There's no place like home . . .

Happy New Year!
So, back in business after a relaxing and recharging break.  But here after the first week back at work, I find myself counting the days to the "ski holiday".  By the way, we have snow now.  So, off we went to pulkabacken today to sled down some massive hills -- fun!  Call me crazy, but I'm actually thinking of trying to get my hands on some skis this year and trying out the trail  beside close to our house.  We're talking cross country, folks, something I pretty much swore off after my first experience with it seven years ago.  It's just not something a girl from SC would normally do!
We are planning our US trip now!  Yay!  We are thinking we would come at the very end of June, but not sure how long we can stay yet.  Anyway, I hear the catfish stew calling my name!  And everything else, of course. 

Mama

Our first Christmas Eve 

 

and Morning 

 

where there was just the four of us.  An interesting time to figure out what our traditions are . . . at least what they are this year.  Considering that since the children have been born, we have spent Christmas in three different countries, and given the nature of our family, I have began to accept that, unlike in my childhood, where I found comfort in the predictability of the rituals of the holiday, we are now faced with cultural blending and the unavoidable and constant adaptation to our circumstances.  Challenging, but rewarding.

Complete with Finnish Christmas food on Boxing Day with Pappa's family, and several exciting packages from the US and, of course, Skype, this holiday for us was a happy and (mostly) relaxing one. 

 

Mama

Rapunzel, Rapunzel and Prince Charming

So, these pictures were taken right when I was having a real break down.  All Saturday morning, still recovering from a nasty cold, I had been trying to get them ready for a birthday party at the same time as I was trying to prepare for that night's neighborhood Christmas party.  I was still cutting traditional star tarts when all of a sudden, I felt like I was about to pass out.  I ran outside to get fresh air, and that helped, but after that I felt all weak and dizzy.  My hearing was muffled and my vision, not blurred, but grayed.  The same thing happened about four more times between then and Monday morning.   After a visit to the doctor complete with blood tests and an ekg, I now know that generally, I'm in very good health, but that cold, coming at the most wonderful busiest time of the year, completely knocked me sideways.  The doctor ordered bed rest.  Perfect . . . the week before Christmas . . .

Mama

Kee-keek and gingerbread

Our house elf, Kee-keek (not sure of the spelling!), joined us on December 1.  He has been a part of our Christmases since 2004 or 2005.  For the past few years, he has been coming at the beginning of December, then leaves with Santa on Christmas Eve night.  He has been known to bring the children little gifts at times, but mainly is caught doing something funny, or at least funny when it's an elf made out of a birch log, each morning.
He must've known that BB and LS needed new pajamas, because we found him this morning on the sofa with lots of colors of thread, a magic needle, and some very interesting pajamas!

To celebrate Lucia Day, we started on our gingerbread house (maybe not the most obvious practice, but . . .).  LS was really interested in decorating.  BB came through the kitchen to sample the decorations every now and then.

Mama

I'm the Mom

I'm the mom who, at yesterday evening's Christmas performance at BB's and LS's daycare, was sitting on the front row, nodding along with a huge grin, shamelessly giving the thumbs up sporadically through the whole show.  Honestly, if I would've seen myself, I'm sure I would've rolled (or at least felt like rolling) my eyes!  But there I was . . . That Mom.
 Last year, BB and LS had an agreement with each other that they did not sing at dagis (although they often sang at home).  At some point this fall, that changed, and now they really enjoy singing there, especially every Friday when they have sångstund.  They were both real stars last night. 

Mama

What the natives eat

Found this.  Gotta share.  Do your own. 

Mama

All Saints

After this evening's final Halloween festivities, wanting for some fresh air and the beauty of the candles of All Saints Day night, I asked the children, "Who wants to go to the graveyard?"  BB asked, "What's a graveyard?"  "The place where dead people are buried," I answered.  I was surprised by his enthusiastic, "YEAH!"

Mama