Underground tour and soccer

This day, the alarm was of at 7:30 but I didn't get up until 8 ;) I was going to meet Anna and her boyfriend Gregor in Seattle and also some other friends. We had decided to take the underground tour of Seattle. It was really cool and U get to know a lot of interesting history about the born of the city. The city was once raised from the original level cause the ground was all muddy. And now, the old sidewalk is still under the new one. So we were walking there while our cool guide told us about the crazy ideas the founders of the city had. Everything from how the tide always flooded the town to how the plumbing system worked. I liked it and I think I'll take my family there when they are here.
Gregor was really nice and it was fun to finally meet him ;) There were also Lena, Patrick, Anna and Linn. I had a great morning and I went home to get ready for my soccer games. Yes, I had two games today cause Jen had asked me if I could help her other team cause they didn't have enough of players. I just changed in to my soccer clothes and grabbed something to eat and then Jen came and picked me up.
The first game was with that other team (don't remember the name) but there were several players that I've played with before and this was the team that I'm going to play with during the spring. I signed up and payed today so I'll play on Tuesday start in the middle of March.
It was a really good game and we won with 4-0. I scored once and felt comfortable in the middle. I like playing with Allison cause it's so easy ;) Almost like my "hårding" pale Sara Svensson from my team in Sweden.
The next game was harder, I was so tired and we didn't have sub this game either. The other team was good but we took the lead but in the second half they did 1-1. That was result of the game, although we had a lot of chances but the ball just didn't go in. It was a bit unfair but I guess that's the game ;)
My legs hate me right now! Two games without real soccer practice in like 6 months! What was I thinking? I feel like Agda 80 years ;) (La Familia: She's here too ;)) and I don't wanna guess how I'll feel tomorrow. But I'm tough ;)
Lotta and Jonas are out playing squash and having dinner so I'm watching the kids. Well, the kids are in bed and I'm watching Desperate Housewives ;) That's how I like it ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

AVATAR!!!!

OMG! I don't have any words that can live up to this movie. Make me an Avatar now! It's crazy how U can get so effected by a movie but it was so extremely good that U can't imagine. The visual effects were outstanding and the story made me both feel ashamed and touched. Ashamed of the mankind who only have money in their mind, touched, and thankful, that there is also hope and that there are people who care. People who are willing to sacrifice their life for the right things. U know it's only a movie but it made me think and wonder about things. The world, mankind, my future, my purpose. I wanna do something that makes a different! I wanna be a scientist, like the women in the movie. I wanna help people!
Ok, this was some deep talk, but I feel really deep now. I think, when I go to bed now, I'll have a lot of thoughts in my head and emotions in y chest.
I didn't do much today. I stood up at 9 and cleaned my room a bit. Then I worked on my present, I had some lunch (noodle soup, again!) and then I watched some Icarly episodes, totally hilarious ;)
I missed the bus that was going to take me to Bellevue where me and Anna was watching the movie. So, I took the car instead. We got there about 45 minutes early (I was there over one hour before but the German was late ;)) There were a lot of people and we had to stay in line to get our seats, it was sold out this evening too. But we got good seats, in the middle and we had some Pringles to chew on ;)
Anna is picking up her boyfriend, Gregor aka Jacob, tonight so she was really excited. I'm too, she's been talking so much about him that I can't wait to see him ;) I just wish that I had someone who was coming for me ( I mean except my family )
Anyway, U have to watch this movie. No matter what it cost or if U don't like this "war-movies" It's totally awesome. It rocks, this is the shit and I'm speechless. A big applaud for the guys that made this happen. I'm really impressed with all the details on everything. The nature, the machines, the native people everything. It was in 3D and we saw it in IMAX and I think it's incomparable if U see it without. I'm glad that we have such genius out there so that small people that me are able to discover something out of our world. Thank U!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Yoga and Snoqualmie

Today (Friday) I had Yoga again in the morning and it was nice. It's always good to start the morning with testing how flexible your body is. Sadly, it's not so bracing ;) It's more like: "Hey, can someone push me cause I can't get up?!" ;) But I like it.
When I got home, I decided it was time to watch the extremely popular movie Avatar. And U have to get tickets in advance so I talked with Anna and Ramona, who I knew wanted to see it, and then I went to Bellevue and got the tickets. Finally! So tomorrow evening I also will see it! I'm excited!
I had to return a sweater for Lotta as well and then I had lunch at Wendy's (a burger place) cause we didn't really have anything back home and it's Friday ;)
I had tried to reach Linda all day cause Sofia had forgot her jacket when she played at their place, and her ski pass was in that jacket. Finally she returned my call and she promised to drop the jacket off later. Pfew!
I picked up the kids and we hurried to have some noodle soup and then we put our ski clothes on and went to Lotta's job. The kids had decided to not go easy on this, especially Sofia who behaved like the little queen she is. But we arrived in one piece and when we change car I put in my Ipod, with new music!, and sank in to my own world. That was nice.
The slopes were really good today and it was not that cold. We had time to do one ride together before Filip and Sofia went to their ski lessons. Then me, Lotta and Jonas went together and it's a whole different thing when U don't ski with the kids. It's really exhausting and since it was a while since I was there the last time, me legs were tired. But it was so nice accept it was a school night, so there were so many kids and youth that thought they owned the place. But it's fun to listen to the high school girls when they are trying to get the attention: "OohhMyyGoood! Ahhh, did someone just throw a snowball at me?! IIhhhh" :)
The kids have lessons for two hour so we all were tired when we returned home, and I went directly to bed sore legs ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra.

Beuty shop

Today I started the day with a running turn since I didn't do any yesterday. It was really hard but also nice. My legs were so tired so I could barely stand but that's how it's suppose to feel ;)
I skyped with my lovely friends Anna and Ida who were having a sleepover in Jönköping...ohh I can't wait until I also can be with them. And have brownies and fruit salad ;) Jummie!
Then, I red some blogs and worked with my own. I also tried to finish my music but there were too much. I had lunch and then I watched a couple of Friends episodes. Was a while since I watched the last time so that was nice.
Filip was really good today and did his home work without any argument. Meanwhile, me and Sofia played beauty shop where we did each others hair, make up and nails ;) I did her really pretty and she did me, well it was cute how she did it ;) I had nail polish all over but that doesn't matter. It was nice and I like to have one girl and a boy cause then U can do both girly stuff and also play video game ;)
We had Chili corn Carne for dinner which is really good. I think it's a favourite here ;)
Now, I'm soon finished with my music. Jippie! I hope everything will fit on my Ipod, otherwise I have more work a head ;)
Tonight is Grey's and PP also but I'm too tired to go somewhere so I'll just watch it at home. Last week I over slept me on the Friday as well so maybe it's good to not go somewhere cause I don't wanna do it again ;)
Tomorrow I'm gonna go and ski with the family. Was a while ago now so I'm excited and then it's a new weekend again. I can't believe how fast it goes!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Outdoor playing

Today (Wednesday) I didn't went running in the morning. It was cold, foggy and I was sore in my legs from the work out yesterday. (A lot of excuses ;)) But I also thought of going out running in the evening instead (That didn't happen either ;))
I talked with mum and dad, which was nice. They are so exited about the trip, and so am I. When we were going to say goodbye, dad said that he hoped we would hear from each other before they came. I was like: "Dad, it's two months until U get here. I think I'll call next week again" ;) So cute.
Then I sat a while with the music and I really begin to see an end of it. I'm in the last folder and I hope it's not too much ;)
I went to QFC to get me some lunch, and they have all these pasta salads and different kind of already made food. I tried a Gorgonzola pasta and some Thai pork thingy. It was not so good and expensive so I won't do that again. But at least I know now!
I picked up Filip earlier cause he was going to the dentist for a check up on his surgery he did last week, and they took out the stitches. It went well but he complained about it hurt and that he was scared. I understand him, and I think it's hard to comfort him cause I don't know about the surgery and all the stuff they have done and going to do. But the dentist was great and he was happy when we left.
Sofia had her art class today so me and Filip went to the school and then we all stayed there and played for almost two hours! Filip had brought his basketball so we played Four Square (like the game KING in Sweden) Sofia found a girl she knew so she played with her. It was really nice weather and it was good that we were able to be outdoor again.
But when we went home, Filip started to behave bad again so sadly this day didn't ended so good either. But I manage to take him to basketball and me and Sofia stayed a short while and watched. Their basketball coach is so good looking! From now on I'll take Filip to every practice and go to every game ;)
This evening Jonas was away playing squash so it was only me, Lotta and the kids. Lotta had brought donuts that we had for dessert and when the kids went to bed, me and Lotta started on our new arts and crafts we are all in to now. Lotta is designing these clothes out of paper and I'm working on a gift for my friend. Don't wanna tell more cause I know that she's reading this ;) We both were all in to this when Jonas got home. It must have looked really funny and the best part is that on our covers there are only small children doing what we are doing ;) But we say that it's for every one ;)
My eyes were really tired when I went to bed and my bed felt really nice ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Tuesday

Ok, then it was Tuesday again. I was at the gym and did my super-hard-totally-exhausting class 24 S.E.T. I just felt like falling down on the floor and start crying when it was over. But at the same time I feel so good. And the instructor keeps telling us that we shall be grateful that we can move our bodies, that we can breathe normally and that we can feel our muscles burning. She works hard for people with physically dysfunctional people. That's a really good motivation when U are doing the work out. I never really saw it like that but now it's more like: "Stop wining, at least U can do this" That's my new motto, I like it.
As soon as I was done, Jonas called and said that they had called from school and I needed to go and bring Filip home. His tooth was hurting so he came home and rested. Well, at least for the first hours or so. Then he started to nag about video game or TV. Jonas had told me that he couldn't do that, cause he's not allowed to have fun at home when he's not in school so that he doesn't feel like he's rather at home, watching TV then goes to school.
We had lunch together and then he was home while I picked up Agnes and Sofia. Filip was a bit hard today, as well, when he should do his homework. I'm getting tired of this, have to tell over and over again about stuff I want him to do. He's only goofing around and laughs at me when I get irritated. Don't really know what to do. I'm trying to ignore him and sometimes it works, others not. I hope it's just a phase or sth cause otherwise I'll go crazy.
When Lotta and Jonas came home, they all went out to have dinner on a restaurant. I took some bread and a apple and went to college. I took the bus which was nice. Just relax and listen to my music.
German was OK. I don't really like the teacher, I don't really learn something and the classmates are just old ;) But at least I get to do something different.
I went to Starbucks and since I was starving, I ordered two bagels with creme cheese ;) The second one I didn't have to pay for ;) I think the guy who works there like me, or they were going to throw away the bagels and felt that I could have one. I hope for the first ;)
This time, it was me, Kadda and Ramona. We talked about our week and what to do on the weekend. There were a lot of au pairs there but we don't longer try to make new friends. We already have enough ;) And also, they are all just Germans ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

That's what U get from waking up at Starbucks

This morning started good but maybe the kids has a bad morning temper or something, cause I was upset and irritated when I left them at school. I'm glad there is a whole day to settle down before I see them again.
I went directly to Starbucks to get a easy wake up with a book, some tea and a banana cake. It was really nice and I stayed there for about an hour and felt much better when I walked home.
I had got a task from my close friends mum that need help with a invitation to her 50 years celebration. They are gonna have a party with the theme Rich and Poor reflecting to the Middle Ages. We have a place, where I live, where they have recreated a Middle Aged village where U can experience life how it was during that time. There the party is going to be held and she wanted to do a fun invitation. I've helped them before so I was glad that they thought of me again. I came up with two different ones but there were one of them I liked better.
After this, there weren't so much time left to do anything, but I uploaded some photos on FB from January and had lunch before I went to get the kids.
Filip did his homework really good and then he went out and sold the raffle tickets for the basketball again. Sofia came with me when I put some gas in the car and then she helped me with the dinner.
Since it's Monday today and I had Spanish, I rushed out the door as soon as Lotta and Jonas came home. I took the highway again cause I think it doesn't really matter and when U can drive faster on the freeway, I choose it. I manage to be there with 2 minutes margin ;) It went well, but I have to say that it's really tough to have a lesson for 2,5 hour. I'm definitely not used to that. But I guess it's good preparation for my upcoming studies.
Lotta has started a new hobby. She is designing this small clothes out of paper. It's almost like paper dolls and it's so cute. And she is really stuck in it ;) She sat with it last night and also now when I got home ;) Soon she have a whole collection and then I'll show you. She is also thinking of making a closet for them...hahaha. All this was meant to be for Sofia but now Lotta is the one who's doing it instead ;) A hobby is good, but I'm starting to wonder how old she is ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Shooping and soccer

Finally I decided it was OK to spend some money so me and Hanna went shopping, for the first time since I don't know. We went to the North Gate mall, where I've never been, and it was so great. They had all these good stores like Forever 21, Hollister, Victoria Secret and a lot more.
We first went to Hollister where I bought a shirt and a cardigan. I like the store but it's always too dark to really see the colours and they have this perfume that they spray in the store and it's so intense and strong. So now my closet smells like this ;)
Then we were at Forever 21 that I've heard so much about and it was really cool. They had so much, and then I mean so much. It was crazy and U got all tired, but not so much that U wanted to leave. They had really cool stuff and I bought a pair of jeans, one t-shirt and one longer t-shirt.
Then we were in many more stores but I didn't buy anything. We also ate when we felt our blood sugar level were to low ;)
We returned home after 4 hours at the mall and we were both satisfied ;) I had a great time with Hanna, the whole weekend, and it's nice to get some Swedish variation from all German ;)
This evening I also had a soccer game and it was the worst weather ever. It was cold, windy and raining. But in soccer there is never bad weather ;) I went with Jen, a girl in the team that lives close to me. She's really nice and it's better that we go together since Anna lives a bit far from here.
It was a good game but we had some trouble with our passes. We won with one goal against none. Allison did it and she was really good. I'm happy with my game but I need to work on my shoot. I was open with the goalie once and of course I placed the ball in her chest. Well, well I've always done that so it's no surprise.
It was nice with a worm shower after the cold game and now we are watching some Tudors episodes.
Today I have been here for 5 months! Ca U believe it? Sooner then we know I'll be back home with all of U guys!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra.

Discovery park

Today (Saturday) I had to wake up at 8 at Hanna's place cause we all had agreed to go to the gym in the morning. What idiots we are ;)
I drove home, so tired, and was home at 8:50 and realized that I wasn't gonna make it to the gym cause the class I wanted to take started at 9:15. How sad :) Instead I slept for two more hours and then I went out walking for one hour in the beautiful Kirkland. It was nice and a really good work out, my legs were so tired.
Filip and Lotta was making pancakes when I got in and we had them for lunch which was really good. Filip is a real master chef ;)
At 1 Anna and Hanna picked me up cause we had planned to start with Anna's "walking tour cards" she got for Christmas. It's 50 different walking tours in Seattle that is super good when U want to discover the city some more. Today's card was of the Discovery Park. It's the biggest park here and have a lot of different walks to offer. We took the beach trail and this rewarding walk takes you along 2 miles of secluded beachfront, past a historic lighthouse, and through the meadows and forested trails of Seattle's largest park.
The West Point Lighthouse is a local treasure dating to 1881.
The Fort Lawton Chapel, a turn-of-the-century building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately, the lights house was under reparation so it was covered. But it's suppose to be beautiful.
The view were amazing and when we came to the beach it was just stunning. I love the water with the smell and the sound. We gathered seashells and beautiful rocks that had been shaped by the ocean. We wrote in the sand and we got wet feet ;)
It was me, Anna, Hanna and Lena and we had a really good time. It was a bit hard, walking down and up stairs but it was totally worth it. It took about three hours so we all felt joy when we came to the car and was allowed to sit down ;)
When I came home it was time for some work. Jonas and Lotta was going out to play squash and have dinner so it was me and the kids for the evening. But then Anna showed up as a faithful friend and Saturday visitor ;)
We all had dinner together, fish sticks and potatoes, jummie! Then Filip showed Anna his stone collection and she got to try the video game. The kids were all excited about her being there, so was I ;)
We watched the movie G-force, it's about guinea pigs that are spies. A bit unreal, but as Filip said: "Sandra, it's a movie" ;)
When the kids were in bed (after me reading a story for all of them, including Anna :)) me and Anna did some pictures and music exchange. This is always good cause then U get more pictures on yourself ;)
She had to work early in the morning so there weren't any time for a movie. But I was glad to go to bed too, since it had been a long and active day!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra.

Will we ever have a DVD night?

Now I've done it. Today (Friday) I overslept me for the first time, and one hour! I must have turned off the alarm and just went back to sleep. It's a good thing that I have kids that want breakfast cause Sofia woke me up and said that she was hungry ;) First I was like: "Why do I need to get up, it's Saturday....oh no, it's not!" I hate when U get late in the morning, it's stuck with U the whole day. But the kids were good and we manage to get to the school on time with just 40 minutes to have breakfast.
After this hectically morning, it was good with a hour of Yoga. I think it saved my day cause I was relaxed and ready for the day ;)
I showered back home this time cause I wanted to have some "Sandra time" which mean that I spoiled myself with fixing my nails and a facial scrub. It was really nice and I felt fresh and good after.
Today the family was going to Snoqualmie and the ski lessons cause now the weather has been good enough so the slopes should be better than last time. But I didn't go with them cause I didn't feel like it.
Instead, we had planned to have a movie night at my place. Me, Anna, Hanna, Patrik and Lena. I went to the store and got some stuff so we could make tacos but then we decided to go to Hanna's place instead since her host family is away for the whole weekend. So I took all the food, some movies and picked up Anna on my way.
First it was only us three, so we made the tacos and ate. It was so good and it's really a long time since I ate it.
Hanna's hous are filled with this high modern tecnology. It's so cool! They have this remote that controll everything, they have loudspeakers build in to the roof in every room and they have a fan for the stove that moves up and down ;) So amazing!
Patrik had brought some sparkling wine and it was really good. (I only tasted since I was the driver for the evening)
Suddenly, we weren't gonna have a DVD night anymore cause Hanna had earlier met a guy at the gym and now he invited us all to his place to play the American game "Beer Pong"
Since Patrik and Lena also were driving, I decided to sleep at Hanna's place so that I also could join Anna on the sparkling bottle ;) Once again, I had dressed for a DVD night so not that fancy, but who cares?
We went there and there were three guys, all really nice and let me now explain about the game. It's two teams who each have 10 cups of beer organised as a flat pyramid on a table (the best is a table tennis table) Then each team are trying to throw a ping pong ball in to the opponent glass. Every time there is a hit, one from the team has to drink it. The team that first looses all their cups loose. It was so fun, and I was so good ;) I led my team to victory the both times ;) It's all about the angle of your elbow..hahahha.
They asked us what we were doing there and we told them that we were au pairs (of course they didn't understand so we had to call ourselves nannies, well fancy nannies ;)) And then they asked us where we had learned such a great English and we were like: "Ehh, in school maybe?!" That was really funny, like they didn't know that we had English in school.
After the games, that my team won!, we went inside and watched TV, played cards and just had a great time. There were also some Yoga poses and a lot of laughter.
Patrik drove us home and I slept at Hanna's, in her large, comfortable bed. Sadly I can't have anyone in my bed, cause it's too small.
We talked a lot and didn't go to sleep until 3:30, and we had to get up at 8!!!! OMG!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Homework?

Today (Thursday) me and Anna had another Tennis work out. We are so bad!! But we see progress ;) This time we were in Kirkland but I think that from now on, until we get better, we'll be in Medina where less people can see us ;) It's so hard, we really need someone to show us how to do it. But it's also fun and today we didn't miss the field so many times ;)
Anna had a lunch she needed to go to so I went home and took a nice shower and then went to Wallgreens to get some photo prints that I had ordered and I also stopped at Safeway and bought some hygiene products for me. I've started to rinse my mouth with Listerine every day since I got problem with my tooth. And it's really helping so I'll continue with that.
I also bought a new facial cleanser and a moisture. Now I'll see if these help my bad skin. But I also believe that I have to change my foundation, cause I think it was after I got this one that my face started to mess up. And I'll try a mineral foundation this time but I just have to wait for my old one to get empty, don't wanna throw away make up!
Filip went to school today, after his surgery, and he was very cranky in the morning and a bit when he got home. But he was really good cause he has this raffle tickets that he need to sell for his basketball team, and he went out and sold them by himself. He sold 6 and need to sell 15 so that's good.
We did some homework, played Sorry and then we played video game...again. I don't really like that we play every day but now we are at the final boss!!! It's so exciting and really hard ;)
After dinner I went to my room and started with my Spanish homework. OMG, Homework? I can't even remember when I had homework the last time. I've almost forgot that they existed ;) Well, maybe not cause Filip has it every week, but still. I sat for 2 hours and did it...pfew! Then I was really tired and had a headache but instead of getting ready for bed, I went to Ramona's place and watched Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice ;) As good as always, except that Emilie wasn't there which was a bit sad. But I think she is having a great time in Los Angeles with her boyfriend ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra.

Dentist for both

Today has been one of those days where I just felt like nothing happened, and I could have stayed in bed in stead. But, the weird thing is, that I have done pretty much. Filip went to the dentist again, this time with Lotta so that they legally could do the surgery. So I only took Sofia to school and it's so much easier to just have one kid, not so many stops on the way ;) Then I went out running, but took a shorter way cause I needed to be home when Filip came back. It was a nice, but hard turn since my legs still hurts from the gym class yesterday. I took a good shower, did the laundry and then Filip came home. The surgery went well and they had created more space between his teeth and the gums in his jaw. He was tired and dazed so he wasn't going to school and he was only allowed to eat ice cream. A pretty good rule for a eight year old ;) We watched Harry Potter and the Half blood Prince and he was disappointed when it ended cause he wanted to see the next episode, but it's not out yet. Does anyone know when it will? Then he watched some other cartoons and I watched the latest episode of Desperate Housewives that I missed this Sunday. Then it was 1:30 and it was time for me to pick up Sofia who also was going to the dentist today. We drove the familiar way to Dr Rama to fix the last tooth. We have been there so many times now that everyone know us ;) But I'm glad now that it's over, we only have a regular check up at my birthday. Maybe we can change the date? ;) Or maybe my family want to see how a American dentist works ;) Back home Filip played video game so we joined him. We are at the final world and only have 2 more levels until we win it all!! It's so exciting. I think I'll create my own player and play during the day, maybe I'll start the guitar hero as well. But then I'll be stuck in front of the TV the whole day. Oh, this life is hard. So many choices ;) Filip wasn't allowed to play basketball today but he went there to be in the team picture that they took today. Meanwhile, me and Sofia was cooking and dancing and singing to Katy Perry's Hot and Cold. That's Sofia's favourite song and she and some friends at school have made up motions to it and they had put up a show on recess, so cute! ;) Now we are watching Spongebob, the kid's favourite, and just relaxing with the computer in my lap!! I have already finished the Lost season 5 so I don't have anything to watch. I can't wait until the next season starts, on February 2!!! Miss U all! Love Sandra

German and Starbucks

Today (Tuesday) I decided to take a class when I got to the gym. I have done the class before, it was the 24S.E.T, which is a combined cardie and muscle work out. But now it was a new instructor and she was really good. She was pushy and made us really stretch our limits. I was so exhausted afterwards, I almost started crying ;) But it felt really good!
When I got home I talked with friends from Sweden and we had a important subject that we needed to discuss. So we did, for like an hour and it felt like we all were home, together again. Oh, I can't wait until I see them and I keep imagine how the reunion will be. But maybe it's no good to think too much of it cause it only make me sad.
I also looked up a lot of different sports teams that I want to go and see, like ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse etc. And these we have to go and watch soon cause they don't have many games left but I really want to see it.
I also did some laundry and it's a bit troublesome cause our dryer doesn't work and there is not really a good area to hang up the wet clothes. So doors and the stairs have to work ;)
Filip brought a book about stones and minerals so that we could find the names for the stones in his collection. I'm not a expert so I guessed a bit. "This is green and that looks green, maybe it's that" ;) But at least, now we have names for all of them ;)
Today I had my second German class and it went well. We talked more about living in Germany and different item to have in the rooms. I like it, but the teacher has a habit of saying ja after every sentence. "They share a apartment, ja. And they live in Berlin, ja" Hahahah...that's funny but also a bit irritating.
I went by bus today cause there is a bus stop right next to the college and I like the bus.
I took a bus to Bellevue and went to Starbucks to have a cup of tea and catch up with my friends. It's always nice and Anna drove me home so I didn't need to take the bus.
Lotta and Jonas watched the Tudors when I got home, so I joined them for a episode before I went to bed.

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Focus Day in Olympia

Happy Birthday today to Martin Luther King Jr! Thanks to him, all kids are off school today and can do what they want ;)
For me, that meant work the whole day and not just that, I stood up at 5!!!! Me and the kids were going with PTA ( a organisation in school ) to a focus day in Olympia (the capital of Washington state) A focus day of the government and their work for the schools. We all went there to make the legislators not forget about the education and try to affect them to put more money in the schools.
The bus that was gonna take us there, left at 7 that's why I stood up at 5 cause I had to make sandwiches for us and get my self a breakfast and get ready. Then I woke up the kids and they were faster up than I thought so we had wait a while downstairs and still we were a bit early. But rather that then late ;)
There were two buses and a lot of people that went together. We didn't knew anyone and it was mostly older kids and parents. Our bus driver was Everett (like the city ;)) and he looked like a bus driver does. Older, a bit big and nice.
It took us maybe 1,5 hour to get to Olympia and the county area with the beautiful Legislative building that looks like the white house or the St Peters church.
When we came, the weather was bad but we went inside so it was OK. We all were pushed in to a room where a lot of other people already were seated. Apparently we were over 800 people there today, who all was gonna share the space...hmmm. It was really crowded and warm. There were some small activities for the kids like face painting, coloring and making of "Noise makers" Otherwise there were just people who talked about how important it is that the education and school don't get forgotten when it comes to the budget and that there can't be any cuts cause there is already not enough money for the schools.
This was a bit boring, both for me and the kids and together with all people and the heat it was not a very pleasant start of the long day.
After a while we were let out of the room and we all marched outside around the area and yelled: "Save our school!" "Cuts hurt kids" etc Well, Filip yelled: "More video game to Filip!" He really got the concept of this ;)
We ended up on a giant stair in front of the building and below different legislators, parents, students and other important people begun to talk. This was very long and I'm really proud of both Filip and Sofia cause they have been so good today. After some goofy pictures and some games (and when the speakers were done ;)) we went inside and had lunch.
Then there were some more activities and we went on a scavenger hunt which was nice cause then we could be outside.
At 1 o'clock the bus started to get back home and now we all were tired after being awake so long. Sofia found a very strange position to sleep in the bus. Her legs were on the floor and her upper body on the seat that u usually sits on ;) But she slept really heavy so either it was comfortable or she was really exhausted.
When we got home we went to Lotta's job to pick up some money cause we had to go and buy sth for Filip's collection of stones. He needed some kind of drawer, similar to those U can put screws and other small pieces in. We went to Home Depot and found one like that. It had a lot of different sized drawers and it was perfect. Sofia bought some rope and hooks cause she wanted to make leashes for her kittens (stuffed animals ;)) And she really needs that cause in Olympia, she lost them a several times!
I helped her with the leashes and then she played school with all her other animals. Filip organized his stones and I helped him to try to search for the names. We compared with pictures and guessed some. He has a lot of them and it's cool look at them.
The evening has been really calm and I think I'll go to ed early now, cause I feel quite worn out after being awake since 5 ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Lovely bones and soccer

Today (Sunday) I had to set my alarm again cause we were going to the movie at 12:30
It was me, Kadda, Ramona, Emilie and her boyfriend that went and saw "The lovely bones" It's about a 14 years old girl who is murdered and now she's in the land between heaven and earth and tries to help her dad discover the truth. It was OK, really sad and a bit weird sometimes. I didn't like the end but this was a movie we have talked about for a while and really wanted to see. Well, now we have ;) And we saw some trailers of other movies that seemed good.
I took the bus today and of course I left my gloves at the station! The good thing is that I got a new pair for Christmas from my mum. Thanks mum! I like going by bus. Then U don't have to worry about driving or parking, sometimes that's really nice.
Back home I ate and then took a power nap for half an hour. I had a soccer game today and had to leave at 5 to pick up Anna Lovell (a team mate)
We played against RCSC Girl Scouts and they were good. Some of the players had already played one game right before but U couldn't tell. We didn't have any subs and our goalie was hurt. So in half time the score was 4-1. But we played good and there was still a chance to catch up with them. I finally got the confidence to take the corners and to shoot more, and it was really good but no goals.
Maybe 10 minutes in the second half (and they had already scored once) one of their players hurts her knee and cause they didn't have any subs either and two people had to go with the girl to the hospital, we called off the game. I was a bit pissed cause I only play once a week and then I wanna play. But still I understand the other team. So because we were so nice, we could have said that we wanted to play, the result was 4-5 instead, which is better for us.
So I came home earlier that expected, and there were a good soup waiting for me and for dessert some fresh, home made "Semlor" (a Swedish creme bun) It was delicious. I watched the Golden Globe with Jonas and Lotta. Maybe not the most glamorous gal I've seen but it's always fun to see what the celebrities are wearing ;) I didn't watch everything cause tomorrow I have to get up really early!!!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Snowtubing and 5 kids...again

Today (Saturday) Emilie and her boyfriend came to my place at 9:30 cause we had tickets for Snowtubing today at 11:15. We went to Redmond and picked up Kadda and Ramona and then I drove the familiar road to Snoqualmie. The weather was not super but OK. It was really warm and where it's usually ice on the mountain walls, along the road, there was now puring water. Not that good cause then it's no good snow in the slopes. But today that was maybe just good cause then it was better glides on our tubes ;)
Snowtubing goes like this: you get a tube (a big rubber tire) and then U slide down the hill with high speed ;) Well, it wasn't so fast but it was really funny. In the beginning we all sat down cause we were a bit scared. But after two races we all ran and jumped on our tummies ;) That was much more fun and the wind almost blew away my hat ;)
The bad thing was that U had to walk up the hill afterwards. Or U could take the lift they had but it was so slow and there were always a lot of line. So we only took it once, cause we had to try it. It was nice but also a bit exhausting for your abs, but maybe that's good ;)
We had two hours to play and it was really necessary considering it took a while to get up the hill and there were a lot of people. It was really fun and U also got a work out, running up the hill with all that clothes ;)
On our way home we stopped at a really American place, a donut place called "Krusty Kreme" It's a fancy donut place with a drive through ;) And U can see when they make the donuts, and it was really cheap. I bought three of them, ate one there and saved the rest for the evening. The others ate all of theirs there but I was felling sick cause I hadn't have lunch.
Back home I didn't do that much cause I was gonna work later on the evening. Just went to QFC to get something sweet for the night ;) I'm looking for every loophole I can find now when I don't eat candy. So I came home with a bag of chips and Nutella ;) We had talked about that earlier and I wanted it so bad ;) Lotta was so proud of me and my new years resolution ;)
At 5 Stendahls came here cause the adults were going to a movie, Avatar (That I still hasn't seen!!) so I was gonna babysit all 5 kids. I've done it before and it was a while since I was a 5 kids mother ;) The best of it now is that they are not shy anymore so it's much more easier to talk and play with them, specially the twins. They are so cute! Me and the girls had a little girlie time for ourselves cause Filip and Axel played video game. So I painted their nails and they put on lipstick ;) They were so cute and Ebba walked with her hands in the air a long time after the polish had dried ;)
Anna came to help me and keep me company. It was really nice. I put on a movie for the kids and gave them some candy. Then me and Anna talked, ate strawberries with Nutella and watched some SMOSH! A perfect Saturday evening. I feel that we have really connected and I can't wait until I can visit her in Germany, and soon is her boyfriend here as well!
She helped me when I put the kids to bed and she listened when I red for the kids ;) Sofia really liked her.
I had to go up a couple of times, and I had to move Filip cause he was to wild but then they all slept peacefully.
Me and Anna watched the movie: "The Phantom of the Opera" It's crazy how good they can sing! We decided to learn all the songs so that we also could sing like them ;)
It was a very nice evening and I don't mind working. It's just good to be home and not spend money ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Sleepy Friday

Today I've been so tired! I hate this weather, how can it rain so much? Can someone answer that question? When there are so many places in this world that needs water, why must everything be here? It's a weird world we are living in ;)
I went to Yoga for the first time after the holidays, and it was really nice. There is a new instructor and I like her. She is doing more advanced stuff (not that I can do them ;)) but it's more fun when it's challenging and I was really tired after the class.
I went directly to the bank and asked about the money I hadn't got back yet from the dentist thing with Filip, but they said it could take up to 7 business days!!! What the f***! Well, maybe it's good cause then I wont spend the money ;)
I went to the owners, of the apartment where my family will live when they are here, and gave them some of the money. They showed me the place and I think it's perfect. It has one big bedroom that can be split in to two, one big kitchen/living room with a bed sofa. It was really personal and I think that will fit us all much better. The owners were really nice and my mum thought it was good I met them so they know it's serious. And I don't think there will be any problem.
I stopped at Noah's bagel and bought my lunch ;) Then I went home and called my mum and dad to update them on everything. Then I watched a episode of Lost ;) That's all I do now!
I also slept for half an hour before I picked up the kids. Where really exhausted and I think I'll go to bed early today.
The kids were really peacefully today and we played some games and build some models before we once again played Super Mario ;)
Lotta and Jonas brought home pizza that we had in the sofa watching Disney's Mulan. A great movie and I wonder if it's a true story, I mean based on a true story. I asked Lotta and Jonas but they just laugh and said of course it's true. Especially with the talking dragon ;) Well, dah! It was really nice with pizza and popcorn but when the movie was over, I was really surprised that it was only 7. And I who thought it would be OK to go to bed ;) I guess I can watch a new Lost episode ;)
Tomorrow we are going to Snoqualmie for Snowtubing, and I get to meet Emilie's boyfriend! I hope the weather is nice so that we'll have a great time!

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

I've got my ticket!!!

Today (Thursday) my original plan was to play tennis with Anna, but then Jonas was going to help in Sofia's class in the morning so he needed a ride to work later. But that was ok cause my close and loyal friend Anna had forgot our tennis plans and signed up for a cycling class instead ;)
But when Jonas got to Sofia's class, the teacher was sick so he didn't need to be there. So, instead of my extra sleep, I drove him to his job ;)
I decided to have a lazy day so I stopped at Starbucks, bought a coffee and a brownie. Went home and watched 3 episodes of Lost ;) It's really exciting now and on February 2 the final season is starting so I must be ready!
My mum called, unexpected, and they were having a meeting back home about their trip and where they are staying. I had send them some links to apartments that u could rent and they had talked with one owner of a mother-in-law apartment that they had in their basement. It's perfect cause it's more convenient and me and the kids can also be there and it's more personal. It located only 10 minutes from here and a really easy way there. I have to go there with some money and then almost everything is set for their trip here. And my trip to New York too cause I bought my ticket today!!!! It was a bit expensive but I felt that I couldn't wait any longer, but then Lotta told me that it was possible that the price would have reduced but I donno. Well, now I have it anyway and I'll be on the same flight back here as my family which is great. Ahh...I can't wait to meet them. But I'm also a bit nervous cause I'm scared of how I will feel when they leave. I was kind of emotionless when I left the first time, but now I really know how much I miss them. But after they're gone I'll soon be home. I'm so excited!
We played video games today as well and we beat two Bowser bosses ;)
Filip did his homework really good today and I made him practice on his writing, he had to write 5 things that he liked about me and he wrote: "I like Sandra. It is five things I like about Sandra. One thing is I like her food. Second I like her handwriting, third I like playing with her. Fourth is playing hide and seek with her and the last thing I like about Sandra is going to the park with her. Love Sandra" So sweet ;) Maybe now precisely what I meant but it's still sweet ;) And his hand writing was good too!
Tonight was finally the premiere of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practise so I went to Emilie's house, as old tradition, and we ate some ice cream and popcorn while watching the exciting cross over programs! I'm glad that the routines is starting to come back ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

Rain rain and wait....more rain

This is unbelievable. How can it rain so much? It's been raining now, constant for two days. It sucks. You can't do anything outside and u just get so down. But there were a break long enough so I could go for my jogging turn. I did the same as last week and it was really nice.
I had to get up at six today cause I was taking Filip to the dentist where he was supposed to do a surgery and it was at 8. But when we got there, and after I had paid, they realized that I wasn't a legal guardian for him so they couldn't do it. They had to have either Lotta or Jonas there. Bah....but they unmade my payment but off course they are always quicker to take the money then returning them. I hope it'll be on my account tomorrow otherwise I'll go to the bank.
So Filip had to go to school anyway, and that kind of disturbed my daily schedule a bit. But it was OK. The only thing was that I didn't have an excuse for not working out anymore ;)
After my jogging, I took a nice shower and updated myself on FB. Then I was really handy and repaired my jacket. Some of the bottoms were loose so with some super glue and thread it was OK. I also did some organisation of all my photos and I'll continue with that tonight as well.
I picked up Filip, cause Sofia had art class again, and we played some video game. He has a new one for his Nintendo, it's Super Mario and it was really funny. As the old one, that I'm used to, but in a modern way.
Then I picked up Sofia and today I knew that I had to pick her up at the art room and not just wait for her downstairs as I did the last time. Here they have more security with and around the school. The kids can't just go out themselves, U have to sign them out or pick them up at a certain spot. And if U are going on a field trip or sth with the kids, they have to do a background check on u and other different stuff. I guess it's good but also a bit exaggerated.
We played some more video game, all of us. But Sofia mostly looked herself in a bubble so she couldn't get hurt, and didn't have to do anything. But I guess that is her way of playing ;)
Then we did some other games and we played card as we use to do. They are always so loud when they play, like my brothers when they play on the computer ;) But it's not that nice to listen to.
Filip had basketball practice today as well so I drove him there and we played some before everybody else came. I realized how long ago it was since I played (only in our yard but still) It's fun but hard to get that damn ball in the basket ;)
I got a new nickname from Sofia today: "Ovalhead" I think it's kind of funny, and she didn't say it cause she was mean. It just came ;) But I think I like Larsson more ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

German

Today (Tuesday) I went to the gym and had a work out on my own. It was nice and I was really tired when I was done, which is a good sign ;)
After the gym I went to the library to get a new book to Filip, cause the one we had already choose was apparently to hard. I took four different ones and I hope at least one of them will due. I also borrowed some other child book that we can read when we don't have anything to do. I like the library, they have so many books and it's quite ;) They also have a computer game that I played a lot when I was a kid, but it would look weird if I sat at the child section playing the game ;) I have to take the kids there more often so I can play ;)
I started a new, more organized life now with a list of things I have to do. And it's actually working pretty good. I get more stuff done and I'm not that tired during the days anymore, well I'm tired but I don't have to sleep ;) I started this bad habit of going to bed really late. I'm always watching some episode of a series or sth on my computer, and then I'm almost dead in the morning. I have to get out of that.
The afternoon with the kids were really bad, or Filip was behaving bad and made me so frustrated and angry. But I think I managed it well, and in the end I was the winner. I have to talk to his teacher about his homework and how I'm suppose to explain certain things. Cause I don't know how they are learning it in school. As soon sth is a bit hard, he just: "No, I can't. I don't get it. I don't wanna do it" and then it has to be a discussion and he is a master on turning everything I say to the opposite. It's just frustrating. But thanks to the Swedish singer Lars Winnerbäck I manage through those hard times.
As soon as Lotta and Jonas got home, I went to my German college class that started today. I'm taking level 3 cause I've red it for 5 years before but it was like 3 years ago so I didn't really know which level to choose. I think this might be a bit easy, but as I said before: "Repetition is the mother of knowledge" (Thank U Amela, my English teacher :))
We were only 6 students and as in my Spanish class there were only older people, and me ;) The teacher is a tiny German girl that has some trouble with English and seems a bit nervous. But it was OK. We learned about how they lived in Germany, which was a bit weird. And of course there were some of the devil grammar ;) But that is German ;)
One thing that I noticed is that it's harder for an American to learn German, than someone from Sweden. Cause there are so many words that are similar in the Swedish and German language. So many times, I can guess what a word might mean but Americans can't cause it's complete different, most of the time. That's good ;)
After the class I went to Starbucks, without having dinner, and talked with Katherine. I didn't stay that long cause I was starving. I was kind of stupid when I registered for the classes. First, it gets so stressful when I need to leave as soon as Lotta and Jonas comes home. No time to talk/ Plus that I don't have dinner until I'm back from the class which is around 9 or sth. So I'm always so hungry. Well, I brought a banana but that's no dinner.
Kathrine and Sofie (two Danish girls) were in Hawaii during New Years, and she told me about it. Now I wanna go even more! I have to save enough money, but that's no problem, I'm a rich Au Pair ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

They finally have their ticets!!

Today I didn't went to the gym cause I had such a terrible muscle ache in my legs so I felt it would be best to rest.
I answered some mail and then I called back home to find out that they have got the tickets for their trip here! Finally. Now they just have to find a good staying here in Kirkland and they want me to help them. I'll try but I think it's hard, there are so many places and U never know what's best. Well, well...I also have to book my own ticket to New York! Oh, I'm so excited!
Me and the kids didn't do so much. Filip did his homework and then we all played Sorry.
As soon as Lotta and Jonas came home I went to the college and my Spanish class. I tried a different way there today, a one without the highway. But I don't think it was shorter cause there were a lot of red lights and traffic. I think it's the same no matter which way I take.
The class was good and I feel like the Spanish that I know comes back more and more. But I can't decide if I want to keep the book after the class or not. Cause I feel like in one way it would be good to have it, so I can look in it later. But also maybe it will also just be in my closet and I'll never open it. Well, I'll see.
When I got home I was starving since I didn't have time for any dinner before I left. Fortunately there were pasta when I got home ;)
Now we are watching the Tudors, the first season. It's good but not so good as LOST ;)
The pictures I attached are one of my two lovely cousins, Noah and Leon, and the Christmas card I got today. A bit late but it definitely lifted my day ;)
The other picture is of a funny butter we have here, I just had to show U ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra

First soccer game

Today, I actually slept til 1 pm!!! Hahahah....the kids were at the Swedish school so they couldn't wake me up as they use to ;) And it was really nice. I had a lot of sleep to catch up since the weekend so I didn't complain. But I was a bit surprised when I checked the clock ;)
I ate a bowl of cereals and then updated my blog, I never have time during the weekend cause I'm doing so much. That what I told Lotta yesterday. I said that I was sorry that I'm always out on the weekends but she said that it's how it's suppose to be. I have to take the opportunity, when I'm here, to do stuff when I can. And I mean, there is not so much during the weeks cause everybody works.
The family came around 2 and I had lunch (the leftovers of the meatloaf ;)) and then I got change in to my new soccer clothes ;) Today was my first game with my team: MoHeads! (The name is a union of the two teams that are in this team) We are red and we play all over Seattle.
Anna picked me up and today, we played in Shoreline that is north of Seattle. We met the team: Team Awesome ;) A bit cocky but they were really good. They had one girl who was fast and had a hard shot, but that was almost only what they had. She did all thir goal and this game contained a lot of goal. They did six, and we did seven!!! Yes, we won! And I did 3 goals, a hatric! It was really fun and we played really good though it was the first game with a lot of new team players. It was a bit hard with all the names but I think I'll learn. We play with three forwards and it's real luxury ;) I was one the second half and it's so nice, and not so exhausted ;) I got really great passes and it was just to put the ball in the goal ;)
When it was 15 minutes left of the second half, they put me down as a sweeper (last defender) I was not that found of it but I did my job and stopped their star ;) I was on fire...hahhaha. It was really fun and I can't wait until next weekend.
When I got home I took a quick shower and then Lotta and Jonas went out to play squash, I think. So I put the kids to bed and now I'm watching desperate housewives. I'm glad that the series have start again, too bad it's only every Sunday ;)

Miss U all!
Love Sandra