These are the special times...

Special times, in many ways...
For better and for worse - that's what we promised in church a little over 11 years ago. It still is solid and we always have been there for each other. For better and for worse.

My worst, is for ever over and my husband's worst is forever over and for that we are both every day actively thankful!
After my hardest work period, I this winter started to look happy again, or so people told me.
I like that: going through hard stuff, learning, growing, changing and landing in a happy me - only a little bit wiser.

Now it's hubs' time to bite the dust and learn and grow, since he's just found out he's facing hardships at work. These are the harder times worldwide, financially, and it's not a shock that it would show up even at our doorstep.
There's nothing to do but to be still, think, analyze and welcome change with open arms.
For change will amount to good, even if it is scary.

I know I keep going on about the new fireplace, but please indulge me: I love it!

Now I've decorated it with stones from our nearest beach.

Today we woke up to frost on the roofs... Finally something white on the ground!

Off to floor ball practice I was presented with yet another stunning sunrise.

Ice on the ground, too. Now we're talkin'!

Sniffing away, among the frosty leaves.

Dear Mrs Blackbird showed.

Oh, how I wish she would sing even during wintertime.

Christmas cleaning

The Boy went to a friend's place for a play date. The hubs buried himself in the computer and I - what was I to do? Hmm... looking around, the answer presented itself: cleaning the windows of the room we'll spend most time in, come Christmas. What a splendid idea!

(no, not even the fact that I was weak after the stomach flu and simultaneously feeling feverish and ill from a new cold, could stop me)

Said and done - I went to it!

One of the hand marks of the windows.

Ready, steady, go!

While she endured softly falling snowflakes without complaining...

And she hid in deep.

Remarkable.

Time for husband and wife to snuggle alone!

Talking, sharing thoughts.

Snowing outside.

Please steer your eyes away from the pile of cut down hedge and the spade hubs left out there.

Behold the snow!

Longing for lots and lots of snow.

At least it's cold!

Putting focus where it ought to be
Christmas Eve is just around the corner, you guys!!! How 'bout it? I, personally, can't wait!
My firstborn will be here with his sweet girlfriend and I hope to go all in as a good mother-in-law, not the other kind.. ;-)

Writing this, Christmas music is all around, the dog is by my feet, The Boy is at a friend's and a fire is silently burning in front of me.

I shook the stomach flu and I could hardly ask for anything more. In fact, I don't. There is absolutely nothing more to ask for, so I take the moment to take it in.... right now.
Wonderful!
A moment ago I had coffee in the sofa with Marcus and the fire was just lit - and then, like magic, it started snowing. I kid you not: like in a romantic movie! Large snowflakes started falling. The first ones this winter.
Loving every minute of it.

I have a hard task ahead of me this very last work week. One of those "I'd much rather not"s but I don't worry about. I choose not to. Feels great!

Monday. Countdown. Have a good Monday folks!

The Big Winter Stomach Flu

Yep, the name of it sums it up: I've been under cover for sure!
I've been so ill with stomach flu, I can't believe it, hence no post yesterday.

I'm still in bed, writing this, and will bring you some photos and maybe even manage some words...

The Boy has been ill too but not stomach flu (so far) but with a cold. 

He loves soccer cards so he did magic (!) with them!

Can you believe it? Middle of December and I can walk barefoot outside!

I was hunting for this sister, again. Still in her bloom - amazing!!

And this one - called Smultron here - thinks it's about time to get red and be eatable. 

Around Christmas time?!!

Speaking of Santa and elves...

When the baby of this family was about 2,5 years old, I all of a sudden heard myself talking of the elves living under the master bed, keeping an eye and ear on everything going on.

That stuck like glue - of course - and The Boy would remember it ever after. So, 'til this day there's talk of those very elves. These days The Boy has a happy glimpse in the eyes when he talks about them but he still talks.

Being at home ill, as he was this week, he acted as those elves, sneaking silently in under the kitchen table while I was doing the dishes. He made some tiny sounds and I could hear him giggle under there. 

I, of course, fully knew it was the elves and immediately straightened up my act!

Let me tell you: The Boy loved it and I had a blast. I loved it.

He is always near, always about. Bless that little sweet soul.

Cosy times, always, at home.

More friends that really doesn't realize it's about Christmas time...

Great coloring in spite of the season!

The cutest dog poses nicely in front of the red bush!

My companion. 

I adopted him almost nine years ago and it was mutual instant love.

Board games - he LOVES those!

A game of laughter and tears

No, it is not life I refer to, it's playing games - for fun!!

No matter if it's video games or board games - my boy will be bubbling, giggling, jumping and smiling when he plays a good game.

When he seems to do not so good.... then there's a different story. He cries and he gets angry. 

Sometimes he gets that way 'cuz the video game, or internet game, stopped all of a sudden and he must start over again but mostly - he just doesn't win.

Difficult life lessons for sure!

A diamond! Happiness is all around.

Such joy, that he must run and dance and jump...

He's just a happy camper to be around!

The dog wants to join in the fun.

Talk about loving and living the moment.

Uh-oohh...

Mommy found The Diamond.

Pew, he at least found a visa...

Order is restored.

And no matter what: these are priceless times of getting to be together.

He got one win, in the end.

Elf?

And yet another one again - what is this? A parallel universe?

Have yourself a well little Christmas!

Regardless of how the elves are doing (and where), Chritmas is getting near. Of course, my boy disagrees, he thinks time is passing very slowly.

As he should, being a kid.

I just wish we'll all be well come Christmas Eve - all of a sudden that's all that counts - scr*w gingerbread cookies, knäckis and even the tree. Let's just all be well!

Have a fab Saturday, all of you out there!

I hope to be able to get out of bed this evening.