Easy Come, Easy Go

"Goodbye;
Farewell;
So long;
Vaya condios;
Goodluck;
Wish you well;
Take it slow;
Easy come girl, easy go!"
- George Strait






Right now the past 15 months have seemed like forever, but I know once things settle down in our new home it will just be a short chapter in our lives. Life does continue where ever you let your family, heart, and soul take you...but I have learned some valuable lessons. The things I missed the most in the beginning were the things I learned to live without. And some of the things I thought would still be around when I returned are now gone forever. 'Home of the midnight sun' in June also translates into 'home of the darkness at noon' in December. My spirit is energized by the sun light and without it, life is very difficult for me. Bottoms up to everyone that can live through these Finnish winters year after year.


So this is really it! The finale of 'Knuffin Around.' Many people have asked and requested me to continue writing on our adventures, but for some odd reason I do not think Dallas, TX will be near as exciting as Helsinki. With the boys starting preschool in the fall and me going back to work, our life will be the same as any other suburbian mom out there. Until I am inspired to blog again...this is "good bye," "moi moi," or "adios" from us over here on the other side of the Atlantic one last time to all of you! God Bless and take care.

*Check out my flickr site to see our final days and the moving process*

I'm Comin' Home

"I'm comin' home...
Made up my mind that's what I'm gonna do.
Can't love nobody on the telephone.
I'm comin' home to you."
- Robert Earl Keen Jr.



As only a few of you know up until now, we are cutting this 'adventure' short by 11 months. A decision that was made last week and finalized in the wee hours of the morning. I am thrilled to pieces but also sad that THIS is over. Have you ever been on a really long vacation and just ready to get home and continue on with life, no matter where you find yourself? 15 months is a long time to be away from "home" especially given all the obstacles that were thrown in front of us.

In the next 5 days I will try to say all my good-byes, visit our most favorite places, get in some last minute European shopping, watch the movers pack all our belongings for yet another boat ride across the Atlantic, clean the flat one last time, pack our suitcases, and make it to the airport by 0500 Friday morning...with a few hours of sleep here and there.

Things have already fallen into place at home. The boys got a lucky slot in our church preschool 2 days a week (what will I ever do with myself?), I have an appointment set up with my OB, the housing market is definitely for buyers and our realtor has been sending us some amazing homes to view, and I will go back to work minimally (something I never thought I would miss so much).

So until then, I will try to make my final posts on this amazing odyssey. Living abroad has made me grow stronger as a mother, wife, woman, American, friend, family member, traveler, and individual. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience I do not regret taking.

Just Can't Get Enough

"And when it rains, you're shining down for me.
And I just can't get enough, I just can't get enough.
Just like a rainbow you know you set me free.
And I just can't get enough, I just can't get enough."
- Depeche Mode




I know that 2 beach blogs in a row can seem excessive, but summertime is short and sweet here so we are taking FULL advantage of it. Even if it is only for an hour, we head to the beach each day possible. I am able to sit back and relax, read a few chapters in my current novel, while the boys release some energy with no boundaries. We enjoy a picnic and the scenery, get a little color on our cheeks, and somehow always become covered head-to-toe in sand. Knowing this is my last summer living in a coastal town...we just can't get enough of the sand, sunshine, and summer love!

Take Me Down To The Ocean

"Take me down to the ocean.
Take me down to the sea.
Set the feeling in motion.
Forget the tied up time and let my spirit free."
- LeAnn Rimes









Finally, it is starting to feel a little like summertime here in Helsinki. To think only a week ago was the first time we left the house without a jacket on and today we are on the beach, soaking up some rays. The boys were ecstatic to return to the beach for some sand toy fun while getting our feet wet. The water is still an unbearable temperature, but it is nice to at least have the option.










The grounds were crowded with people of all ages to get a little color on their pale skin from the winter months. With music playing, grills lit, and Frisbees in the air, smiles were what I noticed most. It is amazing what a little sunshine can do to everyones attitude.

You've Got a Friend in Me

"You've got a friend in me.
You've got troubles, well I've got 'em too.
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you.
We stick together and we see it through.
You've got a friend in me."
-Randy Newman








We have really created ourselves a special preschool here in Helsinki. All beginning with 3 lonely moms from North America looking for companionship on the other side of the world. Lucky enough...we all like each other, each other's kids, and our kids even like each other!









With their age span of almost 2 years to 3 1/2, we all look forward to meeting up a few times a week. From our weekly Wednesday morning swim and sauna to parks, farms, or beach outings, they all get along perfectly. They have learned the concept of sharing, taking turns, following rules, consequences if you don't, and what is expected for 'special treats.' We all have our moments time to time, but these kids really love each other.








Truly something special you don't find anywhere and who would have thought here in Helsinki. We cherish our memories and look forward to many more.