Post 41! Yes, I'm back... For now :)

When the kids have their summer break, mommy has very little time to do anything so my blog posts will be a bit spotty this July!

So far, their vacation has been filled with playing outside, cleaning their room (that's right, they still need to pitch in), baking, farting in mommy's face when she's doing her exercises, visiting friends and running around screaming.

There are times where I think the time doesn't pass. Today is not one of those days. I look up from the Banana bread we were making and it was already past noon! I say Banana Bread but my kids tell me it's pronounced BAANAAAANAAA BLURRRRRRRD, minion style.
Their dad has been gone for about a week and a half (read as, Please, send mommy coffee and chocolate to keep me sane.) with work and is due back on Sunday. We hope.

So far the weeks has been brilliant but then again, I am Icelandic and for the national football team to win their match against England, it was a pretty good start. Now, Icelanders wait for Sunday when the team faces off with France. Whatever happens, it's going to be a great night! Of course, I'll be donning similar gear as the picture below.

Now, my kids have their time on the Ipad/Playstation and I decided to use my time to blog and write.
There's something  deeply satisfying to write about murder and mayhem while the family is home... Oh, wait, that's just me?
I kid... Mostly.

The ants have been suspiciously quiet lately... I don't trust this and it turns out I was right when yesterday I found one crawling on my calf! EEEEEEEK. I want 5000 points for not screaming but calmly flicking the bastard off and crushing it with a chair.
Ok, maybe the chair was a bit overkill but, it was handy.

There's been a lot of rain this week so the kids are restless since they can't stay outside as looooong as they want but it's looking up... ish.
I will try to post at least 2 a week but we'll have to see how that goes. I hope everyone had a great week.

Post 36. Let's do this!

Super short, cause today is B.U.S.Y!!

Yes, the Icelandic football team tied with Portugal yesterday. Poor, little Ronaldo didn't take it very well. But, hey. We, as a nation, are proud and happy about it.

Now, on the other hand, I have a summer festival to attended today, held at my daughter's pre-school. There are snacks to bring, chairs to put out and so on.
Of course, it's raining now, for the first time in a week or so. The summer festival is outside and as I understood it, the kids have prepared artwork to show to us, the parents and family members. I hope it can stand rain.

Now, where are all my plastic containers to put the fruits I need to bring in?

Post 32. My kids are growing UP.

Last week the Hubs and I got a bunch of new clothes for the kids because they are outgrowing... Well, everything.
We ordered about 83 pieces of clothing for all three children after overhauling all of their old clothes.
Everything they couldn't use was given away to the red cross.

But that's not all. They aren't just growing in size, they are growing up on me!
Late last week, my youngest started cycling proper (with training wheels), my son got a new bike as well and is riding around like the wind.
We took a ride (well, the kids cycle and we, the parents, walk/run along side.) We went all over the neighborhood, stopping at playgrounds and such.
What surprised me was how well they noticed their surroundings. They pulled over to the side when a car went by, even if they just heard it. They were pretty mindful of each other and stopped if they weren't sure of which direction to take.
A year ago, this would have been a stressful affair but I found I could actually relax and simply enjoy my time with the kids and Hubs. You know, mostly.

(Yes, these are mine.. MINE! ALL MINE! Also, taken earlier this year)
At the playground, I discovered my little girls aren't so little anymore. As nail-biting moments went by I watched them climb up and down obstacles much taller than them. I was terrified but kept a crazy smile on my face as they climbed over pipes taller than me as I 'casually' walked underneath them.
I was so proud of how fearless they were, even if it was hell on my nerves. They waited their turn, they watched their footing but they weren't afraid.
Even my youngest (turning 3 in August) is insisting on standing in every swing we can find. Trust me,  I can barely keep from protesting.

They speak to people in Norwegian and are understood, they correct their mother mercilessly and they have a sense of humor I love. Even when it's overly sarcastic for a 4-year-old.

My kids are strong, willful, independent, clever and gorgeous. I need to remember they are turning out pretty good, even if I feel like a failed mom every now and then.
They fight and argue, like everybody else.
Then they turn around and hug it out or comfort the one who was denied candy on a weekday.

It's all good, is what I'm saying! I'll just be over here like...

Post 26. The day of 'I don't wanna!'

Must be Monday!

My kids wouldn't get out of bed, the rain won't let up, I didn't want to do my workout, didn't want to write and most certainly didn't want to do my chores.
Nope, all I want to do is take a nap and watch some shows on Netflix while stuffing my face with watermelon.

BUT if I don't get the kids out of bed, they won't go to school and there will be screaming, running and chasing and extra clean-up to do. So I got them up, fed and dressed them and took their asses to school.

If I didn't do my workout, I won't get fit and I won't have stamina, to keep up with aforenamed children. So I got home (soaking wet, thanks, rain!), put on my workout clothes, collected my gear and videos and got to work.

If I don't write, I won't have pages to rewrite, edit and love/hate them. I won't be able to get my characters from point A to B, no one gets anywhere at all. So I filled my coffee cup and dragged my butt over to the computer and start revising. My Beta tester already got my book and instead of waiting around nervously, I am working on the second installment.

If I don't do my chores, well, the house will simply get dirtier and dirtier. I can almost live with that, until, I think about my son's friends coming over and leaving covered in dust bunnies and grime.
Damn it! I haul ass and do my chores.

Almost my exact expression.

Now, I feel good in my skin after working out, my mind is satisfied with the ideas I managed to get down on paper and my home is reasonably clean. Nothing I can do about the rain but instead of disliking it as I did this morning, I think it's lovely and the perfect weather to do some reading.

At least, until my son comes home, then we can do some homework and then I shall do my best not to let him kill me in Minecraft or Lego Marvel Superheros. (I make no promises, the guy is ruthless) 

This is my way of dealing with Mondays. Just get on with it and it will get better.

Post 21. Why? Just why? Mom-mode ON!

            This weekend, a holy weekend since Eurovision was on, I found myself unexpectedly alone with my kids. The hubby was called away to work, leaving me with our three kids. Over the weekend. These three children have friends and over the weekend, I had as many as 6-7 kids at the house almost at all times. 

            Don't get me wrong, while they play with other kids, I have time to do the chores and get dinner ready. But then there's the feeding of all these kids, who have these and those allergies, don't like this and that, and don't understand why I don't own sardines. I could go on but I think you get the point.

            As any parent will know cooking with the kids is fun and also, kind of hellish. This weekend we spend a lot of time having fun and there wasn't much time to clean and prep but I managed. The back of my jeans was covered in stickers and the pockets were filled with crayons  (I was wearing those) as I cooked burgers we made from, sans bread, and my coffee table was covered in stickers and colors (I had just cleaned it from the last time they colored outside the lines of their books.) Their room was a bit trashed and there was an unusual amount toilet paper shredded in the bathroom. 

          In Norway, Eurovision is on at 9pm so my girls were asleep before it started so I figured I'd let the son watch a little with me. He was asleep by song two. (Sorry, Czech Republic)

So I had a little time to watch and Snapchat with my friends and family about the songs.
My Eurovision is usually spent at my mom's house, eating all sorts of yummy food with my brothers and sister, my kids, the hubby and of course, my parents. 
My father complains he hate Eurovision but he always stays and watched quite a bit of it... Hmmmmm... Meanwhile, comments, both funny, complimentary and vicious, are flying around the room. Sometimes so much so I totally miss out on a song (which is why I listen to the Eurovision Playlist on Spotify).
            My favorite part is trying to figure out who wins. I love being right, so I get really into it. Especially for the semi-finals but also for the main event. 
This year I had three possibilities and one of them was right! (I'm counting it) 
           Today is a Holiday here in Norway and tomorrow they are celebrating their independence day. (Another 4 day weekend but this time, we skipped MONDAY!) 
The hubby is back so today was a bit easier but man, I. Is. Tired. 

Post 14. Message from the brain.

I just want to write, or live in my fantasy world.

Yep, this is the message my mind seems to want to give me these days. I have been editing a novel I hope to get published and I have been diligent in doing so daily. Of course, this means the story, the characters and dialogue are always running around in my subconscious. So, the second I get a moment to myself or am doing chores a monkey could do with his eyes closed, naturally my mind returns to the story. Should this character really say this? But if he doesn't my protagonist won't discover this, so I need him to say that. At least I can edit the way he says it and make it sound more authentic. Why is this person obsessed with a phone they think they don't have? This is where a previous edit has messed something out and I spend hours looking for a reference to said phone, only to find the character has it on her the entire time! HA!

         Many times I have been doing the dishes or vacuuming when I realize something is wrong with my plot or I forgot to bring in an element of something. I both love and hate this situation. I don't want to lose momentum or interest in my own work. But it never feels very quiet in my mind. I have trouble falling asleep because I'm busy playing out a scene which could go this way or that way. Oh, wait, let's throw in a hedgehog and see what happens!
         Add this to the craziness of being a parent, trying to work out daily and get everyone's lunches, homework and toothbrushes ready.

Today we went to Tusenfrid, an amusement park just outside of Oslo. We have a great time and they had lots of attractions for the little ones (lot's for the big ones too but I refrained from trying them since the lines were too long to leave the kids waiting.) Still managed to sneak on a coaster with my oldest, SOOOO FUN!

          I was walking around like a bad-ass Coachella going mom at the start of this trip but by the end I was loaded down with printed out pictures from various rides, rubber ducky prizes, sweaters, slushies, popcorn and buckets of candy floss, all while I watched my kids go round and round on this or that ride.
We had a blast, both adults and kids and the sun out and I actually remembered to take the sunscreen
with me to reapply! Score!!

And for my closing, I will just leave this here!

Post 13. A looooooong weekend is ahead! Help me!

Most people love a long weekend. I split in two when this happens. See, long weekends means more time with the kids, which I love. It also means more time with the kids, which means less time to do everything else.
           Yes, it's craziness all parents know. We all need me-time and love our children! The balance is important and can be incredibly hard to obtain.
All you need to tip the scales is one of the kids getting sick so you can't go to work or you won't get enough time to finish the housework, do your workouts, errands or whatever.
Don't get me wrong, I would die for my kids in a heartbeat, I love them til the ends of the earth and beyond but I need a break every once in a while.

          This morning marks the third day my daughter stayed home because of her infection (getting soooo much better though) and tomorrow is a holiday here in Norway (and more countries, I assume) and the schools have decided to have a teacher's holiday (I have no idea what is called in English. Even though I know this day is usually reserved for the teachers to go seminars and such things. So, not really a holiday.)

         Now, I am looking for things to do with the family and I am not a newbie at this, I know it won't be flowers and rainbows and everyone will be smiling the entire time we have a family outing. Oh, no! I learned those expectations don't really meet reality but I will still try my best to make the time fun and hopefully, outdoors :)
Today the sun is out, there are no clouds and it's kinda warm or 12°.  I hope it continues, bring on the sunscreen, please!
I is P.A.L.E.


And for no reason, this meme!

Post 10. I jinxed it!

If you saw my blog yesterday, you are awesome! Also, you will know I put away all the snow gear and clothes because it's spring, damn it!
Well....

I jinxed it! 

This was my view when I looked out my window this morning. The streets were covered in sludge and our feet were soaked  by the time we got to the kindergarten, no thanks to my youngest since she kept stomping her foot down, splashing me with extra sludge. Thankfully, I brought along extra socks. That's right, weather! I'm Icelandic, you can't fool me. 

Weather: What? Who dat be? 

(No, I don't know why the weather would sound like that.) 

        So when I got home, I'll admit, I took off the wet clothes and lay on the floor of the heated bathroom. Aaaaaaaaah! 

I seriously considered staying there today. Just put on a summer dress and pretend I was on a beach somewhere. 

        Which is what I would do when I lived and worked in Iceland. No matter how cold and windy and snowy and rainy it was outside, I would pretend I was working in Mexico or Spain, on a beach somewhere. It's my favourite happy place when the weather isn't co-operating.

I couldn't even rouse up enough energy to get my workout on. I skipped it (GASP!) today and already, I feel hideously guilty about it. I might just have to get to it tonight after the kids go to sleep. 

Yes, I'll do that. Guilt be gone!

Things are looking up already, this is the  view from my window right now. Let's hope it will last this time :)

This week the weather has been very Icelandic in nature. 

         

Have a great weekend and I will see you Monday! 

Post 9 Accidental spring cleaning.

In other words: What have I gotten myself into?

I made a mistake this morning after my workout and subsequent shower. After having completed my chores I was putting one of the girl's bikes away and noticed a pair of winter jackets in the way. Realizing we probably (knock on wood) won't be needed any winter gear until next winter, I decided to put it away.

        Like a good little housewife, I collected the jackets, suits, pants, boots and all things winter-related and got them into the itty-bitty-storage place I made for them in the cubbards. I found one of my favorite sweaters up there and decided to put it in the wash so I could actually wear it every once in a while.
         Only to notice my bathroom looked a bit dusty and the mirrors weren't super shiny. Well, I could fix that in a jiffy. Which was why, when the light over the bathroom sink started flickering, I flicked the screen/lampshade ever so gently, to have the damn thing fall off and onto my face! That's right, my face! At least it was made of plastic but the problem was I couldn't get it back over the light. While trying to fix it with various tools to no avial, I remembered I still had to fix the handbrake a little on my daughter's bike.

          So, with the appropriate tool in hand I go to fix it. This is when my son, who stayed home today because he wasn't feeling well, reminds me of his presense by asking for food. As if I have time for this? I am in fixing mode, so I have a quick AHA! moment and remember I have left over fish from last night's dinner.
I quickly pop it into the oven to warm it up and get back to fixing that bike. Putting the tools away I noticed a pair of socks I must have dropped when putting the clothes away so I quickly picked it up and deposited the socks into my kid's sock drawer. As I'm standing there, feeling a bit good about myself, I remember how I always meant to re-arrange their closet. Take out clothes which got too small, sort costumes from summer dresses, find all the underwear and put them in a reasonable spot, place the clothes in appropriate heights for each kids and so on and so forth.

       I really should have known better. 30 mintues later I have a massive pile of clothes to give away on one bed and a kind-of neatly arranged piles of of clothes to keep and sort out. This is when my son pipes up again, wondering what's taking so long.
The fish!!

      Like a ninja mom, I rush out of the room and into the kitchen, sliding on the floor as I go and rescue the now crispy fish out of the oven. As if this is all according to plan, I splash some sauce on it and thankfully, my son decleared it tasty and then went back to lounging on the couch, as sick boys do. Or so he tells me. At least he remembered to clean up after himself.
I realize I have to go pick up the girl's in an hour and hurry back to finish my closet project. The light from the bathroom was glaring at me because I still hadn't gotten the light screen up but I ignored it. There would be hell to pay if the girls came home and found ALL their dresses displayed on the beds. It would be the MOTHER of ALL dressups!
        Quick as I could, I cleaned out the closet (better use the time while it was empty) and returned the clothes. I won't know where anything is tomorrow (if it stays as neat as it is through today) but at least it looks great.

        Bagging the give away clothes and realizing it's too big to carry to the clothes container, I throw the bag in the car. Which was when I noticed how much junk was in the car. Before I knew it, I was cleaning out the car, wondering how I got to this point.
I'm exhausted, starving (because I forgot to grab me some of that crispy fish), and my bathroom is too bright when I turn the light on.
       What in the world possessed me to start this? Also, I started to feel the extra push ups and squats I did this morning.
Now, all I have to do is pick up the girls, get dinner started, bathe the brats, eat dinner, clean up afterwards (which said brats will help with), make sure homework is done, entertain kids until bedtime, read bedtime story, get oldest brat to bed and convince him he's fine to go to school tomorrow (there's even a school dance) and then, THEN, I can have some me time.
        Maybe I'll do my nails, put on a mask and edit my novel and catch up on Unbreakable and....
YEAH! Cut to me passed out on the sofa with Netflix on in the background. I am going to stay awake to see the new Supernatural show from yesterday. Yes! It will be my treat for this mess of a day. A mess of my own doing.

Crap, the bathroom light is bright! Bright light! Bright light!

Post nr. 5. I drive to Oslo for the first time.

Today, I drove to my sister's place in Oslo. I live about 50 minutes (by car) outside of the capital and I have never driven there myself before. That's right, I make my man drive while I nod off. I mean, take care of the kids! You believe me, right?
Que awkward silence.

       Today's visit wasn't planned, not as such, but when my sister Snaps me a picture of a cake and asks me over, I'm going!!
Waited for my son to finish school and he joined me in picking up his two sisters from kindergarten early.
     
       Of course, I figured, since we weren't traveling at the height of traffic, we would be fine! I had my TomTom (GPS, which we've made to sound like Sean Connery. Mostly so I can argue with it when I feel it's not taking me to the right place. Where are you taking me, Sean?)
       Now, there's one trick to get to my sister without trouble and it is to skip a famous Interchange called.....
Sinsen!

       Many times have I been warned, do not go there! It's too crowded, too loud and too complicated!!!
So naturally, I've been told to ignore my GPS, my Sean, at one place so I can avoid going through the horrible Sinsen.
Now, here's where you need to know something about me. Something shameful and un-womanly! My sense of direction is only so-so, especially when I'm driving. I've gone this way quite a few times but I still wasn't sure exactly where to turn. (Sometimes, I can't even tell you where I park.)
       So, in my effort to avoid the dreaded Sinsen I take a different lane then the one Sean tells me too.

I ended up stuck in touch-and-go traffic heading for Göteborg! Seriously, it took me about 20 minutes just to get out of the lane and into a small district so I could turn around.
(This is not the actual photo of the traffic I got myself into but it gives you an idea. Also, image about 30 trucks in there too.)
The kids were surprisingly calm about this delay. Well, one of them fell asleep and was none the wiser. The girls complained about the lane (going the other way) was much faster than ours. I tried to explain this to them but, in their opinion, they were right, I was wrong.
        My car is not an automatic, so MAN, was my left foot tired. I learned my lesson, though, and found the right place to skip Sinsen.
Thankfully, I ended up where I was supposed to be, sans a small detour.
The cake and the company made it so worth it! Mmmmmm cake.

        The travellers came home much too late to make dinner, so mom, covered in Bubble Soap and various food products, made Pizza Sandwiches and managed a chilly dessert as well. Afterwards, my son read to my two daughters, while a proud mama listened in.
It's an hour since my son went to bed, I'm wrapped in a blanket, armed with Peanut butter (crunchy, since I am starting to believe they simply don't have smooth here in Norway) and apples about to watch a show before I pass out!

So, to you, I bid a good night :)