been in so much pain and the piercing seemed to take forever!! I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon at 1 o clock and probably wont be able to for another day or so as i cant fit anything in my mouth besides my tongue!! Anyway, less about that, im sure i will love it when the healing process is over.. if it ever is.

So much to say!

Well, since I blogged last, my mother has been to stay; It was so lovely to see her and spend some proper time just the two of us.

Mum's flight arrived Thursday afternoon (after a few minor problems about her trip to Rotterdam) she arrived safe and well.

We started her stay with a walk along the River/Canal/Pond like thing and went into town to visit Jack.

On the Friday me and Mum went for the 'nicest coffee you have ever tasted' coffee shop (of course a slice of cake was thrown in there for good measure), did a spot of shopping (mum bought me a lovely purple and white wrap around dress) and met Jack for lunch.

We went to the habour at Blaak for lunch (the same place we went for mine a Jack 1 yearer)

The Cube houses at Blaak, believe it or not they are actually flat inside..

On Saturday our plan was a three hour boat tour to see the windmills in Rotterdam, however, it was fully booked (that reminds me.. i must tell you about the post office system.. ill save that one for a post all of its own..) As it was a sold out tour we decided to hit the shops. Not that i am complaining of course! The Boat trip would have been really lovely as it is something i wouldnt normally do, however, i was in desperate need of some clothes. No longer!! I now have 2 new pairs of summer trousers and 4 new tops.

Sunday me, mum, Ineke and the children all went to the Dunya festival, you can read more about it on Inekes blog (sorry about the lack of link, not really sure how to do them, however her address is on my link list).

Dunya festival

Mum went home yesterday but her flight wasn't until later in the afternoon so we thought we would make the most of it and spend the day in Amsterdam. It rained. Well not all day. When we first arrived we went on an hours boat tour of the canals. I never realised Amsterdam was Venice II.

Me and Mum on the boat

After getting off the boat we decided to head towards the Anne Frank house and stop for food on the way. Well, lets say we got as far as food. And. It. Poured. Anyway, we sat to eat in a nice little pizzaria. It was dissapointing that the weather couldn't hold out for us but still, no point in mopping around. After some serious umberella buying we headed in the direction of Anne Frank (well, her house anyway) but changed our minds half way there because of the rain. Anyway, we ended up in a shopping mall, surprise, surprise. However, only a few minutes were spent here before realising the time and heading back to the station.

Mum cried. I cried. We said our goodbyes and the train left. Although it went very quickly, we still had a lovely time.

Now before mum left she gave me and Jack some money to do something nice with, so me and Jack headed for Madame Tusaudes. The pictures say it all.

Jack playing bongo's with the one and only Bob Marley

He just couldn't resist a grope..

And yet again.. he couldn't contain himself..

Soooo Daaan!!!

On this day, one year ago, the man of my dreams walked into my life.

OK, really, it wasnt that dramatic. But, yes, me and Jack have been together one year today.

To celebrate we are going out to an Italian restaraunt for lunch. Yum.

Shall maybe post some pictures later.

Bal-lorig anyone?

Last week the kids were on their school holidays, not that it affected me much as i was in England most of the week, but i did have them all to myself on Thursday and Friday.

Thursday we all went to the Ballorig, was sooo much fun.. as you can see from the pictures, a good round of Dungeons adn Dragons then took place!!

On Friday we went to the Cinema to watch Cinderella, well the Dutch one anyway.. and of course, our day couldn't end without a good helping hot Chocomel!!

These have to be my favourite pictures ever.......

..... do you see why!!

England!!

OK, so its been a while!! Since i have been back from England life has been a little hectic!! Arrived home wednesday evening, had the kids all day thursday and friday and have been at Jacks for the weekend. On top of that i am trying to find a college to register for in September, along with accomadation and money!!

Anyway, the point of this post is to show you some pictures from my trip to england. So here goes.

We arrived into Bristol on Wednesday morning, was picked up from the airport by Sophie and drove down to Devon. Of course, the first meal we had had to be typically English, Jack having an English fry up and me Bangers and Mash. Good ol' Weatherspoons.

Wednesday evening we went to eat with Jacks Dad and Stepmum (Have you noticed our holiday has been mainly focused around food so far?)

Jack with his younger brother, Gabriel

Thursday lunchtime I met up with Joanna, a good friend of mine in England for a girly lunch and gossip (this was before i bought my camera so have no piccis im afraid) I had a lovely peking duck wrap and smoothie (still.. food..). Thursday afternoon Jack visited his Dad whilst i spent some time with my Mum.

In the evening Mum and Val made me and Jack the most delicious BBQ along with pasta salad, marinaded onion and home made BBQ sauce.. hmm..

Friday AKA my Birthday. Friday morning we went to Carlinos, a newly opened cafe/restauraunt in town for a coffee. After this i went to buy my rather lushus camera. I would show youa picture, but kinda hard to take a picture of a camera, have you ever tried? ANYWAY. Friday evening me and Jack went for a meal at the Hare and Hounds, where we used to work and met some friends for a drink afterwards.

Me and Jack before we went out

Us in The Hare and Hounds

Jess and Gemma, friends of ours

Jack with his Dad and Uncle

A friend of mine, Wendy and myself

On the Saturday afternoon me and Jack were taken to the train station by my Mum and Val, to catch out train to Reading.

Jack, Me and Mum

Mum, Me and Val

The day after we arrived in Reading my Auntie Lesley came to visit with my cousin Emma. As i havent seen her for over a year this was a lovely surprise!!!

Jack and Emma

We then continued our holiday in bedford with my Dad, Jodi and Brothers and Sisters. Heres a couple of pics of our last few days.

My Father

Me and My Sister, Connie


My Brother, Patrick


The End of our Holiday

Easter

In Holland we have two easter days. Strange I know. As expected Jack had to work both of them. On the bright side this meant he had Saturday off, first time for everything.

Our weekend started with a trip into Ridderkerk on the back of a bike. Well, me on the back and Jack riding it. After a hunt for some super-stylish but also bug-like sunglasses we stopped for lunch. For those of you who know me, especially my mother and Jack know i have a tendancy to strop about things that aren't important. Such as the stoopid woman in the new Bread&Butter cafe in town who gave me crappy bread with my lunch.

Now, what annoyed me about this was as i was reading the menu i asked Jack if you can chose which bread you would like, he said he was not sure but he would ask, went up to the counter, ordered our food and came back. So, why may i ask did he order a fantastic crusty roll with his and i got some funny little fluffy thing???? Was not ammused. Got quite stroppy. We had a little lovers tiff. Then realised we were having quite an intence arguement about a bread roll. Laughed. And ate.

So that was that.

We then went to the new Ice Cream parlour next door, three scoops each please, white chocolate, tiramasu and cookie dough for me please and cherry, pineapple and some other flavour that i fail to recall for Jack. Super.

Straight after this (OK so maybe not the most magnificent idea) we went to the funfair. Couple of topsy turvy rides a complaint of slight sickness for Jack and a bike ride home.

Saturday night Jack went out for a poker evening with his friends leaving me engrosed with the film Twister and The Mummy Returns.

Bringing us to Sunday.

Waking up bright an early me and Jack left for Rotterdam, him to work and me to Ineke's.

Ineke's family came over, her sister with her husband and 4 children, her mother, two aunties and cousin, along with me, ineke, Robbert and the 3 children bringing it to a grand total of 16. Thankfully the weather was beautiful so we ate delicious pizza curtousy of Robbert, sat in the garden and tanned ourselves.

Sunday evening i went to Coconuts to meet Jack. Now, Jacks mother gave me a lovely dress, black and white, long sleeves, short skirt. I would say it is a classy dress, not slutty. Unless you wear it to ride a bike. Which, of course i did. I have to say, I am pleased Ineke wasnt about to snap a pic of this one!!!

Altogether i had a really lovely easter weekend.

The Burger Beater

Last night i met up with Kathrin, we met at five PM outside Centraal Station. We hit it off straight away (well at least, i think we did, maybe she would have a different view!!!) and went to the American Dreamz cafe.

I ate the Nachos (obviously) and Kathrin had an egg roll. As we were finishing up a group of American 40 somethings came in. Now, in this cafe you can buy a burger for 45 euros (only!!) which weighs 1250g. Now, if you eat this burger, along with all the crap that goes with it in under half an hour then you get your money back plus the chance to win a holiday in Florida. Not bad hé! (oh.. did i forget to mention that last year only two people managed to accomplish this?) Anyway, so we spent the next 20 minutes trying to persuade them to do it, failed miserable, got invited to sit with them and drank for free the rest of the evening!!

Winner!!

Burping, Fajitas and a bit on the side

Carolines sick. Well, was. Tuesday evening we were all minding our own business whilst tucking in to a rather scrumptious meal when Caroline lets out the most unbelievable belch! Seriously, you have never heard anything like it. She is four years old. Yet what came out of her mouth had surely been brewing for a fair few years longer than that. And that's not all. To follow the most unbelievable belch came a ridiculous amount a fluid. Poor thing. I really hate being sick, the taste it leaves in the back of your throat is really gross, I can't imagine what it must feel to be that young and feel so poorly. Not that I was never ill as a four year old. I just can't remember it.

Anyway. So that was that, Wednesday Caroline stayed off with me and Ineke. Oh, yes, I worked yesterday and have tomorrow off!! Which is actually quite nice!!

Last night Jack took me to the Pictures and followed it up with the most lovely meal in Dream.

We saw 'Blood Diamond' This was an amazing film, very heartfelt but very true. Make sure you have the tissues!!

Now, Dream. This is were me and Jack went for drinks last week. We sat upstairs this time and had such a wonderful evening. The food was so good, maybe even better than 'Zin', where we went on Valentines Day. I had Steak and Kip Fajitas. They were cooked in a sweet chilli sauce and served with rice, so yummy!! and Jack had the mixed grill, which was also very lovely.

So here I am. Sitting in front of the computer, waiting to head over to Jacks.. for a 3 day break - Lekker hoor!!!

Fancy a bite of a Bird?

I have just eaten Ostrich. Yes. It was very nice, Thank you.

Schools' out!!

School's out this week.. leaving me with three over-excitable children. Now, please don't see this as a bad thing!! I'm having a whale of a time!!

Just to overview the first couple of days..

Monday
To celebrate the first day of the holidays I took the kids skating (ice, not roller). Now the boys really love this and Caroline is convinced she's a pro skater (although she is still in Kiddie skates and struggles a little with those). Of course, ice skating wouldn't be the same without a fairly over-sized portion of porffetjes and a nice warm drink (which happened to end up all over the floor..)

However, Minus the hot chocomel disaster in Coconuts, Carolines tantrum whilst playing pairs and Morten and Timo's slip, tumble and fall at the bus stop, Monday was a very good day.

Tuesday
What a strange day this was. At about 10.30 Toos (Robberts Mother) arrived (very unexpectedly) to take the kids out. Now, although this was unexpected it certainly wasn't unwelcome, it was nice to have a bit of a break, even if it was only a short one!!

Wednesday
My day off.. spent lazing around Jack's house.

Today!!
Today was my favourite day of the week!!

Although I had a houseful of children, today was surprisingly unstressful (is that even a word?!) I got a bunch of ironing done this morning whilst the boys where on the computer (when I say a bunch I mean 3 shirts and 2 tee-shirts, do you know how long it takes to iron one of those!!) the kids then had great fun in the garden with the children from next door whilst I made (amazingly delicious) egg mayonnaise sandwiches.

After lunch I sorted through the ingredients to make a chocolate cake with the girls. This was SO messy but SO much fun!! and it turned out great!! (even if i do say so myself!!)

We then had a relaxing half hour or so, boys in the garden, girls upstairs, me doing laundry and having a little read. This followed by some much loved Television by the children and some vigorous potato peeling. And before I know it, Ineke was home.

The 1st of 3 Posts - Valentines Day

I have 3 different things to write about today but am going to do this in 3 different posts as they are completely irrelevant to each other!

So the first - Valentines Day.

Well, yesterday morning i woke at about 8.30, my body has got in to this ridiculous pattern of getting up at this time, of course, this highly annoying Jack. I didn't quite get my breakfast in bed as i was up and about before Jack had even opened his eyes, but he did make me a very lovely English breakfast along with croissents and Orange Juice. Just before breakfast we did presents, Jack got me this very lovely bracelet with 'always loving you' written on it and a silver necklace with a fairy pendant on the end (like Tinkerbell!!) and i got him a Valentines game (which sucked may i just add.. as if 'my partner and I are going to re-inact a scene from the Titanic..') and some candy from Jammin.

Then it was time for the pictures!! So we headed into town (showing Jack the 'oh my goodness these boots are the nicest i have ever seen' boots, him offering to pay half as he also agreed that they are 'the nicest boots of the planet') arrived at the bioscoop and bought our tickets. Now you will not believe this. You'll never guess who was behind us in the queue.. it was only de lamas!! OK so none of you really have a clue who they are. Basically there is a Dutch show called de Lamas and Jack absolutely loves it, and the guys who present it were all in the cinema!! Not only that.. but they went to see the same film as us, 'The Prestige' (this is a film you must watch Wendz.. very good.)

Went home, got change and met Jack back at Zin for a really fantastic meal.

Although it got off the a pretty rocky start, Valentines Day turned out to be amazing. And.. JACK BOUGHT ME A ROSE!!!!!!!

What a loveerly day

OK, so as you already know we had snow today!!

So here's what i did.

I woke up bright an early to see to the children's lunches etc. I then smiled happily to myself for quite sometime at the sight of the snow outside (also at all the little kids slipping over, but felt a little harsh..) Put some music on and had a little sing song whilst checking my mail.

Next i went upstairs (whilst continuing my sing song) to do a little drawing, today was 'the little mermaid', took a shower, got a little over-excited about our ice skating trip and went to collect the kids from school.

You see, Morten was suppose to have Chess Club after school, but because of my excitement about ice skating i let slip the little porky he told me about it being cancelled. We then headed into town, had a few snow ball fights and went skating!! The kids loved it!! After some serious skating and snowballing we sat down for a chocomel and porffetjes in Coconuts before returning to the ice rink!!

Ineke and Robbert then made a surprise appearance and took us out for dinner!! Lekker hoor!! We went to one of the beer restaurants (Betty Beer to be precise) ate a huge amount of honey coated spare ribs and came home.

What a loveerly day.

P.s.

Food for thought..
Breakfast - a small bowl of Cocopops.
Lunch - Hagelslag sandwich.
And dinner.. yes dinner.. was honey coated spare ribs!!
Didn't snack at all, see im doing quite well on that aspect of things!!
Drinks - Glass of milk with lunch and a Coke with Dinner

Ok.. so today was a little unhealthy..

Truste!!

Feeling a bit sad and tearful..

For no apparent reason I have felt like I could burst into tears at any moment!!

I'm sure Ineke and Robbert must think i am a right wierdo!! After we had finished dinner i just didn't feel i could hold my tears anymore and literally grabbed my coat and ran into town!! To be honest it was incredibly rude of me i just felt far to embarrased to sit there and cry!! (especially as the whole family were over!) Anyway my theory was that if i went to visit Jack then i would feel a little better.. well this didn't work! just cried the whole time!! Jack was sure that there must be something wrong that i just wasn't telling him but seriously there really wasn't!! I just can't put my finger on what triggered it, i love my job, i don't feel home sick (i mean i do miss my friends and family but it wasn't particulaly bothering me today) and i just saw Jack this morning so i really have no clue!!

Anyway am feeling much better now and i am sure i will have made a full recovery by morning!!

P.s. this is a little like the other night, Jack called whilst i was sleeping, i missed his call and sat there and full-on balled my eyes out for about half an hour!! I am sure it must all be down to tiredness..

P.p.s..

My food diary..
Didn't take breakfast - was in too much of a hurry.
Lunch - Cheese, ham and pinapple tosti from Coconuts.
Dinner - A bean curry with meat and rice (lekker hoor!!)
NO SNACKS!! Very proud of that one..
Drinks - Chocomel with Lunch, Squash with dinner, a glass of water and half a (small) glass of Coke.

To be fair i think i did quite well today.

Tot Ziens!!

My amazing new plan..

Well, I have come to the conclusion that a food diary is the way forward.

You see, I don't want to loose wait for anybody other than myself, I am just fed up with the 'I look like crap' days. Therefore I thought if I know that at the end of each day I have to share with the world via my blog what I have consumed then I would try my best to eat a little better.. That's the theory anyway!!

So this evening I shall log back on and inform you of the munchies I have had today! I know this isn't highly exciting for you lot reading but I'm doing it for my benefit. Not yours. Mwhahaha.

Who said Sundays aren't stressful?

OK, so my day started with a very unwelcomed alarm at 7.30. Bus. Metro. Bus. Picked up the kids and off to Blijdorp!! Now, i thought a trip to the Zoo would be an easy(ish) day. How wrong was I!! i think it was definatly 'lets see how far we can push our luck with Rachel' day.

Anyway so that was basically the day time, not really much to say about that!! To be honest it did turn out to be a pretty good afternoon, definatly got better as the day went on!!

Then at about 4pm we hurried home for my quick switch with Robbert to replace him at the Rotterdam Film Festival. Once I had met Ineke outside amongst the crowds of people we worked our way in to see my first film of the evening (Inekes 4th!!). Perculiar. The only word for it. Anyway, we then waited some rediculous amount of time to be seated in Pizza Hut, literally shovelled down a pizza and went to the next film! now this one was good, it was a documentary about an 80 year old gentleman who lived on the streets of New York, using his days to produce art and his nights to find shelter. The film showed the journey he made to find warmth and accomidation, ending with a reunion between him and his family. All in all i had a very lovely eveing.

Tot Morgen!

I was doing so well..

Well, you see, i've been trying to cut out on snacking and drinking as much water as possible. For example, my last alcoholic beverage was at least three weeks ago, and even then it was just one and a complete one off. Also i was drinking copious amounts of milk, possible 5ish glasses a day.. until i found out milk has roughly 500 calories per pint!! Shocking, i know.

Anyway, i had been doing so well, practically all ive been drinking is water (and the odd hot chocomel - how could i resist?!) So basically i got into the habit of eating breakfast with Ineke and the children (accompanied by a glass of water may i just add.) Having something small for lunch and then eating dinner in the evening (ok, so i have been eating a dessert if there is one, but surely that is just included in dinner!!)

Right, so even if i do say so myself i have been doing pretty well (considering i havent been smoking during the week at all and most people replace cigerettes with food). So was doing good until yesterday, when i arrived at coconuts and gobbled a whole plate of Poffertjes (my reasoning for this was that i walked all the way there and all the way back, so of course this was allowed.) and then today i have just had the biggest craving for chocolate ever!! so i walked over the road to the shop. Bought a big bar of Dairy Milk. And sat and ate the lot. Tasted blimin good though!!! (not to mention the 2 glasses of milk..)

Doei!

My first 'thrown in at the deep end' day

OK, so i had the kids alone for the first time.

I got up this morning (was a horrendous struggle but i got there) with a banging headache, set the table for breakfast, made the kids lunches and off they went to school.

The plan originally was to go straight back upstairs, cower into my PJ's and fall right back to sleep. Didn't quite work this way. I was far to awake by the time the kids where at school, so i went back upstairs, put on my face and freshened up a bit.

I then checked my emails, called Jack, debated the walk into town to meet him, gave in and off i went. Well, i think i surprised myself!! i actually really enjoyed the walk!! felt rather healthy afterwards (until i arrived at Coconuts and devoured a rather large portion of poffertjes) bought some shampoo and walked back.

Now, i seemed to have a distinct lack of socks this morning, therefore having to go bare-footed in my trainers. Now, anyone who can honestly say that there feet don't absolutely honk after taking off trainers from bare feet are telling porkies. So i jumped in the shower, shaved my legs (believe me - i was starting to look a little ape like) and re-dressed.

When i picked the kids up from school today i met Austin, Ineke and Robberts previous aupair who introduced me to a few others at the school. I then had a bit of an issue with Morten and Timo both wanting to visit friends, trying to find the parents of the friends and sending them off (well Morten anyway. Timo was less successful in finding his companion.) After getting back to the house we watched a little Tele, did a little drawing a played a few games. And that was the end of that.

Tot Morgen!

Let's Bake!

Katy came over today. We thought it would be fun to bake a cake.. Here's what happened. I think the pictures say it all!!

Katy - the little housewife during our first attempt at making a cake.. (look below to see the results!!)

As you can see it didn't go quite as planned!! this is only egg yoke, milk and melted butter.. only we forgot to let the butter cool down before adding it to the mixture.. therefore it cooked the egg.

OK. So the second attempt was a little more successful!!

Believe me.. you wouldn't have wanted to clean up this kitchen once we were done!!

So we popped it in the oven and here's how we did!!

OK.. So i got a little peckish!!

Well.. you see.. we didn't have a cake shaped baker thingy so we decided to make a brick instead!!

Don't be silly!! This was the picture on the box!!

This was ours!! Isn't it beautiful!! I tell ya.. tasted blimin' good!!