My second quilt

When Isabel was about five I decided I would try to make her a quilt and after a year of working on it I managed to finish it. Then when Sofie was five I wanted to make one for her too, but it took until she was six and a half that I finally did it. With the first one I had Isabel choose fabric and I cut all the fabric myself and spent a lot of time making different blocks. With this one I chose fabric out of the colors I know Sofie likes and I chose to buy a jellyroll. I had no idea what to do with a jellyroll, but I spent some time on pinterest and found that a jellyroll race quilt would be the best option for me at this point. 

Putting it together ment a lot of cutting and now I regret that I didn't save all those little pieces since I am sure I could have made something out of them too.

I use my sewing machine to quilt and I just make a lot of swirls. So far I have found that to be the fastest and easiest way for me to finish a quilt. 

Here is a close up of the swirls.

The finished quilt. My husband is behind there holding the quilt so it is quite big. Sofie now uses it every night. From start to finish it took me about five days to make it and I am eager to try to make another one soon. Next time though I might try to make different blocks again, but this was a quick and easy quilt to make just to get me started. 

Three weeks gone by

Three weeks has gone by since my parents arrived to help out with putting metal sheeting on the walls of the barn. The weeks has flown by so fast that I can’t believe we got so much done. Two walls got covered and my mom and I got a whole lot of other things done at the same time. The picture shows my dad up on the scaffolding preparing for the last sheeting to be carried up there and bent around the corner. That was Sunday. Monday we got the last sheet up and took down all the scaffolding. Not to mention the fact that my mom and I cleaned out my garage for stuff going either to a flea marked or the recycle plant. I managed to clean out a whole room in my basement that was filled up with either trash or our old stuff that we didn’t need anymore and I had put it all in the garage. So Monday it all went were it belonged. 

Now after being so busy for so long, I am trying to fill my days again with things that needs to be done before we leave on vacation. Today I have baked 9 bread, cleaned the hall, washed clothes and started packing. I got to keep busy so I don’t fall into a depression again. I feel it is not far off and I really don’t want it to take over now right before vacation. Making myself todo lists helps a lot. I have achieved a lot just today. 

Bucket list for things to do in the Seattle area.

I thought I would share my bucket list for things I just have to do when I visit the states again. This summer on June 23rd I will arrive in Edmonds, Washington, and spend about two weeks there before going to Disneyland on the 9th of July.

1. Visit the spa. I have a spa I have visited several times in Lynnwood that I really enjoy. It is called the Olympus spa and I try to visit it every time I’m back. For those interested in visiting sometime this is the link for it https://www.olympusspa.com. 

2. Visit friends. After living in Lynnwood for six years I have a lot of good friends still living nearby and when I visit I always try to get together with as many of them as possible.

3. Visit the zoo’s. In the Seattle area there is a lot of different animal parks that I enjoy visiting. This time we will visit Point Defiance zoo and Woodland Park zoo.

4. Visit Pike place market. There is always something new at the market to see and I love shopping for handmade things, flowers and donuts there. I also found a great place for gelato last time I came there with my cousin and I hope to find it again this time.

5. Glazed and Amazed in Edmonds. The kids love to go there to paint pottery that they can bring home with them. And we always make a day out of it visiting a small toy store and the frozen yogurt place down there.

6. Sounders soccer game for my husband. 

It isn’t the longest bucket list, but it is what we deem the most important things for us to do. Especially hanging out with family and friends. 

Only 18 days left till we leave on our vacation. 

Working on the barn

When you own property  there is always work to be done. This year we decided together with my dad that we should do something with our barn. The walls made of wood where rotting and falling apart and they needed to be tended to immediately. No paint could solve the problem either. So after discussing the problem and then finding metal siding laying in the barn we decided to get the metal siding onto the walls. 

My dad is extremely handy and came to help us. He is 72 years old, but in good shape. Together we raised scaffolding made out of reclaimed wood up to four stories tall. I only got onto the second floor, but my dad got onto fourth floor with ease. Within a week had managed to get siding on one wall due to fairly nice weather through the period. 

After we were done with the first wall, we took down the scaffolding and moved it to the next wall where we built in in steps. At least it didn't need to be as tall there. We discovered that the second wall were only 37 years old, but in the years it had only had about two layers of paint and that is not enough to keep it in shape when you consider the harsh weather conditions it is getting right there. Hard sun in the summer, lots of rain in the spring and fall and plenty of snow and wind in the winter. 

At the moment we are just about half way done with the second wall, but due to rain and wind we have had to take a small break for now. 

My dad on his way up to the fourth level. 

Looking down from the second level.

Seeing it from the side. 

My dad on his way up the scaffolding on the second wall. 

The walls are now covered in siding in several colors. The first wall is red, orange and black. And the second wall is dark green. 

A long time ago

A long time ago I started a blog and it kept me sane for three years while living in the states dealing with my youngest daughters illness and my homesickness. Then for two years I was quiet before I for a brif time wrote 25 posts in 2014 ending it while on vacation in the US.

I don’t know why I stopped writing other than somewhat feeling embarrassed that I wrote a blog and overwhelmed over the demands I put on myself in regards to the posts I wrote. 

Now I am thinking I should get back to writing again as a way to keep track of my thoughts and my days. I am not working at the time being and to keep myself busy now I think writing again would be good. Maybe also finding back to my camera again and play with taking pictures would be good. 

It seems like I had 58 followers at a time and I hope some of you are still out there. It would be nice knowing that there is someone out there reading this, but for the most part I will be writing for myself and my own wellbeing. 

Wellcome back.

Carrousel

Sometimes my life feels like a carrousel.

It goes round and round with its ups and downs. 

Today we went to the zoo and the kids got to ride on a carrousel there. 

We have been busy while being on vacation. 

Shopping and sightseeing. 

Visit to the beach.

Birthday party and hanging out with friends. 

It is hectic.

I'm having a hard time finding time to everyone and everything. 

I think I'm up rather than down. 

Turning around faster and faster. 

Tomorrow we will divide up.

My cousin and I will be downtown. 

Sightseeing and visiting the art museum. 

I am just hoping to be able to visit with more friends. 

 My carrousel keeps turning around. 

Not willing to stop anytime soon. 

The trip

Family

I have some very good friends.

For me they are family.

They want me in their lives. 

They accept me for who I am

and when I'm down they try to bring me up.

They love me for who I am 

and does not try to change me. 

My family is a mix of blood relatives

and friends who have chosen me.

I am blessed.

Sunshine

So far this summer the weather have been dreary. 

We had a week or so with sun and warm temperatures. 

The rest of the time it has been gray and rainy. 

We are so excited to go to Seattle.

The weather service reports really nice weather when we come. 

We are in need of some sunny weather. 

I wanted to go out running today.

The rain and wind made be stay inside. 

Found this quote on Pintrest.

It reminded me that I need to carry my own sunshine on the inside. 

A smile in my heart.

Random thoughts

Worrying

I saw my therapist today and we reflected upon my habit of worrying about days past and days coming. I am a worrying person and it sure does steel me of strength. 

I worry about what others are thinking of me. I worry if they like me or not. I worry that others might get angry with me. I worry that it is my responsibility to make everyone happy. I feel like everything that goes wrong around me is all my fault. 

My mind knows I am not responsible in any way for other peoples happiness, but my body disagrees.  I know that what people think of me is not my problem as long as I am myself. If people don't like me then they can stay away from me and I will leave them alone. I know that most of the time it isn't my fault what happens, but still my body takes responsibility for all of it. 

Every day I spend so much strength and energy on this that I am constantly tired. My heart is almost always racing and I have a hard time breathing. My mind is racing with thoughts of what I should do or what I should have done next time I meet or see someone. I just can't stop myself from doing so. It might be normal to some point, but not to the extend I do it and I know it.

I am always working on ways to avoid these thoughts and ways of reacting, but it is difficult on my own. After this summer my therapist and I will work on new strategies on managing this. 

Then maybe I will be able to stop worrying so much and finally start living life to the fullest. 

Look at our living room in Norway

Our living and dining room is one great big room and I wanted to show you parts from it together with the kitchen. Come join me on this little tour. 

One of my favorite corners of our dining room area. The suitcase was my parents, the black and brown boxes on top were writing cases belonging to my grandparents on my fathers side made by my great grandfather, on top is a small iron from my grandmother on my mothers side. Behind the candles is a small tray made by my uncle, the red box is a heart given to me by my cousin, and on the wall is a clock, currently not working, from my grandparents on my fathers side. In the frame is a record that my husbands grandfather plays on. 

Our TV corner. The three pictures left from right are one a gift to me from the University of Tromso when I graduated, two a gift to Sofie from my cousin and three a native american art piece from my husbands father. The big chest under the TV is my inheritance from one of my favorite uncles who died almost ten years ago. 

The fire place. The lantern was a gift from my aunt and uncle, the milk pail was here when we moved in and the big round pail is my dads old bathtub from when he was a child. 

I like it simple, but my windows are filled with plants. 

The dining room area with the door to the kitchen. 

On the other side of the kitchen door and across from the fire place. My husbands drum set and my book shelves. A little crowded, but I'm trying to organize it better. 

Our kitchen with its one green wall that we will paint as soon as we can. I made a great big magnet wall for all the papers that comes into our house from a metal sheet. It is my favorite part of the kitchen. 

So that was the tour of our living, dining and kitchen. The rest of the house consists of four bedrooms, a bath, a powder room, laundry room and several small storage rooms. 

Thank you for visiting. 

Daybook June

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
I have the view of a rain drained valley. 

I am thinking...
about the class I will take tomorrow and the long drive I will have today.

I am thankful...
that I will have a good friend with me in the car.

In the kitchen...
is where I sit by the kitchen table writing. 

I am wearing...
jeans and a sweater. 

I am creating...
a baby dress and gifts. 

I am going...
to Alta, Norway in an hour. A six hour drive from here. 

I am wondering...
Why time never flies when you want it to. 

I am reading...

 books by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. 

I am hoping...

 The driving conditions will be good despite the rain.  

I am looking forward to...

 Spending the night at a hotel in my own company.

I am learning

 to take better care of my home from my dad. 

Around the house...

 there is chaos as my parents are visiting and we are leaving for the US in less than a week.

I am pondering...

 About what to pack for everyone.

A favorite quote for today...

 I may not be perfect, but parts of me are pretty awesome.

One of my favorite things...

are having a whole day to myself doing something meaningful. 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Wednesday a class and drive home again.
Thursday finish work and pick up the house.
Friday I have to clean and pack.
Saturday Sofie attends a birthday party and the girls family party is afterwards.
Sunday I got to finish packing. 

A peek into my day...

 Making time go by by doing laundry and watching CSI Las Vegas. Then drive to Alta. 

Picture of the day is of my cat and dog helping me in my home office

Linking up to

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.no/2014/06/june-july-daybook-editions.html

What will I do.

I am at a cross roads. 

What will I be in my career. 

I got an education.

Teacher.

In religion.

I have a job.

Just till September.

Then what will I do.

I have applied.

But never heard back.

I don't dare call myself.

Having anxiety.

Of calling or visiting.

Makes it hard.

To find a job.

 Or get connections.

I have a job.

Writing plans. 

It will be over.

Will I get to teach then.

Will I be able to handle teaching.

I don't know.

What will I do?

What talents should I rely upon?

In finding a new job.

Vacation now.

Grateful Sunday 41

This week sure was busy getting ready for the birthday parties. Sometimes when it gets busy it is hard to see what you are grateful for. I have had to think hard when I sat down this afternoon, but I found so many little things from these two birthday parties I have hosted that I am grateful for that I was able to throw together a list. Now I just want to put a sign around my neck...

This week I am grateful for
301. The hugs that Isabels friends gave me at the party.
302. The help I received from my whole family in making these parties possible.
303. The fact that I have an old barn to hold the parties in when it is raining.
304. My husband making dinner on a busy day.
305. The sun shining through the skies.
306. All the moms and dads who came and stayed at Sofies birthday party.
307. Finding that I kind of have green fingers when it comes to potted plants.
308. All the wonderful friends my kids have made since we moved here.
309. Bubbels and balloons and the fun kids have of them.
310. My husband for putting the kids to bed.

What are you grateful for?

The perfect conditions

I didn't get anything done today as I was waiting for the perfect conditions to go outside.

The weather has been so nice for so long and all of the sudden it had to start raining. 

I still have to get the barn ready for the party, but I will ask my dad to help with that as it is something we can do despite the rain.  

I also have more painting to do, but for that I will have to wait till it stops raining. 

Tomorrow is the last day of my bipolar class I have been taken the past few months. It is a class where we learn to live with bipolar, we learn how to handle stress and are given tools to use during manic attacks and depressions. On our last day we are to bring our families and my whole family wants to attend. Tomorrow they will be able to learn about being bipolar and what they can to do help me in my ups and downs. I have the very best family. 

I am still struggling to find things to write about, but since nobody except me seems to know that this blog is out here I guess I can write whatever I want to. 

So I guess I will take these wise words to heart and just get it done tomorrow.

What do you need to get done?

Grateful Sunday 40

I went into this week knowing it was going to be busy as my parents were coming to visit. It got a little busier than I expected, but it has been a good week. I have stayed stable for weeks now and life is good.

This week I am grateful

291. For being able to host big birthday parties for the girls.

292. For my parents safely arriving here. 

293. For the help my parents gives us with the house and the kids. 

294. For finally getting to see the midnight sun this year. 

295. For being able to run 20 minutes straight. 

296. For the support I experience in my ups and downs of being bipolar. 

297. For enough firewood for the next winter. 

298. For the beautiful weather this past week. 

299. For my husbands patience with having a sick child and having my parents visiting.

300. For having a place for my thoughts to be written down. 

This next week will be even busier as I am preparing for the two birthday parties. 

What are you grateful for this week and what are you looking forward to next week?

Illness in the house

And the doctors verdict is virus. Isabel will have to ride it out. She seems better though already.
So for two days she has been home from school, now is a three day weekend due to pentecost. She should be fine after that.

I'm getting anxious about traveling now. Feel like I need to start packing, but I think I will try to wait till monday as it will be two weeks till we leave then. Considering I have so much to do next week I will have to write down a few lists of things to get done each day. Otherwise I will get really stressed and stress and bipolar don't mix very well.

A good thing now is that tonight I will get to put furniture back out on my deck as the paint will be dry then. My dad though is thinking we should paint the beams under the deck too, so I might not be done yet.

I am sort of on a shopping stop. We are saving up money for the US trip. But there are so many things I would like to buy right now. New patio furniture, pillows for the old ones, new clothes and some toys for the kids to have outside. I found the perfect furniture a few days ago, but it is so expensive. Today I found some really nice clothes, but it's just too much. I can't wait to go to the states and be able to at least shop for some clothes. Most of my summer attire now is at least four seasons old and totally worn out.

How long does your summer clothes last?

Drifting along

It is amazing how much can get done when your parents come to visit.
I was planning on painting inside my home, but ended up painting our deck instead.
The deck really needed it as it was bleached by the sun and worn by all the traffic and weather.
I just didn't think we could afford it, but my dad decided that he would buy the paint and help me paint too. So we have now spent three days painting the deck and I just have the stairs to the front door left to do. Guess I will get to that tomorrow.

This month I have to arrange four birthday parties. Sofies birthday is on the 26th of June and Isabels is on the 1st of July, both after we have left for the US. We have therefore decided to celebrate their birthdays with their friends next weekend and that makes for one party saturday and one on sunday. The weekend after that we will have a family party for them together. When we arrive in the US we will have a big birthday party for them over there too. They are two very lucky girls for sure.  Today I got out the invitations to Isabel's party and tomorrow I will do Sofies  invitations.

There is so much to do getting the barn ready for partying. I have to make tables and get enough chairs. Decorate and get the food ready. Lets just say I am getting a little bit stressed now.

My dad has spent a lot of time cutting down firewood and I have spent a lot of time moving the firewood for the winter to empty the wood drying room for the new wood my dad is bringing in. It is a never-ending job as I can't see the end to it anytime soon.

The cleaning will have to wait together with the painting of the hallways, but I will have to get some sewing done.

I am still thinking of posts to write for this blog, but I have no idea what to focus on.

Anyone have any ideas for my blog?

Post it weekend