Den Galna Familjen

Pictures and update.

2011-11-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

We have had som happenings lately and I am adding some pictures of the kids.

Jacob had the opportunity to take Commander Hoard to the Young Marines Birthday Ball, as he is the chaplain. So he had to be there.. And Commander Hoard had no date for the evening, so she offered to take him.

So here he is. Ready to go.

With the corsage to give to his 'date'

Jacob and Commander Hoard.

Amanda has a new hair color It suits her very well.

Our kids also had the wonderful opportunity to fly. Literally fly. With the Young eagles. That is a federal program here that promotes young children to get into aviation as it also allows for the pilots to get their mandatory flying hours in. To keep their licenses current. So the flying is free for the kids. All they have to do is to show up, be between 8 and 18 and it is first come, first serve... So some waiting,, But it is worth it!! Here is Jacob on his first flight! Can you see the excitement??

Jonathan. He didn't like it as much as the other three.. He may not be the one dying to come next time.. I think he got a little scared.

It is hard to see Amanda here, but she is thrilled. She was happy at first, because the plane is green. Her favorite coolor. But the flight itself was even better than the color of the plane, I think. Lets se..

Yes I think, she is one happy girl!!

Flying is about as great as life gets!!

Young marines is not so bad, is it???

Sophia also had a turn of course.

And loved it!!

We got our first snow storm right before Halloween this year. Not a lot of snow, but it got cold and icy.

Amanda was happy to have her new winter coat.

Pikes Peak is so beautiful covered in white.

Amanda again. She is embarrassed, but we are so proud!! She stood up to a bully in school. A bully that was attacking a friend and then turned on her. So the Young Marines recognized her courage and rewarded her with a ribbon for Personal Achievement and here she is posing with Commander Hoard and Mr Torres.

For Halloween this year, the Atlas children got to wear costumes to school. Amanda is a cute witch and the boys chose to wear their YM uniforms. It makes me proud that they chose this, as it means they understand the purpose of it!!

I know

2011-10-30T07:36:00.001-06:00

It has been forever since we updated this thing. But we are dealing with busy schedules and now a computer with a virus and possibly a harddrive failure sa I am not posting any pictures at this time.

But I will tell you, The kids have hade som serious fun with the Young marines since Morfar left.

First the Young Marines set up a mock Car Crash as part of the drug awareness quarterly meeting. Every quarter the kids HAS to participate in a drug awareness meeting, as that is what the program is all about, Drug prevention. This time around they had gotten together with an organisation called 'three seconds' and the Security Police and Fire Departments. http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/199284685422/

A lot of the pictures can be seen on the Colorado Springs Young Marines Facebook group.

Jacob attended the Young Marines Birthday Ball as Comander Hoard's 'date' as he is the chaplain and gave the prayers.

We also got the send the kids flying, literly! Flying, with the Young Eagles in Peyton. They all had a ball, and some of the pictures from that is also on the CSYM facebook page..

Yesterday was Young Marines graduation and Amanda got an award and ribbon for Personal Achievment for standing up to a bully at her school. Good Job Amanda, we are so pleased with your choices!!

As far as school goes, all kids had parent teacher conferenses and I got to meet with Sophia's teachers and Rich met with the Atlas teachers. All the kids are doing well, even though we have some things to work on, such as notes and hand writing...

As soon as the computer is healthy again I can post more of the pictures.

Finally- a update

2011-10-09T17:48:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the lack of updates.So much has happend since last. And I will not be able to tell about all of it either. But I will let the 'cat' out of the bag. Some of the readers have known that I have worked on loosing wieght this year. I had wanted to keep it a surprise for when my dad came to visit, but since the visit now is over, lets discuss;-) I had decided to loose weight at the end of last year. And by the time my dad came I had lost 60 lbs.

So here is me and my dad, last day before he went home.

My beautiful daughter. She has decided to become a country girl! She loves her Cow girl hat.

This is me, taken last night. 10-08-11 and I have now lost 65lbs since new Years. I am wearing size 14 pants in this picture. That is the same size jeans I wore before I got pregnant with Sophia!

So how did I do this?

The answer is Low Carb.

I have done the research and I believe in Low Carb. And my inspiration is:

http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/
http://www.fathead-movie.com/
http://www.garytaubes.com/blog/
http://247lowcarbdiner.blogspot.com/
http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/

Among others.

As for the rest of the family. We are trying to keep low carb for the most part, and Rich agrees. It is better for all of us. The kids are healthier, the eat more veggies too now. And their doctor even agrees. Low carb is the way! In addition, we try to stay gluten free and soy free. The little bread we do have at home are for the kids breakfast only. And as soon as our economy will allow that will also be replaced with healthier stuff!

We have no fruit in the house, it surprised dad when he was here. Fruit is only sugar.. We do however have some berries. But now during colder weather we will most likely not have much of that. Maybe some frozen blueberries sometimes. Instead of potatoes, we are eating turnips. They are very good! And you can make them into a very good and creamy casserole to go with any kind of meat dish.
But mostly we are eating broccoli, green beans or cauliflower as a side with dinner.

So there you have it! I am currently waiting for the results of my blood work that was drawn over a week ago. (don't know why it takes so long, when we do it for animals we have the results the next day..) I am not worried about the results, but it will be fun to see. I am expecting them to be in range over the board.

Pictures.

2011-09-08T08:28:00.011-06:00

Pictures from the visit from my father. They are all backwards.. So the last is first.. But you're just gonna have to live with that;-)

Balloon glow at Colorado Springs balloon classical.
The kids. Sophia, Jonathan and Amanda.
Morfar, Margareta, Jacob and Sophia.
Morfar and Amanda putting together a dresser from IKEA.
Daddy and Jacob, Jonathan and Amanda are behind Jacob.
My dear hubby.
balloons in the sky!!
More balloons.
Balloons rising.
A lot of balloons getting ready to rise.
"When Pigs Fly".
Kids very early in the morning at the balloon classical.
Morfar and Jonathan on the sea saw.
Sophia
Margareta and Amanda at Fox Run Park.
Balloons again.
A ground squirrel.
My dad and Margareta in Manitau Springs
Mr. Bishop building away.
Amanda in one of the towers at Bishop's castle.
Kids at Fox Run Park.
Dragon at Bishop's Castle seen from above.
Me, in one of the towers.
Kids in the tower.
View.. Looking down. Yes, it is high up.
Boys in one of the towers.
Inside of the castle.
The ceiling from inside.
A carved statue inside the castle.
Sophia and Jonathan in one of the towers.
Climbing the stone wall outside the Castle.
Jonathan and Sophia by the model by the road.
Amanda at Lake Isabel.
Sophia, trying to fish with a grape as bate.
Me, in the throne. I am the Viking Princess after all;-)
Lake Isabel.
Jacob at the lake.
Margareta, Dad, Jonathan and Sophia.
Sophia, Jonathan and Amanda at Lake Isabel.
Amanda showing off.
Fountain nature center. Beautiful view.
My dad.
Amanda in a tree.
Me and daddy at Garden of the Gods park.
Lake Isabel again.

Bijou Picknick

2011-08-21T16:45:00.004-06:00

Some pictures from my work pick nick. We had a nice time on the whole.
A BBQ with hamburgers, hotdogs and different salads.

This is Mrs Willhoit, Sharon, Rich and with tha back towards the camera are Malissa and her mother.
Chris, Mrs Colvin, Dr Miller And Khristen.
I think Dr. Willhoit took this, it is me, Dr. Bausch, Sharon and Malissas mother.
At the place, some swallows had a nest, with kids.
Chris, Khristen and her husband Dom.
Carolyn, Melissa with boyfriend, Dom and Khristen and Jonathan in the back.
Jonathan and jacob, Dr. Willhoit, Chris, Dr. Bausch and sitting is Mrs Colvin.
Jonathan talking to Dr. Willhoit. Jessie and her son. And Dr. Colvin over by Jonathan.
Dom and Khristen.
The baby birds again.
Mrs Colvin and Mrs Willhoit and Jolie- the Willhoit's dog.
Mrs Colvin, Mrs Willhoit, Rich, Sharon, Dr. Bausch and Dr Miller.
Dr. colvin, Dr. Miller and Jessies husband.
Dr. Willhoit talking Jonathan for a walk;-)

He showed out kids how to train a dog with a training collar.

First day back.

2011-08-17T21:52:00.002-06:00

So today I worked a full day after surgery. I did fine, not until the last half hour or so did I feel any pain.The hardest part is not lifting..
And it is hard to ask others to do my job.. And some of the staff show they are unhappy about it..

Sophia did her first day of school. She got her schedule and whe has 8 periods every day. No spanish yet..

Have to try to find her bus stop, and she'll be set. They claim she couldn't get a locker today because she registered too late.. Right.. Anyhow, she should have a locker in the next few days.

I am going to bed now, tomorrow is another long day.

High School.

2011-08-17T05:29:00.002-06:00

So today is the day. Sophia starts High School. Where did time go?

Everything is fixed now, and she is set to go to Wasson High. But it took a lng time to fix and we had to jump through some hoops to get there. But for her it is worth it.

This is a picture of the youngest three, our Atlas kids. Ready for a school day. So far, I am more than excited that it is working out so good for the boys and Amanda is also doing great. I am amazed at her, the level of information she is learning. And how mature she is.

The uniforms all in order, excited to go to school! Jonathan is in the middle. He is missing his glasses as he lost one of the lenses over the summer.

So today I go with Sophia so she can get her locker, her school ID, bus route and schedule and her schedule. Tomorrow, classes starts! And on Monday she also starts early morning seminary! Yeah! Old testament this year. 5:40 am start at the Church.

Why??

2011-08-15T13:00:00.002-06:00

So today we had to drop off the van for some maintenance work, I had to go up and see the Dr. and then we wanted to finish school shopping for Sophia. School starts on Wednesday. But the school web site had no material list so Rich called the school. And again they tell us she is not enrolled. Really???!!! We have papers stating that I enrolled her. I know we went outside the school she geographically belongs too, but really??

Everything was already approved. Why??

Is this the reason we have not gotten any info about this? I am so tired... So Rich took Sophia and they are going to the school to show the paperwork and everything. Lets get her into the system already!!

Anyway, I hope this solves it once and for all. This is getting old.

As for me, I have virtually no pain today. I feel great! Almost bored staying home..

But I am going in to sit in on staff meeting tomorrow. I feel I need to bug them some;-)And show Dr. Bausch that I am up to working Wednesday.

TTFN!

Done, and back home.

2011-08-12T19:16:00.004-06:00

So today is 8 is Friday and I got to come home today. Surgery is over and everything went well as far as I can tell. I got to the Hospital early because I had to check in at 8 and the Atlas kids also had to be at school at 8. But that is OK.

After checking in, they told me to go to Surgery on the second story. I was called in, weighed in and got a bed for prepping. Had to completely undress and got a very beautiful paper gown to wear. :-) They checked my blood sugar (92) and my blood pressure. And then the nurse placed the IV catheter in my right wrist.

The doctor came in and talked to me for a little and then we were waiting for the anesthesiologist. He finally came and tried to pronounce my name.. I corrected the 'Eisa' to 'Osa' and then he looked at me, and said: That is a Swedish name! I said yes and he asked if I spoke any Swedish. After he heard me saying yes, he spoke to me in Swedish! Turns out he is LDS and served his mission in Sweden!! How cool is that. Now, it was apparently 30 years ago or so, but his Swedish was very good still!

He never served in Vasteras, but spent some time in Jonkoping.. Anyhow, after he spoke to me, I got rolled into the surgery room. And moved over to the surgery table. They started by giving me Propofol as they also stuck me in the back for the spinal block. Next thing I know is waking up

;-)

Waking up was a little traumatic, as my heart beat dropped to upper 30ies and that is not good. So the nurse called the Dr. and he prescribed some drug to help my heart along. It got better, but she had to give me two doses. At this point I had absolutely no pain.

After about an hour at Waking, they rolled me up to 5th floor and my room. Private room and I got to do what I wanted for a while, until my heart rate went down again. I had to have oxygen, and more meds. To kick it back into normal range. And this continued all night. Not until 10 pm did I feel any better, at that point they had checked my blood sugar, given me at least four different meds to reverse the spinal block and start my heart and I had vomited. When Dr. Miller and her son Michael came to visit I was so out of it I barely remember anything.

But I had awesome nurses, and the doctor came in a few times also. I have been advised to never have a spinal block again..

Through out the night, even after 10 pm, I had episodes of low oxygen, and low heart rate, and even today this morning I kept having to wear the oxygen mask and a heart monitor.

The next problem is that I could not void my bladder on my own, probably because of swelling, so I had to go home with a urinary catheter. Not what I wanted to do.. I have to keep it in until Mon. am and then go see the doctor so he can confirm I can empty my bladder as I should.

As far as pain though. Not to bad. I have back and shoulder pain from the gases they pumped into me. But at the surgery site there is only some mild tugging and only when I stand or walk. No worse than menstrual cramps. At least for now. I got sent home with percacet and Motrin 500mg. And antibiotics..

I have 6 small incisions on my stomach. They were glued shut, so no sutures.

So far I am very pleased with the results, and I have not even begun recovery yet.

They want me to walk around, as that will help expel the gases, and they would prefer that I sit instead of laying down in between walks.

I am hopeful to be able to return to work on Wednesday.

Rich took yesterday, today and Monday off to care for me. Monday because I have to go to the dr. for the catheter.

So, there you have it. My surgery story. I am now spayed! :-D

Surgery - again.

2011-08-10T23:10:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow is my surgery day. I am being spayed;-) Yes, the joke at work is that I will be spayed. Not quite. I will keep my ovaries. But yes, I am having a hysterectomy.

I will stay the night at the hospital. And will return to work on Wednesday next week if all goes as planned. Lea will fill in for me. I may try to show up for staff meeting on Tuesday.

Monday they will have a great big celebration for Dr. Bausch. She turns 50.

The kids are doing good. Amanda, Jacob and Jonathan are all back in school now and in full speed they have a fair amount of home work every day. I am so happy about this, as I believe Atlas Prep. is an outstanding choice for all three of them. And so far both boys are doing fine with the level of learning, I knew that skipping a grade would not be too hard on them!

Sophia starts her school next Wednesday. And on the 22nd she also starts Early Morning Seminary. 5:40-6:35 am. This year they will study the Old Testament. I am excited for her!
The seminary teacher for this year will be Br. Demoss. He is a very nice man. His wife is from japan and they have five children. Sister Demoss is so cute! Really sweet family!

Anyway, time to go to bed now. I'll be happy when surgery is over.

Young marine's car wash

2011-08-07T05:03:00.002-06:00

This Saturday the Young Marines had their car wash fund raiser. And the kids were lucky with the weather. Sun and hot. And they had tons of fun! We love the Young marines program!
A Fire truck came by for washing. All the kids are on it for the picture. Can you spot our four?
This is the afternoon crew. Can you spot our four? They did an awsome job and the unit raised some good money too! Thanks to all of you who came to get your car washed. And to those of you who payed and then washed your own car in your own drive way:-D

Some Pictures.

2011-07-31T20:13:00.002-06:00

Ok, so here are some new pictures.

My new kitchen shelf from IKEA. It is perfect for what I wanted to do.
Amanda at Sky Sox game. She caught a foul ball and it is signed by Sox, the mascot.
The kids at the game. Momwas lucky enough to not have to go;-) Base ball is so not my 'thing'. But the kids had fun.
The borrowed kitten. He has a new home now and was named Stuart by his new owners.
My new IKEA dresser. We will eventually paint it black.

Filled week and weekend.

2011-07-31T07:36:00.002-06:00

This has been a full week. IKEA finally opened here in CO and I wanted to go Wednesday, opening day. But I didn't get someone to work my shift. Even though I had asked Lea and Dr. Willhoit was all excited for me. He even suggested I call his wife and go with her. Anyhow, after looking at the schedule I was more or less talked into taking Friday am off and go then. Friday looked fairly empty with Dr. Colvin leaving early and Dr. Willhoit having no surgeries. So Friday it was.

As it was also the first day of school for the boys it turned out to be a girls day out. I dropped off two VERY excited boys at Atlas Prep. And then I and the girls got on our way to IKEA. As I have no watch, I don't know when we arrived, but we were ushered in to the parking garage and got in line for the free breakfast. The free part was only the scrambled eggs, bacon and hash brown, and Sophia was the only one that agreed to eat that. I chose Gravad Lax, Both girls also wanted French Toast sticks and they split a huge cinnamon roll. I also grabbed a bowl of Lingonberry yogurt. And then we sat down to eat. I also had some lingonberry juice to drink:-D Even though I went off my diet for this, it was worth it!

Again, as I didn't know what time it was, I decided to skip the showroom part and we went straight downstairs to the actual store part. I grabbed the things I knew I wanted. Like towels, stake knives, drinking glasses and then in the furniture self serve part I grabbed the dresser and the kitchen shelf. Pictures to follow. We ended up in line again for checkout and while waiting in line I sent the girls over to the food store to see what they had there. I told the girls what to look for. After I was done checking out, I had the girls watch the cart so I could grab the food items. I got a bag of daim for work, and a bag of toffee candy strings, also for work. A small mandel tarta to bring in on Wednesday ( Wew free Wednesday)and I also got some marabou chocolate and Ahlgrens cars for Rich.

After that we went back to the car, loaded everything and drove home. Got home by 1:15 - just in time for me to get to work. And work was exactly as slow as we had thought.. So I wasn't missed that much I think. Dr. Willhoit was pleased for me, that I had gotten to go. He did joke, saying this store must be like my 'mother ship'. I guess, it is the closest to Sweden I'll get this year. For sure.

The evening ended with Richards sister Gretchen, her husband Rick and their daughter Catey and Rich's brother Ron coming over for dinner. They have been on a crazy half arount the US trip and decided to stop for the night here in Colo Spgs. So they had dinner with us, salsa chicken, and then checked into their hotel. The hotel had a pool so we all went there to swim and then Catey stayed the night with us. Sophia, Amanda and Catey stayed up til 2 am talking and having fun. Not often they get to spend time with a cousin.

Sat. I just slept and did grocery shopping. Nothing to exhausting. Oh, I did put the furniture together also.

Today it is church and then it is back to school for Amanda also tomorrow. This year Atlas will have late start every Monday. So not until 9:30. So I will get the kids and myself ready and drop them and go straight to work. I am excited for them, this year can only be a good year. We have come so far!

2011-07-18T20:38:00.002-06:00

So..
I got to work today and got to help anesthetize a dog for my boss. I told Paulette that my mom had some concerns about the 'death threats' I received at work.. Paulette laughed..;-) So I told her that my mother advised me to tell everyone at work that my 'burning' interested in work has cooled some as I am not willing to start my own cremation. At this point she laughed HARD. And that is also when Dr. Willhoit came into the room.

He wanted to know why Paulette was laughing so I repeated everything and as I told him about my mothers concerns he replied that it is not a 'threat'. :-D He also wanted to know if my mother was really worried about these 'death threats' or was she more worried she would not get the ashes sent to her??

Then he said that he did not see this as euthanasia, more as a suicide that I then forced them to carry out for me.. So it would just be much better for everyone if I didn't have to get fired..

As I told Dr. Miller about all this later today, she said it's a good thing my mother met Dr. Willhoit.. As he is -in her mind- soft as a teddy bear.. Yeah.. I may have a different view on that...:-D

Anyhow, it all makes the day fun. I love the sarcasm and the banter. And I hear laughter is a very good way to exercise your stomach muscles.

We got the enrollment papers from Atlas today. All three are enrolled and the schedule will be: Monday 9:30- 4. Tue-Fri 8:00 to 4:00.

The boys start on July 29th as they are new students. All returning students (Amanda) start on Aug. 1st.

The kitten we borrowed over the weekend got a new family today!!

As for now, shower and bed. Shower is a must as it is still very hot outside and worse indoors..

Week end is over.

2011-07-18T06:18:00.002-06:00

It is Monday again. This week end has been very hot and our house is just not cool enough.. So everyone is miserable..

We also had a borrowed kitten for the week end. The kitten is very cute, about 9 or 10 weeks old. Very playful. Even though they knew it is not staying, the girls named it. So Prince is his temporary name.. But he goes back today. We have three cats already and they were not happy about the kitten at all. Surprisingly Simbah was the least hostile. Shimmer the most. Aslan was in between, but also very curious about this invader. I think they will all be happy to see him go.. Not Amanda though. She did really good this week end taking care of him.

There is only two more weeks of summer break for the boys and Amanda. And then school is back in session. This Wednesday there is a meeting at Atlas for parents and Rich has to go or we will loose the spots for the boys.

We also found out that we are getting a short visit from family on the 29th. By short visit I mean that the visitors are only coming Fri. pm and leaving again Sat. am. But that is OK because I am going to IKEA that Sat. IKEA finally opens in Denver on the 27th. And the 30th we are going on a field trip;-) I guess it will be I, Paulette, Barb, Dr. Miller, Khristen and maybe Chris. It'll be so much fun!!

But now it is breakfast time. I am trying an new thing this am. Something to introduce to Dad when he comes. Greek yoghurt (full fat) with a little whipped cream in it. And a few raspberries and muesli made out of chopped nuts. (peanut, almond, pecan and coconut.) I had it for dinner last night. Yummy!!

Crazy Friday again

2011-07-15T22:01:00.007-06:00

Soo.. Yesterday 'we' decided to use our health insurance once more. Our philosophy is: If we have health insurance we should be sure to use it...

This time it was Jonathan, he stepped on something in the yard and cut a good inch long cut in the left big toe. Rewarded with 4 stitches at the urgent care. This time they helped out a little faster, since he was bleeding quite profusely..
Anyhow, today it is Friday, and a crazy one at that. For some reason I have been feeling rather yucky today, don't know why.. but..

Have I told my readers here that I have a very sarcastic boss that loves to tease? Last case for him today was a big English sheepdog with an abscess in the cheek. I helped Michelle to anesthetized and once the dog was asleep I was asked to hold up the head so the dr. could do what he needed to do. As I was holdig the head I saw my chance to tell him what I associate his name with..:-D Haha, My boss' name is Bill Willhoit. And since he can be quite cruel in his joking and with the name Bill... Naturally I think of Bill and Bull.

From Wikipedia:

Bill and Bull are stupid twin cats, spineless followers of “Mean Måns”, the bad guy of the stories. They are unindependent and lack any ability to question their leader Måns. Moreover, Bill and Bull has an unpleasant habit of repeating each other’s word, although in a slightly modified way.

So I did, I started by saying that as a little girl, my favorite story was about Pelle Svanslos-here he interupts me to say that it was also his favorite when he was young.. mm.. Since it was never translated into English, that is very likely..;-) Anyhow, I continued by telling about the little kitten getting his tail bitten off by a rat and how he was bullied by Evil Mans. And that Mans had these two very stupid cats following him around. And I told him those cats names were: Bill and Bull. At this he laughs, then looks at me and asks what my point is. I calmly say that it seems they go together.. Bill and Bull. At this point he tries to poke me in the face with a wet gauze sponge..

Later I told everyone there (Paulette, Michelle, Rita, I and Dr. Willhoit) that Richard thought I had gotten fired last night because I came home on time.(I have been working late lately because of busy days) Willhoit then turns to me and says that I can assure Richard that if I am fired I wont come home at all, they will just call him when the ashes are ready to be picked up.. Yes, that is the kind of banter we have at my job. Kind of fun and morbid humor. The loose rule is, what happens at work stays at work;-)

Tonight I brought home the kitten from work. As a bribe to get Amanda to do her chores. The kitten is in need of a home, but also socialization. We are not keeping it. But Amanda will be in charge of it for the weekend. The other three cats are not very happy, they are all sitting outside Amanda's room trying to find out what exactly is hiding in there. The kitten himself, is very tired as Amanda played hard with him!

I ended the evening by going to see the last Harry Potter movie.

Until next time. Good night.

Monday

2011-07-11T06:06:00.003-06:00

So it is a new week. Tomorrow Sophia goes off to her third Girls Camp. She is so excited. And yesterday she gave a short talk in sacrament meeting. She was so nervous, but did a good job! And got a lot of good feed back also.

So, Girls Camp, this year it is multi stake. And our wards girlsare called Scooby Doo. They decorated their own shirts. in hippie style. One is green and har beeds and stuff.. The the other is tie die. I am very glad I don't have to wear it, as I am not very fond of the tie die look.
But Sophia loves it.

I have to call to make the appointment for my pre-surgery today. My surgery is set for Aug. 11th. I am going to be so happy when this is all over. Not the actual procedure, but after heeling.

Hope you all have a good day.

Pictures

2011-07-08T06:34:00.003-06:00

I am so sorry for the lack of updates. Today my sister is being induced, she is a few days over due but today it should be over. So congrats to You Sandra, and your family for bringing another baby girl into your family!

This summer has been dry and hot so far. But the last week or so we actually got some moisture. It was very welcome.

The fourth, we had a pick nick at Fox Run park.

The boys helped this girl untangle her kite string.
The kite in the air.
Amanda and mom.
Pretty Amanda.

Jacob climbed the tree..

Eating the lunch. We had a nice chicken salad with blueberries instead of the higher carb grapes. Very good! The kids got their salad on bread, me and Rich had it low carb.
Sophia in a tree, with an apple.
Sisters.

We have been homeschooling the boys this summer, and we have been reading a lot. Found that Jonathan loves the Spiderwick series. And Jacob likes the Warrier books.

I think they'll do good in fifth grade! Looking forward to school starting. Next week is Sophias Girls Camp. So last minute shopping for that tomorrow.

Tonight she has a sleep over at one of the leaders house. Fun times!

Crazy Friday..

2011-06-10T20:47:00.002-06:00

Just as I was getting ready to go to work today, Sophia and Jacob comes upstairs from the basement. Jacob was bleeding, a lot, from his left index finger. He had at some point decided to play with a sharp knife and the result was the tip of the finger almost sliced off.. After applying pressure for 20 min. it was clear that I could not stop the bleeding, so I called the dr. They advised me to go to Urgent Care as they did not have a dr. in office until after 3pm.. This was around noon.. So off we went. And Urgent Care is NOT the place to go for speedy care.. OMG it took forever!!

After a LOT of waiting Jacob ended up with two small stitches in his finger. We are supposed to go back in ten days to remove them, but I think it'll be faster to let Paulette take them..

I am grateful that my job is so understanding when I call them to say that I have no idea when I'll be in.. Instead of getting there at 11:30 as planned I didn't clock in until 2:30pm.. So it was a very short day for me...

Next week is going to be painfully slow.. Two dr. every day except Tue and Fri. But Tue. is staff meeting.. So it is pretty slow as is...

Well, that is life..

Stake conferens.

2011-06-06T08:10:00.002-06:00

This past weekend we had stake conference and our stake had Elder Andersen as visiting general authority.

I also invited a co-worker and her husband to Sat. session. Great spirit!

Sophia had a youth meeting yesterday morning before the general session and she got to shake the apostles hand. That will be an experience she will remember for a lang time. I still remember having the chance to great Pres. Monson when he visited Stockholm way back when.

Today it is Sweden National Day again. I am going to wear yellow and blue to work. According to facebook it is also the second annual 'Kiss a Swedish Person Day'....

Also thinking about bringing my little flag. To have on the counter in the kennel. Just for today I mean..

Last Friday I had brought kaviar and boiled eggs for lunch... And everyone had 'funny' things to say about it, especially about it being in a tube.. None dared try it..

Anyhow, towards the end of the day Paulette told me that the kaviar jumped out at her when she opened the fridge, so I threatend to report her for 'almost theft'. Apparently the boss-man does not care if I loose kaviar, it could only be considered theft if it left the building in someones pocket and it didn't count if it ended up in the dumpster..

They are so not interested in culture at work.. haha.. So I was playing with the thought of bringing Flying Jacob casserole to work some day.. As a Swedish dish. It has no mustard, blue cheese or pineapple.. Or maybe tuna fish pizza?? So sad that I can't get a hold of Polsa or blodpudding here... ;-)

Anyhow.. I'll try to have a good day today. The kids are off to have breakfast at school and then we are having class a little time. Going to do language arts!

Have a good day!!

Graduation x 3 and birthdayfun.

2011-05-29T20:44:00.006-06:00

So, what has happen since last post? Lots, of course. There was the Young Marines graduation. It has been a year since our kids graduated.

Here is Commander Hoard and Mr Stucky.
The boys in the audience.
Sophia graduated from middle school. Comparable to graduation from 9th grade or hogstadiet in Sweden. Next up is High School, comparable to Gymnasiet.

Sophia has chosen to go to Wasson high in the fall och the math and science program.

Amanda graduated from first year at Atlas. Her graduation was held at Colorado Colleges.

Mr McCumsey, Amanda's principal.

Speaking of... We have gotten it approved for the boys to skip fourth grade and they will start Atlas come end of July!! That is indeed good news!!
Amanda receiving her grades and diploma for completing fifth grade!

Amanda and her class with her art teacher.
Proud Amanda.

Yesterday(Saturday) we (me and Barb from work) went to a little tea place in the middle of nowwhere and got to dress up and have a tea party to celebrate birthdays.Amanda for turning 11 and Barb's granddaughter for turning 9.
The lady's front room is where she does the tea parties. Amazing!!
Amanda got a purple dress.

Barb, Her granddaughter Gianna, Amanda and I.
Amanda, with her dress, hat, earrings, boa and gloves.
Enjoying tea (roiboos and herbal), chicken salad sandwiches, scones with whipped cream and jam, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Wedding dress in the corner.

It has been a good month for the most part!!

Annoying

2011-05-23T20:08:00.002-06:00

Came home from work today and I feel annoyed. Why? Today is the last day of school for the boys. For reasons I don't understand.

We live in a society today where the children are NOT expected to or needed to came to work on their parents farms but teachers unions have made it clear that nobody touches their precious summer vacation.
Am I only looking for 'free' childcare? No, I am not. We have worked it out so that Rich works mornings and I work evenings so that one of us is home with the kids. But the fact is: The knowledge that the kids now have gotten during the school year will be lost and forgotten by the time mid August rolls around. And then the teachers has to start the new school year by repeating what they supposedly learned last year.

What a waste of time and effort for both kids and teachers. For what? So the teachers can have the summer off while complaining over the 'evil' parents who wants year round school.

No teacher that gives voice to that sentiment will ever get my respect!

That was/is one of the main reasons why we so wanted the boys transferred to Atlas. Atlas Prep starts year round school this coming school year. yes, I do believe that the boys (both of them) would do good in fifth grade, but I also understand that it is a big thing to skip a grade. Things are learned in fourth grade that are needed for fifth. I get that.

I am less worried about the social part. The boys are born in Dec. Cut off in Co is Oct. 1st. As it is now, they are two months younger than the youngest of next years fifth graders. I doubt those two months make that much difference. But having missed out on fourth grade might..

It is a difficult decision for us. As we are dealing with two very smart boys.

So at this time, I now have two boys with not much structure for the next two and a half months. Good thing we have Young Marines!!

Really, teachers have more than three months of the year off and complain when asked to work more, saying parents only want 'free' childcare.. And people defend those teachers and think they have the 'right' to not work but still get paid. Shame on you who support this system!! You are doing the teachers, the school AND the students a huge disfavor.

I get it though, try to tell a swede to cut out his/her 5+ weeks vacation.. You'll get the same answer.. Working unions.. There is a reason why the Swedish word for them sounds so much like a very bad word in English. I have no sympathy for unions and those that hide behind them!

So much missed...

2011-05-13T18:15:00.002-06:00

So.. What has happened since I wrote last?? Tons. But then again, I am really bad at this blog thing.. At least updating. I read.. Others.. Pretty well..

Well, Sophia turned 14. That is a big one! And she really is big now~

And for her birthday she got some jewlery from Morfar and we gave her a horse back riding trip in Garden of the Gods. Just me and her.
Sophia on 'her' horse. Rosebud.
Sitting up. Getting ready to go.

We also got to the point that we had to get a new front door.
The old one, very warped and worn got ripped out.
The new one, white steel, got put in. Isn't it nice looking?

Also had to share this! I love this guy, he teaches with humor and I believe that is one of the best ways to teach.

So for now. Good night.

The past weekend.

2011-04-13T08:34:00.004-06:00

So this past weekend we finally got around to work on the bedrooms upstairs. Well. at least Sophia's room got a do over. A big one! The room 'before' was a fairly messy, unorganized and bland, white room. Now, much better!! But first.

Amanda had a picture in the 'Care-and Share' art contest and she got an Honorable mention for it. This is the picture!

The theme was: What does Hunger look like? I am sure some of the kids, those that got prizes..- have actually felt hunger.. One picture was very good! You really saw the hunger in the picture, and these were all done by elementary children.

So for Sophia's room.
Sort of before.. The walls were just white and nothing really pretty about it.

New color, Victorian purple. And we also took out the carpet. The hardwood floor under is not in great shape, but it has potential. Some sanding and I think it will be great!!

Here we can see the newly uncovered hardwood floor. And Sophia's new bed. It's a bunk with a futon under. For seating but also for sleepovers if needed;-)

Aslan had to check it out. He loves his new sleeping area;-)

As we are redoing all the rooms for the kids, we also got a bunk for the boys.

But the boy's room is not painted yet. But their bunk bed is up and in use. Amanda's room is next to be done. Her bed is to be picked up today. Pictures to follow.

Nothing special.

2011-04-09T06:08:00.002-06:00

Nothing special, the short version of this week.. Except that spring came!! Ok, so there is some green outside now, some green on the bare trees. That is good. And we have had some days with really nice weather.

Oh, Got to tell this good news!! Got home papers from Atlas Prep-Amanda's school- and they are going 'Year- round' next year!! Yeah!! It is so awesome!!

And in response to that little piece of information me and Rich decided to ask if we could have the boys tested for 5th grade at Atlas. I had a parent-teacher conf. with Amanda's adviser yesterday and asked her. We will find out next week. Hopefully they will want to at least test them. If it turns out that they test ready for 5th then we will enroll them also at Atlas. Second choice is Star Academy. And then still move them to Atlas come year after next.

It sounds as if we are for sure planning on staying here now, doesn't it.. Of course we do not know where we will be after Rich actually gets a new job..That is a decision we will have to make at that time.. I will be very sad to leave all these good schools and the area here. If it comes to that.

Rich and I celebrate 15 years on the 26th. 15 years!! Wow. I don't know what-if anything- we are doing to commemorate the day. I'd love to have a day-date, just him and me.. But it is a Tuesday and we both work...

Anyhow.. That is what is going on here.. TTFN!

It is spring!!

2011-04-05T05:53:00.002-06:00

Well, at least it feels like it and soon we will see greens outside also. Here are some pics. of the kids that Rich took.

Sophia
Amanda
Jacob and Jonathan (in glasses)
Sophia
Amanda.

Hope your springtime is wonderful also!!!

Finally!

2011-03-18T06:54:00.002-06:00

It has finally come, the graduation day! Rich is done with school!!!!! Now to find a better job.

I am tired.

2011-03-13T14:27:00.003-06:00

Did we not just do this??
Again I had to take Amanda to the Dr. This time we think she has a UTI. But as we got there and she gave her sample it turns out there were not a lot of bacteria after all. Not enough to call it a UTI, but there was blood in the urine. So they are sending it out for a culture and we should hear from her dr. by Wednesday for a follow up. In the meantime we got antibiotics. But this time, on Amanda's request, I asked for pills. And got Cephalexin 500mg. These pills (capsules) are BIG and now of course she can't swallow them whole. So in the end I had to break it apart and sprinkle it on a spoonful of yogurt for her to get the meds. in her!

And again, more visits to the dr. On the other hand, this dr. heard NO PVC's again!!!

Anyhow.. Other than that, it loos as if this schedule change is going to be permanent. At least until Rich gets a better job. Ans speaking of.. IKEA is starting to hire some for the Denver Store, as the Denver Store also is suppose to be the supply hub for the mid country, which is up his alley!!

Also, today I am trying out the daikon casserole. Daikons are supposedly lower in carbs than turnips and I hope it is good. Has to be!!

Update

2011-03-07T05:37:00.003-07:00

Ok, update on Amanda. First a picture of her holter monitor. She wore it for 24 hrs and then it was returned. We had the appointment on the third for the treadmill test.
Result: Monitor said that 4% of her heartbeats were these PVC's increasing to 6% while sleeping. This is normal for the diagnosis of PVC's of Child Hood. Meaning that she would have been born with this. HOWEVER.., we also did the treadmill test today. For a child with pvc's of child hood they would expect to see pvc's at resting and light exercise but that they disappear as her heart rate goes up. But for Amanda, not one single pvc during the whole test!!!

The monitor.

So now he thinks it could have been the viral inflammation of the heart that caused these pvc's after all. And that is also my feeling. But he also had the objection that maybe she was too excited to be there and her heart rate was never low enough. It almost sounds as if he wanted this to be PVC's of Child Hood. So we have to come back in June to repeat ALL tests.

As for the rest of the family. Sophia had more blood work done and it seams she has to up her dose of synthroid as her levels were VERY low. We don't know if this has anything to do with her lack of appetite though. Also she has developed some kind of rash on her chest, legs and hands. It looks like small raised spots and they itch! So again we are trying to get a hold of dr. Hollister but also dr Babcock. ( dermatologist)

Me and Rich switched schedule for a while. So I am now working closing at work and he goes to work at 5am. So far so good. We will find out soon if this is 'permanent', but as for now it is over on march 31.

Do I dare?

2011-02-15T17:30:00.003-07:00

I do not know how much to say about last week as we are still not sure of what is what... To rewind, Amanda got sick last week end. Nothing major, a cold. Anf then on Sunday it presented with sore throat. VERY sore throat. We (I) though strep. So I asked Rich to make an appointment at the Dr. on Monday. It ended up being me taking her. At the dr. they tested for strep( quick was neg, but came bac pos. on Wed) and flu (neg) and of course they also listened to her heart... At that point the dr. asked me to take Amanda for an EKG as she detected irregular heart beat. My first thought was that it was only one of those extra tests that American drs are so good at ordering.. No big deal, if it happens it happens. I got home and first called work. Then called our insurance company for a cost of the test and then the hospital. It seamed to be a walk in thing and away we went.

The test itself only took a few minutes.

Wednesday they called from our pediatricians office and let us know that Amanda DID test positive on the strep. culture and we got amoxicillin for her. On Thur, they called again saying they had recieved the results of the EKG and Amanda needed to get to the cardiologist ASAP. So we got an appointment for Fri am.

There they did a long ultrasound of her heart, another EKG and the dr. explained that they had noticed PVC's and he thought it most likley something she was born with. BUT, since she had a diagnosis of strep, it could also be myocarditis, a viral inflammation of the heart. The way we would know is, if she is born with it they will still be there after she is healthy again.

She also had to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hrs. To monitor how often these PVC's appear. The results and next appointment with a treadmill test will be on March 3rd.

Until then.

2011-02-07T19:32:00.003-07:00

I know.. It has been since forever.. I don't even know where to start..

It is winter, it is cold. We have had the monster winter storm with cold temps of down to 32 below. That is cold even for me as a Swede.. And I am so not looking forward to the heating bill for next month.

Work is still good. But has been kind of slow lately.. And I am ready for vacation..

Rich is halfway through with this last class. And we have to pay it off monthly.. Not fun..

About three weeks ago Jacob got his finger caught in the car door. The tip under the nail is broken, we know this after three x-rays of the thumb. We even got to keep the radio graphs.

The thumb. The nail will fall off soon we suspect..

Better wrapped now after a second Dr appointment. Look how inventive he is about holding the fork!!

Picture of the dead nail..

Jacobs new spiky hair do . Note the green tint at hair line.. Hehe..

Also.. Rich finally got around to ask for a sleep study to determine if he really does have sleep apnea as I suspect. This is how he looked all hooked up..

No, it wasn't much of a SLEEP study as it turned out. I guess he got to sleep for three hours and then got woken up to be fitted with a CPAP mask. That is supposed to force oxygen into his nostrils to prevent these episodes of breathing stops. But he instead panicked and tried to pull of all five different types of masks.. And got no more sleep during the allotted time..

Also, I again wear wedding rings!! Yeah!! It has been a long time since I lost my wedding rings but now I finally have a new set.

What do you think?? Pretty aren't they? I love them!!

New year.

2011-01-02T13:51:00.002-07:00

It is 2011. Time really flies! I can only hope this year will be better than last year was. Has to be.

We are finding out about a therapist on Tuesday I think. Rich starts school again tomorrow as we have not heard from the teacher. It is unlikely that the grade will change, so retake of the class it is.. He better come home with an A this time around..

Amanda starts on Tuesday and the other three on Wednesday. Yeah, winter break is OVER!!!

We finally got some snow and cold!! The streets were like ice and really bad for driving. But it is thawing today.

We have early church this year, start at 9 am. Sunday school, we are reading NT and RS is challenging us to read BoM. I am going to work on a better year.

Christmas

2010-12-25T10:21:00.006-07:00

Christmas. I guess I should write something profound about the wonderful season and how this year has made us grow so much and how grateful we are.. But at this time I am just not there.. Not that I am not grateful.. I am, but not enough for a soppy post about it.. I am still angry, depressed and in chock. Not necessary in that order, or any order.. Just all of it, in a jumble..

So.. To short it down, Rich failed his class and did not graduate. No, I am NOT happy!

Sophia, we are trying to deal with it, just not sure HOW to yet. We appreciate your concerns, but we need to figure it out on our own first of all. This is a little more tricky than just a cold and someone sending us a pot of chicken soup. It is not going to be cured by a simple swoosh of a magic wand. So be patient as we are also trying to be..

Amanda, our headstrong, not yet teenager but oh so trying to act it.. Is doing great in school but the last month I think got her a little.. A lot of homework, long days.. Being 10 almost 11 is harder than you'd think.

Jacob and Jonathan, also doing good for the most part. Struggling with reading, mostly with the desire to actually read.. The know-how is there.. Just not the desire.. Also struggling with bullies at school, there is some plans for a charter school next school year.

Asa, foot still bothering, but work is great! You can't have it all...

So for something more fun.

Christmas Eve, breakfast. Jonathan and Dad. Sophia hidden. Amanda's hand.
Tired dad, Amanda and Jacob. Hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls and the gingerbread houses.
Jacob and Jonathan in the t-shirts from Hawaii that aunt CC sent them!! Thank you Christianne!!
Sophia and Amanda with corral bracelets from Hawaii.
The nativity scene I purchased this year. A candle is placed behind the figures.
Nativity scene my mom send from Sweden. Thank you mom! It made it here!
Sophia and Simbah.
Christmas dinner, time to light the candles.
Our Christmas tree before the storm...
Jacobs gift, from dad. A flying saucer.
Amanda with her new Barbie.
Jacob trying to open the gift from Aunt Lory. Aunt Lory, self proclaimed over wrapper...
Amanda with the winter hat from Morfar in Sweden.
Sophia with new mittens from Morfar.
Jacobs new winter hat, also from Morfar.

What do we do now?

2010-12-18T11:34:00.002-07:00

1. SHOCK & DENIAL-

2. PAIN & GUILT-

3. ANGER & BARGAINING-

4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-

5. THE UPWARD TURN-

6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-

7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-

I wrote this down to try to sort out my own feelings and thoughts at this time. This is only me, and only a very fresh and still confused me.

I would say I am still in shock but trying to not deny. I haven't SEEN it. But I have seen some of it, I guess.. What am I talking about? Trichotillomania.

Yes, I knew about Sophia pulling her eyelashes, a few years back. She tried to stop, started again and then stopped. This time.. She is pulling her hair out. It is not falling out on its own, she pulls it out. Maybe not conscientiously all the time, but she is the one doing it. When? I don't know.. In school-must be.. In bed at night.. While asleep? Or awake? You tell me..

No, the problem isn't her lack of hair, the problem is that she is not feeling good. About herself, about her life and she knows of no other way to handle it than to hurt herself. And it kills me! To now know that she in feeling so bad. That I have been so blind, so in denial that I wanted this to be lupus or whatever, rather than what it is.. I want a cream, a pill for her to take and it will be good again. Or it never to happen at all. But not this..

So our next step? A therapist. Some support group. Real help. From people that know. And I can't sit here and cry about it, I don't have time. I have two boys turning nine today and ... No..

How do I get all the energy needed for this? The hours needed to do all I need to do? To manage to focus on all four kids and help them and at the same time have energy to work full time and care for the home with my Husband working nights and weekends? If my life is chaos, how can I help my 13 year old to make sense of hers?

I have to go now...

Another weekend and then some..

2010-12-13T19:05:00.004-07:00

OK. So I haven't said too much about my 'funny' boss here. My boss has a great sense of humor but he has this last year targeted my Swedish heritage mostly. For a while he called me the Viking Princess. Because I am from Sweden. Now.. I don't even know for sure that I even have viking blood in me.. But that is not an important fact in the matter... So for a while I was the viking princess, but then he informed me that he read an article about vikings and that they were nothing more than glorified terrorists. And he informed me then that being a viking really wasn't a merit or something to brag about. As if I had demanded to be called a viking princess...

So.. I found a PERFECT Christmas gift for my dear boss. And to go with it I also made a framed poster. The poster claims that Working with a Swede builds character!

Now, that of course goes for everyone that works at Bijou Animal Hospital and whether you see me as an example or as a trial to endure, You're Welcome! :-D

Dr Willhoit in his new Viking helmet and the poster in hand. Thank you Angie for taking the picture and sending it to me!!

The gifts were given at last staff meeting, in front of the whole staff! Our boss also received a coffee mug in the shape of a toilet. A true sign that he is a beloved boss, wouldn't you say? :-D

On another note. Today is Saint Lucia day and this is my beautiful daughter as Lucia.

Sophia got to wear the live candles this year and Amanda wore the electric crown. They performed at BHA Christmas Party. After the performance the boys had a wrestling match with Dr Willhoit. Guess who won...

Dr. Willhoit and Jonathan.

That is it for now. Have a wonderful evening.

Lucia.

2010-12-11T22:34:00.003-07:00

Dec. 13th is Saint Lucia Day in Sweden. This is my favorite Lucia song. Sa mork ar Natten.

So dark is the night of mid winter season
But see, Lucia is coming.
She comes, the good one, with the light to us here.
She comes with a message of Christmas Peace.
She comes with candles in her crown.

So dark are the nights of the mid winter season
We greet you, fair Lucia.
Welcome, you are good, bringing the light here.
Welcome with greetings for Christmas.
Welcome with your candles in your crown.

Living here in Colorado I have almost forgotten how dark Sweden is during the winter. But I was reminded the other day when someone posted the sunrise and sunset times for Kiruna.

Two days ago, Dec 9th. Sunrise at 11:03 am Sunset at 11:59 am. Yes, less than an hour. And that is not even the longest night. That is not until Dec 22nd.

Christmas for me has allways been all the candles. I love candles in the winter. And considering how dark it is in the country I grew up in, it is not so strange. We celebrate Lucia because she brings the light back to us. I wish the tradition was honored here in the USA also. It is so beautiful!!

Horrible Doctor appointment.

2010-12-10T05:33:00.002-07:00

Ok, I am still upset about the visit to Dr Hollister. I called to make this appointment when my mom was here, so two months ago. It was the soonest we could get in and it was up in Denver. It was mainly to try to figure out why Sophias hair is falling out. So the day finally came. To go to Denver takes me have time off from work.

This day I decided to take off all together. I could have worked some in the morning, but it is easier for work to fill it up if I let someone take my whole shift instead of me trying to leave early so it was a decision I had to make. Plus I got to sleep in a little...

Anyhow.. I got Sophia from School at 10:45ish and we were on our way. The ride up was smooth and nothing really going on. Got there in plenty of time, the nurse got the vitals and had us in a room. After a few minutes this TALL man walks into the room. He says he is a third year med student, working with Dr Hollister, could he examine Sophia. I say sure.. I really just want to see a doctor, I am kind of wondering where Dr Hollister is. Apparently he is to show up at a later stage?

This med student does the examination, asks questions about her current medications, when the hair started falling out etc. So far so good.. But then he says he doesn't know what it is, he is no doctor.. So he goes to get the Doctor..

Dr Hollister finally comes, with a woman in tow. He introduces this woman as someone in charge of a national research registry for Children with rheumatic diseases and lupus. Would we consent to participate? At this point I am a little frustrated at the lack of interaction with an actual doctor. I just want a few minutes with the doctor! I consent to talking to this woman after our appointment. The woman then leaves. And Dr Hollister glances at Sophia's head. Tells us we need to be seen by a dermatologist-he is not an expert on these types of problems. And then he again wants to take us to this woman. Like the appointment is over now.. But hello!!?? I try to stall, so he says- a little impatiently.. All the dermatologists that he knows are up in Denver, would he like me to find one for me there? No, I want one down in the Springs.. So he tells me he will call Sophias pediatrician to get an referral.. Then he leaves the room.. I walk after him, trying to catch up. Finally we end up outside this womans office where he askes us to make another appointment in four months.. I ask if he even thinks this is lupus related? Yes, he does think that. Then he walks off.. That was all...

145 miles of driving. The day off from work, gas money, 25 dollar co-pay and we now know.. It may be lupus related.. Wow.. So worth it.. *NOT*. Appointment with a Doctor Babcock (Dermatologist) on Dec. 17 at 8:10am. Hopefully we will finally get some answers!!!

Strong daughter.

2010-12-06T04:42:00.002-07:00

Was sitting thinking yesterday about yesteryears and how there was this one person in particular that I saw as an example. I saw her as very strong. As someone to look up to. Her example was awesome!!
At one point she found out there was hardly any food she could eat. For a very long time we only ate chicken, veal, rice and potatoes. She was frustrated at the Word of Wisdom that states that Wheat is for man, when wheat made her sick.

I was surprised to see that she continued to partake of the sacrament at Church even though that was bread, Wheat. But she told me that she felt a deal had been made. If she kept herself worthy of partaking of the sacrament then God would make sure she did not get sick from it.

What an example for me!! I yearned to have a faith as strong as she had. And now as I am watching my daughter I see in her the same strong faith.
This Saturday I sit early in the morning brushing her hair to put it up for Young Marines. And it is clear that the bald spot in the front can not be covered. And since they are serving breakfast indoors there will be no covers.. So.. I tell Sophia that I can't cover the spot. She turns and says: "It's ok. It's the Young Marines. If anyone says anything I know where to go! "

She is so strong, she is ok. She'll be ok. This stupid disease that takes her hair will not get her down!!

This Wednesday we are finally seeing the doctor up in Denver. I am not sure it will lead to anything.. But one can hope.. But if not then I know Sophia will still be ok!! Because she is strong, as strong as her aunt was way back when!

Last week we got another call from the boys school.. Jacob has once agin tried to forge a check. He is not learning to avoid crime, he is only learning how to do it better.. This time the check was filled in almost correctly, the only thing missing was the amount in letters and it was done in pencil. He had manged to sign Richards name, and it looked as if Rich had done it. I checked it out, in CO check fraud gets you a minimum of three months a max of one year in prison and a fine of three times the amount of the check written. Why is he still trying to commit check fraud? Well, he felt that the bank would just print up new money.. So that made it ok for him to use our checks.. How do we get through to him????

Oh, I found out my sister Sandra is having another baby!! Due date: July 4th!! Hope she keeps feeling ok this time around, so far so good!! Love you Sandra!!!

Birthday

2010-11-30T20:39:00.002-07:00

Today I am officially Over the Hill. Yes, 40. But it was just another day.. So..

But again, I am rally bad at this blogging thing. I have to start last week.

Wednesday morning, last week. I got in and saw that we had one dog that had stayed the night non fluids. i go to check on him before I open up the building, as I always does. Except this time.. The dog was barely breathing, the heart was beating but only just.. So I ran to call Dr. Bausch, his veterinarian. Off course it is her day off.. But it is protocol that I call that Dr that is the main on the case. She asked for the owners phone numbers and we hang up. I go back to the dog, but now he is gone.. I go get a stethoscope to make sure, crying as I do so. No heartbeat anymore. So I call Dr. Bausch back again. To let her know it is over. The dog died from liver failure, there was nothing we could have done. I know this. But it was hard to see him die, just as I walk into work..

This off course is the day before Thanksgiving, so Thursday I only had to come in a few hours at night. And Friday I had the day off. But Monday, again.. I walk in and see we have two dogs and a cat, all on fluids. As usual, I go check on the animals before anything else. One, Wilbur, has been there since Tuesday last week. But Monday morning he was NOT looking good, in fact I thought at first it was too late.. Until I see his eye flutter. The relief! But then I turn to look at Cuddles... And this time there is no question about it.. Cuddles has passed away sometime during the night.

Two dead patients in less then a week.. Makes for a long week! At least today all the overnighters were alive when I came in to work. Makes for a much better day!!

Also, Barb gave me a new scrub top!! With Siamese kittens on it!! She is so nice!!
Rich brought me lunch at work since he had to work tonight.

Tomorrow is Dec. first and the calender's are ready to go!! I am getting some Christmas spirit I think!!

Hope your November has been good also!!

Yes, I know..

2010-11-20T10:21:00.002-07:00

It has been a long time since I posted last. It is not that I don't want anyone to know what we are doing, but we aren't doing a whole lot..

Work is good, we have been fairly busy lately. I still have foot pains but have found a treatment that helps some. It is called Ice Dipping. Basically, I take a bucket, fill it with about 10 inches of water and then dump ice into it. Into this icy cold water I dip my foot for about 10 seconds, 10 times within a two-hour period every day. It is very unpleasant, to not say horribly painful, but I do think it helps some. This whole week I only took the meloxicam I was given, nothing else to help it along. Although, by Friday I was limping again.

Last weekend we had Richards sister Lory come for a short visit. She flew in on Thursday and left last Monday. It was a nice visit and we managed to take new family pictures while she was here. Those of my readers that are closer family might get a copy in the mail around Christmas...;-) until then, I am not showing any copies! Ha!

No, really, I don't have any copies to show.. And no scanner either.. So live with it!!

We also had a visit with Dr. Nyack for Sophia. As far as her thyroid goes, it seems to be good. He ordered blood work and 'No news is good news' so I think all is good with that. However.. We do have another issue to deal with, and that is her hair loss. he thinks it might be Alopecia areata, but he is not an expert on that. After having looked at the issue a little, granted I know NOTHING! I am wondering though.. It seems that alopecia is what Richards mom and sister has? so it could be, but according to what I read the scalp should be completely bald if it is.

In Sophia's case it isn't, it is more fuzzy and the hair seems broken off, not fallen out of hair follicles.

And also, the itching.. And the scabbing..

It could be: Discoid lupus erythematosus ? That could explain the itching and scabbing and also the hair loss.

It also seems that hair loss is not an uncommon complication of SLE, the lupus that Sophia has. So it could be that it is 'just' the lupus, that the hair will grow back and it will never happen again..

So again, we are waiting for a doctor that might know. In either case, it seems that maybe biopsy might be part of the diagnosis procedure...

For now, we are able to hide the big bald spot on top of her head by using a barrette, but the one in the front is then very visible.. Unfortunately..

Well, there you have it.. Hope your day is good!

Another two weeks

2010-10-24T09:54:00.007-06:00

So the time finally came for Mormor to go home. These weeks have gone so fast!

Against all odds we had a good time. I say that somewhat as a joke but also seriously since my mom and I have a typical mother-daughter relationship and too long in the same room has not always been a good thing.

But maybe, just maybe I am growing up?!

So, what did we do while she was here? Besides forcing her to live in a construction zone while our kitchen got finished.. She also got to spend one day at my work, she got to hear more fighting from my kids than she had bargained for..
We had a lot of good talks, both about my growing up, how I am coping as a mom of four strong willed children, one a teenager, and also about politics.

I am also posting some good pictures. We took so many more, this is just a small sampling.

Mom and me at the top of pikes Peak. Man, were we lucky with the weather. I have not been up there since my dad and both sisters were here many years ago. That time we had a full blown snow storm on top, only saw snow.. This time.. WOW!!! 28 degrees, some snow, warm sunshine!

Monument on other side of cafe.
View. Pictures does not do it justice. As mom said, they are just too small and flat.

Another monument at the summit. This one to honor Katharine Lee Bates and the hymn she wrote: America the Beautiful. This is what she saw, and it inspired her to write about this beautiful country!!
Look at this!!
The cog railway depot in Manitou Springs.

View from the Cog.
Windy Point. There once lived a family here, husband, wife and children. Wife even gave birth here.. crazy..
Lake on the mountain side.
Mom at the top!!

We also saw this beautiful castle in Manitou Springs. Miramont Castle. OK, so it does not have the size of a castle-coming from Europe.. But how many houses have a gold ceiling??
Yep, it is gold!!
Mom and kids in the Castle stair.
View from the Miramont Castle.
Amanda, so beautiful!!
Miramont Castle. Worth a visit, for sure!!
Kids in the basement.
Dressing up in firemen 's coats.
Fall leaves at Helen Hunt Falls.
Helen Hunt Falls.
Helen Hunt falls.

Ok, so some background for the next few pictures. Decided to take mom to Bishop's Castle. It is south of Pueblo, a somewhat different man... is building his own castle.

On the way there we stopped at Isabell Lake. Look at this!!
Not even a cloud in the sky, and no wind at all!!
Bishop's Castle. This is build by one man, on his own. He started building in 1969. He has no plans at stopping.
One of the towers.
Another view. With my fear of heights, all you get from me are ground pictures, but google and you can see pictures taken higher up.
This is his plans, with a full wall around the property....
Dragon at the hilt.
More of the castle.
His signs... He has big signs everywhere. No entrance fee, only voluntary donations.
Castle from the road.
Isabell Lake again. So beautiful!!

Thanks for the wonderful month you spent with us, mom. I love you!! The kids love and miss you!! Hopefully it will not be another few years until we see each other again!!

Mormor, kitchen again and kids.

2010-10-10T12:30:00.006-06:00

It has been two weeks since Mormor (my mother) came. She has had one day shadowing me at work, heard a LOT of fighting from the kids and also seen some fun things.

Rich took her on a short trip through Garden of the Gods. For some beautiful pictures and touristy stuff.

My mom in Garden of the Gods.
The mountains in fall sunlight.
Mom holding Balancing Rock in her hand.

mom also got to see Amanda in her very first play at her new school.

Amanda in her play. She was the narrator. Did a beautiful job!!

We also finally finished the kitchen! Look at how very nice it looks now! I am glad mom got to see how it was meant to be!!

Corner, now with wall cabinets. And the microwave oven over the stove.

All the cabinets are in! We now need new window treatments that match the kitchen, I want to have a plant over the corner cabinet and maybe some nice vases or things like that on top.

On Oct. 9th the kids marched in a parade in Widefield. Jonathan got the honor of holding the banner!

Tired Sophia after the 2 mile march.
Today, mom and I went on a short outing to Manitau Cliff Dwellings.

A carving of the dwellings.

Mom, outside the four family dwelling.

The chief lived here.
Penthouse? Good view in any case.

We still have two more weeks of seeing fun things!! Loving the time with mom here!!

Mormor

2010-09-26T16:39:00.002-06:00

ok, so Mormor (Mothers Mother) is here, she is staying for a full month! Her trip from Sweden went well and she got the help in Chicago that I had hoped for. And after a short bout of altitude sickness she is now doing good.

So far we have shopped for some food and looked at the wall cabinets for the kitchen. And she introduced Paper Dolls to my chikldren and they have made tons of them! Our front room is littered with paper scraps and in need of vacuuming.

Today I missed the call from work about the c-section.. A bulldog with 8 puppies and I was at Church when the call came. To bad, c-sections are fun and I would have liked to be there. But by the time I got home it was over..

Now it is dinner time. So, for now. So long!

Summer and early fall recap.

2010-09-18T21:36:00.006-06:00

So, a mostly picture recap of the summer, backwards..

Today, this evening. Hardiebacks are down, waiting for tile on the kitchen floor. Aslan is inspecting the job.

The corner of the kitchen, some hardiebacks are still needing to get put in. But we are closer to finished.

Done!! Well, at least with taking off all the horrible sticky tiles.. Whole floor is now covered in sticky clue..

Taking the sticky tiles off. At least we had some fun..

Paint, and the refrigerator is in the middle of the floor space.

Cupboards are out, see the water damaged floor.. No wonder the floor at the sink was so 'spongey'..
Taking the cupboards apart to remove them.

Sophia with the power drill.

Smashing the cupboards to make them fit in the bagster (dumpster in a bag).

The awful, blue, cupboards, doors are off. Soon they will be gone forever!!

The corner, the empty space held the stove, but soon we will have the fridge there.

Amanda in Garden of the Gods, hiking.

Jonathan, he made it to the top!

Sophia climbing.

Jacob on the top. Beautiful sky!

Labor Day at the Balloon Fest. No ballons were launched because of winds, but the kids had fun!

Jonathan inside one of the balloons.

Amanda in her new uniform. For Atlas Prep. My pretty girl!

Jacob got bit by a dog at a friends party...

Amanda learned the lesson of not sneaking off to swim, especially not without sunscreen..

Swimming at Prospect Lake.

Weekend again.

2010-07-31T06:14:00.002-06:00

So.. I went to work yesterday. I also had a Dr. Appointment to check on the foot.
I think I did pretty good. Decided to take two percocets in the am instead of just one. And that helped! For part of the day I was walking almost normally, no serious limping.

At the Dr's office they removed the bandage and put on just regular band aids. The Doctor said the foot looks great, but to me it looks horrible with enormous bruises both under the foot and up the leg. I am aloud to wear regular shoes now so I went back to work in my new "TrimFit" shoes. They are the knock off of the SlimFit shoes.
Anyhow, it felt better for the foot without the very hard surface of the surgical shoe, but the foot still hurt like crazy!

I did finish my whole shift yesterday, so that was good..

Ended the evening with Fredagsmys. And got everything ready for today's YM drill. It's a short one today, only 8:30-noon. So no packed lunch, just water and the Cammie's and books.

While the kids are there, Rich and I will do some school shoping for the kids. Amanda only needs pants and shoes, the other three needs a lot more! All of them got new backpacks already.

We are also enrolling the kids for next year in YM. Yep, excited to do this for my kiddos!

6 days after

2010-07-28T09:59:00.003-06:00

It has been 6 days since surgery. Thursday was VERY painful as Rich helped me down to the basement, and I stayed there until Sunday. Friday I hobbled to the bathroom on my own, but in a lot of pain. Sat. about the same.. Sunday I did go to Church, but stayed only Sac. meeting. Monday I went to work, as planned. The plan might have been flawed..

I walked in to 5!! dogs needing to be walked.. OK, so only four, since one dog had gotten worse and couldn't walk.. But still.. And add two cats, one in ISO. The day was bad, and I left at noon since by then I hurt so bad I didn't ever want to put my foot down on the floor again.

I went home and sat with my foot elevated and under ice for about three hours before it felt better..

Tuesday.. Three dogs to walk in the morning. The dog that couldn't walk on Monday passed away. sad, but probably better for her. She was so very sick.

My feet hurt worse and by nine I was trying hard not to cry. Right before 11 I was asked to help with x-rays, but I couldn't help myself. I just asked if I could go home, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't imagine walking another step.

Wednesday, today. I am home, foot elevated, waiting for the doctor to call back. My poor foot is swollen and I am icing it and not walking anywhere.

I just want to be able to walk! Without pain!

The pain meds makes me warm and sleepy. It dulls the pain but doesn't take it away..

Going back to sleep now.

Thanks for reading..

Surgery

2010-07-24T07:57:00.004-06:00

Hello,

So Surgery went well. I had to be there at 6:15 and I was taken back to change in to one of those fun gowns that open in the back. And then they put an IV in my arm. They tried my hand first, but that didn't work. So arm it was. And then I was rolled into the operating room. The last thing I remember is telling the nurse my arm fell off the table. Then I woke up.. My foot is bandaged and I have a surgical shoe on. I am not allowed to remove the bandage until the office visit on the 30th.

Today it hurts less. So I can almost walk. Monday is going to be painful, I know.. Slow probably.. But they all know that at work..

The Dr said it was very tight in there. He said it was unlikely that any amount of stretching would have helped. So I am glad I had the surgery done.

A little swollen..

The kids are fine. They are helping me a lot!!

So, we are trying to get ready for next school year. All the lists of supplies are out now. All the things that has to be bought.
And Hunt is still uniform, so we have to figure out what clothes to but for the three youngest.

I think we will go with tan pants this year. To save black for Church and Young Marines.

And then just shirts.. And they all need new shoes..

Sophia at least can wear whatever. That simplifies.. For sure.

I think everyone needs new backpacks also.

So come Aug 18th, I will have an 8th grader, a 5th grader and two 3rd graders. Time flies!!

So this is the update for now.

Surgery

2010-07-16T05:38:00.002-06:00

So it is set now.

I'll go under the knife on Thursday. I don't know if I have said anything about my foot here.. But since over a year back, my foot(right) has been hurting. Different shoes did not help, it just kept getting worse. And then spread to the other foot. Rich has been very helpful trying to massage my foot at night, but not any better. Finally I decided to go to the doctor. A podiatrist.

He took x-rays to make sure it wasn't broken, and then told me I have Plantar fasciitis.

He said that is the most common problem he sees in the office. First I was told to buy special inserts for my shoes, and then try stretching and ice massage for three weeks. It got better, but still hurt. Then he gave me cortisone shots. Ouch!! They do NOT feel good. Not while you get them and not for the next 24 hours or so..

That helped, about 90%. But wore off.. So three weeks after the first shots I got another one in my right foot.
Than another month. The second shot did not really do much... So a third shot seemed unnecessary.. So now it is surgery.

Thursday 7-22-10. At 7am. They will go in a small incision in front of the heel, inside of the foot and cut part of the tendon. And then stitch me up again. The tendon will be relaxed and hopefully thus heal! I will have to walk in a surgical 'air cast' boot for a while. At least 2,5 weeks, until the stitches come out.

I will have day of surgery off, and the Friday. And Sat. and Sun off course. And then try to work on Monday again. Limping.. Needing to sit and rest my foot. Work is aware.. In fact my supervisor just had surgery on her foot..

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Pancakebreakfast and 4th of July parade with Young Marines

2010-07-03T22:33:00.004-06:00

Again, it has been awhile.

Usually I am the one that gets to take the kids to their YM activities, but not the pancake breakfast for the rodeo. That was held at 5-9 AM on a Wednesday. and I was at work. So Rich took the kids. This was a community service thing, so the kids got to help collect garbage from the people having breakfast. And also see all the festivities off course!

Amanda and Sophia.

Sophia collecting garbage.

But Young Marines is so much more!

As 4th of July is tomorrow and we celebrate this country's birth the Young Marines had the opportunity to march in the Monument Independence's Day parade. This is said to be the biggest small town parade in the country! It is an honor to participate!

The day brought beautiful HOT weather. And the kids were to wear their cammies with ribbons.

And they pulled it off too! The platoon were honored with a ribbon for military best appearance!

The kids waiting for the parade to start. Amanda in picture and also Commander Hoard, the main leader.

This is Amanda and her good friend Cambell. They look so alike that people ask if they are twins. Off course they are not. Cambell is actually a year and a few months older. Amanda to the right.

All the kids in formation. Getting ready to march!

Commander Hoard again.

So we got to watch some of the parade. Here is a man with a very old cannon! Very loud also. Hehe..

One of the floats. America, the home of the free because of the brave. Honoring our military men and women.

The Marine Corp. Every one stood up for them, even the ones that brought chairs to sit on.

And here is our platoon.

Sophia's face is blocking Amanda.But the boys are in the picture.

Sophia did not get to march as she hurt her foot the other day, falling off her bike. But hopefully next year!!

After the parade we went home to change and had lunch. And tried our best at staying cool. Very hot today!!

Happy Birthday America!!

report cards.

2010-06-08T19:05:00.004-06:00

It is the season.. For report cards.

OK, backtracking a little..

Today Sophia left for Girls camp, her second year. New for this year is that the Church has acquired property outside Pueblo. Camp Joseph. I am not sure how ready it is, so I am not sure if they are staying in cabins or tents. But my understanding is that Girls camp, Zion camp and scout camps and also YA camps will be held there, kind of like out in CA where we had Camp Ritchie.

Anyhow, it is so strange to see Sophia so big, so ready to be without me. But also inquiring to see if I will miss her;-).

And of course I will. But I am also glad she has this opportunity to grow and experience things!

Also.. I went back to my podiatrist today. And he gave me one more shot of cortisone in my right foot. can't say that it feels good yet.. Hopefully I wont have to go as far as surgery.. I really do not want that!

And.. so back to report cards.

I have yet to receive the report cards from the elementary school, but today Sophia's card came in the mail.

Sometimes I wonder what my grades would have been like, if I had gone to school here. It seams that my teachers graded us more by opinion than actual work performance. And i don't think I was necessarily very much liked by my teachers..

Especially not before Gymnasiet (high school level). But even in Gymnasiet, it was uncommon to achieve higher than a 3. Way back when I went to school, our grades were in the form of numbers. 1-5. 1 being the worst, 5 being the best.

Mostly I got 3's. I had a few 2's and a few 4's. But I have NEVER had a 5, in any subject. As a stretch, my teacher would give me a 4+, but the little + never showed up in the actual report card.

So.. Here I look at my oldest daughters report card. And she has good grades! I know she works for them, and she is able to achieve, because it is based on results not teachers opinions of her. And I am happy!!

Sophia's results for 7th grade.

( she goes to a school that specializes in math and science, encore subjects are chosen, not part of core/mandatory subjects )

Encore Space travel A
Science A
E. Hemisphere History A
Math A
Gate Tech Science of Technology A
Language Arts Advanced A

compare that to my grades:

8th grade. The first year we get grades..

Art 3
English (advanced) 2
Home tech 4
PE 3
Math (advanced) 4
Sewing/wood work 3
Swedish 3
German 4

Pretty average.. Hardly a 'Straight A Student'

Gymnasie Graduation:

Swedish 4
Writing and literature 4
English Advanced 4
History 2
Social studies 3
Math 3
Science 3
Typing 3
Art 4
PE 2
German 4

Again, pretty average..

But I do wonder what my grades would have been like if I hade gone to school here..

it is bed time. Thanks for the visit.

June 6th.

2010-06-06T10:36:00.003-06:00

I feel a kind of bitter sweet feeling today. It is The Swedish National Day. We celebrate our flag.

And it is the first year I do this as a dual citizen. Here is the Swedish national Anthem, all four verses. Usually we only sing the first two.

You ancient, you free, you mountainous North

You quiet, you joyful beauty!

I greet you, most beautiful land on earth,

Your sun, Your sky, Your meadows green.

You throne upon memories of great olden days,

When the honor of your name flew over the earth.

I know that You are and will be as you were.

Yes, I want to live I want to die in the North.

I forever want to serve my beloved country,

your faithfulness to death, I swear.

Your right, I will protect with mind and hand,

your banner, great the brave carries.

With God I shall fight, for home and hearth,

for Sweden, the dear motherland.

I trade You not, for anything in the world

No, I want to live I want to die in the North.

But as I listen to this song.. There are parts I realize I can't sing along with anymore. I can't say that I want to live in Norden. I don't. I have chosen not to. I wouldn't mind being buried there.. But I don't want to live there.

I also can't say I wouldn't trade Sweden for something else, as I have already done that.

So it is bitter sweet to listen to the song. My heart belongs to the USA now. When I said 'I do' at the swearing in, I really meant it, the oath.

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;

that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;

that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law;

that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law;

that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law;

and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

So today I feel a little bit lost. I want to feel my Swedish part in me, to feel the beauty of the Swedish flag.

So .. Today we are flying the Swedish flag outside our house, as we did last year. Even if most Americans remember D-Day today. And thus fly the Grand Old Flag.

But today I am Swedish.

Pictures mostly.

2010-05-24T20:24:00.009-06:00

We spent the weekend in Estes Park on a short family vacation.

Men and the kids. And my Certificate of Naturalization. Yes, I am American.

The cottage we rented for two nights. The commune is called Valhalla.

Area around Sprauge lake.

And more. So beautiful.

Sophia.

The kids at the entrance of the commune.

Moose. we saw moose. This is mama and two yearling calves.

Mama is fighting with a young male. The rangers thought it was an older calf of mama, form a few years ago. He was not welcome. The two younger calves are watching mama protect them.

boys on a rock. Amanda is climbing up also.

Elk cow. (Wapitihjort).

Me and Sophia.

River in the park.

A pika. They are very cute!

This is at Sheep lake. We saw some Big Horn Sheep, males with and without horns. Also elk.

Mama Moose again.

kids dressing up at one of the visitors centers.

The family at bear lake. Deep snow and Ice on the lake.

Flat top mountain.

More nature.

me and the kids at Bear lake.

The kids. Sophia was tired. Ice on the lake.

Graduation and flare-ups..

2010-05-16T10:28:00.003-06:00

This week has been long. Sophia had a flare-up this whole week. In bed and lethargic most of the time.
So what led up to it this time? We think (know) that she forgot to take her Pred a few times last week. Monday AM she woke up, with her red cheeks again, but said she felt OK. But by 8am she was back in bed. Wednesday Rich decided to up her pred on our own, we couldn't get a hold of her Dr.

We upped it from 5mg /day to 10mg/day. One pill in the am and one in the pm. Fri. the Dr finally called back.

He upped it to 30mg/day!!! 15mg (three pills) in the am and 15mg in the pm. Over the weekend. And a call back on Monday again. He is now talking stronger steroids. And I really worry. Steroids have side affects that I don't like..

Rich wants new blood work, but I am not sure what good that would do.. We are not trying to make sure she has the correct levels of anything right now. Only trying to keep flare-ups to a minimum.

Anyhow.. On a happier note. The kids all graduated from recruits to actual Young Marines yesterday.

Sophia and Jonathan, with their certificates.

Jonathan, Jacob and Amanda. They are all Young Marines Private right now. Next rank will be Private First Class.

Amanda is tired after the long day, but Sophia is proudly standing in Attention.

I am so proud of them!!

Sophia in the middle of the group picture.

The whole group, or Platoon. There were over 60 kids in this bootcamp platoon. The biggest they have ever had in this chapter of the Young Marines.

Have a great day!!

Mothers Day

2010-05-09T18:26:00.003-06:00

So it is Mothers Day again!

And this year, it is clear that my kids are big! Without ANY adult help, they made me breakfast in bed.

Woke both me and Rich up when they came down. They did keep their promise to me. I had them promise last night not to wake me at 6 am. They usually do.. I just wanted to sleep in a little. At 7 am they came down with my breakfast and gifts. Handmade. The boys gave me sun catchers they had made in Scouts.

Amanda gave me a jar with cookie mix. And Sophia gave me a card with a poem and 'coupons' for free hugs, free massage and free quiet time.

No gift from Rich, as I had requested. We are spending enough on our little vacation in two weeks.

Speaking of...

I got a letter yesterday. From USCIS. Yes, already.

The date for my swearing in is now set. For May 21. And the whole family gets to go, since that is the day we are going to Estes Park for vacation.

I am excited!

This week end i also planted the garden. Hopefully we will have:

green beans
Green peas
spring beans
cucumbers
carrots
radishes
spinach
lettuce
basil
cilantro
dill
onions
catnip

and inside we still have the plants for tomatoes and bell pepper. But I want to be sure all the frost nights are over before I get them out there.

I am back. And almost American...

2010-04-29T19:03:00.003-06:00

So.. I don't even remember when I wrote last. Time has flown and I have had to much to do.

All in all we are all doing good. Our bathroom is pretty much done. I am waiting for Rich to get around to cut the floorboards to fit and nailing them in. But it is a functioning bathroom. And it looks nice! A lot of thanks to Br. Clark of course. He helped us with the floor.

The kids have one more drill at Young marines before graduation from Boot camp. We have all their uniforms ready and I will post pics. from the graduation. They look so good!

Sophia has been on Prednesolone for her flare-ups. And she started at 10mg twice a day and got down to 5 mg once a day. And then the Dr told us to stop it altogether to see how she would do. It took a week before she flared up again and three days back on 5mg a day before she felt good again..

It seams she will have to stay on the Pred. for now.. I am not so happy about it, but at least she feels good!

Did I mention that I applied for citizenship? Anyhow, today was my interview.

The process is: Apply, go for fingerprinting, interview and swearing in.

So today was my Interview. I can't believe how nervous I was. I really knew I would do fine, but somehow it was just overwhelming and I had butterflies galore and slept for &%&* last night.

Never mind that the computer at Kinko's wouldn't let me in to my yahoo account so I could print my tax returns that I was supposed to bring. I was stressing to the max.

The appointment was at 10:45am and I was not allowed to arrive more than 30 minutes early. But since I was so nervous I decided to give myself plenty of time so I left at a few after 7 this am. A good thing too, as it turned out.

Centennial/Englewood, CO apparently has a whole lot of 'E Weaver' streets. There is a E Weaver Cir. TWO: E Weaver Pl (I saw booth! ), E. Weaver Ave. and one more (the correct one) E Weaver Place.

So the directions I had printed out did me absolutely NO GOOD. According to Google Maps, I was to turn left on a: S Helena St. Well, there is no such street there at all!

I was so stressed at the start of this day and I was driving around in Centennial trying to find a street that doesn't exist and that did not help.

Finally i stopped at a 7-11 to ask for directions. The lady there did not know, and handed me the Yellow Pages. But one of the customers came up and told me where to go. That is how I found the E. Weaver Cir. Not the correct place at all.

So I tried to find somewhere else to ask for directions and ended up at 'Discount Tires'. The staff there went out of their way to help me. They googled on map quest and printed out a map, twice (first time led me to the TWO different E. Weaver Pl. ), the second time we finally found the correct address and I got the correct directions. I was not awfully off, just about a mile to much to the East.

I got there at 10 am, just as it started to snow. I sat in the car. trying to calm down. And since I had not had breakfast (the stress..) I drank the Atkins shake I had brought.

Gathered my stuff (I had to bring: passport, both current and expired, green card, drivers licence, marriage cert. Rich's Birth cert., Birth cert. of any children born in the US, two passport pictures, last three years of tax returns, any documents proving me and Rich live in a marriage bond ( IE bank statements, mortgage statements, letter saying we live together etc)

So off I went, to go inside. As this is a federal building I had to go through metal detectors. And Apparently I contain metal? My under wire bra? My shoes? My elastic waste pants? Everything beeped even with the wand. The guard was very surprised... But let me in.

I was told to go upstairs, and check in with the guard there. He took my letter and I was told to sit and wait to be called.

At 12:05pm I was called;-) The lady called for a A. Johanna Grunberg. She did not want to try to both the pronunciation of my first name. Wimp! People do it all the time, and she, who work with foreigners ALL DAY LONG didn't dare to..

Anyhow: I was led to a room, told to put my stuff down, raise my Right hand and swear to tell the truth.

Then she went through my application, asked to make sure all the answers given there were the same I gave orally.

Then she told me it was time for the Test.

She asked:

What is an amendment?

Who vetoes laws?

What is the capitol of your state?

What do you pledge allegiance to during 'Pledge of allegiance'?

Who was the first President?

She then handed me a paper and asked me to read the highlighted sentence.

"Where is the White House?"

I was then given a piece of paper and a pen and was told to write:

"The White House is in Washington D.C."

Then she went through some other questions, about me personally. Was I still married to the same American as the one that sponsored my green card? Was I willing to swear the oath, did I understand the oath, etc.

Because I have chosen to add back my maiden name into my name, the processing will take longer for me. The name change takes 4-6 months. They do try to do it faster. But.. That is how far away my Swearing in ceremony is. Until then, I am not an American. But I did pass the test. So that is all clear!

Oh, and did I mention that she never asked to look at ANY of the documents I brought? Only my drivers licence and the green card..

So much now..

2010-03-13T20:49:00.002-07:00

hi... Not been a good week this past week..

Amanda has been sick. We took her to the Dr on Tuesday, as of course we haven't been to the doctor much lately.. *irony*

She did not have Strep. I could have sworn she did. 101.9 fever, swollen glands, no appetite and her throat hurt so bad. But nooo, the quick test was negative and so was the lab test. They also tested her for mono, also negative. She ended up missing all week of school. During CSAP week.

Sophia was doing better though. On her pred, which we have started to ween her off of.

But today was Young marines. And Sophia flared up again, probably because of the sun exposure. I can't believe i forgot to slab on sunscreen. I'll kick myself for that for a long time. I didn't even think about it until much later..

Plus the fact that she played outside after we came home again. Well, no more!! It is sunscreen and shade in the future!! I started her on the high dose of pred. again tonight. Hopefully it will go away fast this time. Good thing I can get the pred. cheep;-)

The exciting news for today. I had to call 911 today. The kids school, across the street, caught fire. We could see the flames from our house. And a lot of black smoke. I called and the fire department came within 5 minutes or so. I do not know the extent of the damage, I know that the water used to end the fire often does the most damage..

Monday is the day for me to go to Denver for fingerprinting. Hopefully there will still be school. And Beyond The School Bell, the kids 'after school program'.

Daughters.

2010-03-05T22:01:00.003-07:00

Yesterday my niece turned two years old. I have never met her.. The sad part of living on different continents. So today I am writing about my two girls, still thinking about my two nieces and one nephew in Europe.

First, here is a picture of my beautiful daughter Sophia. Her cheeks still are red from her lupus rash, but not as bad as they have been. She is doing better, taking the prednesolone.

Both my daughters, Saturday a week ago. Still in their white YM Boot camp shirts. Taking the picture on their own. Best friends most of the time. I love my girls!!

New blood test and more meds..

2010-03-04T19:08:00.002-07:00

We are spending way too much money on co-pays and meds.. At the same time as some people with much money in the bank worry about having to pay for x-rays and their own crutches. It would be so much better if 'someone else' paid...

Yes, it is easy to forget that health care in the great country of Sweden also costs money.. Landstinget complains all the time about lack of funds, staff is paid low wages and are overworked since Landstinget can't afford to hire more staff.. But for the patient it must needs be better? Right? Who cares if you have to wait for hours before seeing an overworked nurse, if 'someone else' is paying for it?

Yes, we do have insurance, that we do have to pay for. Some of it is paid for by Rich's employer, and some of it is paid for by us. And then it is the co-pay. Even in Sweden we would have to come up with cash to see the doctor. Even in Sweden we would have to pay for the meds. Especially the first few times, before 'hogkostnadsskyddet' would come into play.

And high taxes would eat more off our income. In the end, what is cheaper for us? I don't know..

I do know that Obamacare would be more costly! In the end..

Anyhow.. Jonathan had to redo his blood draw, since they ended up with clotted blood from the draw on Monday.

Sophia is still home.. We got a hold of Dr Hollister today, and he prescribed Prednesolone. A steroid. She is taking two tabs of 5mg twice daily, until Monday. If she is better, well enough to attend school, we will decrease the dose to 1 5mg twice daily, for a few days, and then stop. If she is not getting better by Monday, then we are to go to Denver to have her seen by him.

We also had our Home teacher come by to help Rich give Sophia a blessing.

The week has been long, so happy it is Friday tomorrow!!

Federal Prison next?

2010-03-03T20:42:00.002-07:00

That is one of the questions on my mind right now;-)

I'll get to that in a minute, but first a look at the health issues in our family. Sophia has since Friday of last week had a flare-up. I want to record the sequence of events for future reference. So far this is how it happened.

Friday she got a very pronounced and bright red butterfly rash on her face. It covered her cheeks, her nose, her forehead. She felt warm. But claimed to feel good.

Saturday she attended Young Marines, no problems. In fact she enjoyed it a lot! She still had a little red cheeks, but not very noticeable.

Sunday, she felt good still. But said her joints hurt a little more than 'normal'.

Monday, she was tired, her joints hurt but she felt good. She went to school. At 12:30 or so, she again had a very pronounced butterfly rash, was very tired, nauseous and loss of appetite. She laid down in the nurses office until she called home at around 1. Rich had the day off, so he picked her up. She was lethargic the rest of the day/evening.

Tuesday she was still not well, but had no red cheeks.

Today, she went to the Doctor for a check up for Young marines. She felt good. Also got two vaccines, but I don't think they did anything to her flare-up.. She went to school, but soon called to get picked up, again with a very red butterfly rash on her face.. She was in bed, lethargic the rest of the day.

We called Dr Hollister today, waiting for a 'call-back'.

Monday we took Amanda and Jonathan for blood draws. Amanda stressed out so much she cried for an hour after. She had to give urine also, but was too stressed to do it at the lab, we took it home and did it here at home instead.

Yesterday we found out that Jacob is aiming for a career in crime..

No, not really of course, but he did try to commit check fraud... He stole a check from us, filled it out to the best of his ability and dropped it off to his teacher to pay for school pictures..

Now.. He filled it out in pencil, not pen. He filled out the amount ($40) in numbers in the correct box, but did not write the amount in letters. He did not fill out the recipient, under 'memos' he had written the name of his school. The check was not signed.

The teacher saw that it was his handwriting, so she contacted us.

So, how to deal with an issue like this? We asked Jacob what he thought we should do... Some of his suggestions are going to happen, like no TV or computer time, and extra chores. But we also contacted the School and he will do some community service at the school.

In a way I can laugh at it now, but it is also very frustrating. I mean.. Had he been older and the sum larger, it could indeed land him in prison. How to get him to understand that?

Now, I am going to bed. Good Night.

Confused, worried..

2010-02-20T11:50:00.002-07:00

Yes, I am worried. Not that we couldn't deal with it, or that it would be 'unfair' that we would have to deal with it, or that it is worse for her than.. Wait, you don't even know what I am talking about..

Yesterday Dr Maddox called about the results from the blood tests we had done on Amanda. Everything looked good, except.. Her ANA levels. Were high.. 1:320.

A negative test would be under 1:80. So not really just borderline high..

Now, what does this mean? Sometimes 'nothing'. We are hoping for 'nothing'. But it is also a possible 'something'.

And since Sophia most likely has Lupus, Lupus in Amanda is something we need to consider.

And the one thing that indicated that Sophia might have Lupus, was the high ANA level. With Sophia, we also had the goiter and no thyroid production, the sore joints, the fatigue, the red lupus butterfly cheeks. But to be honest, we really had only noted the cold hands and feet when we took Sophia to the Doctor.

With Amanda, we only have the headaches. And autoimmune diseases can cause headaches.

5% of the population will test positive for ANA, so it doesn't have to mean anything, but with Sophia to consider.. We have decided to retest. The Dr will send new lab slips, and also for urine analysis. To make sure it is not a lab mistake.

I guess Dr Maddox had consulted one of the rheumatologists at the Children's Hospital in Denver. A colleague of Dr Hollister, who treats Sophia. But had not mentioned the little detail of the sister having Lupus. (well, most likely having lupus).

I feel good about the retesting. I understand that the high ANA might mean 'nothing', and that even if she might have lupus, it may not act the same way in Amanda, as it does in Sophia. Meaning, it may not attack the thyroid, etc. It is all a big unknown right now. So we will wait, and see what the next set of tests might show us.

To be sure, Dr Hollister treats Sophia as if she has Lupus, but does not CALL it lupus. Yet. The meds seams to help her, so it is most likely Lupus, but at this point, it is not officially CALLED lupus, in her papers and such. But when we come in to see Dr Hollister, the appointment is for her Lupus, the meds are to treat lupus and she does have at least three symptoms that would indicate Lupus.

It is a very tricky situation. So if Amanda also has Lupus, we will not find out for a while.

Boot camp.

2010-02-13T15:30:00.002-07:00

First day of Boot camp for my Young Marines. They had to be there at 8:30, in Boot Camp Uniform. It is black sweatpants and white shirts. Also a sack lunch and a water bottle. So, here they are!!
♥ I am so happy that we found this program. 53 recruits started today, they were separated into two platoons. 8-10 years old in one, and the older kids in the other.

They are addressed as Recruit Grunberg plus the first initial in their first name. And of course that created some trouble with the boys.. I guess they solved it by adding first initial of middle name also.

After some initial information, it was time to learn 'formation'. Here they are waiting for their name to be called.

Young Marines in formation.

Sophia in formation, checking to make sure her feet are in the right position.

Yes, this is going to be so good!!

Assignments for next drill:

4-6 sentences about why they want to go to YM. Parents forcing me, does not count! :-D

Clean bedroom.

Study for badge test.

Study word of the month. Assimilate.

Olympic Games started yesterday, it is held in Vancouver, Canada this time. Exciting to see if Sweden takes home any medals.

Visits to doctors..

2010-02-10T17:50:00.002-07:00

Today I had the day off so I could go with rich and Amanda to Denver again. To meet with CPNP Maddox. She is a Nurse practitioner that works at the headache clinic at the children's Hospital in Denver. As we tried the Periactin for two months, we decided that it wasn't helping Amanda as well as we had hoped. So we are now going to try Topamax. It is pills, for her to swallow whole. I do not know how well she will do with that.. But we can crush them and mix with some yogurt, if we have to.

She will get 25mg SID. We are to call if we see no improvement in 2-3 weeks.

She also ordered some blood work. to test: complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, anti-nuclear antibody, erythrocyte sedimentary rate, c-reactive protein, thyroid group and vitamin D level.

They took four tubes of blood from my very nervous daughter.

The trip up to Denver was ok, but close to Lone Tree we encountered slow down in the after mat of an accident. So I am glad we had some extra time.

At the return to Colorado Springs, we had a phone message from Sophia, saying she was not feeling good. So Rich took Amanda to go get Sophia as I got Jonathan off to his Dr app.

So at 2 we met with Dr Cunningham, our pediatrician. She decided to send Jonathan to Denver also, but we are to do the blood work down here, before we go up there. And also start him on the Periactin to see if that will help him. And then take it from there.

For both children we are to use two adult Advil as abortive medications and also keep a headache diary to note frequency and duration and maybe even triggers of the headaches.

Dr Maddox also wanted Amanda seen by an Opthomologist, so she will be seen by Dr Carlson tomorrow. Incidentally the same Dr. that operated on my left eye to correct my strabismus. She is good, and I am glad Amanda will be seen by her.

So that is what is going on.. Not much fun at all..

2010-02-07T20:29:00.003-07:00

Ok, I am back again.. I think;-)

Right now I have Semlor rising on the stove. I made it my in official mission to spread that which is good in Sweden to everyone around me, and work and my coworkers are my targets right now:-D Especially since my boss finds it so hilarious to joke about my heritage.

this is what Semlor should look like, I am sure mine wont be so pretty, but I hope they will be liked. My plan is to have them as dessert on Tuesday, since we have staff meeting then.

Served with hot milk is the best! But I will serve them 'dry'.
Since I am now on a Low Carb diet (again) these Semlas are not for me. I will stick to cows:-) Saw this video and really like the tune! Ha ha, I am sure this is the national anthem of cows.

The reason I have chosen Low Carb? Because I feel good when I eat strict Low Carb and it is the best way to loose weight, and I do need to do that.

Next Saturday will be start of Boot Camp for my now 4 Young Marines. Yes, we signed them all up. They are all very excited, as are me and their father! For boot Camp their uniform will be black sweatpants and white t-shirt/sweatshirt. I will take pictures on Saturday. The boys got their haircuts yesterday, and the girls has to have their hair in a bun so it is off the collar and away from the ears. The boys have military style haircuts.

Boot Camp is 9 weeks, and after that they are officially Young Marines.

The Young Marines Core Values:

Every United States Marine upholds the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. These values give Marines their strength, regulate their behavior and bond them together into a force like no other, capable of overcoming every obstacle and meeting any challenge. The young Marines' core Values are Discipline, Leadership and Teamwork.

At sign in they promise:

From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon my God, My country and its flag, my parents, myself or the Young marines. These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself. Semper Fidelis. ( Always Faithful )

The creed that every Young Marine lives by is:

Obey my parents and all others in charge of me whether young or old.
Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.
Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.
Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home, or at play.
Remember that having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency.

I think this will be so good for all four. It will be a lot of physical exercises and also a lot of service opportunities.

Pictures

2010-01-18T16:40:00.003-07:00

The kids had today off, as it is Martin Luther King day. I worked as usual, but when I got home, I decided to take the kids out for some fresh air.

Found a 'new' hiking area and the kids loved it!!

We saw deer. Here is one that let us fairly close.

Ice and water, the best toys in the world!!

So beautiful and tranquil.

Sophia and the boys. trying to break of the ice.

Deer family. Female resting while the male is keeping watch.

Sophia and Jacob.

Amanda on a rock.

Amanda and Jacob.

Amanda. This is pure joy!!

All four.

My kids are so great! I really enjoyed our outing!!

Finally an update again:-D

2010-01-10T16:29:00.002-07:00

I know.. I really am bad at this blogging stuff, but I do believe I warned everyone in my first post. So.. I should be off the hook. Ha!!

Well anyhow. The boys turned 8 right before Christmas, and that is of course the age where we (LDS) baptize. So it was time for the boys to take that step. It is their choice to be baptized or not, and they are asked and also interviewed by our Bishop to see if this really is something they want to do, and if they are ready for it.

Our two boys decided to go ahead and be baptized and we had planned it for Jan 9th, as their birthday is so close to Christmas and people are out of town..

So Yesterday it was the day. We have been planning this day for some time, but still lots of things went wrong. We couldn't find anyone to play the piano until the very last minute, The sister we had asked to direct the music forgot about the baptism all together and was not ready as I came to pick her up. And when we arrived to the church building, the font wasn't fully filled yet. And then, Rich could not find any clothing that fit him.. Only one jumpsuit was big enough for him to get into, but then it was so tight that he really couldn't wear it in front of people..

So it was decided that he change quickly right before the baptising, and only wear it in the font.

Anyway, after all that and some other smaller things, the boys were finally baptised. This is them in their white outfits. So happy and excited!!
Jonathan, right before we left to go to the Church.

Jacob ready to go.

Daddy gave the talk about baptism, mommy gave the talk on the Gift of the Holy ghost. Amanda gave the opening prayer and Sophia gave the closing prayer.

Daddy baptised Jonathan first, and then Jacob. Jacob was confirmed first.

All four of our children have now been baptised. I am so happy for them!!

Just pictures.

2009-12-21T22:51:00.004-07:00

Aslan on the cat tree.

Trimming the tree.

The ornaments has to be just right.

Like this.

And here.

Aslan again.

Finished tree.

Our electric space heater. It is cuter than many others in that price class...

Pikes Peak.

Amanda, on our way to Denver.

Gingerbread house, Knack, advent candles and Jacob.

The gingerbread house.

Gingerbread men has to be decorated for Christmas breakfast:-D

See how pretty they are?

So many things..

2009-12-02T18:03:00.003-07:00

OK, so things don't always turn out the way one plans..

Today I went to the doctor about my migraines that has gotten worse. The results:

I have two prescriptions for meds, one that is a beta blocker to take prophylactic and one that is abortive to take as headache starts.

Also had a quick EKG because I have a slight irregularity in my heartbeat apparently..?

The doctor also wanted me to have some kind of sleep study to find out if I have sleep apnea. And then regular blood work to check the usual, cholesterol and such and she also wanted me to schedule an appointment for a pap smear and breast exam.

For my feet, she asked me to schedule an appointment separate from today, to ask about that..

Also.. We have found out that the building permit to install a wood burning stove might not happen.. At this point we would have to have an architect come out to draw blue prints for the permit and that would cost more than we are willing to pay. The next best plan is to have an electric space heater for now and then add some of the tax money in the spring to have a firm come out and install the stove for us. That way we can skip the whole 'permit' deal.. But that would still add to the cost, which is why we would have to wait.

But that is what we have decided to do, so for now we have a small space heater for the downstairs. It arrived today and I will take some pictures of it soon. Tonight I have to take the girls to church, so it'll have to wait.

My birthday is over. I was woken Sunday with breakfast in bed. The kids had made French Toast for me. And I got a winter jacket, Glenn Becks book: 'Arguing with Idiots'!! And the kids gave me a bottle of fake 'White diamonds' perfume, and jewelery. Earrings and necklaces.

My dad had sent me a book, 'Isprinsessan' by Camilla Läckberg.

A work on Monday it was mine and Barbs birthdays. Barb had bought us matching scrub tops so we could be twins. Cute and very sweet of her!
Summer had made her a cake and Kristy had brought a vegetable platter with feta cheese dip for me. Very yummy!!

And yesterday I went to see 'New Moon' with Angie. So all in all it was a nice birthday. It is Angie's birthday on Saturday so we combined it with the movie!

It is time to go, so for now.. Good night!

Young marines.

2009-11-18T19:45:00.002-07:00

I was reading the Swedish 'news'paper Aftonbladet, and saw an article about 'Young marines'. The article made it sound as a bad thing, in usual 'bashing everything US' spirit, but it got me curious. So I googled it and after speaking to Richard we contacted the local Young marines at Fort Carson to see if this is something we want Jacob and Jonathan to enroll in.

We are invited to the meeting on Sat. Dec 12Th and the next boot camp starts in February. I think it'll be good for the boys!!

http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article6119490.ab?service=print

Translated article:

Brandon Curry, 8, is a soldier in the U.S. service

U.S. Trains thousands of child soldiers every year. Young Marines are recruited at age 8. Follow their daily lives in this unique article.
Young Marines - is an organization in the United States that has existed for fifty years and are recruiting young boys and girls 8-12 years of age to drill them in military discipline, physical activity, endurance and a drug-free living.
On the schedule are all from Mandatory military exercises, History to know about the Vietnam War and other milestones in the American war story. The training aimed implicitly at encouraging the "moral and physical self-awareness".

There are three hundred Young marine groups around the United States, grouped into six divisions. Overall, the organization has 16 000 members. Pentagon spends $7 million every year on child soldiers and recruit them.

Critics of U.S. naval schools is unequivocal in its view. This is child soldiers formed to become machines of death and is a direct source selection to the real Marines.

Well, there you have it...

or go to the real source..:

http://youngmarines.com/

And the unit at Fort Carson: http://www.csyoungmarines.org/

I think it will be good for our boys. And they will be very handsome in their uniforms!!

Yep!

Have a good night!

The Wise..

2009-11-17T21:27:00.002-07:00

A long time ago, I heard a poem I never forgot.

He who knows not that he knows not, is a fool - shun him.

He who knows that he knows not, is seeking - teach him.

He who knows not thet he knows, is asleep - awake him.

He who knows that he knows, is a wise man - follow him.

It is my desire to follow that wise man.

Please hear:

Part 2

Part 3

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Good Night to all.

sweet..

2009-11-17T20:31:00.002-07:00

Last Monday I brought julmust to work and I also told those that asked, that I had bought it at World Market/Cost Plus.
Today, Dr Miller brings me a bottle of julmust to replace the one I had shared, so I wouldn't have less.
She is so sweet! She was very shocked at the price though. They do run at $1.99 for a small bottle of 16.9 fl. oz. So it is pricey, but oh so worth it!

At least for a homesick Swede..

I so wish IKEA was closer..

Good news!

2009-11-16T19:12:00.003-07:00

Today we got our insulation! Yes!!

And even better.

Even though we had decided to 'only' go to R36, which is the recommended minimum level for attic space here in Colorado, the guy gave us R38.

He told Rich that the insulation that we had, was very uneven, and at the west side of the house we had about 5 inches deep, but the east side was only 2 inches. No wonder our house was cold!! R36 would have increased the insulation depth to 15 inches, but now we are at R38. Even better.

Now, together with our new windows and the new Refrigerator and stove and the insulation, we get a credit of $550 on utilities and a tax break of $1500 in the spring! Plus the money we save by using less energy in the first place!

I started a little early on the decorating of our house, by putting up my advent star in the living room window. It looks so nice and homey!

Mixed things.

2009-11-14T08:32:00.005-07:00

It has been some time since my last posting. Weeks roll on and I don't take the time to update here.

There have been good things going on. My mother gave me the gift of warmth for this coming Christmas. We are getting insulation blown into the attic on Monday between 8-10 am. Unfortunately the cold return already today;-)

We are also trying to schedule someone to help us install a wood burning stove. Apparently this requires a building permit from the city, as it is a potential health hazard if it is not correctly installed. I can understand that.

It is really just the chimney part that needs someone to install it, once that is in we can connect the stove ourselves.

Sophia had another Temple trip last Saturday and she really loves going to the Temple. I am so happy for her!

In YW they have been sewing PJ pants, and she found a really cute fabric with dogs on it. Sometimes I do wish I was more of a 'crafty' mother, so I could show her how to sew, but I don't own a sewing machine. And it has been so long since I sewed. And looking at it, with patterns, sewing machine, thread, time used for it and cost of fabric. It really wouldn't pay for me to sew our clothing.. But it is a good thing to know how to do.. I think one day we might need it..

Amanda is doing better in school now also. I am pleased that she is finally taking homework seriously. I am glad she has a good and committed teacher that pushes her!

The boys are also doing good. Jacob is much better at controlling his temper this year. And Jonathan is doing better now since he can see!! Glasses are a good thing.

I was surfing around at YouTube and found some songs to share. I love this one. So to all Women

Especially my two daughters. As women we are daughters of god, our worth is infinite!

For those days when we feel lost, maybe not as close to the Father as we wish for.

He is always there for us. Trust him, we all need to do that!

One more for the road. I know that God is our father. That He sent His Son to suffer and die for us. So that we can someday return to Him.

To my family, I love you all!

Some good and thoughtworthy quotes to end this post. From my new favorite smart bear. Winnie the Pooh.

“"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best -- " and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called”

"Those who are clever, who have a Brain, never understand anything.”

“Pooh looked at his two paws. He knew that one of them was the right, and he knew that when you had decided which one of them was the right, then the other was the left, but he never could remember how to begin”

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”

“You can't help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn't spell it right; but spelling isn't everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn't count.”

“Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing"

“"Pooh," said Rabbit kindly, "you haven't any brain." "I know," said Pooh humbly.”

How can one not love this smart bear? Have a wonderful day! Thanks for reading.

Halloween 2009.

2009-10-28T17:49:00.002-06:00

As promised, here are the kids in their costumes. We have three vampires and one skeleton bride, this year.

Here first is Jacob without his makeup. but fangs are in, just not showing them...

Amanda, my beautiful vampire. We found a lovely black dress for her.

Putting on Jonathan his makeup. Blood dripping from the mouth.

Sophia, the skeleton bride. The wedding dress is perfect, it is an oldie from ARC. Already yellowed by time and the headpiece came with.

All four, outside. Yes, we have snow...

In fact, it is chilly 27 degrees outside and I opted to stay home and sleep.. I am so tired from last night and then I had to come home and do some more cleaning in the basement after yesterdays flooding..

But before sleep.. I have to make Ostkaka ( Swedish Cheese cake) for tomorrow. We have a pot luck at work.

So for now, good night!!

bad week last week.. Not much better this week..

2009-10-27T21:17:00.002-06:00

So..

Sophia is having flare ups. Lupus is not an easy decease to control as it turns out. Last week she came home early on Tuesday, and stayed home Friday. And today she was sent home from school again..

Symptoms as of right now. Tuesday she had pronounced butterfly rash, very red and covering nose, forehead and cheeks. She was lethargic. But felt better after sleeping for a few hours.

Friday, headache, tired and just yucky. Felt better in PM. Today, low grade fever, 99.3 or something like that. Dizzy, lethargic and stomach ache. The fever is what alerted school staff..

The cold weather seams to aggravate her more than the heat and sunshine..

So, for another issue.. Right now there is a plumber here, to clean out the basement floor drain.. We had sewer back up.. Yuuucky! So glad he is doing it and not me.. But not happy it had to be done.. The carpet will have to come out and we will have to sanitize the floor.. Bleach is good..

So Rich will have to do that tomorrow, since he has the day off. It is the church's 'Trunk or treat' tomorrow and he wanted to participate. And so he will also have to be 'the man of the house' and do the 'manly' thing of cleaning up after yuck! I am going to work and cleaning yuck there.. only fair! haha..

Anyway, I will post pictures of the kids in their costumes.

it is going to be cold though.. Starting tonight, we are under 'winter storm advisory' and Thursday it is said to be a high temp of 'low 20's'.. That is -5 or lower in Celsius.. And for end of October, that is pretty cold. Snow is also a good possibility.

So now my big question is.. Where is global warming?

Sounds like the plumber is now running our washer and flushing the toilet to make sure the waste water goes down the drain, not out on our floor.. Let me spare you more mind pictures..

For now.. Good night, I hope..

Results.

2009-10-14T21:08:00.002-06:00

So on Monday we got the results from Amanda's MRI. Everything is normal and OK, except.. She has a sinus infection.. Yeah, an expensive MRI exam to find out about a sinus infection.. Ha ha..

Anyway, her doctor wanted to at least treat that which we know about, so she called in a prescription for Augmentin. And when we got them.. It turns out they are horse pills. Huge! I am telling ya, even I would have trouble swallowing those pills whole. There is NO WAY I will get my 9 year old Amanda to swallow these pills. And I am a little annoyed, at the Dr. for not getting her the syrup, and at Rich for accepting these pills..

Her doctor also wants us to see the neurologist still, but it turns out that the only pediatric neurologist in Colorado Springs, does not take our insurance. Which leaves us with Denver again..

Also, we had staff meeting and I brought in smul paj ( crumble pie) to share for Lea's birthday. Everyone seamed to like it! The meeting was long, and after the regular staff meeting we were asked to stay for a 'kennel meeting' also. Another almost hour that really didn't lead to much of anything.

Today I also got some Halloween decorations. At the dollar store. Some window stickers and something for the front door. On Sat. I plan on having the kids help me make a scary scarecrow person for the front steps. Or next to the steps, I guess... As our steps really are too small right now.. It is too early to carve any pumpkins, unless we really want to feed the squirrels..

Till next time!

Ice and glasses

2009-10-11T21:25:00.002-06:00

So this weekend turned COLD!! Saturday w woke up to 15 F. That is cold! For Oct 10.

Everything was covered in ice and there was fog that turned to ice on the car windshield.

The first thing we did Sat. morning, was to go get Jonathan's glasses. So now it is easier to tell my boys apart:-D

So here is Jonathan in his new glasses.

The two boys, still alike.

We also tried to go to a pumpkin patch, but as we got there we found out they closed because of the cold weather. Maybe next weekend.

Sunday the roads were so slippery that we decided to stay home from Church. It really wasn't safe to drive. But this afternoon the roads were better, so going to work tomorrow will be OK.

So for now, good night!

MRI

2009-10-07T20:13:00.002-06:00

Amanda had her MRI today. Even though she has been sick.

I called yesterday to see if they wanted us to reschedule, but they said to come in anyway.

The only thing was that they didn't want to sedate her if she had been sick recently, but as she is over five years old, they thought she could do it without sedation.

They said she would have 'contrast fluids' put in a IV at the end of the exam, and that worried Amanda a lot more than having to be still in a huge magnet for 40 minutes. The kid has her priorities straight!

Anyway, with a promise of a special present if she was brave, she decided to at least give it her best.

So this morning she had a light breakfast and off we went. Memorial North. We got there a little early and went to register. i got a little shock, as they told me the co-pay was $100. Gulp! Anyway, it is good that Rich has a medical account at work, so we will get reimbursed.

After registration we were ushered into a room where Amanda got to lay on a bed, while I filled out the last of the paperwork. Making sure we had no metal anywhere we were then led to the room where the MRI machine is.

Amanda got to chose radio station and laid down on the machine bed. She was nervous, but determined to do good. I think a little excited also. I was given a pair of earplugs, and was told I could sit outside of the machine so I could touch her leg trough out.

And the exam started. Very laud clicking noises. Took about 40 minutes and Amanda was very still and so good!

In the end they did not need to give her any contrast fluids at all, so she never got poked at.

They gave her a book to take home, she picked "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs"

And that was it. We should get the results on Friday or Monday.

Form Mommy and Daddy Amanda got a new silver chain for her necklace, the old one broke.

We are very pleased with her!

Flu..

2009-10-05T19:20:00.003-06:00

Yep, here we go again..

More sickness in the family.. So, we are fairly certain that Rich has the flu, very sure that Amanda, Jacob and Jonathan also has it. Most likely Mommy is getting it, Sophia claims to feel fine.

Jonathan woke up at 2 am Sunday night with 103F. He slept next to daddy the rest of the night after daddy gave him Children's Motrin.

His eyes are red and glazed over, he said he had a headache, his body hurt, he is dizzy and no appetite. Chills with the fever.

My poor boy. We do not know 'which' influenza, as Rich decided not to have it tested at this time.

Amanda seamed fine this morning, went off to School as usual. Around 9:45 the School called, she then had a temp of 102.8F Achy and nauseous. And an earache. Rich took them both to the Dr. And she does not have an ear infection, but the Dr took one look at my boy and said: Flu. Go home..

So home they went.

Jacob came home after "Beyond the School Bell" and felt warm, even though he claimed to feel good except a sore throat. Temp of 100.3 and rising. He is in bed now, too tired to eat dinner.

Me? I have a sore throat, and I feel 'warm. No fever... Yet...

At this time I feel that the Flu shots that my place of employment might offer to me, which we are to discuss at the staff meeting next week, might be too late.. Smile, life goes on. More people die in car accidents every day than from the flu, H1N1 or seasonal..

Finally Friday!!

2009-10-02T21:21:00.003-06:00

Starting out. I got to link to this wonderful page!

http://www.klockren.nu/

Watch dear.. :-D

OK, so today is Friday! Finally! I went to work earlier today so Angie and I could scrub the floor in the waiting room. It took an hour, but afterwords the floor was shiny and clean! I don't even know if Alisa even noticed, but everyone else did. The only reason I would have liked Alisa to notice, is because it is her job to clean the floor at closing, but it never gets done.

Anyhow..

Does anyone have any tips in how to avoid blushing? I blush, very easily, and I hate it. I really get beet red, and because I am so pale, it is soo visible. And I guess that is one reason Dr Willhoit loves to tease me, because I blush..

After work I went home, played some with my kitties. I love having cats again! And for dinner we went to McD's. The kids were happy!

Now it is time for bed! Good Night!

I am back...

2009-10-01T17:21:00.002-06:00

I know... it has been too long! But I am finally back. I think.

Since last time, so much has happened.

Sophia had her first Temple trip with the Young Women. She had a great time and she is looking forward to more trips.

We also did some 'End of Summer' hiking. These pictures are all from Red Rocks.

Beautiful rocks!

And climbing trees! Amanda and Sophia.

Sophia helps Amanda.

Amanda, the 'ham' ;-)

All four in the tree.

Jacob can make poses too;-)
But look at this face.. Jacob.
They had cut out steps in the rocks.
Red Rocks used to be a quarry for rocks, and the 'scars' are visible still.
All four again.

So for some sad news..

Amanda has been diagnosed with migraines.

I believe I had migraines as a child also, without a diagnosis. I do remember having headaches 'all' the time.. And Amanda's head has been aching more frequently now and this last weekend was the most severe. She even vomited.

So we saw two doctors, she got Tylenol with codeine and some kind of nausea medication to help her.

Now, the big problem with juvenile migraines is, that all medications geared for migraines are only approved for adults.

And her Pediatrician had some concerns. She was concerned that her headache seams to be so concentrated on her left side, also that it lasted so long, four days. And also that the Tylenol with codeine didn't last longer or cut through the pain completely.. So she ordered a MRI and also referred us to a neurologist.

The MRI will be nest Wednesday morning. She has to be fasting, so it will be a long morning for her. She is not a very patient girl when her blood sugar is low..

Also.. Jonathan is getting glasses. He is farsighted as it turns out. So they are mostly needed for reading. And he is definitely Color Deficient. (It is not Color Blind...) Anyhow, I guess he can see some green shades, but nothing with red in it...

So, for now.. that is it..

Good night!

Fun week..

2009-09-02T20:58:00.002-06:00

So, it is Wednesday. Monday I called in sick. Have a bad cold, and I get really bad when I spike a fever.. So.. Monday I spent in bed. Got the 'Twilight' book to read, but was too tired to actually read..

But Tuesday, i had to go back to work. I can't afford to stay home any longer, sick or not. And I was feeling a little better. The day went smoothly enough, and finally it was time for me to go home. And that is when the most exciting thing of the day happened.

I got out to my car, and clicked it open (with my key remote;-) ) And was going to get in, when I heard a 'squeaking' sound. I looked around on the ground and saw a mouse? I thought, at first. But it was actually a bat. It clearly was not a healthy bat.. And just that morning the news had been warning that rabid skunks have been found within city limits. So.. I went back into the hospital, to find a vet. To help me figure out what to do..

Dr miller was the first Vet I saw. So I told her, that it was a bat under my car. She looked at me like..: So..? So I said I needed some help, What do I do? She again looks at me.. And slowly said: "Move it?... What? Did somebody try to break into your car?"
It dawns on me, that she thinks I am talking about a BASEBALL bat, not the flying animal kind.. So I laugh, and flax my arms as I say: "No, a 'bat'". Now she gets it.. (I am the foreigner..)

So, Dr Miller, Paulette, Khristin and I go out to my car, to look at the bat. It was still there. Paulette wanted to pick it up, and bring it inside to euthanize, but Dr Miller informed us that Rabies is airborne. So we couldn't do that. It would have to be euthanized outside. At that point I left the rest of them to figure it out, and found out today, that Dr Colvin had euthanized the bat with a shovel.. And it was dumped in our dumpster, not even tested for rabies. As the State Health Department wouldn't do it unless the hospital payed for it..

At least I had eyewitnesses to my 'wildlife spotting' this time;-) (Unlike the squirrel thing..)

Tonight Sophia had her first Temple Interview. She is going on Saturday, to do baptisms for the dead. Big day for my little girl!

Two weeks.

2009-08-30T06:34:00.003-06:00

It took two weeks for the 'School Start Cold' to really get into our family. Now Jacob, Sophia and mom has it. Daddy had a spell of fever..

Not much else going on.

Both Rich and I are in agreement that this 'Obamacare' is scary and needs to be stopped before it happens. Rich went to the 'town hall meeting' and did his part.. Sort of.. He also wrote Doug Lamborn, but.. I guess he has said he will vote his 'conscience, rather than according to his constituents'.. And in the end, he will loose his job over it..

Sophia was seen by Dr Hollister on Thursday. He said all looks good. So no dose changes or anything. We're going back in Jan.

Sad thing yesterday. My friend Mindy decided to leave FB because I also had her ex sister-in-law there.. I will miss having her updates, but I guess I can see why. It really makes me sad, to see what her ex husband have done to them. To see how long reaching consequences there are for all of them.. By the way, the ex. sis-in-law are not on my friend list anymore, I doubt she will even notice.

Today is Sunday, and it is time to get the kids up. So I got to go.

Husvagn

2009-08-22T15:02:00.003-06:00

yesterday I was told of Radio Shacks new commercial. I have yet to see it on TV, but I think it is kind of cool. radio Shack will make "Discocrew" world famous now!

The commercial is not allowed to be shown, appearently.. But here is the song.

Off course it helps to know Swedish.

Vi satt där vid brasan en het sommar nattmed konversationer som hade fått fnattDet var kyligt i luften, ja nästan kalltvåran brasa den spraka och mygg var överalltVi har legat på stränder från väst till östman flörtar med killar och spanar efter bröst

Rap 1

Man sitter och grillar med folket man gillar på midsommar drar man nubbar och sillarmed packad väska från kust till kustdu stannar bara till där du har lustVid havet är det skönt om du vill bli våt du bränner dina axlar i en båt Med solfaktor 100 på din ryggdet tar nog till hösten innan jag blir snygg

Ref 1

I min husvagn på sommarn är det fest var ända dagalla sitter i mitt förtält grillar kött och har det bra Husvagn på sommarn det måste man ha på en campingplats i sverige man glider runt och har det bra Husvagn på sommarn, fest var ända dag solen den skiner i nya städer varje dag Husvagn på sommarn det måste man ha på en campingplats i sverige man glider runt och har det bra

Vers 2

Jag rättar till bikinin innan jag går upp vi spelar lite volleyboll i kväll blir det kubb Lyssnar på någon som spelar gittar stämningen stiger nåt helt bissart Man svalkar sig i vattenet när det har blivit varmt sitter uppe sent på natten varje kväll är det likadant

Rap 2

Man sitter och chillar en kortlek man dealar musiken den hörs ur alla bilar Campingvakten han blir fett sne när ingen håller tyst vid klockan 3 Vinglar omkring med mina träskor på dagen efter kan jag inte gå men rutinerad som man är i min husvagn följer alltid kryckor med

Ref 2

I min husvagn på sommarn är det fest var ända dag alla sitter i mitt förtält grillar kött och har det bra Husvagn på sommarn det måste man ha på en campingplats i sverige man glider runt och har det bra Husvagn på sommarn, fest var ända dagsolen den skiner i nya städer varje dag Husvagn, sommar, för fest i mitt tält det är det som gör sommarn till det jag älskar mest

Outro

Husvagn, sommar, för fest i mitt tält det är det som gör sommarn till det jag älskar mest.

For a translation, go to http://translate.google.com/

Enjoy!

2009-08-22T14:24:00.003-06:00

So, many days and weeks later. Summer vacation is finally over for the kids, and school is back in session. And mommy is very pleased. The kids are also happy!

I'll put some pics for ya all.

My hubby claims not to really like cats.. But here is Aslan, in the cat tree I got from work.

The boys and Amanda ready for school, first day for the fall. Amanda is in fourth grade now, and Jacob and Jonathan are in second. Where does time go?

Jacob, ready for second grade.

And Jonathan also.

Amanda at breakfast in school.

Sophia started 7th grade this fall.

Since our school district closed some elementary schools last spring, now three schools will be combined into one, and that made news. Here is the news van from Channel 11 news.

I am very pleased with the schools our children goes to.

Saturday again.

2009-07-25T19:00:00.006-06:00

This week has gone so fast!

On Monday me and the kids went to America the beautiful Park here in the 'Springs'. This is the fountain they have there.

Later in the week, My dear hubby took the kids to watch Black Hawk land. I'm not sure exactly where that took place, but apparently someone in charge saw our kids, took some pictures of them for their Newsletter. They will E-Mail Rich a copy of it. Kind of fun!

Here is the Black Hawk.

Parking lot where it landed.

My cats. Hanging out. Aren't the cute?

Today I took the kids to Fountain Creek Park for a nature walk. I spotted these berries. I think they might be black currants?

A flower that Amanda really liked!

Fountain Creek.

This Grandfather Cottonwood tree looked like a perfect climbing tree until the kids spotted all the ants..

Cactus.

Jacob decided to climb a tree after all..

We also spotted a deer family. I so wish I had a better camera so I could focus more...

Saturday daytrip.

2009-07-19T14:08:00.002-06:00

So came finally Saturday. Richard had taken the day off for us to do a summer vacation. Way too short, had too much fun to have it end so soon..

But here are some pictures.

But first a short recap of the day.

We had decided to go up to "Rocky Mountain National Park and hike. It is a 2,5 hour trip one way, so an early start and pick nick was called for. But as Rich worked Friday night, I decided to let him sleep in.

I had packed everything we needed and at 8 am we were on our way.rich had mapped out the route and we were to go north, to Denver, through Denver and take 36 to Boulder. Onward up to Lyons and so on.

Well, the little yahoo map he had printed out only showed the last little bit. From Estes Park. But had the driving directions.So the trip went good. We played some games in the car, talked a lot and had a very nice time. As we drove through Lyons it started to feel like we were ready for a brake. But decided to press on.

But I think something went wrong in Lyons. As the little map we had, did not even show Lyons it was hard to figure out right away...

36 went to the right but started out a little crooked. And that made Rich think we were further than we really was. So Rich decided to turn around, thinking that we had come to a very 'bendy' way through the park, that he had decided NOT to take.

So we turned around and went back down to Lyons.

There we went on the road that went left. At first it was straighter, but soon also turned crooked.
And I started thinking that maybe something is wrong..I was looking at the map we did have, and saw that we might be on CO7. Not 36 that we were supposed to be on.

I got more and more worried as I could not see the whole picture on the map, but on we went. I decided not to say anything, did not want to worry the kids or start an argument. I figured the road had to lead somewhere?

After many long miles we finally saw a road sign, saying that "Rocky Mountain National Park' was left, down a road called Mary Lake Road. Rich turned onto that road and we saw Mary's Lake.

It was very pretty and now I knew where we were, as this road and the lake was on the map I had in my hand. I told Rich to pull over. Most of us needed to use a restroom at this point anyway.I explained my suspicion about the mistake in choice of road and showed Rich the map. We decided to stay at the lake to have lunch. It was very nice!

So, as you can see. We should have taken the shorter, more direct way, but ended up with a very scenic and longer way. But what views!! I am not sorry we drove that way!!

This is from the freeway, Boulder is coming up.

Mary's lake. That is Jacob in the picture. It is a very small lake, cute.

Jacob and Jonathan.

Rich coming up from the car at the parking lot.

Amanda being silly!

Can you see the hummingbird? As my dad said long ago when teasing him on the difficulty of spotting a hummingbird on a picture he took.

De ar sa sma. (They are that small)

Some berries we saw at the lake. They look a little like gooseberries (krusbar) We did not taste them though..:-D

More of the lake.

And some more

Jonathan found a flower.

After lunch, we decided to continue on to the park, but not to enter. As we didn't really have enough time to do any big time hiking anymore. Instead we decided to go to Lakeside in Denver (Arvada). A small amusement park.

The kids in front of a bridge in Lakeside.

As it turned out, Jacob and Amanda had a little hard time to reach up to the height requirements so finding rides they wanted to do, and could was hard. especially for Jacob. He so wanted to do the bumper cars, but was too short. And race cars even worse.. Finally he decided on the bumper boats. But the line was very long!! While the other three squeezed in three rides, Jacob waited patiently for this ONE ride. But see how happy he was!

We closed the day by having a nice dinner out and came home, tired but hapy! I am so sad we can't have more of these days!!!

Oh my...

2009-07-16T17:49:00.003-06:00

So.. I was sitting, alone (well the cats were home..) downstairs and all of a sudden I hear something 'glass' falling. I run upstairs thinking Shimmer got up on our 'Nick-knack-shelf'. I was really worried, since Richard has this coffee cup there, from his grandma or something. Anyway, he would throw the cats out if that cup was broken by them..

But as I get up, I see that the shelves are cat free. But something else falls and I hear something frantic from the kitchen. I get to the counter and look over at the window and there! Frantically trying to get out again, is a squirrel. no kidding. On the INSIDE of our kitchen window. He/she has chewed a hole in the screen, got in but can not get out again..

I wish I would have had the camera. Finally, the squirrel finds his/her hole and get out. And I am so happy, because I was not looking forward to a wild squirrel running around in our house and attacking in his/her attempts to get out.

Our ferocious 'guard' cats were just standing there, mesmerized. Not even in stalking position..
I guess we need to get a dog..

So now our screen is broken.. A big hole in it..

I wonder what the squirrel thought he/she would do in here.. hm..

So that was my exciting thing today..

Other than that, I worked as usual. I have a UTI, so I have been drinking cranberry juice today.. But it is better now..

Yesterday I went to see Harry Potter 6. Besides the missing parts that I thought were quite important and the annoying changes (like the muggledress at school), it was pretty good. The acting is getting better and Ron did really good being under the love potion spell.

But as always. The books are soooo much better!

Well, dinner is cooking. Gotta go.

Girls camp.

2009-07-14T19:50:00.002-06:00

Time flies so fast. Today Sophia left on her very first "girls camp". As a young woman.

She has been so excited, and I miss her, but I am sure she will have too much fun to miss us.
I wish I could have gone with them, but I don't have a YW calling and I don't have enough vacation time anyway..

But as things are, I will try to comfort myself;-) I will go see the new Harry Potter movie. Yes.. I am that nerdy;-) I am not staying up for the midnight showing, but I am going straight after work. So 2:45 pm.

On Thursday I will go see Sarah, and help her clean her house. Her 6th baby is due on Friday, she really is so big and uncomfortable.. And her back hurts, but she is so happy and upbeat anyway. So I will clean her house and make it ready for the baby. She has decided to birth this one at home. Brave woman! Luckily the hospital is close by should something go wrong, but I am sure everything will be great! I just hope for her sake, that the baby won't stay too long. She tends to go over..

And Friday, Sophia will be home again.

This coming Saturday Rich has vacation. We have decided to take a roadtrip. Somewhere.. Don't know exactly where yet.. But I will take pictures!!!

Mostly Pictures

2009-07-09T16:10:00.002-06:00

I'll start with some pictures.

First, our newly mowed 'weed' lawn. Really not much grass growing there.. But it is green.. And that means a lot too..

From my garden. this is my parsley. Coming along nicely, if I may say so myself:-D

This here, we are hoping will turn out to be cauliflower. As of yet.. Only leaves..

This!! Is blooms on my green beans! Yep. There is a lot of flowers, and I am hoping for a lot of beans too!!

Will we get any cucumbers? I don't know.. Might be too early to tell..

Second sowing of lettuce. Some chives in the top right corner..

One tomato turning red.

Some of my orange tomatoes.

Sophia and Amanda, both girls curled their hair for Church.

Sophia's curly hair from behind.

So that is that. Hope you had a nice day today!!

4th of July!

2009-07-04T19:16:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday USA!!

Found out yesterday then, that Fort Carson was having their fireworks Friday night. I was sooo tired, but felt I needed to let the kids enjoy them. I took them out to mcD's first, and good thing too that we didn't try to BBQ. As it started to pour down!

Anyhow, after McD's we decided to find a park with a view of fort Carson, I didn't feel like trying to find my way around there in the dark. So we went up to Broadmoore Valley park first. The kids played for a while, until Jacob hit his head on a bar over the slide. I guess he was trying to slide in between the bars.. He has a 'nice' big bump there now and he was in bad pain. So I decided to find a store to buy some Tylenol for him. As the other kids still wanted to see the fireworks.

Driving down the hill, I found a few more nice parks, one with even better views. And then finally a 'Safeway'. I ran in and got some Tylenol and we went back to the other park. A few more families came to watch the fireworks there.

As I was increasingly tired and also the kids, I was getting slightly impatient for the 'show' to start. But nothing.. It was said to start at 9:30pm, but at 9:45 nothing, and I decided to pack up. I had been up since 4 am, I needed sleep..

We drove down the hill, the kids were sad but accepted that there were no fireworks. We drove by the gate of Fort Carson, no fireworks. But then, as we drive into out little block at home, there, far away, we see some fireworks going up. So I park outside a small playground and we watch the show, now very small since we are quite far away. The show was short, 15 minutes and it is over. But we got to see it. Sort of.

I really am sad that memorial Park is not having any, but then again.. The rain is pouring down right now so I guess it is OK..

Other than that.. Today our new Elders came knocking on our door to tell of their/our faith.. I guess they didn't know we lived there and they didn't recognise me or the kids as we opened the door. Sophia opened the door and then came and told me that the missionaries were there. I thought maybe they needed some help or something, but they just told me that they were missionaries for our Church. Hmm.. I guess we really should try to visit with them more.. Just hard to have them over for dinner when we are almost never home at the same time..

Some day.. Rich will be done with school, have a job that can support our family and he can be home with us at night. Some day..

update.

2009-07-01T17:24:00.002-06:00

So, it's been awhile since I wrote..

My foot is better, I can walk without limping now. Which is good, I don't get teased at work;-)

Sophia has been back to see Dr Nyack. Took more blood and we got the result. She is now taking 75mcg synthroid, up from 50mcg. We are seeing him in Dec. next time.

My garden is growing, I even got to try the first tomato and I had some of the spinach also! Yum!!

Tonight is the Mother-Daughter BBQ for Activity Girls. I am bringing a broccoli salad.

Saturday is July 4th. Rich is working, and Memorial Park is NOT having fireworks. Fort Carson is the closest instead, unless we want to do it tomorrow at Sky Sox.. And I was so looking forward to just sit in our own yard watching.. But nooooo...

Sophia is getting ready for her first Girls Camp. July 14-17. I wish i could go with her, it would be so much fun. but I am not in YW and I do not have enough Vacation Time either.. :-(

Maybe next summer I can go.

Summer School for my Elementary kids started today! They had lots of fun. We also signed them up for more swimlessons for this session. Tuesday and Thursday this time around.

Now it is time for me to go.

Back to work

2009-06-17T20:18:00.004-06:00

One day at home to heal my foot had to be enough. So today I braved it, and went to work. Limping.. But still..
The day went OK, and I did good as far as walking. Had some really cute animals at work today. A 9 week old Pomeranian puppy, but very sick. We tested him for liver values.. poor guy, so sick so young.. :-(

And Chris is again fostering a motherless kitten. About four weeks old. All black. Very cute.

The new tech has renamed me. She calls me Elsa. I think I like that.. better than Asa at least..no one can even guess how to pronounce A S A...

Anyway.. After I got home i took off the tape to see how bad my toe is.. It is still swollen, and bruised..

poor toe.. poor me..

To end this entry, a funny 'story'..

CATS DIARY:

783 days in captivity ... My captors continue to torture me with bizarre dangling things.

They enjoy the fresh meat while I am forced to live on dry food and slimy CANNED FOOD.

The only thing that keeps me running is the hope that I one day manage to escape, and the mild satisfaction I get scratching at the furniture.

Tomorrow, I will possibly eat another potted plant.

Today I failed once again to kill my captors by trying to trip them with my body. Maybe I should try at the top of the stairs.

In an attempt to bring my oppressors off balance, I vomited a hairball in their favorite armchair. Note to self: put one on their bed.

Caught a mouse that I bit the head off. Put the headless body at the door as a sign to my captors what I am capable of, so they feel constant fear.

The response I got was a bunch of petting, hugs and cuddles and being told what a good kitty I am. Things does not go as planned.

This evening their cronies turned up for some sort of meeting. I was placed in isolation during the meeting, but I could smell their food and hear pieces of their criminal plans.

Apparently, I was locked up because of my strong ability to create something they referred to as' allergy '. I have to find out what this is so that I can use it to my advantage.

The other inmates are buttering our jailer and I dare not entrust myself to any of them for the risk that someone snitches.

The dog is released regularly from his shackles, but return voluntarily. He is obviously stupid.

The bird, however, gives the impression of being an informer. He talks regularly with our captors, and I am convinced that he reports every single step I take.

Thanks to its placement in the metal room, he is currently safe.

But I can wait. It is only a matter of time before my plans can be carried out...

broken toe

2009-06-15T21:54:00.003-06:00

Monday evening. Lay down to read to the boys, they started to drift off and so did I..

Suddenly I woke up for the phone was ringing,I got up and started to run out to the living room where the phone is. But my toe caught on some toy.. And now.. I think it is broken. Swollen and hurts like.. There are no words. I can't walk, can't put it down on the floor..

My swollen right foot.

Both feet, Right foot swollen. Pinkie toe is the one hurt, taped to the toe next to it..

Hope to heal fast!

Called in sick for tomorrow, no chance to be able to walk around at work on this foot..

Why am I such a klutz????

Twins for sale.

2009-06-07T21:42:00.002-06:00

Yes, that is how I felt yesterday. Both boys were up for grabs. Why, you wonder?

Well.. let me tell you what happened.

As we do not have a garage, an really no other good place to store things I don't really want these two 'angels' to get into, I have chosen to store some things in the trunk of my car. As it is lockable and gone most of the day..

One thing I have chosen to store there, is everything that goes to grilling. Charcoal, lighter fluid and of course the lighter itself.

So.. Yesterday I had prepared hamburger patties for the BBQ, and I went out to the car to get my stuff to start the grill going. But i could not find the lighters. I had two, one that was almost empty and one brand new. both were gone.

I am trying to look under the seats, thinking maybe they moved as I had been driving earlier in the day, but I can not find them. At that point my two girls are by the car. I ask them if they know anything about the missing lighters. Sophia said that she had overheard Jacob talking about them.

I spot Jacob across the street, and tell him to come home!!!

He realized at this point that he was found out. He slowly came across the street, I tell him to go get the lighters. He goes back to the school yard across the street. At this time, I am angry and worried.

What if they had tried to start a fire? All the bad scenarios goes through my mind. And I wonder how to handle this, both the obvious steeling and also the danger they put themselves in.

He comes back, with one lighter, the new one. Jonathan has been told by Jacob, I guess he didn't want to be accused alone.. I bring both of them inside and tell Sophia to go try to find the other lighter.

Inside I start lecturing. both about steeling and about the danger of playing with fire. I demand to find out who came up with the idea. They blame each other and get angry at each other for the blaming.

They claim to not have even tried starting a fire (yet). Sophia comes back, having found the older lighter. In pieces. Apparently they had taken it apart to try to find out how it worked. I demand to get the screw driver back. And reluctantly Jacob gives me the screw driver they had taken from Rich's tool box.

At this point I am at the end of my rope, I tell them to go to their room and stay there for the night. That I need to talk to 'daddy' about what to do and i leave them.

Rich called a bit later, I told him what had happened and we have decided to try to get one of the members of our ward, who is a police officer, to come and talk to them. Maybe even try to scare them a little if that can be arranged. This HAS to stop.

Another note...

These are my green beans plants. They are doing good!!

maybe i will never be a good farmer, as you can see.. not much else has shown up...

The tomatoes are baring fruit though. I think Sophia said she counted 16 at this point.

red currants. I think I can see 10 or 20 berries..

Yesterday was June 6th. So I displayed or Swedish flag. It does look nice!!!

Who am I?

2009-06-01T05:55:00.001-06:00

I was born in one country, raised in another. My father was born in another country. I was not his only child. He fathered several children with numerous women.

I became very close to my mother, as my father showed no interest in me. My mother died at an early age from cancer.

Later in life, questions arose over my real name.

My birth records were sketchy and no one was able to produce a legitimate, reliable birth certificate.

I grew up practicing one faith but converted to Christianity, as it was widely accepted in my country, but I practiced non-traditional beliefs & didn't follow Christianity, except in the public eye under scrutiny.

I worked and lived among lower-class people as a young adult, disguising myself as someone who really cared about them.

That was before I decided it was time to get serious about my life and I embarked on a new career.

I wrote a book about my struggles growing up. It was clear to those who read my memoirs that I had difficulties accepting that my father abandoned me as a child.

I became active in local politics in my 30's then with help behind the scenes, I literally burst onto the scene as a candidate for national office in my 40s. They said I had a golden tongue and could talk anyone into anything. That reinforced my conceit.

I had a virtually non-existent resume, little work history, and no experience in leading a single organization. Yet I was a powerful speaker and citizens were drawn to me as though I were a magnet and they were small roofing tacks.

I drew incredibly large crowds during my public appearances. This bolstered my ego.

At first, my political campaign focused on my country's foreign policy.. I was very critical of my country in the last war and seized every opportunity to bash my country..

But what launched my rise to national prominence were my views on the country's economy. I pretended to have a really good plan on how we could do better and every poor person would be fed & housed for free.

I knew which group was responsible for getting us into this mess.. It was the free market, banks & corporations. I decided to start making citizens hate them and if they were envious of others who did well, the plan was clinched tight.

I called mine "A People's Campaign" and that sounded good to all people.

I was the surprise candidate because I emerged from outside the traditional path of politics & was able to gain widespread popular support.

I knew that, if I merely offered the people 'hope' , together we could change our country and the world.

So, I started to make my speeches sound like they were on behalf of the downtrodden, poor, ignorant to include "persecuted minorities" like the Jews. My true views were not widely known & I needed to keep them unknown, until after I became my nation's leader.

I had to carefully guard reality, as anybody could have easily found out what I really believed, if they had simply read my writings and examined those people I associated with.

I'm glad they didn't. Then I became the most powerful man in the world. And the world learned the truth.

Who am I ??

ADOLF HITLER

WHO WERE YOU THINKING OF?

Scary isn't it?