17. MAI

Hurra for 17. Mai!!!!!

17th of May is Norways
National Independence Day, and back home its a HUGE day for all the kids (and grown ups) All the schools have their own orcestra and they march up and down the streets with all the kids in tow. They are all dressed up in their nicest clothes, have their Norwegian flags and sing etc.....in Oslo they line up with thousands of kids who march the streets and walk passed the King & Queens castle and greet them with music and a wave...It's a very happy day and the kids eat way too much hot dogs and ice cream :)
Soooo, since I now live in L.A and have a 2 year old daugther, I figured I had to introduce some Norwegian history and fun to her...
The Norwegian Seamen's Church put together this event every year for the Norwegians in LA. We try to mimic the 'feel' of our National day abroad, which is pretty cool..
The biggest difference this year was that in Olso it was rain and even snow some places, and here it was a heat wave of 90F, PHEW!!! Thats when a Norsk SOLO tastes REALLY good ;)
Here's a few photos from our day:

My sick lil' duckling........

I think Mothersday was a bit too much excitment for little Maddie.....she got really sick yesterday with 104 fever. It's nothing worse than seeing your baby sick and helpless :( They are so innocent and helpless. Still sick today, but getting a bit better. So, I've been home with her 2 days doing small things around the house.
Tomorrow is Norways INDEPENDENCE DAY - 17 Mai!! HURRA!!
We might head down to San Pedro on Sunday for a celebration (if Maddie is feeling up to it) They have a parade with all the kids and their flags, games, food and fun.
Have a great weekend, everyone!

Mothersday

Happy Mothersday to all Mom's out there!!!!
It was my 3rd, and the best so far.....
Maddie woke me up at 06:30am with a card and a COOL gift! She was saying "Happy Mothersday, Mommy" all weekend which was soooo cute!
We went out for breakfast and hung out all weekend! The bond between Mother and Daughter is a bond you can't really explain.....who knew there was room for such unconditional love.....
So, I hope you had a great time with your little one. Its a lot of work we Mom's do every day, year after year......and some say its the least 'appreciated job' there is......well, MOM's KNOW what it takes, so my hat off to all of ya ;)

Lena


POEM:

A Child's Angel

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born.
So he asked God:

They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?

God answered, among the many angels, I chose one for you.
She will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

But, here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile,
that's enough for me to be happy.

Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day.
And you will feel your angel's love and be happy.

And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me,
if I don't know the language?

Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear,
and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.

And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?

Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.

I've heard there are bad things happening on earth, and bad people. Who will protect me?

Your angel will defend you even if it means risking her own life.

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven,
but voices from earth could already be heard,
and the child in a hurry asked softly:

Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.

You will call your angel: Mommy