Merry Christmas from our home to yours....

Merry Christmas!

The day started off on the tail of a big snow/wind/rain/ice storm, which left us all wondering if Christmas was just not meant to be... again... but the wind cleared, the ice wasn't too bad and the roads were driveable. We had a small gathering, short and sweet, but it was nice to reclaim the holiday again. 

Wishing you all love and peace during this holiday season... from our home to yours...

Happy anniversary to us :)

On December 4, 2004, Andreas and I were married. It is 14 years today..... wow- 14 years filled with PhD work, having son #1, living in Copenhagen, getting used to Danish way of life, moving to Montreal, getting used to Canadian way of life (or re-acquainted with Canadian way of life), buying a house, having son #2, finding work, having son #3, hitting our 40s, growing into our jobs, growing with each other, travels, ups, downs, more ups.... and many more life experiences to come. I can't think of anyone else that I would rather be with on this ride of life... xox

Our first Christmas together, 3 weeks after our wedding day... and 6 weeks after Alexander was born.

Special request

A family that I know has received some very stressful news over the holidays. As a scientist, this is a bit outside my usual nature but it would be greatly appreciated if you can pass along your positive thoughts, prayers, a tip of your glass, good karma, some magical pixie dust or whatever else you would like to send their way. A heartfelt thanks....

May the last bits of 2017 smile on you and yours xox

Happy Fathers' Day

Andreas' day started with lots of homemade cards, craft gifts and love. Happy Fathers' Day to Andreas and all the fathers- or those that fill that role- out there!

Wishing you all a great day! xox

Happy Mothers' Day

My favourite all time gifts are the homemade ones... and this year, for Mothers' Day, I was spoiled. The amount of love, appreciation, effort and honest feelings that went into these gifts make them so special. I was given some beautiful works of art... and a summary of me that almost made me pee my pants laughing. It is a good thing that I am friends with Oliver's kindergarten teacher because, otherwise, she may be wondering what kind of mother he has... Hahaha!

Happy Mothers' Day to all who have children in their arms and children in their hearts... xox

According to this, I am 83 years old and drink wine every day... well, he is close on both fronts ;)

<3

<3

<3

<3

<3

<3

<3

<3

<3

I am one lucky mamma!

Birthday party for boys....

Andreas and I had tickets for a fabulous fundraising gala on Saturday night. This party has the best food.... ever. It also has the best silent auction items.... ever.... which is not as good as the food and absolutely terrible for the wallet ;) Since last year, I had a potential dress picked out for the event. Andreas was making a game plan to get the best food fast. We then realized that we had a little problem.... I had booked Nicklas' already postponed birthday party for exactly the same night.... argh! So, last night, we skipped the caviar, awesome wine and delicious food and had homemade cupcakes, apple juice and delivery pizza in its place ;) We traded in 1200 plus fancy guests for 12 boys (who, guaranteed, made lots more noise) and we wouldn't have had it any other way :)

It was a great party... and I got to wear comfortable shoes ;) AND I am sure that we had better loot bags ;)

Wishing you all a great week xox

Happy Valentine's Day

I always love getting homemade cards from the kids. They capture the essence of each special occasion better than any commercial card can do. This year, we got a lovely card from Nicka. He says it best so I will leave you all with his words.....

Happy Valentimes to you all ;)

Life

Last night, I found out that an old friend of mine had passed away. I met her when I lived in Calgary in the early 1990's, during a period of my life where I did a lot of stupid-early-20's stuff. My friend was the type of person who called me out on bad decisions, supported me in the good ones and stood by me no matter what. She was no bullshit, feisty, loyal and tough-loving. I learned a lot from her...
Over the past 15 years or so, we sort of lost touch. I cannot remember how we started communicating again but I am so happy that we did. She was a big part of my life at one time and I was glad to reconnect.
She knew that she was dying but didn't let it on. After the new year, I found out from a good friend of hers that she had terminal cancer and wasn't expected to have much time left. I will always appreciate finding this out because I was able to talk to her on the phone and to write her a letter to tell her how much she meant to me, how much I loved her. It was so important to be able to do this while she was still living and not on a memorial page.

Lesson learned: Life is short.... make the most of it while you can.

Au revoir, my friend.  I know that you will continue to kick ass.... xox

Eleven years

Today, Andreas and I have been married for 11 years. I feel that time has gone by so fast... although, my husband feels like we have been married for 50 years ;) I choose to take that as a positive comment ;)

XOXO till min älskling... may there be many, many more happy years ahead......

Flashback Friday

While working today (on a well deserved break, of course ;) ), I looked through a picture folder and took a little trip down memory lane. These pictures are from 2010/early 2011. They made me laugh... and feel a little sentimental at the same time.

Happy Friday! Wishing you all a great weekend xox

Eleven years

Today, my eldest son turns 11 years old! I am so proud of the sweet young man that he is becoming. He is smart, considerate, charming and can eat a week's worth of groceries in about 15 minutes ;) Alexander, we love you! xox

Yes, he likes to be goofy ;)

Mothers' Day

Yesterday, my sweet boys spoiled me with lovely gifts for Mothers' Day. I am blessed for the love that I have in my life.... even if they make me crazy some days.... like now.... because we are doing homework.... ;)

I hope that all of you who are mothers at heart were well-celebrated xox

A Nicka bookmark!

A beautiful card and necklace from Alexander

Love it!

Coloured carnations from Nicka

Paper flowers from Oliver

A very personalized card from Nicklas :)

Nicklas didn't want to leave his father out ;)

A flower made with Nicka's hands (PS: he is our crafty kid) ;)

From Oliver (with a little help from his daycare teachers) ;)

Sentimental

Sometimes I get sentimental when I think back and remember the boys when they were so small... and realize how fast time flies! I also forget what it is like to look at Alexander and not see long bangs ;) I could still pick up Nicka when he was this age.... and Oliver... well, he couldn't talk yet and now he doesn't stop ;) Haha!

Wishing you all a good week! xox

A little bit of sidewalk love

This week has been very busy! Lots of meetings, classroom preparation and homework (from the boys). I was feeling a little bit discouraged but then I looked down and saw this heart on the sidewalk. I know that it was not intentional but it kind of made my day. Now I would like to share it with you :)
Wishing you all the best for the rest of the week!

The man and his masterpiece :)

Oliver made this lovely little flower for me. Sometimes, he is so delicious that I can eat him up :) These are the types of memories that I will keep with me as they grow up... and I find that it happens all too fast!
Good night to all xox

Sometimes he sleeps....

Yes, sometimes Oliver sleeps.... I have evidence! I love our little man <3