Friday Fragments: Reflections of a blogger...

I'm gonna try and start another thing...themed Fridays.  There's so many words that start with F...and most of them are appropriate.  So today is Fragments. I got the idea From Tracie.  And I feel like today is a day to talk about my blog.  And how it's going.  And all that stuff.  In fragment form (Hey!  Another F word!)

-This construction means that my internet keeps going in and out preventing me from exploring the bloggie world and posting on time.  I've discovered scheduled postings and I like it!
-It's been almost a months since my SITS day.  And because of that wonderful opportunity, I made lots of new friends and got lots of new comments and followers.  And I have yet to visit them all!!!  Ugh I know...horrible.  But I'm really trying a promise.  I don't want to just visit a blog and go "cool there it is."  I want to explore and find out more about you!!  So I will get to them all...eventually.
-I want to start doing some "mini-series."  I've already got some ideas lined up - Stereotypical Holland, The Nanny Blogs, etc.
-I want to change my layout.  I want three columns.  And a fancy button.  And a little square thing up by the URL.  But I'm html challenged.  Alas, I have yet to win a blog makeover, and these things cost money which I could be spending on, oh I don't know, a train ticket to Paris.
-Upon reading my comments, I have RECEIVED AWARDS!!!  Do you know how exciting that it?  Now I just need to figure out who to pass them on to and write a post about it.  Because I think giving them to someone is actually more exciting!!!
-This does not have to do with my blog, but I still haven't seen Sex and the City 2.  And I'm dying inside.
-How do you make a condensed blog url for twitter?  Someone help me!!!
-I haven't blogged about Fien in a while...here's a cute picture to hold you over.  Please notice Swiper on the tv.  That sneaky fox is probably going to try and swipe the tart-y goodness.

-I was looking for a fun comic to end this strip.  I found this one...plus 25 others.

Word of the day: luilak - slacker

Ugly brown eggs, and yummy apple tarts.

Well, tomorrow is Easter.  Although here they have two Easters - one Sunday and one Monday.  Kind of like Christmas.  Because that's how the Dutch roll.
Anyway, I've been getting ready for it with Fien.  And how do you get ready?  Well first you make up an Easter Basket.  Oh wait, I can't find them anywhere.  I can find real baskets, but I'm talking about the wonderfully cheap dollar tree baskets.  I'm not looking to spend 15 Euros here.  So I settled for an Easter tin.  It looks like a basket...only it's metal.  Anyway, that will be revealed tomorrow, because I already wrapped it.  And I'll be giving it to her...no time for an explanation of a large Bunny coming into her house in the middle of the night to leave a basket for her.  I don't need her going to school and having her teachers looking at her like she's crazy as she tells them about the Easter Bunny who gave her an Easter Basket - two things unheard of here.  And then the basket/tin will be used on the Easter Egg Hunt in the backyard (weather permitting).  I've been busy organizing (read: buying chocolate eggs) because again, unheard of, but unlike massive rabbits, not crazy to talk about.  Oh and there's no such thing as plastic eggs!  I know!  I wish I had thought of it sooner, because I could have told my family to send me a dozen or so of the THOUSANDS of them that we have in our Easter box.  So what do you have to do before you hunt for eggs?  Well you have to dye real eggs of course!
Here in Holland, you don't so much dye eggs as you do paint them.  Which means no easy/ready to use sets to be bought at the Blokker.  And painting just seems way too complicated.  So instead I just used some vinegar, water, food coloring, plastic bowls, and my awesomeness.  First we did a test round on the only eggs we could find - brown ones.  Which is probably why they paint them instead of dye.  And since there were only three, we went with just one color.  Fien chose purple which made for a perfectly ugly colored egg.  But Fien still had a blast...

The next day I was actually able to find white eggs at the Vomar, which is rare.  But I did it!  So I hard boiled the lot (so I can make some yummy deviled eggs on Easter - just like Mom used to make...so excited.)  Anyway, I also got some crayons for Fien so we could color the eggs first and then put them in the dye to have fun designs.  She decided she wanted her name on one, so we made a whole set...

Then we put them all in the dye.  Fien was AMAZED at how a white egg suddenly came out of the cup a beautiful pink color.  Although the whole crayon wax/dye resistant thing went over her head.  She also continuously used her favorite English phrase "let's go check" (one I use often) while taking the eggs out of the cups to see if they were ready and then letting them drop (and splatter) back in.  But I'd say when we were done, we had a pretty good looking group of eggs and she still had a good time...

Er...wait...

Nope, that's a yawn...

THERE WE GO! But the point is to look at those good-looking eggs!!!
Then, as my contribution to Easter brunch, we made a yummy apple tart.  Breakfast here is much more breads and sweets as opposed to the American ham/sausage/eggs/other-things-that-block-your-heart persuasion.  Fien had fun weighing the apples, watching me cut the apples, sneaking slices of apples, and arranging the apples.  Of course by that time, she was bored and wanted to watch Dora.  But then I got her to help me by cutting out shapes with the remaining dough and decorating the top.  And of course she had to put it in the oven...

It's in the fridge right now, but I'll be sure to get a picture of it before it gets gobbled up tomorrow.  We also boiled the rest of the apples in a sugar syrup glaze and had them for dessert with some vanilla ice cream...YUM!
Oh and the ugly brown purple ones we ate that night with a spinach salad.  I ain't ruining no Easter egg hunt with ugliness.  Speaking of...tune in tomorrow for the Easter Egg Hunt blog.  It's sure to most likely be pretty darn adorable.

Word of the day - ei - egg

Top Ten: This should take you back

So I'm babysitting tonight and was graciously allowed to place Fien in front of the tv while I made dinner, and then while she ate dinner, and for one episode of Diego after dinner was complete.  In short...homegirl watched a lot of tv today.  But these shows (usually on Nick Jr.) seem to be all that children talk about.  And most of it is the type of programming that I watch and go "uh...yea right.  What is this educational aspect?  Um and why must I count with you?  What if I don't?  What're you gonna do Steve?  Back in my day...oh no I just said back in my day...when did I turn into that person...it's ok because we already talk about it...i mean they were legendary...i mean...aaahhh...Libby stop stressing about it...hey look it's DORA!"

Yea that's what goes through my head almost every day.  I look through it finding things that are wrong with it all the while never taking into consideration that I used to be in love with three girls with super powers.  Now, you'll have to forgive me because I didn't include ones I didn't watch a lot (Darkwing Duck) or ones which I shouldn't have watched (Ren & Stimpy), ones that only came out after I was considered too old to watch cartoons (Fairly Odd Parents) or ones that were only on on primetime (Simpsons.)  So without further ado:

TOP TEN CARTOONS I WATCHED WHEN I WAS A KID

So what do you think?  I'm sure some of them have got to be your favorites too!  Or what were your favorites?  Sigh...they don't amke 'em like they used to.

Word of the day: spotprent - cartoon

Smooth as Porcelain

It’s time for a new series here at 5371 Miles Away.  And I even spent extensive time finding a picture, and creating a cute little icon for whenever I decide to write for this series.  What is this series about you ask?

 

That’s right.  The “enemy” as it were is any and all things that I did not expect to give me such a problem.  Of course they're things that aren’t really that harmful, hence the awesome goomba icon, not something really scary like Freddy Krueger or Carrot Top.  Just things that (probably because I’m a nanny) have become an issue for me and I probably thought I would not have to deal with them until I had children of my own.  Like this entries enemy…

The potty-training-potty.

Look at it!  It looks so cute, and pink, and friendly looking.  WRONG! Who would have thought this tiny €3.50 piece of plastic would be the cause of so much stress in this house.  And we try to make it easier.  There are actually four of these things strategically placed around the house (and mine) so as to create the optimal outlet for Fien’s…well outlet.  And, when she goes on it, she gets a treat, a high five, and a Libby/Lily exclusive “Pound-It.”  And, when she starts going often enough, she gets BIG GIRL DORA UNDERWEAR!  But until then, she is stuck in training pull-ups which are so much harder to change…things…tend to…fall out…*shudder.*  But does this give the little princess the motivation to sit on her throne?  Oh no.  Of course not.  Except…and of course there’s always an exception…

-In the middle of a walk.

-In the middle of a bath.

-Right after she gets a clean diaper.

-When we can’t find the potty.

-When Fien is covered in paint and only hopes of movement from the table involves Libby holding her at arms length begging her not to touch anything.

-When Libby is also using the bathroom.

-When Libby is in the middle of almost burning something on the stove.

At those times, Fien is perfectly willing to let me know that the time for the potty has come, and her pants are most likely already around her ankles, countdown commencing, and nothing stopping me from having to mop up a very disgusting floor but some really good instincts and the sheer grace of God.

I know all parents have gone through this.  But honestly, I didn’t even factor this into any sort of Nanny duties.  Ever.  If it were up to me, she’d be in diapers until next October. But it’s not, and she’s not, so I guess I must deal.

Word of the day: potje – little potty

Ladies and Gentlemen...FIEN!!!

Today’s entry is all about Fien!  Because she’s awesome and we’re homegirls.

Fien and I have been getting closer and closer every day.  Her English gets better and better too.  Although whenever I ask her to say something in English she just says “Hello Libby.”  Or she quotes Dora.  Which I have to admit, I do too…a lot.  That girl and her monkey will be the death of me.  Fien and I have arguments about how much Dora to watch.  We usually settle things with a staring contest…

Today we once again had a lady gaga dance party in my house and then put away threw on the floor all my clothes from the laundry.  At least this time it wasn't the entire contents of my purse...

Apparently my drawer organization was not to her liking.  What my t-shirts were doing in a different drawer from my socks and my red scarf, I’ll never know, but I’m glad Fien cleaned it up for me.  Now I know exactly where to find everything.  I even made up a poem…it goes like this..

Sweaters go in the baskets that used to hold my hats

The pair of socks that I like is in the second drawer.

Underwear is obviously next to sweaters…well duh

And jeans are on shelves two three and four.

This poem goes on and on.  It’s pretty helpful in remembering.  Also sometimes I sing it.

Speaking of singing…

 

In my opinion, since you don’t know what she’s saying (unless you speak Dutch,) doesn’t she remind you of Boo from Monster’s Inc (minus the hair color)?  Especially when dressed in this cool outfit…

 So we’re pretty close.  In fact sometimes a little too close…

Today she drew a picture of “Mama Suz, Papa Rogier, Fien, AND Libby!”  Of course it kind of just looked like a bunch of lines.  Although I gotta admit, I looked good!  Speaking of looking good, we take pretty cool pictures together…

But even more she likes taking pictures.  Oh did I forget to mention she’s also a photographer?  That’s right…here are some of her never before seen proofs.  ©Fien…

Well there you go.  I hope this information has provided you with adequate proof that I take care of one of the coolest two year olds ever.  End of story.  See y’all tomorrow!

Word of the Day: schat - darling

My American culture in fifteen phrases or less (hint: it's less)

So I have just signed up for my visa-required dutch course.

WARNING! TANGENT!

Of course it’s not actually required strangely enough.  Because coming to work here is supposed to be mostly for the cultural experience, on the visa application, the family must list certain things they plan on doing with me to introduce me to Dutch culture.  Taking a language course just happens to be the easiest thing to fill out.  So it’s not actually required, it’s just one of those “you should take it anyway, so why not make the family pay for it?” things.  In fact, a couple of my Columbian friends who are aupairs are actually planning on taking an English course instead.  Plus Caro and I are going to have days where I help her with English and she helps me with Spanish.  She already knows a lot of English from being taught it in school.  I already know some Spanish from Dora…not the California Public Schooling system unfortunately.

Anyway, back from the tangent. As you may have noticed, I’ve been writing words of the day every…well…day.  I’m learning more and more every day with the help of the parents, Fien, various print I read, and of course television.  But today I really noticed how much English I’ve taught my family.  Especially Fien.  What’s actually the most fun is attempting to explain what they mean.  Try it…how would you respond if someone said, “what is this ‘dude’?”  Or “What is the girl ‘bro’ called?”

So, here’s a list of terms, words, quotes, etc. that were not common in this household until I came along.

-Get it, got it, good

-Redneck

-Sneaky
-Bro

-Swiping (as in “Swiper no…”)

-Yea dude

-NO TOUCHING!

-What’s Crackin?

-C is for cookie…

-Sounds like a plan Stan
-Hit the road jack

-Yucky
-Sign language for “more”

-Sign language for “all done”

Nina – Unfortunately I have yet to get Fien to say “you’ve got it dude.”  But soon, have no fear!

Ok, so there you go.  Hope you enjoyed that.  There’s no word of the day today because really, I just gave you 14.

HAPPY 55TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO GRAMMY AND GRAMPY!!! (although I'm a day late)

Libby’s Pumpkin Pie with a two year old on the Side

Well as many of you have read and seen, I’ve been craving pumpkin pie this holiday season and have been unable to make it thus far because…

   a. lack of canned pumpkin availability

   b. lack of crust/graham cracker availability

   c. lack of knowledge by locals of what a pie is (I’m serious…they have
       tarts, but that’s about as close as you’re getting)

   d. lack of a correct pie tin in which to bake it

   e. lack of time

I mean don't you find it a bit ironic that I, Libby, have a hard time making pumpkin pie...

But today all these things changed…allow me to tell you how.

   a. I used FRESH pumpkin

   b. I made my own kruidnootje crust

   c. I already gots that knowledge, and don’t no one else need it

   d. We found one buried in the back of the closet…it’s shallow but it’ll
       work

   e. Would you believe Fien slept in today AND took a nap AND wanted
       to help? (I wouldn’t either but trust me it’s true.)

Ok so when parts a. through e. come together, and with their powers combined we get: CAPTAIN LIBBY! Super Baker!!

Libby doesn’t just stand for unattainable American canned goods anymore!!

You could use this recipe, or you could follow mine (I guarantee mine is a lot more fun.)

So... here’s how you make a pie in the Netherlands, with a two year old (forth known as 2yo) at your side, no graham crackers, no canned pumpkin, no pie tins, a tiny forced air oven, and most importantly…patience.

First, the crust -

1. Smash large amounts of kruidnootjes into fine crumbs.  They're a little harder than graham crackers since they’re spice cookies that were on sale because it’s no longer Sinterklaas.  Use various instruments such as a rolling pin, nutcracker, hammer, plastic bag, cake pan, etc., until desired amount is reached an hour later.  This is best done the day before.  Make extra.  You’ll see why.  Watch out for 2yo's practice of slight of hand by hiding every fifth cookie in her pockets, smashing her fingers, and attempts at eating the finished product…

2. Mix one and a half cups with a fourth a cup sugar and 6 tablespoons melted butter.  Convert everything (slightly incorrectly) into metric units.  Kruidnoot is sweetened already so the sugar is not needed.  Forget that fact and add it anyway.  Pat into makeshift pie tins to form a crust while keeping the 2yo from eating the mixture straight from the bowl... Make two smaller ones as well.

3. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 until overdone…

4. Have 2yo succumb to her attention deficit by climbing on the counter while you’re washing your hands and drop the Nutella onto the pie tin crashing it to the floor.

5. Throw original pie crust away…it’s ok, you burnt it a little anyway...

6. Remember that extra kruidnoot you smashed? Repeat steps 2 and 3.  Marvel at how well it looks this time...

Onto the pumpkin-

7. Stare at the Dutch version of a pumpkin and wonder where it came from…certainly not the county fair...

8. Cut in half and think “so that what it looks like inside without two eyes and a toothy mouth…”

9. Scoop out seeds and stringy stuff and place in bowl with the intention of making pumpkin seeds.  These will be thrown away later when you realize you have no such desire….

10. Cut pumpkin again and place in a pot with about an inch and a half of water.  Cover and boil 15-20 minutes or until soft….

11. Remove pumpkin from water and scrape most of the flesh off of the skin.  It will come off pretty easily if you’ve boiled them long enough.  DON’T boil them long enough the first time.  Place goop in bowl…

     *note: the “hot pumpkin water” can be saved for most
                vegetable soups to substitute for “water.”

12. Puree the pumpkin until it’s nice and slimy…

13. Drain the pumpkin using coffee filters to remove excess water.  Remove a chicken from the freezer for dinner…

Now the filling!

14. Get out everything you need and realize you have to go to the store for more sugar and milk.  Nearly fall walking there as the snow has turned to ice.  Come back with all needed ingredients, plus chocolate…

15. Combine 2 cups pumpkin goop, 1 cup evaporated milk (koffee melk for those of you in the bulb land), 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl…

16. Blend well.  Wonder how something that looks gross now can taste so good later (lick the beaters clean and realize it also tastes good now)...

17. Pour into pie crust till almost brimming and likely to drip all over should someone hit your elbow while carrying it.  Do the same with the two mini pie tins.

18. Place in oven at 400 for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350 for another 45-60 or until fork test shows it’s done...

19. Forget about taking out the mini pies early and take them out one minute before they probably would have turned black.

20. Turn on Dora…

21. Make a yummy and healthy pasta dinner…

22. Take pie out of oven and set to cool and immediately “test” one of the mini ones to make sure it turned out…

23. Say “I am GOOD” because trust me, you are.

24. Put in fridge to await reheating at your traditional American Christmas dinner the following night.

Well there you have it.  I'd say that's easy enough. Hope you enjoyed the recipe and had as much fun as I did making it!
See you tomorrow!!!

Word of the day: pompoentaart - literally, pumpkin cake