Through the pain
Through the tears
In the tsunami and commotion inside my head.
Inside my heart.
I find strength a new.
By falling.
Again, and again.
By slowly picking myself up.
Letting the hurt out.
Letting the pain out.
Letting the anger out.
Through the tears I see.
I see my strength.
I feel my strength.
I allow myself to be weak, in order to find strength.
I can't feel better unless I first feel worse.
And my strength needs to be humble.
My strength needs to be full of love and courage.
It can not judge or be bitter.
It can only hold hope, faith and love.
It's the only way to move forward.
The only way to dare to get hurt again.
By keep having faith and trust in God.
Knowing that he knows what I don't.
Looking at our children.
Feeling that fierce love.
When you think it will not, can not, grow stronger... It does.
It slowly gives me wind beneath my wings.
A little seed inside my heart is starting to grow.
A seed of hope.
The strong urge to dare again.
To maybe one more time, one day, hold another baby in my arms.
Another life that grew under my heart.
A life that will be so loved and so appreaciated and so wanted.
When I look at our kids, I know I can do it again...
Time will heal the hurt.
Tears will erase the pain.
One day, maybe one day... God will let it work out.
To once again look a newborn child into the bottomless depths of their innocent eyes.
Letting me fall... allowing me to fall in love again.
Any pain is worth it, when love is the end result.
And would I never have the gift of a newborn again, I shall hold my head high, I shall look at the stars at night knowing that I allowed God to use my body in his work.
In his work to fill his gardens with angels.
There will be no regrets.
I pray for strength to let Him plant a seed again...when time is right.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Monday, September 3, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Because you love me
I've been blogging a bit more than usual this last week.
It's a way for me to empty my head.
I'm a thinker, more so than a talker, believe it or not!!
When I busy myself with chores around the house, I use this time to think.
Or when I'm driving somewhere.
If there's something I hear or see that provokes my mind, I think.
Of course everybody thinks all the time, but maybe I think a bit "deeper" than others on a more regular basis. As long as I remember I've analyzed human behaviour.
When I was only about 6-7 years old I'd wonder why there were different countries, and since we are all humans and are all "the same", why couldn't we just all travel where we wanted and be friends?
I also never minded telling who I liked.
I figured, If it's so easy to tell who you DON'T like, which is actually a mean or bad thing to do, why isn't it easier to tell people who you DO like??
In my childish brain this made no sense.
And it still doesn't.
I guess we fear being rejected or not loved back.
I tell our kids
"It's ALWAYS good to like and love, and even if you are not liked or loved back, there's nothing for you to lose. It's a good feeling to know that you indeed is able to like and love."
With 6 emotional girls in the house, of course there'll be times of heartaches and sad times in the future, but that's part of life too.
Something they in the end (hopefully) will get stronger from.
So... where does this lead?
Oh yeah, I don't mind telling people who I like or love, so let me tell you about my favourite person!
Almost 16 years ago fate brought us together.
He wasn't supposed to go to Finland, and neither was I.
We both made last minute decisions to go.
The first nite I was in Finland we met.
And I, the "thinker" and a rather logical person who was the least romantic person I knew... fell head over heels in love. Really at first sight. (That only happens in Harlequin novels, I used to think)
And he, the cautios guy who didn't want to date anyone unless he knew he'd marry her, did the same.
A few people who were standing right by us when we first shook hands said after that they could literally see and almost hear a "click" as our hearts connected, thinking
"Those two just fell in love!"
He has later claimed that he "knew" the moment he first saw me that I was the girl he wanted to marry.
Fine with me!!
During the next year I went to visit him in Canada, and at Christmas time he came to Sweden where we got engaged. Then we spent a looooooooong spring apart... From New Year to early June, when he FINALLY came to Sweden so we could get married.
It's been 15 years today.
We are cheesier than ever. More in love than ever. Our kids (especially our oldest girl) groans at us and think we are ultimately nerdy. But at the same time she admits she WAY rather have us be like that than fighting. (which we sometimes do, but not very much)
Often I look back at that moment when we first met.
And I'm still amazed at how powerful love is when you allow it to happen.
How it changes you in such great ways.
I had a had a few rough years, in many different ways, before we met, but from that moment on things took a turn for the better.
I had someone who thought I was the most amazing thing ever.
Someone who wasn't shy to tell me how wonderful he thought I was.
He boosted my poor self esteem and made me a stronger person.
His love has always been unwavering.
Just what I needed.
Because even if I've always had an easy time to love and share hugs, I also had a hard time finding myself loveable. To have him love me for who I am with no strings attached, has been the greatest gift I could have ever asked for.
He always talks well about me. He never ever puts me down. He truly believes I am the greatest wife in the world and that he lucked out majorly!! (he he, cute!)
And even if he just has his head stuck in the clouds and can't see me for the average person I am, I'm not gonna complain about it!
It makes me feel secure and special.
Well... Happy 15th Anniversary dear Hubby.
You are more than I could have ever prayed for.
God truly is great.
Thank you for loving me so much.
It's a way for me to empty my head.
I'm a thinker, more so than a talker, believe it or not!!
When I busy myself with chores around the house, I use this time to think.
Or when I'm driving somewhere.
If there's something I hear or see that provokes my mind, I think.
Of course everybody thinks all the time, but maybe I think a bit "deeper" than others on a more regular basis. As long as I remember I've analyzed human behaviour.
When I was only about 6-7 years old I'd wonder why there were different countries, and since we are all humans and are all "the same", why couldn't we just all travel where we wanted and be friends?
I also never minded telling who I liked.
I figured, If it's so easy to tell who you DON'T like, which is actually a mean or bad thing to do, why isn't it easier to tell people who you DO like??
In my childish brain this made no sense.
And it still doesn't.
I guess we fear being rejected or not loved back.
I tell our kids
"It's ALWAYS good to like and love, and even if you are not liked or loved back, there's nothing for you to lose. It's a good feeling to know that you indeed is able to like and love."
With 6 emotional girls in the house, of course there'll be times of heartaches and sad times in the future, but that's part of life too.
Something they in the end (hopefully) will get stronger from.
So... where does this lead?
Oh yeah, I don't mind telling people who I like or love, so let me tell you about my favourite person!
Almost 16 years ago fate brought us together.
He wasn't supposed to go to Finland, and neither was I.
We both made last minute decisions to go.
The first nite I was in Finland we met.
And I, the "thinker" and a rather logical person who was the least romantic person I knew... fell head over heels in love. Really at first sight. (That only happens in Harlequin novels, I used to think)
And he, the cautios guy who didn't want to date anyone unless he knew he'd marry her, did the same.
A few people who were standing right by us when we first shook hands said after that they could literally see and almost hear a "click" as our hearts connected, thinking
"Those two just fell in love!"
He has later claimed that he "knew" the moment he first saw me that I was the girl he wanted to marry.
Fine with me!!
During the next year I went to visit him in Canada, and at Christmas time he came to Sweden where we got engaged. Then we spent a looooooooong spring apart... From New Year to early June, when he FINALLY came to Sweden so we could get married.
It's been 15 years today.
We are cheesier than ever. More in love than ever. Our kids (especially our oldest girl) groans at us and think we are ultimately nerdy. But at the same time she admits she WAY rather have us be like that than fighting. (which we sometimes do, but not very much)
Often I look back at that moment when we first met.
And I'm still amazed at how powerful love is when you allow it to happen.
How it changes you in such great ways.
I had a had a few rough years, in many different ways, before we met, but from that moment on things took a turn for the better.
I had someone who thought I was the most amazing thing ever.
Someone who wasn't shy to tell me how wonderful he thought I was.
He boosted my poor self esteem and made me a stronger person.
His love has always been unwavering.
Just what I needed.
Because even if I've always had an easy time to love and share hugs, I also had a hard time finding myself loveable. To have him love me for who I am with no strings attached, has been the greatest gift I could have ever asked for.
He always talks well about me. He never ever puts me down. He truly believes I am the greatest wife in the world and that he lucked out majorly!! (he he, cute!)
And even if he just has his head stuck in the clouds and can't see me for the average person I am, I'm not gonna complain about it!
It makes me feel secure and special.
Well... Happy 15th Anniversary dear Hubby.
You are more than I could have ever prayed for.
God truly is great.
Thank you for loving me so much.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Ouch, that hurt!!
Do you have kids?
Have you ever been a kid?
Did you ever get hurt?
Did your child ever get hurt?
Do you know anybody who never got hurt in any way?
Well, neither do I.
Raising kids is hard. Lots of work, patience and understanding is required.
We teach them how to ride their bikes, to swim to read...
We make sure they have the proper equipment and that they are as safe and well prepared as possible.
We feel that we have all the bases covered.
Until somebody calls your kid a name.
Or make fun of their clothes.
Or their bike.
Or....
Then what??
Momma Bear hops out of her den and bares her teeth and growls!
But wait!!
Are we doing the right thing???
We might say
"That's unacceptable!"
Lets talk to the teachers, principal, the "mean" kid, the "bad" parents of that "mean" kid!!
Do you honestly think that your kid has NEVER done anything bad to somebody else?
Why did he or she do that?
Was she having a bad day?
Did you argue in the morning?
Did you complain about your body, face, clothes...
It's funny how easy it is to jump to conclusions when it comes to someone elses kids and their behaviour.
When we really don't have any facts.
So where do we start and what do we do??
Maybe by making sure our kids have mental "helmets and kneepads"?
Teach them first to value what they have.
"yes your bike is not brand new and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but IF it did, THEN what?"
"how would it change your life?"
Would your kid be cooler, more accepted??
Well, someone has passed those values down to our kids!
How about trying to teach them to be content in their own skin?
Teach them to stand up for themselves without putting someone else down.
"Yeah, this bike is kind of old, but hey, It still gets me places!"
Or
"You don't like my shirt? Well, I bet that's why there are so many different styles to chose from, because we are all so different!"
Teach them that each opinion is just as important.
Doesn't mean that an opinion is true!!
Sometimes kids say mean things to get attention or to make themselves feel better.
"You're fat!!"
How does a child respond to that?
Well. Remember that offence is not GIVEN it's TAKEN!!
If your child is indeed on the heavier side and someone points that out....
Then what??
Does that right away equal
"You are bad. You are not likable??"
Aren't there campains all over about "Big is beautiful" and "embrace all shapes and sizes"?
Well, if we as grownups really believed that ourselves, why do we take offence on our childrens behalf then?
If your kid comes and tells you
"She called me fatso!", don't make your child a victim and go over the top with praise or by putting the other kid down to make your own feel better!!
Just approach it matter of fact.
"Oh, and how did that make you feel? Is she right? Does that make you a bad person? Why do you think she said that? Maybe she's having a bad day?"
When we overreact and focus all the attention on our own child, we'll make anything and everything into a courtcase and we boost our kids ego, making them feel that whatever happens to them is what this world revolves around!
Just a
"Well, that wasn't very nice, was it?"
Then a big hug and a smile, is sometimes all they need.
Of course if there's an ongoing pattern of bullying it's different, and we need to take stronger actions.
But in the end of the day our kids will grow up.
We can't always be there for them.
So... Hug them lots, tell them why you love them, remind them of their good traits, but also remind them that we all have weak spots (or you give them a way too big image that they have to try to live up to)
And teach them to carry a forgiving heart.
Forgiveness frees yourself of all the bad feelings and it gives the offender another chance.
Don't we all deserve another chance...?
Over and over again.
Have you ever been a kid?
Did you ever get hurt?
Did your child ever get hurt?
Do you know anybody who never got hurt in any way?
Well, neither do I.
Raising kids is hard. Lots of work, patience and understanding is required.
We teach them how to ride their bikes, to swim to read...
We make sure they have the proper equipment and that they are as safe and well prepared as possible.
We feel that we have all the bases covered.
Until somebody calls your kid a name.
Or make fun of their clothes.
Or their bike.
Or....
Then what??
Momma Bear hops out of her den and bares her teeth and growls!
But wait!!
Are we doing the right thing???
We might say
"That's unacceptable!"
Lets talk to the teachers, principal, the "mean" kid, the "bad" parents of that "mean" kid!!
Do you honestly think that your kid has NEVER done anything bad to somebody else?
Why did he or she do that?
Was she having a bad day?
Did you argue in the morning?
Did you complain about your body, face, clothes...
It's funny how easy it is to jump to conclusions when it comes to someone elses kids and their behaviour.
When we really don't have any facts.
So where do we start and what do we do??
Maybe by making sure our kids have mental "helmets and kneepads"?
Teach them first to value what they have.
"yes your bike is not brand new and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but IF it did, THEN what?"
"how would it change your life?"
Would your kid be cooler, more accepted??
Well, someone has passed those values down to our kids!
How about trying to teach them to be content in their own skin?
Teach them to stand up for themselves without putting someone else down.
"Yeah, this bike is kind of old, but hey, It still gets me places!"
Or
"You don't like my shirt? Well, I bet that's why there are so many different styles to chose from, because we are all so different!"
Teach them that each opinion is just as important.
Doesn't mean that an opinion is true!!
Sometimes kids say mean things to get attention or to make themselves feel better.
"You're fat!!"
How does a child respond to that?
Well. Remember that offence is not GIVEN it's TAKEN!!
If your child is indeed on the heavier side and someone points that out....
Then what??
Does that right away equal
"You are bad. You are not likable??"
Aren't there campains all over about "Big is beautiful" and "embrace all shapes and sizes"?
Well, if we as grownups really believed that ourselves, why do we take offence on our childrens behalf then?
If your kid comes and tells you
"She called me fatso!", don't make your child a victim and go over the top with praise or by putting the other kid down to make your own feel better!!
Just approach it matter of fact.
"Oh, and how did that make you feel? Is she right? Does that make you a bad person? Why do you think she said that? Maybe she's having a bad day?"
When we overreact and focus all the attention on our own child, we'll make anything and everything into a courtcase and we boost our kids ego, making them feel that whatever happens to them is what this world revolves around!
Just a
"Well, that wasn't very nice, was it?"
Then a big hug and a smile, is sometimes all they need.
Of course if there's an ongoing pattern of bullying it's different, and we need to take stronger actions.
But in the end of the day our kids will grow up.
We can't always be there for them.
So... Hug them lots, tell them why you love them, remind them of their good traits, but also remind them that we all have weak spots (or you give them a way too big image that they have to try to live up to)
And teach them to carry a forgiving heart.
Forgiveness frees yourself of all the bad feelings and it gives the offender another chance.
Don't we all deserve another chance...?
Over and over again.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
One moment in time...
So many thoughts running through my head.
Life is an interesting journey.
And at times we stop and take a moment to reflect.
It's humbling at times.
We learn (hopefully!!).
For me there have been many many things lately that have stopped me in my daily tracks.
Many reminders of what matters in life.
I keep learning things about who I am.
When I keep hitting walls due to my lack of language skills...
I realize that the person I like to be is suffering.
It opens my eyes for those that at some point have moved to a new country, and spent their lives there, and never have fully learned the new language.
I can now see how that can happen.
If your daily group of people speak the language you know, and you have very few opportunities to use the new one, well, the progress will be slow!
At times I feel like I'm standing at a busstop... waiting for someone to pick me up.
It feels like I'm getting nowhere, and it gets frustrating at times.
Then life goes on.
And things happen that help keep my own needs at a realistic level.
A young father has an accident at work and narrowly escapes death.
A young family loses a baby.
A middleaged woman loses her father and one of her sons in a matter of a week.
The list could go on with daily reminders of how short and unpredictable life is.
Today we attended our new little Goddaughter's baptism.
A joyful day when we got to celebrate God's greatest gift.
After attending this nice time with good friends, we went to see my Hubby's grandma who's 83 and in a nursing home.
Here she is at the end of the road, such a contrast after just holding the little bud who just started her journey!
She's been in and out of the hospital lately due to some infection.
She was tired. She didn't really say anything.
But she saw us and there was a tired smile in her eyes.
This precious lady became a young widow and a single mom of 6 kids when she was only about 40 years old.
She has held the family together with her big heart and humorus and loving ways.
It's not often you see kids being so loving to an elderly as her kids are.
What you sow you shall reap.
Well, her love has paid off.
Every day her sons that live locally come and see her.
They make sure she has taken her medication, that she eats, and often she gets a treat from one of her sons that he lovingly feeds her.
She had a stroke last year, so slowly it has become harder and harder for her to help herself.
Her mind is not clear, and I'm sure this journey is hard for her, knowing how dilligently she took care of her kids and now being so depending on them.
When we said goodbye I couldn't let go of her warm and soft hand for a few minutes.
I felt heavy tears roll down my cheeks, as she looked me so lovingly into my eyes.
We've never been able to sit down and chat because of the language barriare, but sometimes words are vain.
Sometimes you just know. You can feel love and care.
I don't know when the last time I tell her goodbye will be, it might be pretty soon.
I do know what she gave though.
Love. Lots of love and forgiveness.
These moments sure help to keep things in perspective.
I feel so blessed and fortunate to have these moments in my life to keep me reminded of what matters.
Love and forgiveness. And you don't need to know the same language in order to share that.
Life is an interesting journey.
And at times we stop and take a moment to reflect.
It's humbling at times.
We learn (hopefully!!).
For me there have been many many things lately that have stopped me in my daily tracks.
Many reminders of what matters in life.
I keep learning things about who I am.
When I keep hitting walls due to my lack of language skills...
I realize that the person I like to be is suffering.
It opens my eyes for those that at some point have moved to a new country, and spent their lives there, and never have fully learned the new language.
I can now see how that can happen.
If your daily group of people speak the language you know, and you have very few opportunities to use the new one, well, the progress will be slow!
At times I feel like I'm standing at a busstop... waiting for someone to pick me up.
It feels like I'm getting nowhere, and it gets frustrating at times.
Then life goes on.
And things happen that help keep my own needs at a realistic level.
A young father has an accident at work and narrowly escapes death.
A young family loses a baby.
A middleaged woman loses her father and one of her sons in a matter of a week.
The list could go on with daily reminders of how short and unpredictable life is.
Today we attended our new little Goddaughter's baptism.
A joyful day when we got to celebrate God's greatest gift.
After attending this nice time with good friends, we went to see my Hubby's grandma who's 83 and in a nursing home.
Here she is at the end of the road, such a contrast after just holding the little bud who just started her journey!
She's been in and out of the hospital lately due to some infection.
She was tired. She didn't really say anything.
But she saw us and there was a tired smile in her eyes.
This precious lady became a young widow and a single mom of 6 kids when she was only about 40 years old.
She has held the family together with her big heart and humorus and loving ways.
It's not often you see kids being so loving to an elderly as her kids are.
What you sow you shall reap.
Well, her love has paid off.
Every day her sons that live locally come and see her.
They make sure she has taken her medication, that she eats, and often she gets a treat from one of her sons that he lovingly feeds her.
She had a stroke last year, so slowly it has become harder and harder for her to help herself.
Her mind is not clear, and I'm sure this journey is hard for her, knowing how dilligently she took care of her kids and now being so depending on them.
When we said goodbye I couldn't let go of her warm and soft hand for a few minutes.
I felt heavy tears roll down my cheeks, as she looked me so lovingly into my eyes.
We've never been able to sit down and chat because of the language barriare, but sometimes words are vain.
Sometimes you just know. You can feel love and care.
I don't know when the last time I tell her goodbye will be, it might be pretty soon.
I do know what she gave though.
Love. Lots of love and forgiveness.
These moments sure help to keep things in perspective.
I feel so blessed and fortunate to have these moments in my life to keep me reminded of what matters.
Love and forgiveness. And you don't need to know the same language in order to share that.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Happy 40!
My heart makes a skip and jump.
In a really good way.
It's getting close to 16 years since I first met this person, and our 15th wedding anniversary is only a few months away...
My heart still skips and jumps and grows bigger and almost brings pain in my chest when I think of HIM.
He's my husband.
That sounds so cold and formal thou.
He's so, so, so much more.
Just thinking of just HOW much more he really is, makes me dizzy and teary-eyed and happy.
My soulmate is turning 40 on Thursday.
You'd never believe it.
Really.
Not just through my rose coloured glasses does he look great, I really think he looks good in most peoples eyes. And if they don't agree... they are just jealous!! :)
What can I do for him to celebrate him properly??
I know he'll think I'm super nerdy going on like this.
That's ok.
Nerdy comes easy to me.
Yesterday we had a houseful of friends and family.
I'm talking more than 45 people.
What a great great evening we had!
His parents are in town (from overseas), and I'm sure they find it hard to believe that their oldest kid is actually this "old".
His only sister and one of his brothers, also from across the pond, were also here, so with the out of towners over, it made the day extra special.
Lots of laughs and memories and yummy food and cakes...
Just the way it should be!
In the evening my Hubby thanked me for arranging and holding the party.
He was really happy with his day.
A thought came to my mind
"Work done out of love is light work"
I enjoyed my day too.
I love having people over, and I truly love to do things for others, so for me it's almost like a "treat" to hold these kind of events!
So... I haven't got a real "gift" for him yet.
Don't know what to get either.
We are planning on going out for dinner together on his birthday, that'll be fun.
But I wish I could get him something that "shows" how much I love him.
We don't really have a whole lot of money to spend, so it surely won't be anything extravaganza...
Hmmmm.....
Looking back over our years together, and remembering all the good, great, fun, loving, sad, funny, crazy moments together, I don't recall any special things that were part of the fun.
It truly seems like the best time spent together, are times spent with each other.
And of course times spent with our kids.
But stuff??
Yeah, maybe doing Sudoku together...
Or reading something funny from a good book.
But it's all small things.
It's nice to realize that the best in life is free!
When it comes to stuff he or I need, we usually end up getting it anyway, so to go out and buy some new socks or a t-shirt for his birthday seem kind of pointless, he'd get that no matter what if he needed them!
To go and get something nice, just to get something, is kind of dumb too....
I need to be honest with myself and admit what I knew all along.
He doesn't want any gifts.
When he says he's happy with what he has, and that all he wants is to be with me and the kids, I believe him.
We are his gifts every day, and we sure keep on giving!
So much love, so much laughter.
Hugs, kisses, smiles...
When you have everything you need in the shape of love and people that truly love you, the need for stuff really goes away!
It's almost funny to think that getting an item somehow will represent what and how I feel for him.
I can show him that myself by keep doing what I've been doing for the last 15 years!
Loving him!
Happy Birthday my dear Hubby.
I will do my best to keep showing you how much you mean to me and how much I love you.
No batteries included? No probelm.
I got what you need! :)
I hope and pray that God will keep us safe together for many many years to come.
Every day with you has been a blessing from above.
Thank you for being who you are.
And like I always say "You're a good man, and you are way cooler than Charlie Brown!"
In a really good way.
It's getting close to 16 years since I first met this person, and our 15th wedding anniversary is only a few months away...
My heart still skips and jumps and grows bigger and almost brings pain in my chest when I think of HIM.
He's my husband.
That sounds so cold and formal thou.
He's so, so, so much more.
Just thinking of just HOW much more he really is, makes me dizzy and teary-eyed and happy.
My soulmate is turning 40 on Thursday.
You'd never believe it.
Really.
Not just through my rose coloured glasses does he look great, I really think he looks good in most peoples eyes. And if they don't agree... they are just jealous!! :)
What can I do for him to celebrate him properly??
I know he'll think I'm super nerdy going on like this.
That's ok.
Nerdy comes easy to me.
Yesterday we had a houseful of friends and family.
I'm talking more than 45 people.
What a great great evening we had!
His parents are in town (from overseas), and I'm sure they find it hard to believe that their oldest kid is actually this "old".
His only sister and one of his brothers, also from across the pond, were also here, so with the out of towners over, it made the day extra special.
Lots of laughs and memories and yummy food and cakes...
Just the way it should be!
In the evening my Hubby thanked me for arranging and holding the party.
He was really happy with his day.
A thought came to my mind
"Work done out of love is light work"
I enjoyed my day too.
I love having people over, and I truly love to do things for others, so for me it's almost like a "treat" to hold these kind of events!
So... I haven't got a real "gift" for him yet.
Don't know what to get either.
We are planning on going out for dinner together on his birthday, that'll be fun.
But I wish I could get him something that "shows" how much I love him.
We don't really have a whole lot of money to spend, so it surely won't be anything extravaganza...
Hmmmm.....
Looking back over our years together, and remembering all the good, great, fun, loving, sad, funny, crazy moments together, I don't recall any special things that were part of the fun.
It truly seems like the best time spent together, are times spent with each other.
And of course times spent with our kids.
But stuff??
Yeah, maybe doing Sudoku together...
Or reading something funny from a good book.
But it's all small things.
It's nice to realize that the best in life is free!
When it comes to stuff he or I need, we usually end up getting it anyway, so to go out and buy some new socks or a t-shirt for his birthday seem kind of pointless, he'd get that no matter what if he needed them!
To go and get something nice, just to get something, is kind of dumb too....
I need to be honest with myself and admit what I knew all along.
He doesn't want any gifts.
When he says he's happy with what he has, and that all he wants is to be with me and the kids, I believe him.
We are his gifts every day, and we sure keep on giving!
So much love, so much laughter.
Hugs, kisses, smiles...
When you have everything you need in the shape of love and people that truly love you, the need for stuff really goes away!
It's almost funny to think that getting an item somehow will represent what and how I feel for him.
I can show him that myself by keep doing what I've been doing for the last 15 years!
Loving him!
Happy Birthday my dear Hubby.
I will do my best to keep showing you how much you mean to me and how much I love you.
No batteries included? No probelm.
I got what you need! :)
I hope and pray that God will keep us safe together for many many years to come.
Every day with you has been a blessing from above.
Thank you for being who you are.
And like I always say "You're a good man, and you are way cooler than Charlie Brown!"
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Happy That you are our kids Father('s) Day
Here in Finland, as well as in Sweden, we celebrate Father's Day today.
And no, my Hubby is not MY Father, but he is our children's Father, so since this is my blog, and I blog what I want to, this one goes to him.
I know I gush about my Big Guy a lot.
Well. If he was yours you'd know why :)
This last week and a half, he has again shown his love to me and the kids.
He has cried along with me. Soothed the kids those 1st hard nights after finding out that Star had died.
He went to their rooms in the evening, and talked with them. Hugged them. Cried with them.
He thought nothing of it. I pointed out to him that all guys are not like that. Many guys would not have done that. He looked puzzled at me...
To him it was the most natural thing.
And I'm so thankful that's how he feels.
I think it's so important to be able to show your feelings. To SHARE your feelings.
Most of us women are OK at doing this. Many guys are not.
Too bad.
I can't imagine how hard it must be for guys who feel that they need to "stay strong" and bottle their feelings inside themselves.
Maybe they get it out through work, going to the gym, whatever....
But I still think that showing your feelings is nessesary in order to heal and move forward.
Last night Big Guy said something that I totally agree with.
He said that he'd rather go through the trial of losing Star, knowing that we have a baby waiting for us, than not have it happen at all.
So, so true.
It puts it all in it's right perspective.
We still did get a baby. We still did get a gift from above. We have a baby we never have to worry about.
From this trial love has grown.
From this trial people have shown their best side.
Have you ever thought about that??
That the hardest times bring out the best in people??
I don't ask for hardship in my life, but when it comes along, and you realize the love and strength that comes out of it...
It's truly amazing!
I'm happy to have Big Guy at my side going through this.
He's.... well... the best.
Thank you for being such a wonderful Father to our kids.
Thank you for being you.
Life is beautiful when you have so much good in your life.
Thank you to our Heavenly Father, who provides so well for us... Without him, we would be nothing.
And no, my Hubby is not MY Father, but he is our children's Father, so since this is my blog, and I blog what I want to, this one goes to him.
I know I gush about my Big Guy a lot.
Well. If he was yours you'd know why :)
This last week and a half, he has again shown his love to me and the kids.
He has cried along with me. Soothed the kids those 1st hard nights after finding out that Star had died.
He went to their rooms in the evening, and talked with them. Hugged them. Cried with them.
He thought nothing of it. I pointed out to him that all guys are not like that. Many guys would not have done that. He looked puzzled at me...
To him it was the most natural thing.
And I'm so thankful that's how he feels.
I think it's so important to be able to show your feelings. To SHARE your feelings.
Most of us women are OK at doing this. Many guys are not.
Too bad.
I can't imagine how hard it must be for guys who feel that they need to "stay strong" and bottle their feelings inside themselves.
Maybe they get it out through work, going to the gym, whatever....
But I still think that showing your feelings is nessesary in order to heal and move forward.
Last night Big Guy said something that I totally agree with.
He said that he'd rather go through the trial of losing Star, knowing that we have a baby waiting for us, than not have it happen at all.
So, so true.
It puts it all in it's right perspective.
We still did get a baby. We still did get a gift from above. We have a baby we never have to worry about.
From this trial love has grown.
From this trial people have shown their best side.
Have you ever thought about that??
That the hardest times bring out the best in people??
I don't ask for hardship in my life, but when it comes along, and you realize the love and strength that comes out of it...
It's truly amazing!
I'm happy to have Big Guy at my side going through this.
He's.... well... the best.
Thank you for being such a wonderful Father to our kids.
Thank you for being you.
Life is beautiful when you have so much good in your life.
Thank you to our Heavenly Father, who provides so well for us... Without him, we would be nothing.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Maybe I'm cheesy??? Or maybe it's just LOVE!!
We had some fun plans for this weekend. We were FINALLY going to spend a nite in a hotel w the kids, just chillaxing, swimming in the pool, enjoying the big breakfast buffee, then on Sunday go to church and see friends in a different city. Well. This horrible mom decided to come down with a cold!!! Hello??? Bad timing anyone? I felt really bad telling the kids that "Mom is too tired to pack up all the stuff for 9 people!" Hubby was gone helping his brother repairing his car, that decided to come down with something too...
Well. In the end the 2 oldest took the train to the city we had planned on visiting, they are spending the nite with their friends. The rest of us hung out all afternoon, Hubby and I zonked out on one couch each, and getting up some time later, I found a smidgen of energy.
We loaded up the 5 kids in the car, and went to Hop Lop (indoor playground), followed by a late dinner at McDonald's. Coming home the 2nd youngest was already asleep, and now it's only the oldest of the 5 that's still awake.
We had a nice day after all, and again I feel thankful for our "basic" family life.
I got to be with 6 of my 8 favourite people, and again I fell a bit more in love with my Hubby.
Just because it's so hard not to.... :)
I might seem ultra cheesy who is always gushing over him... but why not???
It's been over 15 years now since we started dating, and I know just how lucky I am to have him.
I'm too lazy to climb a mountain to declare my love for him from high up there. I don't have the money to fully show him how much I think of him, so this is a good way to share my feelings.
I love him.
Tons.
And every day I pray to grow old with him.
Surrounded by our kids and their families.
Cheesy?? Maybe for those that are looking for something else, for those who are not happy about where they are...
But I am. And I wouldn't want it any different.
Well. In the end the 2 oldest took the train to the city we had planned on visiting, they are spending the nite with their friends. The rest of us hung out all afternoon, Hubby and I zonked out on one couch each, and getting up some time later, I found a smidgen of energy.
We loaded up the 5 kids in the car, and went to Hop Lop (indoor playground), followed by a late dinner at McDonald's. Coming home the 2nd youngest was already asleep, and now it's only the oldest of the 5 that's still awake.
We had a nice day after all, and again I feel thankful for our "basic" family life.
I got to be with 6 of my 8 favourite people, and again I fell a bit more in love with my Hubby.
Just because it's so hard not to.... :)
I might seem ultra cheesy who is always gushing over him... but why not???
It's been over 15 years now since we started dating, and I know just how lucky I am to have him.
I'm too lazy to climb a mountain to declare my love for him from high up there. I don't have the money to fully show him how much I think of him, so this is a good way to share my feelings.
I love him.
Tons.
And every day I pray to grow old with him.
Surrounded by our kids and their families.
Cheesy?? Maybe for those that are looking for something else, for those who are not happy about where they are...
But I am. And I wouldn't want it any different.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Hey! Who bumped me??
I know, I have written several blog entries lately... don't get sick of me quite yet thou, because this is pretty neat!
I'm pretty sure I can feel the baby now... some soft flutter in there...
It's our 8th baby.
It's another miracle.
It's amazing, and it brings tears to my eyes...
This person is already making me happy, and I love him or her already...
Only the size of an avocado, but with immense power over a mother's heart...
This is not a random happening.
This is a creation of someone a lot greater than us.
It deepens my understanding for what I believe in....
Just had to share this milestone with you all....
I'm pretty sure I can feel the baby now... some soft flutter in there...
It's our 8th baby.
It's another miracle.
It's amazing, and it brings tears to my eyes...
This person is already making me happy, and I love him or her already...
Only the size of an avocado, but with immense power over a mother's heart...
This is not a random happening.
This is a creation of someone a lot greater than us.
It deepens my understanding for what I believe in....
Just had to share this milestone with you all....
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Happy Birthday!!
Today millions of people around the world remember that dreadful day 10 years ago. I remember that too. Looking back I hope we all focus on what made us stronger, and not what others tried to ruin for us and make us weak and scared. May God bless and keep us all safe from evil, and may we first of all remember to take care of ourselves and the ones who are dear to us.
This day, 12 years ago, a miracle happened. We became parents for the 2nd time when our 2nd daughter was born. This little lady was 9 days over due, just like our 1st one, and she made sure to make the hot summer feel even hotter for me... When she finally decided to announce her arrival, she came in a hurry! From sitting at my brother-in-laws house, eating burgers, at 5pm, till us calling back to them from the hospital to share the latest family news, was less than 4 hours!!
This little lady made sure to keep us in line. She refused bottles, so I had to feed her every 2 hours, around the clock, for her 1st year of life!!
When our 1st born was a toddler, she "followed the rules of the book". She was increadibly busy, but she would listen to me explaining, and usually be pretty obedient to what I said. I thougth this parenting thing was falling into place quite nicely.
Well. Let me just say that #2 proved me wrong!! What ever worked with our 1st one, did NOT work the 2nd time around. She'd throw fits and scream like the best. She was the kind of kid that made you leave the shopping cart mid-isle, and walk to the car... trying to make yourself look as descreet and small as possible.
I remember one night when she was right around 4 years old, and we had a newborn baby, an almost 2year old, and the oldest being 5½ half. I had said the prayers at night, and my little girl had finally settled down after an unusually trying day. I cried. I felt that I did not have what it took to be a good mom to this little girl. I sent a deep sigh, and a sincere prayer, that God would please give me strength.
After that day we saw a slow change. We got her a hamster that she loved with all her heart, I need to tell you that she does have a huge, loving heart, for anything living. As a 2-3 year old she'd collect bugs and worms and play with them. Toads and frogs have been her pets. Any dog anywhere was her friend to play with, to her mom's great fear at times!! She'd follow any stranger anywhere, as long as they were attached to a dog!!
As the months went by... I one day realized "That difficult girl was gone!!" In her place we got a really, really sweet gal, with a temper intact, and puppy-dog-eyes that could get her pretty much anything (but a horse).
She's still sweet and loving, and looking back I know that God has helped me along the way. Every child you are given teaches you something, she sure tought me a fair scoop of patience! She also is my voice of reasoning many times, helping me to see things from a fair point of view.
The other night she told me how everyone has some weakness that they struggle with, and as an example she mentioned how one of her sisters can be very slow at times (this is a known fact), then she mentioned a few other examples that were right on, after that she very diplomatically told me "And you mamma, you have to work on not being so hard on yourself!, I can see how you put yourself down sometimes, and you shouldn't do that!, you are a good mom, and we love you, please try to work on that!"
I tell yah, kids are so smart. Little angels sent to us, to keep an eye open for us, to help us along the way....
Dear 12 year old! We love you so much. Don't change. Keep your sweetness intact, keep loving this beautiful nature and all its animals! Thank you for your wisedom and love.
This day, 12 years ago, a miracle happened. We became parents for the 2nd time when our 2nd daughter was born. This little lady was 9 days over due, just like our 1st one, and she made sure to make the hot summer feel even hotter for me... When she finally decided to announce her arrival, she came in a hurry! From sitting at my brother-in-laws house, eating burgers, at 5pm, till us calling back to them from the hospital to share the latest family news, was less than 4 hours!!
This little lady made sure to keep us in line. She refused bottles, so I had to feed her every 2 hours, around the clock, for her 1st year of life!!
When our 1st born was a toddler, she "followed the rules of the book". She was increadibly busy, but she would listen to me explaining, and usually be pretty obedient to what I said. I thougth this parenting thing was falling into place quite nicely.
Well. Let me just say that #2 proved me wrong!! What ever worked with our 1st one, did NOT work the 2nd time around. She'd throw fits and scream like the best. She was the kind of kid that made you leave the shopping cart mid-isle, and walk to the car... trying to make yourself look as descreet and small as possible.
I remember one night when she was right around 4 years old, and we had a newborn baby, an almost 2year old, and the oldest being 5½ half. I had said the prayers at night, and my little girl had finally settled down after an unusually trying day. I cried. I felt that I did not have what it took to be a good mom to this little girl. I sent a deep sigh, and a sincere prayer, that God would please give me strength.
After that day we saw a slow change. We got her a hamster that she loved with all her heart, I need to tell you that she does have a huge, loving heart, for anything living. As a 2-3 year old she'd collect bugs and worms and play with them. Toads and frogs have been her pets. Any dog anywhere was her friend to play with, to her mom's great fear at times!! She'd follow any stranger anywhere, as long as they were attached to a dog!!
As the months went by... I one day realized "That difficult girl was gone!!" In her place we got a really, really sweet gal, with a temper intact, and puppy-dog-eyes that could get her pretty much anything (but a horse).
She's still sweet and loving, and looking back I know that God has helped me along the way. Every child you are given teaches you something, she sure tought me a fair scoop of patience! She also is my voice of reasoning many times, helping me to see things from a fair point of view.
The other night she told me how everyone has some weakness that they struggle with, and as an example she mentioned how one of her sisters can be very slow at times (this is a known fact), then she mentioned a few other examples that were right on, after that she very diplomatically told me "And you mamma, you have to work on not being so hard on yourself!, I can see how you put yourself down sometimes, and you shouldn't do that!, you are a good mom, and we love you, please try to work on that!"
I tell yah, kids are so smart. Little angels sent to us, to keep an eye open for us, to help us along the way....
Dear 12 year old! We love you so much. Don't change. Keep your sweetness intact, keep loving this beautiful nature and all its animals! Thank you for your wisedom and love.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Happy 14 on the 14th!!
June 14th is one of the most important days in our lives. Mine and Big Guys lives that is. And our kids. That's the day we got married, 14 years ago, in southern Sweden on a beautiful summer day.
This is a day that brings back wonderful memories, and the days, months and years that have followed are like a wonderful necklace of most precious pearls threaded on it.
Days that include the births of our 6 girls and 1 boy. Days that include, laughter, tears, hard times, good times, building houses, moving, job changes, challenges of parenting, traveling, day to day life... and it's been good.
I feel very fortunate to be able to write about us, and our love.
Maybe you find it "cheesy" (go ahead!), but I am so in love with my dear hubby, that I can be cheesy all day long.
He loves me. I love him. A lot. We know that. And we say that. Often. In words and in actions.
Last night I felt tired and draggy. The weather did a drastic turn when a coldfront smashed into the heatwave we've been enjoying for the last 1½ weeks. After the thunderstorm was over, the temperature had dropped drastically, there was just a light rain going on, and I went out for a 45 min walk by myself. It felt SOOO good. I walked through a woodentrail, and the freshly soaked forest smelled incredibly good. I stopped a few times and indulged. Then I ran, skipped, jumped and flapped my arms really geekily along the trail... On the last stretch home, I stopped and picked a bouquet of wildflowers for Big Guy. Coming in to the apartment.... I found it all cleaned up! I could have cried from happiness! Before I left, it had looked like the storm had done a number in our home as well.. What a great man I have!
Tonight sitting in the livingroom, catching up on the latest (we talk a lot with each other), Big Guy suddenly stops and looks at me in that really loving way, and says "You know, I really love being married to you!, I love how we can talk about everything!" I so agree...
That kind of love is the love you feel. It's just there. I've had other married women telling me that they don't know any other couple who seem to be better friends with each other than me and my hubby are with each other. It doesn't matter if that's true or not, I know I feel that way thou.
I guess we are both good at putting the other persons needs first, that way we know that we are both taken care of!
Our kids love to celebrate their parents love too! For the last several years they have made cards for us, bought something if they get around to it, made a cake, or surprised us with breakfast in bed... They love to see our love, and the worst times for them is if we ever fight. They instantly ask us to be nice to each other and say sorry... Monkey see monkey do. Do I need to say that our fights never last very long??
There have been many times when "the guys" have done their little get aways, traveling somewhere for a weekend, and I've told my hubby to go with them, feel free! But he politely declines, and says that if he goes anywhere, he rather goes with me... That's ok!! :) (he HAS gone places sometimes, but it's usually for an overnight fishing trip! Wow....)
Well, I could go on and on about us, but you are probably getting the picture.
I'm thankful and happy to say that I'm happily married to the greatest guy I could ever imagine.
Happy Anniversary, my dear Man! I love you so much. Yours truly!
This is a day that brings back wonderful memories, and the days, months and years that have followed are like a wonderful necklace of most precious pearls threaded on it.
Days that include the births of our 6 girls and 1 boy. Days that include, laughter, tears, hard times, good times, building houses, moving, job changes, challenges of parenting, traveling, day to day life... and it's been good.
I feel very fortunate to be able to write about us, and our love.
Maybe you find it "cheesy" (go ahead!), but I am so in love with my dear hubby, that I can be cheesy all day long.
He loves me. I love him. A lot. We know that. And we say that. Often. In words and in actions.
Last night I felt tired and draggy. The weather did a drastic turn when a coldfront smashed into the heatwave we've been enjoying for the last 1½ weeks. After the thunderstorm was over, the temperature had dropped drastically, there was just a light rain going on, and I went out for a 45 min walk by myself. It felt SOOO good. I walked through a woodentrail, and the freshly soaked forest smelled incredibly good. I stopped a few times and indulged. Then I ran, skipped, jumped and flapped my arms really geekily along the trail... On the last stretch home, I stopped and picked a bouquet of wildflowers for Big Guy. Coming in to the apartment.... I found it all cleaned up! I could have cried from happiness! Before I left, it had looked like the storm had done a number in our home as well.. What a great man I have!
Tonight sitting in the livingroom, catching up on the latest (we talk a lot with each other), Big Guy suddenly stops and looks at me in that really loving way, and says "You know, I really love being married to you!, I love how we can talk about everything!" I so agree...
That kind of love is the love you feel. It's just there. I've had other married women telling me that they don't know any other couple who seem to be better friends with each other than me and my hubby are with each other. It doesn't matter if that's true or not, I know I feel that way thou.
I guess we are both good at putting the other persons needs first, that way we know that we are both taken care of!
Our kids love to celebrate their parents love too! For the last several years they have made cards for us, bought something if they get around to it, made a cake, or surprised us with breakfast in bed... They love to see our love, and the worst times for them is if we ever fight. They instantly ask us to be nice to each other and say sorry... Monkey see monkey do. Do I need to say that our fights never last very long??
There have been many times when "the guys" have done their little get aways, traveling somewhere for a weekend, and I've told my hubby to go with them, feel free! But he politely declines, and says that if he goes anywhere, he rather goes with me... That's ok!! :) (he HAS gone places sometimes, but it's usually for an overnight fishing trip! Wow....)
Well, I could go on and on about us, but you are probably getting the picture.
I'm thankful and happy to say that I'm happily married to the greatest guy I could ever imagine.
Happy Anniversary, my dear Man! I love you so much. Yours truly!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Happy Birthday Big Guy!!
Well, I have a little tradition going here. I've written about my 5 year old as well as Miss 13 on their birthdays, and today is my Dear Hubby's big day, so I guess the turn is his.
This is his last year in his 30ies. The kids think he's, well, OLD! I think it's wierd to be married to a guy twice my age!!! Or did time just fly??? I bet his parents feel like he just became their age... He's the oldest of 7.
Well. This summer it's 15 years since our eyes first locked, and the bystanders heard an audiable "click"!
Or whatever the sound is when 2 people just fall in love with no warning.
I was the least romantic girl I knew, I thought all those romantic stories about "Love at 1st site" was a bunch of "Hooey". Stuff like that doesn't happen in real life. And I was very much real and alive. So of course it happened to me! I was almost mad when I realized that my mind was totally toast. I had a hard time focusing on anything else than Mr. And I talked about him. All the time. My poor friends.... (I thought LUCKY THEM that get to hear about this amazing person!!!)
The biggest hurdle for us was that I lived in Sweden and he in Canada.
No fun.
So, 11 months after our first meeting, we tied the knot in Sweden, and then I was officially imported into The land of Moose, Maples and Hockey players.
9 months later our 1st daughter was born. Our souvenier from our Greek Honeymoon....
When she was 6 months old, Big Guy graduated from University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Around this time I became a Landed Immigrant in this great nation, and I was allowed to work.
I held a job at Pizza Hut while Big Guy was looking for his 1st job suiting his degree. Until then he'd worked construction, part time at Chrysler as well as a personal financial advisor. He landed his 1st "real" job with an apartment management firm in Detroit, doing accounting for them. This meant crossing the border every day. He patiently stayed with this company for almost 10 years, during which time we dealt with the aftermath of 9-11 in 2001 (I was 8 month pregnant w. child #3). For several months he had to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning to beat the traffic on the way in to the States. The customs was extra cautious after the terrible terrorist attacks, so all the cars were searched on a daily basis. You have your 6000 something daily commuters, many crossing around the same time each morning... so you can imagine the lineups!!!
This is also the busies international bordercrossing for commercial traffic in the world, so the trucks would line up for hours on end .
I don't know how Big Guy dealt with this all those years. He's a very patiend man, let me tell ya!!
He switched jobs in Sept. 2008, still working in Detroit, but this was better in several ways, and he sure needed a change. That following spring, he went to Finland to help one of his brothers build his house, and he so enjoyed himself, he felt that THIS is what he really wanted to do!
He was sick of the commute, and the office ho-hum. I sure don't blame him.
He wanted to bulid a house too, and I said, "Sure, but only if we also move there, it has to be an experience for the whole family!"
This is 2 years ago, and now we've lived here for almost a year!
Big Guy is truly enjoying the change of work. No more sitting on your butt all day.
At times the weather has been pretty brutal (just before Christmas they had a deadline to meet, and they were out in -25 C, not being able to use the powertools, they were too cold. I joked and said that using the hammers will keep you warmer at least!), but then he has thought about the option of sitting stuck in traffic, or dealing with various people that know how to NOT make your day... and the cold all of a sudden seemed perfectly fine!!!
What else???? I could ramble on and on about this guy, and mostly it would be really good stuff. I don't know a person who does not like my hubby!! He's an easygoing dude, who gets along well with everybody. He smiles quickly and is a great listener. He's a fun dad, who sometimes talks in extremes... He likes to explain how things work, and is a great math teacher. I love his humor, and in any situation he'd be the person I'd take with me. He's truly my best friend, and I thank God he's mine!!! And I'm praying for many, many years together. Happy Birthday my dear Hubby, I Love you forever and always!!!!
This is his last year in his 30ies. The kids think he's, well, OLD! I think it's wierd to be married to a guy twice my age!!! Or did time just fly??? I bet his parents feel like he just became their age... He's the oldest of 7.
Well. This summer it's 15 years since our eyes first locked, and the bystanders heard an audiable "click"!
Or whatever the sound is when 2 people just fall in love with no warning.
I was the least romantic girl I knew, I thought all those romantic stories about "Love at 1st site" was a bunch of "Hooey". Stuff like that doesn't happen in real life. And I was very much real and alive. So of course it happened to me! I was almost mad when I realized that my mind was totally toast. I had a hard time focusing on anything else than Mr. And I talked about him. All the time. My poor friends.... (I thought LUCKY THEM that get to hear about this amazing person!!!)
The biggest hurdle for us was that I lived in Sweden and he in Canada.
No fun.
So, 11 months after our first meeting, we tied the knot in Sweden, and then I was officially imported into The land of Moose, Maples and Hockey players.
9 months later our 1st daughter was born. Our souvenier from our Greek Honeymoon....
When she was 6 months old, Big Guy graduated from University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Around this time I became a Landed Immigrant in this great nation, and I was allowed to work.
I held a job at Pizza Hut while Big Guy was looking for his 1st job suiting his degree. Until then he'd worked construction, part time at Chrysler as well as a personal financial advisor. He landed his 1st "real" job with an apartment management firm in Detroit, doing accounting for them. This meant crossing the border every day. He patiently stayed with this company for almost 10 years, during which time we dealt with the aftermath of 9-11 in 2001 (I was 8 month pregnant w. child #3). For several months he had to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning to beat the traffic on the way in to the States. The customs was extra cautious after the terrible terrorist attacks, so all the cars were searched on a daily basis. You have your 6000 something daily commuters, many crossing around the same time each morning... so you can imagine the lineups!!!
This is also the busies international bordercrossing for commercial traffic in the world, so the trucks would line up for hours on end .
I don't know how Big Guy dealt with this all those years. He's a very patiend man, let me tell ya!!
He switched jobs in Sept. 2008, still working in Detroit, but this was better in several ways, and he sure needed a change. That following spring, he went to Finland to help one of his brothers build his house, and he so enjoyed himself, he felt that THIS is what he really wanted to do!
He was sick of the commute, and the office ho-hum. I sure don't blame him.
He wanted to bulid a house too, and I said, "Sure, but only if we also move there, it has to be an experience for the whole family!"
This is 2 years ago, and now we've lived here for almost a year!
Big Guy is truly enjoying the change of work. No more sitting on your butt all day.
At times the weather has been pretty brutal (just before Christmas they had a deadline to meet, and they were out in -25 C, not being able to use the powertools, they were too cold. I joked and said that using the hammers will keep you warmer at least!), but then he has thought about the option of sitting stuck in traffic, or dealing with various people that know how to NOT make your day... and the cold all of a sudden seemed perfectly fine!!!
What else???? I could ramble on and on about this guy, and mostly it would be really good stuff. I don't know a person who does not like my hubby!! He's an easygoing dude, who gets along well with everybody. He smiles quickly and is a great listener. He's a fun dad, who sometimes talks in extremes... He likes to explain how things work, and is a great math teacher. I love his humor, and in any situation he'd be the person I'd take with me. He's truly my best friend, and I thank God he's mine!!! And I'm praying for many, many years together. Happy Birthday my dear Hubby, I Love you forever and always!!!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
#1 is a TEEN!!!
So. The day is finally here. She's a teen. And Big Guy and I are officially parents of a teenager! Let's take a walk down memorylane.... 13 years ago. 4 in the morning. I wake up from a strong contraction, and go to the bathroom. At the time we were sharing a house with Big Guys brother and wife, so when my sister-in-law hears that I'm up, she comes to see what's going on. I'm hugging the doorppost of the bathroom as an other contraction comes over me. She tells me that this is probably IT! (I had LOTS of false labours with my 1st one, but this was different) I figured I go back to bed and try to catch some more rest... Well. The contractions kept on coming, close and strong, so within some hour, we figured we better go to the hospital to have a look. It was cold and gray and a misty fog outside. Driving down the main road going to the hospital, side by side with tons and tons of semitrucks (this is one of the busiest farethroughs in the world!), and the drowsy morning commuters... It felt like everyone could tell by looking at our car that I was in labour!
Fast forward.... After a long and intense labour, that including most of the tricks in the book, our 1st girl was born, face up and weighing close to 9 lbs. (4 kg) I was crying of happiness, not realizing that I had been very close to having a c-section. Fortunately it all went well, and 40 hours later we headed home. I begged to stay another night, since Big Guy had to work that evening (he was going to University and worked part time on the line for Chrysler, meaning you did not turn any work opportunity down!). My in-laws were in Minnesota, as well as Big Guys brother and family. So with a baby, just 2 days old, I was left alone, in utter cluelessness!!, to care for her... If I remember right I just might have shed a tear that evening. I was wondering how the hospital staff could just trust people to bring home these helpless little babies... I guess there's the 9 months to prepare for the baby's arrival. But nothing prepares you for what it's really like! I was very sore after the long labour, and very bloated from all the IV, and was 100% sure that I could never do this again!
Well... After the 1st few sleepless weeks (baby cried a lot, nursing did not work, I got every piece of advice ever known. Yes they meant well) We figured out that she reacted strongly to dairy! I did not have energy left to exlude all dairy in my diet, I was already thinner than before I got pregnant!, so we put her on Soy formula. Baby was happier, mom was relieved and happier...
This little girl had an agenda of her own. I tried to wrap her up and cuddle my little bundle... but she had no part of it. She'd push her way out of the blanket to look around. At 2 months she was rolling on the floor, at 4 months she scooted and pulled things off of shelves, and at 6 months she started walking along furniture.
Wow. At church she'd take off under the bench and crawl speedy fast several rows away, and people would pass her back to us.... she was 5 months old!!!
How did people do this??? With your 1st baby anything it does becomes the "norm". You use it as the normal pace of things to happen... Of course this lady did most things to the extreme, and I was worried green about having anymore kids. I have learned, with great relief, that she was not the norm... She was over and beyond in most aspects. Of course being a 1st time parent magnified the experience.
And now, here we are. Last year she told me she turned Twelveteen. I guess so I could adjust to the idea of her becoming a teenager. That year sure went fast! Really, I'm not really worried about the whole "teen thing". We just keep chugging along with our ups and downs. I know we'll have our days when we pull our hair out. Just as we have our days laughing, joking and having fun. Just as we will cry and forgive and forget. That's life. I'm sending a virtual hug to my Big Girl, wishing her a beautiful, wonderful Birthday. Thanking her for being such an awesome, fun, imaginative, intense, smart, nerdy, corny, loving, bossy, intelligent, beautiful, and last but not least HELPFUL daughter and friend. I love you to Jupiter and back, and I'm "ploud" to be your mom!
Fast forward.... After a long and intense labour, that including most of the tricks in the book, our 1st girl was born, face up and weighing close to 9 lbs. (4 kg) I was crying of happiness, not realizing that I had been very close to having a c-section. Fortunately it all went well, and 40 hours later we headed home. I begged to stay another night, since Big Guy had to work that evening (he was going to University and worked part time on the line for Chrysler, meaning you did not turn any work opportunity down!). My in-laws were in Minnesota, as well as Big Guys brother and family. So with a baby, just 2 days old, I was left alone, in utter cluelessness!!, to care for her... If I remember right I just might have shed a tear that evening. I was wondering how the hospital staff could just trust people to bring home these helpless little babies... I guess there's the 9 months to prepare for the baby's arrival. But nothing prepares you for what it's really like! I was very sore after the long labour, and very bloated from all the IV, and was 100% sure that I could never do this again!
Well... After the 1st few sleepless weeks (baby cried a lot, nursing did not work, I got every piece of advice ever known. Yes they meant well) We figured out that she reacted strongly to dairy! I did not have energy left to exlude all dairy in my diet, I was already thinner than before I got pregnant!, so we put her on Soy formula. Baby was happier, mom was relieved and happier...
This little girl had an agenda of her own. I tried to wrap her up and cuddle my little bundle... but she had no part of it. She'd push her way out of the blanket to look around. At 2 months she was rolling on the floor, at 4 months she scooted and pulled things off of shelves, and at 6 months she started walking along furniture.
Wow. At church she'd take off under the bench and crawl speedy fast several rows away, and people would pass her back to us.... she was 5 months old!!!
How did people do this??? With your 1st baby anything it does becomes the "norm". You use it as the normal pace of things to happen... Of course this lady did most things to the extreme, and I was worried green about having anymore kids. I have learned, with great relief, that she was not the norm... She was over and beyond in most aspects. Of course being a 1st time parent magnified the experience.
And now, here we are. Last year she told me she turned Twelveteen. I guess so I could adjust to the idea of her becoming a teenager. That year sure went fast! Really, I'm not really worried about the whole "teen thing". We just keep chugging along with our ups and downs. I know we'll have our days when we pull our hair out. Just as we have our days laughing, joking and having fun. Just as we will cry and forgive and forget. That's life. I'm sending a virtual hug to my Big Girl, wishing her a beautiful, wonderful Birthday. Thanking her for being such an awesome, fun, imaginative, intense, smart, nerdy, corny, loving, bossy, intelligent, beautiful, and last but not least HELPFUL daughter and friend. I love you to Jupiter and back, and I'm "ploud" to be your mom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)