Category: Family-stuff

When I grew up, July 9th was a day we always always spent in our paradise. Celebrating my grandmother on her birthday. My grandfather would raise the flag and we would have friends and family over for coffee and strawberry cake. She was able to be there every birthday since I was born except for the last couple of years in her life. She did celebrate her 90th birthday there – with family traveling from all over Sweden to greet her and honor her.

This photo was taken back in 2004, on her 92nd birthday. Me and the boys went to greet her in her apartment in Enskede. It was a happy day and I am so glad that I could see her and that the boys could come along. I brought my camera and could save some memories to look at and help me remember that day. It is amazing how some people really make a huge impact on your life. I miss you, grandma, and I am so grateful for having you in my life and sharing so much with you. Hope you are safe and able to enjoy today – where ever you are. Happy birthday! Big hug!

A nice family day – first at home with the boys to celebrate my husbands birthday. Also preparing the house for advent – putting up lights in the windows, baking, cleaning, laundry etc.

Then it was time to get ready and take the bus into the city. My parents had booked a table at a nice Greek restaurant and we all met up for dinner. Except Sara who was competing in team-gym this weekend. But with Lennart who joined us instead. We had a wonderful three-course-dinner and when we missed the bus at the end station it was actually quite nice to walk the 2k back home.. get rid of at least a few calories.

Thank you, mom & dad,  for a great evening!

Time for a special day in our family – my youngest niece’s confirmation. She did great – performed all her assigned tasks beautifully and we were so proud of her. She has been away on a 2-week hike with the group up north to prepare and have some fun. Me and my husband are her God parents so we also took part of the ceremony in church for her blessing.

I had bought her a Norwegian enamel heart with the Lord’s prayer on the back in tiny tiny letters. I was given one when I was born and I have found one exactly like mine on an auction for her. Our hearts prayers are in Norwegian and the front has pink flowers and the one I found for her sister is in English with blue flowers.

Three big events for our teenagers lately – one getting accepted to the next level of school, one graduation and one confirmation. Next important event is to get the graduate into college. Then we have another graduation coming up in 2 years.

My oldest son graduated today. And it was an amazing day. The day started with bright sunshine and really warm weather. My sister came over and helped me decorate the house while my husband gave Michael lift to Subtopia where the graduation took place. It was so much fun to be part of his day – to see all the other students, their families, all the greeting signs and happy people. I was so very proud of my handsome son and all that he has accomplished!

In the afternoon a lot of our friends and family came over for a buffet to greet Michael and enjoy a meal together and the traditional graduation cake. One big goal achieved – now let’s cross our fingers that his grades will be enough to be accepted to college.

Last day of this three day weekend with the perfect ending – a birthday party for my sister and her husband.

We have enjoyed a very nice afternoon among friends and family with great coffee and homemade strawberry cake. No rain today – yet (it is clouding up though) – so we could sit outside for a bit.

Now a lazy Sunday eve with take-out pizza in a minute. Have a great evening everybody!

Finally some sunshine and nice weather! This Whit Sunday we started with attending morning service in church because our teenagers received their youth leader diplomas. 32 teenagers had completed the education which started last year. A great experience and good education to have.

No more obligations today other than wash up all the dishes from last night and get the house back in order again. It was such a great evening. With my oldest turning 18 and our friends having their wedding anniversary we had plenty of reasons to celebrate already. Måns winning was just the icing of the cake! Even the priest in church this morning quoted his lyrics in the winning song – and made it part of his sermon.

“I make worms turn into butterflies
Wake up and turn this world around
In appreciation

He said I never left your side
When you were lost I followed right behind
Was your foundation”

Heroes – Måns Zelmerlöw

A very special day. Both for me and for my oldest son – my first born child turns 18 years old today. Wow. I am so thankful for my boys and they are really my pride and joy in life.

This morning I was going through our old photo albums for a minute of reflection. Special memories kept in books. Today a couple of more will be added – his grandparents and auntie w/ family are coming over in a couple of hours to celebrate him properly. We’ll be having his favorite – “kladdkaka” (Swedish brownie – like a mudcake) with the coffee.

Dear son – I wish you all the best in life! Enjoy it. Be safe. Be curious and explore the world. And always know I’m right here – just let me know if you need me!

When you reach a certain age the celebrations of weddings, christenings and confirmands slowly starts to change and also involve funerals. The way of life and not much to do about it. It gathers the family in a moment of grief – to pay respect to the family and the deceased and maybe get some closure when being able to say that last goodbye.

It was a nice sunny day mixed with rainy moments. And the last offices was very nice filled with music and time to reflect.