Happy Lucia!

Started this morning at 7.45 at the local church, where the school kids was singing and celebrating Lucia. My kids decided they wanted to be little santas.
In Sweden, Lucy (called Lucia) is venerated on December 13 in a ceremony where a girl is elected to portray Lucia. Wearing a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head, she walks at the head of a procession of women, each holding a candle. The candles symbolize the fire that refused to take St. Lucia's life when she was sentenced to be burned. The women sing a Lucia song while entering the room, to the melody of the traditional Neapolitan song Santa Lucia; the Italian lyrics describe the view from Santa Lucia in Naples, the various Scandinavian lyrics are fashioned for the occasion, describing the light with which Lucia overcomes the darkness. After finishing this song, the procession sings Christmas carols or more songs about Lucia.
and serve saffron buns and coffee. I get all fuzzy and warm watching them, a bit nostalgic too, for all those years I did it as a child.

Canada Snow

People ask if I feel at home in Sweden.....
My answer is yes! everyone is walking around in jackets saying "Canada goose" on them,
Canada snow, with Hats, socks, mittens and gloves with big maple leaves on!
check it out... I wear mine with Pride, as I AM Canadian! :) Canada Snow

Linn

On tuesday midday we went to pick up our very special friend Linn from the airport,

(our nanny from 2011) she came for a short visit before going home to spend christmas with her family in tingsryd, after spending a year in the US. 

We LOVED seeing you Linn, (even if the cat almost killed you) and it's so special to have you in our lives. we wish you ALL the best in your coming adventures. and hope to see you soon again! xxx

WOW, long time no see...

OK, so I've been crap at updating... busy much?! three kids, no nanny... phew!
Just want to raise my Mamma & Bertil to the sky, for helping me out every Tuesday and Thursday while the kids go to hockey! I couldn't do it without you! :) also my Sister Jeanette, for doing all that you do, and still have time to help out. Mwwwaaahhh!

My Beautiful Mom Gunilla

We are getting VERY excited here at the house, as Daddy is coming home for a longer period of time.Yahoo! home tomorrow and for the rest of this year. It will be so nice to have another set of hands here

at the house. But have to say, the kids have been awesome, (after some immense yelling!)

Looking forward to share the parenting, and enjoy some nights of Glogg with friends leading up to Christmas time.(Swedish Mold wine) 

Kids are doing great in school and are really settling in with friends and their activities quite well.

Went to a school meeting yesterday with jack, and he is doing GREAT, his reading skills and math skills are beyond his age (THANKS Mrs.Luck ) but as far as concentrating.... I am speechless! we have  HUGE difficulty with getting Jack to sit down and to focus... Please, if anyone have any tips, send them my way.

we've tried wiggly Chairs, stress balls, etc,etc.... just to get him to sit down to do his homework takes me 30-45 minutes every day, and when he finally sits, he does his homework without hesitation and with perfection in minutes. siigggh!

Molly is doing great too, considering she is a whole year younger than the rest of the class, she is doing great, a little more playful than the other kids, but doing great in both starting to read and write. her social skills are so broad, and she is friends with EVERYONE! (wonder who she gets that from??!)

Calvin is Loving daycare, and speaks so much now, mostly Swedish, but when dad gets home he switches straight over to English. But for most parts he says it in both languages, probably to make sure we understand. :) this morning while jack was eating his breakfast he leaned in for jacks food, and said "maste dela"! ("you must share") 

Ok, so with all the kids away this morning, I gotta dash and do as much as possible while having the time!

Laundry, groceries, shower, vaccum..... ahhh, never ending story!

Love you all!

J

Påulander Designs

Just wanted to show the beautiful store which I am spending some hours helping out in.

Love Love Love the cozy atmosphere in there and all the products.