What's Your Name

"What's your name, little girl,
what's your name?
Shootin' you straight, little girl,
for there ain't no shame.
What's your name, little girl,
what's your name?"
- Lynyrd Skynyrd


Today we attended a friend's baptism of their 3 month old girl. Held in the Helsingin Tuomiokirkko (a.k.a. Helsinki Cathedral), friends and family filled the church as the child was not only welcomed into the Lutheran faith, but her name was also revealed. It is a very common Finnish tradition to keep a baby's name secret until the Christening or naming ceremony. This superstition dates back to ancient beliefs that supernatural influences may cause harm to their infant. But once the child is christened, then they are protected. Others feel as if saying the child's name before baptism is bad luck. And there is the belief that the child's name is not used, because it has not been "given" yet. Until the baptism or naming ceremony takes place, the child is referred to as a nickname such as Peanut, Bump, Strawberry, etc.




We began the day playing on the Cathedral's stairs, hoping it would tire out the boys. Unfortunately, once we went inside they enjoyed the new scenery and got a second wind. After a few games of chase in the pews, crayons and stickers covering the program, and a handful of matchbox cars (along with car sounds) raced on the seats, the ceremony ended.





We then walked a few blocks to the reception where we were all pumped with coffee and sugar from some wonderful Finnish pastries.

If We Make It Through December

"If we make it through December,
Everythings gonna be alright I know.
It's the coldest time of winter
And I shiver when I see the fallin' snow."
- Merle Haggard

FINALLY...The month I have been waiting for ever since, well ever since we boarded the plane to come over here! The month we get to go home.


Spring was dreary but exciting. Everything new and waiting to be discovered. Summer was beautiful, full of visitors, vacations and sunshine. Autumn was colorful. Smiles still covering strangers faces. Winter (even though it is not officially here yet) has been nothing but gray skies, constant drizzle, accompanied by VERY little sunshine. I now understand why Finland once led the world in suicide and alcoholism rates. The drab environment, lack of socialization, and never-ending darkness leave some people hopeless.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a serious diagnosis for many living in the Artic region. The lack of daylight is the perpetrator. Happy lights, increased consumption of Vit D, or a week vacation at a tropical destination are all recommended treatments.

We are all hanging on by a string but counting down the days until we get to come home. Everyone I have met claims November and December as being the "roughest months" and I now agree. Once we return in January, the days will be lengthening 5 minutes with each sunset and the ground should be covered in snow, illuminating the remaining darkness.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

"You better watch out, you better not cry.
Better not pout, I'm telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town."
- Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots




Today was the day Santa Claus came into Helsinki from the North Pole to kick-start the Christmas spirit. He arrived on the 3B tram into Senate Square where he was greeted by a choir. He climbed the stairs of the Cathedral to join in on a few carols then proceeded to his sleigh.


Before the parade began, the lights of Aleksanterinkatu were lit. The streets were lined with people of all ages, anxiously awaiting for the entertainment. Police on horses led the parade followed by dancers with ribbons, gymnasts, dancing angels, Santa Claus on his sled (led by more horses though), an antique truck loaded with presents, and drummers.

The Thanksgiving Song

"Turkey for the girls and
Turkey for the boys.
My favorite kind of pants
Are corduroys.
Gobble gobble goo and
Gobble gobble gickel.
I wish turkey
Only cost a nickel.
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving...
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!"
- Adam Sandler

This is definitly the hardest month living abroad. I don't know if it is the darkness or the fact that all of our family is around a Thanksgiving feast, enjoying a room filled with love and laughter. Today will not begin with our annual Turkey Trot run (picture is from 2005), followed by 2 turkey dinners (one with each family), and completed with the Dallas Cowboys game.

We will have the traditional Thanksgiving meal thanks to my sister's wonderful care package. Unfortunately Daddy has to work so the boys and I will cook most of the day and dinner will be at 1800.

We all have so much to be thankful for...count your blessings not only today but every day you are given!

The Candy Man

"Who can take a sunrise
Sprinkle it with dew
Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two?
The Candy Man.
The Candy Man can.
The Candy Man can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good."
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory



Our closet size American grocery store Behnford's now has a competitor located right around the corner. Mr. Nibble opened up a few weeks ago and we went for our first visit yesterday. Believe it or not the store is smaller than Behnford's and carries mainly sweets. The shelves are stacked with candy, chocolate, Pop Tarts, cake mixes, canned drinks, etc. The store clerk said their inventory will vary with each delivery so keep checking in. The prices seemed a little more reasonable too.





We let Big and Little pick out a piece of candy each before heading out. After a handful of Hershey Kisses and Tootsie Rolls, we were all in a great mood!