Kaamos

I feel time is disappearing with such a speed that I seem to catch it only in glimpses. Toussaint holiday and the sun of Portugal seem far away. Sun, Surf and authentic people are the take aways from our one week recreational pause. Taica stayed at home with a luxory private care-taker, as the mother-in-law flew in for this important mission. The thing is, as soon as you return from the break, the eveyday rat race kicks in with such intensity your mind whirls. Children's school, exams, taxi driving to hobbies, medical checks, birthdays and gifts to prepare..and our own 8h main jobs! As December approaches, at least in my case, the energy levels are down and despite the daily dose of sports, yoga or other pleasent treat, this time of year seems such a drag. Is it the lack of light, ongoing war or climate change angst pressing on the back of the mind and eating on the happiness storages? Probably all of them. I push on with the seasonal activities, visits to the Christmas market, baking first ginger cookies and anticipating our upcoming Christmas trip to up North. Fortunately there are also our wonderful, energetic children with their beautiful innocent souls reminding me to see the joy and fun in all of this craziness. Kiss and Cheers to that!

Paris in September

My long waited girls-only visit to Paris with my beautiful 9 year old daughter. The plan had been cooking already for some years, we knew it was her time for an exclusive travel, but I had a too young baby at home, then there were the terrorist attacks and covid. Pas de chance as the French would say. But here we were now, sitting in the Thalys train on our way to Paris! I had carefully planned the stay to include a little bit culture (eiffel tour, her main wish), hop-on-off bus (in case tired feet) and lots of fun (zara, zara, zara and of course being a great fan of macarons, the iconic la Duree). My daughter was a splendid travel compagnon and without a word walked with me from Champs Elysee to Louvre on both days (22 000 steps!). We stayed in a small boutique hotel, where the staff treated her as a princess. Actually everybody treated her like a princess! Her perseverance amaized me and the staff of La Duree and waiting 40 min.on the line in the rain was compensated with her favorite macarons treat free of charge The Parisians know how to do it with style. The wheather was sunny and beautiful. In the evening we enjoyed a typical parisian dinner and I insisted showing her la Seine at night with the dazzling lights a special feel. How energising 24 hours can be. Both of us were smiling girls while returning home bags full of French treats for those whose turn will be next. Thank you my lovely girl Estelle for the special bonding moments shared, which I will keep sake in my heart❤

Towards LESS waste (I did not say Zero Waste)

I have now first-hand experienced how one single book -coming at the right time and format - can truly make a major change in ones life. The book "Famille (presque) Zero Dechet" (family of almost no waste) did just that. Paradoxically, I had bought the book already back in 2015 upon its publication and gave it to a friend as a gift thus only partially implementing all the good tips myself. Reaching no waste is an utopia (for me), but there are many aspects in our daily life we can and should do better. Here is what I did this week, not to loose the amazing momentum and energy hyped up from the summer: I searched, found and ordered all our weekly veggies, fruits, eggs and proteins but also flours and home cleaning products directly from the local producer (very easy in and well organised here in Belgium and all are organic!). Good bye plastic wrappers, welcome fresh, local produce creating much less co2! Mmore controversially perhaps, I ordered a bread machine AND a yogurt maker. One could argue that I could do them without the machines, but the line goes there and the easiness of operation of both does increase my edge to actually use them. Both first sets turned out a huge success among our family (only question why on earth did I not invest in these earlier?). Furthermore, and surprisingly without any heartache, I gave out my much-loved and well-served Nespresso machine (half-broken anyways, sniif) and digged out an old coffee machine. I simply could no longer bare to look at the aluminium cups, claimingly recycled, but wasting resources anyhow. With this change, My coffee consumption will hopefully go also down  Finally, I invested in small but needed practical things when buying in balk to organise the kitchen: glass jars to organise my flour and cereals, cotton bags for own bread, vegetables, fruits, nuts and sorts. My kids are all very enthousiastic with these changes and husband all in supportive. Breaking the routine was the hardest bit, as all these changes have been cooking in our minds for a long time, but required a rested mind to put in action. My sister (hippy) called me lovingly hippy. I replied, fortunately aiming to reduce waste is no longer for margins, but close to middle stream if not yet main stream. As a mom, I feel a strong urge to educate my kids to make these changes and show the example. This generation has to learn to live more sustainably, it is undeniable. Thank you Universe for showing us the way. Namaste.

Summer 2022 - Bretagne - Saint-Malo

It is Friday morning 7:15 am, the last full day of our stay in Saint-Malo and summer holidays. Tomorrow morning we will head North towards Honfleur for a final over-night stay to make the return drive more pleasent to the whole family (and admittedly further extend our wonderful break by another hint). As in every morning, Taica woke me up, by his gentle scratching on our bedroom door. He is very intelligent we think, as he does not bark knowing the family is sleeping. I have to absolutely write a few words about this adventure for Taica. He has turned out to be a marvelous, flexible, discreet travel companion of all times. Starting from the roadtrip to Finland, where he travelled in a backpack in planes, boat, train and a car without showing any signs of stress. His bravery has continued in the second leg of our summer journey in France, where he follows us everywhere and silently sits in our daughters laps hours in the car, less and more fancy restaurants, castle tours and most recently - in a kayak ! Fortunately, the French love dogs, and he has been accepted to most places without a hic. We are very proud of him and again, thanks to him we encounter and interact with people around us in a whole new positive angle. Who would have known a family dog could trigger such emotions and an aura around everything - not us!

Another great thing happened this summer, as our children have reached ages, which allowed us to tend to the plenty of water sports and other activities available in the reagon, and we have been busy. When asked in the evenings about the favorite things happening in the day, we hear first things "wind surfing, kayaking, surfing, char a voile, sailing..". I must mention, practicing these sports in Bretagne has not meant always sun and pleasent temperatures. For example, our experience of wind surfing in Ile Grande close to Perros Guirec last week - early in the windy morning with fog, light rain, and water/air temperatures well below 20 degrees set the consitions far from ideal and yet we all considered it was amazing experience to exceed ones limits and learn new skills! Another event definitely building resilience of our children was our biking tour from Dinard to Dinan. Supposingly an idyllic family trail from one scenic village to another in a dedicated bike trail. All this proved to be true, if it was not for the un-announced pouring rain that shadowed our trip. The kids (my 7 year old included), biked the whole 47 km without a cry. As we reached the village half-day, we indulged ourselves with hot chocolates and delicious breton galettes to fill with needed energy and endorfins. More importantly, I invested in gorgeus yellow rain coats, which protected the kids and raised smiles in the surroundings so cute where my four pussins biking and bringing light to the grey day. Personally, I am so pleased to see our kids (and us) so very relaxed, happy and very funny together. The days are long and full of program, and it is a huge logistic challenge to transfer our family anywhere with the 5 bikes,ski box and luggage (ode to my husky husband!!) - but it is definitely worth it. Discovering new places, new flavours, skills and encounter with different people make our children grow and keeps myself and husband younger  It is actually also very rewarding -amidst all the everyday business - to hear the positive comments about us from strangers. Yesterday at the beach, an elderly lady stopped for a good while to discuss and give compliments of our family. It makes me smile and I feel truly fortunate. Today awaits new adventure and we will discover the joys of navigating a catamaran in Saint-Malo. As ahead of any new adventure, I feel slightly concerned and play with the idea of comfortably strolling the streets with a coffee mug instead of braving the way to the waves. But I will not give in. And hope it will be worth it this time as well !

Summer 2022 - Bretagne - Conquet

Our second week of holidays took place in Conquet together with our French friends from Orléans. We stayed in cottages next to each other in a cozy holiday village 2 min. from the centre - they with their orange cat Cannelle, us with our 7 month old poppy Taica The week turned out again splended with a mix of water sports (sea kayaking this time), biking tours and culture. We got a taste of local village celebrations "Fest- Noz" and patiently queued 2 hours to get first our bracelets and secondly our lobster menu served in (sneef single-use) plates. We sat in long tables with hundreds of other guests and got to enjoy Breton live-music while we enjoyed the long-waited lunch. An experience rarely repeated in Brussels!
Conquet is interestingly built and it has a charm of its presque-iles, light-houses and biscuiteries. We felt the place was more touristic than Audierne and therefore lost slightly its charm. It was nevertheless such a pleasure to see the kids enjoy each others company - the big girls together, three middle ones together and well my Eva with me❤ Towards the end of the week I attended quite an inspiring workshop to make home made cosmetics with my girls. They were very impressed and happy with their organic toothpaste and facial. I later found a mind-changing book on Zero dechet, which I read with great interest. I realize my rested mind is open to make perhaps life- changing decisions towards a more sustainable way if living and my only regret is we have not started earlier.. As we were close to Brest, we could not not visit the Oceanopolis aquarium, to our children's great happiness. It was also a nice break for the culture and sports we had been so intensively been engaged to. I have forgotten to mention our beach experiences. This week was exceptionally hot in Bretagne and people seeked refreshment from the several breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Only to discover the freezing cold water of 14 degrees! This did not impede my troup, even my 4 year old, to venture the water though. I was concerned, boring mama, of getting bladder infections..Inadmittedly, even I had to go dip in the sea to cool-down, so hot was the wheater. The bretons are equipped well and the cool tempetatures do not bother the water sports either. The 6-7 mm suit really does keep you warm (prooved and tested!) and allows to enjoy surfing, body boarding, kite surfing or wind surfing. We discovered a whole surfing community, mostly germans, with their VW vans packed with the surf equipment. The kids started to dream about mobile car with the freedom it would allow.. Another highlight of the week was our joint meals with our friends, enjoying local delicacies and the French kitchen. Our last night dinner will remain in my mind for a long-time, with the surprise private cabinette, warm service and my sons singing, which took the attention of the whole restaurant! Vive l'amitie et vive la France! Saturday arrived too soon and it was time for re-pack our suitecases and head towards our next destination. We said warm farewells to our friends, whose holidays were ending and had to return to Orleans. Stop-over worth mentioning during our traveling day towars North was the medieval, harbour city Morlaix. Despite the exceptional 36 degrees heat, we visited the old typical wooden "pan-house" of wealthy commercants, who had gained their fortune on selling the lin and hemp textiles. The long traveling day took an end in our next holiday home, a modern airbnb fair in a small village close to Perros Guirrec. Ah the comfort of hot shower and clean sheets!

Summer 2022 - Bretagne - Audierne

After a frantic trip from Finland, unpacking, laundry and re-packing all in a half-day, we steered our 7 seater towards beautiful Bretagne. We had a stop half-way in Chartre to admire the famous cathedral and have a good night sleep. The next day we continued our journey towards the coast, only to stop in the mediavel village Vitré to visit the castle and enjoy lunch. We arrived to our destination late in the evening at the golden moment before the reception closed. Despite the missing sheets and bad smells in the bed room (...) we were happy to have safely made it. The first days have been full of activities: biking along the river Goyen, hiking along the coast to admire the breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean and Pont Crest and even saw a family of dolphins enjoying the waves! What an amazing surprise. The village is very pretty and lively fishing village with authenticity hard to find else where. Today's higlight was the 3-hour kayaking journey along the river Goyen. I was very concerned how I would handle my four-year old in the kayak, but thanks to the excitement of the adventure and the helping pair of my eldest she behaved like a princess! The children could not believe how easy it was to catch the crabs as the tide changed and we paused to have a snack on the sand only a moment ago covered in water. Such a great bonding activity to do together! The kids were already pegging for a re-do in the next days. Personally, I will need to let my arms rest at least for a day..  Along with the beautiful river kayaking, another highlight of our stay in Audierne was definitely the surf class we attended with the three eldest ones. The surf in Bretagne is clearly not the same as what we experienced in 2020 in Biarritz, but the laid-back atmoshere typic to the surfing community and gentle waves were nevertheless very attractive to all of us. My eldest proudly counted to have been up on the board 12 times! The ESB surf school can be warmly recommended. We got the combinaisons and actually a private class for the price of collective class. This happened at other times as well in Bretagne and moms purse was grateful. On our way from Audierne to our next holiday destination up the Coast we stopped again for some surfing at the Crozet. It is inadmittedly impressive how quickly even my 7 year old caught the technique, found his balance, and was able to surf. Well done! Our week in pittoresque Audierne got a perfect ending, as we accidentally bumped into my friend from Brussels, who had just bought a holiday house from a nearby village! We were invited to visit their charming new home, meet the family and enjoy some truly delicious home-made Breton Far. Both with my husband we felt truly inspired by their brave move to get their second home from abroad. To be meditated.. p.s Audierne remained our favorite spot in Bretagne. It's authentic charm, friendly people, pretty and lively fishing harbour, Saturday market, and one of the best ice cream parlours holds a special place in our hearts and minds.

Summer 2022 - Finland

It is the second day of our long summer vacations and clearly the whole family has already reached the holiday mood. Our summer started actually a week ago with distant working from the dearest place of all, at the grand parents in Finland. The week was full of adventure and activities, the highlights being visiting the summer cottage in Pielavesi, picking blueberries (and enjoying them with milk and sugar!), swimming and fishing in the lake. The fishing deserves a special mention, as my father really took the time and demonstrated the full process starting with digging the worms, teaching the catching techniques and even clean and prepeare the catch. My 4 year old was fascinated by the worms digging part, my 7 year old son still talks about the 18 fishes they caugh (and the huge hauki they missed..). For me and my husband, the evenings with my parents, enjoying quietly a glass of wine and chatting away the day or watching a detective were like the cherry in cake to end a perfect day. I really appreciate the time and effort they give to prepare our visit and warmest of all welcome every time. It is the only place in the world I find my balance and feel secure and grounded. Running in the morning the familiar trail along the lake side and forest is my all-time favorite. The climb on the hill is tough and the descend always as rewarding. Sweat and endorfins guaranteed! One final mention not to forget is my parents pampering us with the nordic delicacies - fresh fish caught by own hands, elk meat hunted by own hands and lingonberries, cloudberries and blueberries personally picked. It is the healthiest and most ecologically, locally sourced menu prepared with love that I can think of. In addition it is genuinly delicious. Thank you äiti and isi for yet again a wonderful stay. We already miss you❤

Celebrating The End of school year

It is 8.45 pm after a long Saturday, the first day of summer holidays. All my four children enjoy the pool, the energy levels are borderline hysteric, but we are too tired and comfortable on the sun beds with my husband to intervene. Taica was rescued from the water splashes to my husband's cuddling. Seeing his tribu in water creates as much stress to him as to us. What a blissful moment of everything being here and now. Yesterday we followed our traditional visit to the ice-cream parlour. The morning was hectic, with me working the morning, an emergency with the poppy who found the forgotten chocolate bar in the lobby and one child sent accidentally to the bussline from school. Actually quite usual affaires in our family, and the blood pressure raises despite the most committed meditative mind. Sun sets, I had a fantastic bonding day with my youngist 4 yo riding with her and seeing a completely new, calm and brave side of her. She feared nothing and enjoyed much more than mom the thrills of her very first rollercoaster! The kids truly deserved the outing to the seaside, they have worked hard the past year and the school reports made us very proud. They are amazing. Thank you universe.

Birthday bubbles

The month of May continues in celebration as we get to receive my parents in visit since four years! The expectation of my children and thrills of preparation is heartwarming as they count the days. Re-uniting after covid has a whole new meaning to all of us. Sharing our "quotidien" or daily activities with the grand-parents is important. My children are raised to preserve their genuine authentic selves and I often observe adults being speechless in front of their sincerety and honesty. It makes me smile and I hope it reminds us all of the importance to keep the connection to our source and accept ourselves as we are. In the midst of the visit program of visiting near by chateau, zoo, and enjoying each others company in the garden and pool I praise to the feeling of healing and gratefulness to have my parents together, in good health, sharing our home and this moment with them. The celebration continues, as I start my birthday today with a session of yoga, running around our beautiful parc and a dip in the pool. I could not ask for more. Namaste.

Paris and babteme

The past week fills my senses with pure happiness. Starting with a private weekend in Paris visiting finally Pompidou centre with its Yves Saint Laurent exposition, enjoying well-acclaimed theatre play and an authentic Parisian flee market on Sunday. Besides, the Parisians were far from being arogant and we had not one, but several genuine, positive encounters with them. Our hotel stood on Montparnasse and over the weekend we celebrated the arrival of summer along with thousands of other mostly parisians sitting and reading in parks, jogging, trolling along river Seine or sitting in the sunny terrasses. 36 hours away from home and my heart is filled again with creativity, lightness, joy. My week ended with blissful morning today, with house full of children, morning jog and the very first dip into our brand new heated swimming pool. The feeling was amazing. I cannot describe how fantastic it is to think I may if God blesses enjoy this morning routine for years to come. Not to mention about the thrill amd happiness of the children, of course. They would stay there from sun rise to sun set. I nod and send a thankful blessing to the Universe as this was worth every single penny we have invested in it. Invested in a quality of life. Cant't beat that!

Mother’s day

For me, as probably many other mom's, the most emotions filled day of the year is the Mother's day. My heart melts, as the whispering and secrecy of preparations start among my little tribu, un-announced trips to the rooms, forbids to look into cupboards and non-chalant questions as "mom, what's your favorite cake by the way? I'm just asking like that you know?"❤ And the morning of the D-day, when the littlest ones climb on my bed, without knowing really the trims yet, and the elder ones hushing them to join them in the hall way. And the Grand entry wing their arms full of self-made cards, bracelets, key chains and poems, which always fill my eyes with tears. The look in the eyes, as they observe my reactions and level of joy, which -to my very best- try to always exceed their excpetations. It is really probably one of the most love packed moments in our year and daily lives. I really feel gratefule, proud and blessed for having four beautiful souls to raise. And I do send a silent recognition of my richeness everyday to the universe. After a delicious piece of "Tarte à au Citron à la merengue" and our weekly tennis lessons, we pack our car and head again towards the French coast to celebrate the long weekend ahead and the Schuman day. We make a stop in De Panne, and to my childrens great surpise, offer the finally the long-awaited ride on the beavh promenade with the Cuistaxes along with a stop at the ice cream parlour. The joy is tangible and well-worth the 6 eur investment!
In the evening we arrive to the quaint little village of Wissant close to Calais. It's street mapping makes me smile everytime, as we try to navigate in the narrow street with our 7-seater. Our appartment is by the sea, and kids are extatic in finding each their corner in the new home away. The day takes its end with a very authentic meal in the local brasserie, while listening to the fisher men (look-a-likes) chat over their beers next table. The few days we spend in the coast started with a beautiful trek on the coast, enjoying the impressive land marks of the area, th nez-blanc and nez-gris rocks or falaises as the French say. We spent the afternoon in the near by village of Wimereux, and discovered even a flee market on another village on our day of departure. Our children really love the French way of living, the precious stone hunts and castle building on the beach, French kichen with the mussles and cheeses, but also the rare treat of watching all together cuddleded in the sofa the French documentary television series, such as on adopted animals or..famille nombreuse (big family). Monday evening, a tired, a bit sun burned happy bunch returned home, keeping their promises and finishing their homework. As for me and my husband, we always conclude it is one hell of a hassle to plan, prepare and leave, but it's fortunately most often worth it!

Easter break

Enjoying time with family, the bike trails, seaside scenery and French cuisine were on my wishlist for this shortist 5 day Easter break in the West Coast of France. We had also another grand objective for the trip, that is, to provide vaccination for our new puppy Taica. I was quite apprehensive to begin with the idea of sharing the appartment with Taica without the home trimmings of his crib and gated area. He took full adavntage of the new freedom and ended up sleeping in my daughters suitcase next to her It was heartwarming to notice the extent the French love dogs and my beautiful daughter carrying him around attracted a respectful amount of comments, smiles and conversations of people of all ages. Another amusing experience was of course our bike rides as a family of 7 members, where my husband lead the tribu with a trailer carrying Taica and I mastered the tail with Eva on my back seat. The kids were very heroic in biking 40 km in one day, even my 6 year old and of course having energy still to hit the pool afterwards! Estelle practiced for her gymnastique competition on all our walks and was determined to hunt all the 40 eggs hidden in the shop windows in the streets. We actually spent each afternoon tracking the map and streets and missing eggs with the girls, quite good exercise of orientation! The beautiful houses inspired the creativity of my eldest, who designed a residence village for each family member. What a wonderful perspective that would be! With my son, the change of scenery triggered reflections beyond the ordinary, and while biking the km we discussed about the space and ants, and whether the ants can make a difference of a plane and space fleet..These are the precious moments I keep in my heart. These random conversations and moments, which make my life so amazing. For my baby girl, the highlight of the holiday was surely her first ride on a pony. It was a bond made in heaven! She was calm and collected and seemed to clearly enjoy the new experience withut fear. Well done Eva love! With my husbands, the calm moments of sitting down at a restaurants, while knowing the kids would be served soon, with a glass of chardonnay were magic. The winter has been intense with my new job and I do miss the afternoons with my little ones, but at least we have the holidays, reminding me intensily how fortunate we are to have each other. Namaste.

Happy Days

It must be the sunny days (record in Belgium for March), the cherry blossoms and mild spring wheather, which brings the smile on all of our faces. During our late evening jogging and biking with my son, as the darkness sets, he insists on pausing at the bridge. I look at him waiting for an enthousiastic comment about a fast-speeding police car, but he surprises me by wanting to look at the stars..I am mesmerised. We stand in silence and look at the dark evening sky, where the stars are starting to appear. The going gets even wilder, when he makes a proposal making surely every moms heart melt: "I want to take you on a holiday mom. Just you and me. I will buy a mini-helicopter, and fly you (to the moon?) to GREECE. And then we will go swimming to the sea, just the two of us, every morning, we did last summer." Our few moments in Greece have made keep-sake memories for him, and it makes me so happy. Probably these evening trails, just the two of us, will make as well. I promised to join him for the exquisite voyage, with a great pleasure, as it sounded simply wonderful. The spring fever does not end there. My big girls are excited with the activities resuming after pandemie. The restrictions have been lifted and school is organising covid-over-party (sorry, connecting our people party..) of the secondary students! My daughter is so pleased having bitter memories for having missed two long waited school camps and other excursions during the pandemie. My heart sings when I see her eyes lit explaining me of all and every details of the upcoming fair. Thank you Universe for offering this normality back to us! My second one is preparing for her gymnastics competition and managed to negotiate a new outfit, of course. I had to find quickly a wise reason to consume without an immeadiate need nor planning, quick quick quick! Well, she HAS been practicing for months, and therefore I agreed to treat her for the good work. Yeah. Furthermore, together with her sister, they plan a trip to the amusement park, just as in the old days. And Over the weekend I promised to take them also to the trampoline park.. What is this? We go crazy! This is like being binge-active after two years of deprivation! All the things we have missed over two years!And the sleep-overs..I say yes to all proposals, but realise I might need to visit Ikea to stock our mattresses and pillows.. Most importantly, we are planning my baby-girls birthday, 4th birthday! A good preparation for her was last Sunday's invitation to a class mates birthday party. How cute she was, in her dress, with the huge gift in the arms, full of excitement heading for her very first party by herself! Well, the organizations are still on the way for her own party and the biggest challenge is to capture the class mates parents contact details. Really, mission impossible. People have become muted, introverts, non-communicating silliots. Sorry for that. Thank you covid, I still have not met all the parents and it seems a mission impossible to trace from whatsup the connection between child and parent..Not to worry, the other party ingredients are coming together nicely - cake by my eldest (paw patrol and princess, as wished by the birthday girl), birthday dress, gifts, invitation cards..We also agreed with the teacher the happy day when she can bring a cake to school (no covis rules, yey) and celebrate with her friends. I am so happy for her. She is growing up and it makes the days easier for all of us. I already signed her up for tennis this spring and gymnastics for the fall. Having inherited our overly sporty genes, she will be a content bundle of girl❤ I cannot stop to my youngest though. Our newest family member since 10 days has become a fully-fledged member in our family. It is incredible the speed and facility this little fur ball has made himself comfortable with us. He has his favorite sleeping spots (always close to us), he goes 80% of time to the pee pads for relieving himself, he also does that regurly outside. He has learned to follow commands such as his name, sit, lie dow, here -in only little over week! He is so progressive, we had to order twice intelligence games for him to keep him entertained while we work, he completed all of the dog puzzles at no time! Our walks outside are such fun, not only because we are proud to push him in the trolly (although we think people take us for cannot-havekids-tryto-compensate-with-puppy - people) and his excitement over everything, but also by the genuine positive reactions from people! I never got the same attention with my babies, even they were superbly cute! Well, just to say, I never knew I was such a dog person, or could be so quickly attached to our puppy. We all feel it was the right decision at the right time. A lucky dog as well, getting all our love and attention. Happy days, all I can say. I feel blessed. Thank you Universe❤

Welcome Taica!

Here he is, snugged next to me, our cute lovable new member of family ! Hard to believe he is finally here! We are dog owners! For the kids, this has been a long waited dream come true and for us parents, well, we could have waited another year for our youngest baby to reach the heighof 5 years, but yes we are ready too. Nobody can resist our Taica now. He is impressing us with his calm and balanced little personality, looking for a human contact to stay by. It is difficult to believe he will be with us (god bless him) for the next decade at least. Welcome to our family little handsome Taica❤

Missing the good vibes

I would like to celebrate the lifting of covid-measures after two years, especially with my youngest one at the height of almost four years who was never invited to a birthday party or a friends house yet due to restrictions. Embrace all the women in the world on the International Women day. Share the joy with my children of the long-awaited arrival of a new puppy in some weeks. Feel the joy of first month in my new job and discovery of new wonderful colleagues. I want to feel the sparkling feeling I get every spring, on the arrival of first cherry blossoms in the trees (already there). If only there was not this misearble war going on, casting its shadow on all. I limit my intake of news, which is impossible given the sheer wave of solidarity of the western world and action in all fronts to support the country being invaded and our shared values. I feel emotionally charged and cannot hold my tears when I get a glimpse of imagages of families escaping, farewella in train stations. I can so well empathise the fear, sadness, anger of those women leaving with their children and leaving their husbands. And pictures of those parents who stayed, carrying their children outof burning houses. It is unspeakable the horrors happening in 2022 just next door. I try to channel my worry into action. We bought a bag of medicaments and contributed to a donation with children's school. I feel it is not enough. If it was for me alone, I would take a foster child or at least give a room to a refugee family. At the same time I try to protect my children of the horrors of this world, as long as I can. People write about a changing world order. It makes my stomach turn. I just want to live and enjoy my family at peace. As do most of us.

Exceptional week

I could write this entry only about the war that has started in Europe. The wave of disbelief, shock and disappointment about this sudden unexpected turn, and yet unprecedented solidarity among the rest of the world. I try to limit the intake of news, but I can almost physically feel the panic and worry of those families still the day before living their everyday life and now fleeing their homes to the unknown. I pray morning and evening for the West to show their determination in making an end to this madness. At the same time, my week with my youngest one together at home while the rest of the family was on holidays got another meaning. We re-connected with my baby girl in a completely new level. She did not cry once during the week. Obviously, partly it was due to our program selected based on her preferences: swimming, biking, puppet theatre, princess games and puzzles. But even more, I could really sense how she appreciated my undivided attention, something she had not received since we left the maternity ward almost 4 years ago. Despite the long days at the day care, she was a new girl: happy, talkative, humorous little girl. I missed my other children dearly, and this arrangement will not happen again, but for my baby girl this was surely the best non-holiday she (and mom) has had❤

New Chapter

Next Monday will be a day of celebrations. Firstly, of my dear husband's 49th birthday, but also the end of my career at my employer of 10 years. A chapter is therefore closing. It has not been an easy neither linear ride. I embarked my career in this institution as a fresh graduate and set my long-term vision: I wanted to build my career working for the European Union. At the time, civil service was still respected and temporary contracts were rare, short-term and for the selected few. To concrete example to illustrate: I had 11 contracts in less than 2 years! Many adventures, further studies and valuable professional experiences later, I returned to the goal of mine in 2013. The consequent years were probably the toughest I had had -navigating my life between building a family, having my four babies, renovating a house, while keeping one toe in office. At one point I was ready to become a full-time yoga teacher! Then came Covid, an opportunity to re-focus my mind and the use of my time and allowed me to pass the competition. The only sustainable way to build an intellectually stimulating career within the EU jungle. The rest has been relatively easy. I applied to few positions and got invites to interviews to almost all of them. I could truly choose where I wanted to go. The role of my choice seemed to arrive naturally and appeared to be meant for me with direct link to my native country. I am very excited and look forward to the change. The coming year will be surely challenging in all perspectives, moving to new institution, learning a new profession, establishing my network in teleworking times..but it also gets me out of my comfort zone. And I feel ever grateful to have this opportunity to learn and grow.

Christmas

Leaving Finland and Estonia after holidays is becoming increasingly difficult for the whole family. Despite the freeing cold wheather and dressing in layers, the kids are thrilled with the Northern life style, the calmness and slow tempo of my childhood town up North. They claim they feel safe there, and can have more independence. Inadmittedly, it is safer, cleaner, calmer and organised society by all means. I feel the same. Skiing in the woods, warming up in sauna and waking up in a complete silence are things I truly get resourced, my body and mind are resting. More important than the surroundings, the warm feeling comes from the time spent with my family. My dear parents, so welcoming and caring in their demeure, making (and succeeding) to make us feel at home. I am so grateful to have them. Reuniting with my sisters - sharing, listening, being truly interested. Enjoying to see my children get unique attention from the extended family, and them to see how brilliant my young human beings are. Opportunities for exchanges and learning across generations. This is what we miss is our expat life. Leaving is hard, and we count the months for the next holiday. Feeling blessed to have such a wonderful family, beautiful place and fantastic home country.