Sankta Lucia

Edith fick vara Lucia igen igår då vi hade öppet hus för vår församling. Det var roligt att få visa upp vårt hus igen, då de flesta inte sett det sedan vi börjat renovera.

Yesterday we had an open house for our church members. We had a nice time visiting with every one, and we were excited to have them all see what we had done to the house the past year. Finnish (ginger snaps and shortbread cookies) and Swedish treats (glogg and St Lucy's Saffron buns) were enjoyed and Saint Lucy herself made an appearance.

Visiting with Dothan Odoms

On our last day in Alabama, some of Weslie's dad's family came up from Dothan in Southern Alabama (three hours away). We really enjoyed visiting with Nana, Aunt Pat, Uncle Tim and Cousin Emily. 

And we were glad to have more time to visit with Fammo's sisters Leah (with husband Butch) and Jan.

Lots of Odoms, enough to make pretty loud - and fun - conversations.

Aunt Leah entertaining again.

Fammo and Edith listening.

Thanksgiving

I was so excited to finally get to spend Thanksgiving with the Mackin family at Uncle Jimmy's house. It was a wonderful time with lots of food and visiting with family. I love Weslie's big family. It's like coming home to my family in Finland when I go to Alabama. It is a great blessing to have them somewhat close (within one day in driving distance), since mine is so far away.

Eftersom Weslie är pastor har vi aldrig möjlighet att åka hem över storhelger som jul och påsk. Därför var vi extra glada över kunna åka till Alabama över thanksgiving, vilket är en stor familjehögtid här i USA. En extra bonus var att det alltid ligger runt Ediths födelsedag, så vi kunde fira henne där. Först gången hon har fått ha mor- eller farföräldrar på sin födelsedag. Själva thanksgiving firades vid Weslies morbror Jimmys tillsammans med massor av mostrar, morbröder, kusiner och andra släktingar och vänner med mycket mat och annat roligt. Weslie har en underbar familj, och jag är så tacksam över att få ha dem här då min egen är så långt borta.

Edith and her cousins playing outside. It was nice and sunny, but pretty chilly. Can you tell which one has a mama from way up north :-)??

Weslie's brother David with their dad, Wayne. Clearly father and son :-).

 Uncle Butch and Aunt Cheryl looking at pictures of Grandma Sissy.

Lots and lots of great food.

And lots of kids.

Uncle John and Aunt Leah entertaining. Always fun to listen to them.

 Weslie has something important to tell his cousin Kelly and her husband Andy.

Doctor Fammo

Edith and Uncle Sean

...doing puzzles together.

Fun With Cousins

Edith had lots of fun in Alabama, playing with her big and little cousins.

A Red Birthday

Edith had requested a red birthday, and Fammo and Faffa delivered! It was a fun day, and so wonderful to get to spend it with family.

Due date

Today would be our Jamie's due date. Another sad day in our lives... This advent we wait for the return of Christ more than ever before. 

Idag skulle det ha varit vår Jamies beräknade förlossning om han/hon fått leva. Det är ingen ände på sorgens dagar hos oss i den här världens, så vi väntar och längtar efter Kristi återkomst mer än någonsin nu i adventstider.

Thank you dear friends...

...for this sweet gift, and for remembering our children. They are beautiful! We love you and are so thankful to have you close by.

Arabia fynd i Burkburnett

Weslie hittade det här på loppis häromdagen. Hade aldrig trott att man skulle kunna hitta Arabia här, men det trodde jag inte om Iittala heller. Ändå kom han hem med några Iittala kartano efterrättsskålar for nagra manader sedan. 

Grattis på födelsedagen, Finland!

För första gången har vi blåvita ljus brinnande i fönstret. Tack mamma och pappa!

Alabama Cousins

We went to Alabama for Edith's birthday and Thanksgiving, and for the first time, we got to meet all of Edith's cousins. Weslie's brother and family from California were home too, and we are so excited to now have a picture of all the cousins together.

Proud Pumpkin Carver

More old photos, months behind as usual..

Littlest Cousin

And here is Edith with her youngest cousin, Magda, born in June. She sure loved holding her.

New Old Farmhouse

And some more pictures from Finland. Checking out my brother Joel's and his wife Janina's newly built house, a farmhouse in old Finnish style. They built it all by themselves and it is so beautiful. Good job, little brother!