the koivisto perhe

Germany

2012-02-13T09:28:00.007+02:00

The Koivisto perhe went to Germany for the weekend...

I fell in love with the food, the people, the rolling hills and mountains.

I would love to live in Germany for a few years

(still trying to convince the Koivisto for that one.)

Pictures and a post soon to come.

This song was playing at every gas station, store, and café we encountered.

While I adore the generous, loving nature of the German people, the language itself sounds so harsh and demanding to my ears.

Mix that with a little rap, and this is what you get.

(While it may sound like the guy is cursing everyone and his mother, I took the liberty to google translate the lyrics. There is not one single negative word in this song. Like I said, harsh and demanding...)

My sister...

2012-02-07T21:56:00.003+02:00

My older sister Erin is ridiculous-ly hilarious.

She and I go way back in the historical embarrassing-ly hilarious chapters of our lives.

But, she's crazy mind you!

It's in our blood though.

craziness, that is.....

(My grandmother once bought an Ostrich so she could eat it. Turns out, Ostrich's are super expensive to butcher. So instead, she decided to keep it as a pet.)

I received an e-mail from her today that read:

Meet my new best friend Miss. Timbleton

(Disregard the fact that she's wearing shorts in -10 degree weather...or the fact that the "beast" is inches from her face and her car.)

I wish someone would have taken a picture of her face right after feeding that beast of a thing.

I'm sure it was of pure excitement.

P.S SIS, After seeing the picture, Kai jumped up and down and asked if it was a pony. I'm guessing he's super jealous that you have a pet pony and he doesn't.

* And for those of you who can't tell... it's a moose. Yep*

It's really, really, cold...

2012-02-05T18:01:00.002+02:00

This week it hit an all time

record low for my quant little city.

I think it's safe to say that it is freezing outside when your thermometer breaks after -30 degrees Celsius.

Fortunately, for the Koivisto Perhe, cabin fever has not yet set in.

Kai Koivisto literally provides me hours

of entertainment each day.

I mean seriously,

how can you not laugh at a naked baby who dances while vacuuming?

COLD

2012-02-01T20:40:00.000+02:00

Food

2012-01-31T11:50:00.002+02:00

When I was pregnant with Kai,

all I wanted was cheap, simple foods:

Rice

Buttered Noodles

Steamed Carrots

Fresh Tomatoes

Potatoes (prepared ANY way)

With this little nugget,

it seems to be quite the opposite:

Steaks

Mexican Food (which costs an arm and leg here in Finland)

Milk (by the gallon/liter)

Homemade bread (none of the stuff from the store)

Tropicana Juice (which costs $4.50 a liter/quart here)

Meat, Meat, Meat (but it can ONLY be prepared on the grill)

And while I'll admit that I am a pure grouch when I'm pregnant, Jyri is SUCH a loving, patient husband.

Whenever I'm negative about the morning sickness, the back aches, or the fatigue... Jyri is always there with supportive words, or helping hands.

After complaining about how gross dinner came out, Jyri took a late night trip to the store, bought a stake, and grilled it in (-20) degree weather...

{Kai and I spying out on Jyri through the front door}

I tell ya, he's SUCH a good boy!

Jyri and his buddy...

2012-01-29T23:02:00.001+02:00

Fatty

2012-01-28T18:18:00.002+02:00

The inevitable has happened.

I am officially fat.

And it appears that others have noticed by "puffiness" as well....

Conversation while I was cooking dinner:

Jyri: "Wow Katie you look HOT!"

Katie: "What a nice thing to say! Thanks Jyri!"

Jyri: "Yea, you should really wear spandex more often. Your butt looks AWESOME!:

Katie: "... I'm not wearing spandex. These are my sweats..."

Jyri: "...right... well... yea..."

Skype conversation with the Jarvis family:

Sirpa: "Katie, what are you eating?"

Katie: "I'm not eating anything."

Sirpa: "Yes you are! What have you got stuffed into your cheeks?"

Katie: "Nothing... really... I've just... I'm a little fluffy now."

Sirpa: "OH! HA HA! It's okay, you're fluffing up for baby!"

What is love?

2012-01-27T00:06:00.004+02:00

Love (noun): DEEP AFFECTION - letting them help with a project that ends up taking 2 hours to complete, when you know you could have completed it by yourself in 15 minutes.

{waving to the camera, "Hey Äiti (mom)!!!"}

Happy Birthday Surprises!!!

2012-01-22T14:32:00.004+02:00

One of my dear friends made the CUTEST card for her son on his 20th Birthday.

Jonathan, who is currently serving an LDS mission in Finland, has one of the most creative, loving, women for a mother.

Just look what his good ol' mom went to the trouble of doing...

She made him a "flip-out-card-book" with pictures of his dearest friends and family.

Each page of the book had a family member (or friend) pictured with a "given" letter. For instance, in the second picture Jyri, Kai and I are pictured with the letter "A" made out of sushi.

She then took each family "letter" and spelled out the sentence "Hauskaa Syntymäpäivää Jonathan! (Happy Birthday Jonathan!)

On the back of each picture, she included each of the family members favorite scriptures or thoughts and feelings they have about Jonathan.

Seriously, is that NOT the CUTEST thing... EVER!

(admit it... you know you want to steal the idea...)

Jonathan, of course, LOVED IT!!!!

Here's to an amazing, creative, FUNKY woman...

Sirpa Jarivs, you have really outdone yourself this time!

I'm so blessed to have you in my life! It's an honor to be part of your children's lives, and I admire the amount of love and support you have for both your family and friends!

Kirkko on Totta!!!

Just a few rambles...

2012-01-11T10:13:00.003+02:00

* I'm into my second trimester now, and I have to admit that it's going much easier/better then it did with Kai. The nausea is finally gone and I can actually consume food again.

* The snow has finally come to Finland, and I often find myself cursing the country for it's bitter cold days. I have learned, however, to be grateful for the blessings I've been given. Going a week without a car in the snow is not my idea of fun. I will never complain again after that little act. It's funny how praying for humility can nip you in the toosh every now and again.

* I washed Kai's stuffed animal/cat friend in 90 Celsius, a few nights back, to kill all the little germ-ys it had managed to collect in its fur. When I awoke the next morning to retrieve it, I was met with a mangled, bugged eyed, very angry looking mop of fur. I made the mistake of showing Kai, who spent the rest of the day walking around asking "meow?" (the name of his once cherished kitty friend.) Needless to say I spent the evening shopping around the city center of Jyväskylä to find its clone. And yes, I was successful in my endeavors.

* When Kai gets bored, he smiles and claps his hands in an applauding manner as if to say, "okay, I'm done now. Lets move on."... He has one of the funniest personalities I have yet to meet, and I'm excited to see how it grows over the coming years.

* Newt Gingrich is a spineless, class act in my opinion. Did his mother never teach him the Golden Rule; or that if he didn't have anything nice to say, then not to say it at all..... And yes, I know I'm a total hypocrite. He's still a tool though!

* Happy belated birthday to Jonathan Jarvis!!!! I have the most adorable post to share about the AWESOME gift his dear OLD mother made for him! Pictures and a post soon to come!

Lari comes to town!

2012-01-09T20:16:00.003+02:00

Dearest Lari,

The brownies that you and Niina made for Jyri, Kai, and I were amazing...

I had a few helping hands with the icing...

but for the most part, I managed to consume the entire container by myself.

And, thanks to you, I now have terrible heart burn (it was SO worth it).

Thanks a lot!

Hugs,

From your plump and dandy sister-in-law

Christmas and New Years

2012-01-03T12:56:00.004+02:00

For this (last) years Christmas, Jyri, Kai, and I were invited to spend the night with one of our "couple" friends from the ward. Hanne and Jonathan have been very dear friends to both Jyri and I since we moved to Jyväskylä. They have a 2 year old son who is obsessed with Kai at the moment.

Delicious Food, Great Company, and good ol' fashion English conversion was the evening affair.

When the young'n became too tried to even push each other over, we simply tossed them in bed.

The evening was then left to the adults to enjoy a few intense, competitive games.

We were all "real party animals", and managed to stay up past 9 pm!

When the new year fell upon us, Jyri, Kai and I spent the evening lighting fireworks...

and raiding my brother-in-laws fridge until the countdown struck midnight.

All in all, we had a fantastic holiday break.

Here's to:

* 2 Graduations (KT & Jyri)

* New jobs in distant countries (Jyri)

* Baby number 2 (I'm thinking a girl)

* Learning to talk (Kai)

Lunta... Snow

2011-12-30T12:24:00.002+02:00

This past fall, it snowed only once in the snug, little city of Jyväskylä.

And despite his love hate relationship,

....someone is wondering if that "white stuff" will ever return.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-21T18:28:00.005+02:00

Merry Christmas...

From our little "tontut" (elves) to yours.

My girls

2011-12-19T13:44:00.004+02:00

I adore my lil' finnish achievement day girls....

This weekend we made ginger bread houses for our activity.

And while most of the candy ended up in their mouths....

Their houses came out rather darling in my opinion.

I'm excited for the Christmas weekend!

Wishing you TOO a very Merry Christmas!

Fun at the HOP LOP

2011-12-17T08:41:00.000+02:00

Like mother...like son!

2011-12-14T14:03:00.003+02:00

This is Kai's favorite movie at the moment.

Growing up, I considered myself a "leaf eater".

Kai seems to fancy Petrie the Pteranodon.

Chocolate

2011-12-11T14:26:00.003+02:00

He only has 6 teeth.

But I dare say, that's enough to penetrate one of Finland's most decadent Christmas treats...

wrapper and all!

The Fall

2011-12-03T15:40:00.003+02:00

I found some awesome music from this cute little perhe's blog.

Kiito's paljon Ames Perhe!

Pair that with a super cute finnish chubs, and you have yourself a nice little flick...

Enjoy!

Nappi Silmä

2011-12-01T13:15:00.003+02:00

By yesterday afternoon, Jyväskylä's winter wonderland had melted away into nothingness. *The abnormally warm weather could make a person skeptical as to if it truly did snow in the first place.*

After a nice walk into the city center, Kai and I were greeted by an older women visiting from England. *She had overheard myself talking with Kai in english, and asked where I was from.*

After a few minutes of playing the "get to know each other" game, she said this about Kai:

"Why, isn't he rather easy on the eyes?! I imagine you could just stare at him all day, couldn't you?"

There's a little old lady in our ward who calls Kai "nappi silmä", which translates to "button eyes"

And you know what? I had to agree with her.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T12:50:00.002+02:00

Because I graduate next semester, my eyes have been swimming with school work. I asked Jyri if we could possibly postpone Thanksgiving this year (after all, I would have to make EVERYTHING from scratch here in Finland). To my dismay, the poor kid only griped for a few minutes and then left things as they were.

However, Wednesday night Jyri came home with bags full of groceries and announced that he was going to cook Thanksgiving dinner by himself. Thursday morning I awoke to a confused, anxious husband who explained that he "didn't have" canned pumpkin, cream of tartar, or cream of chicken soup.

With both a heavy heart and sigh, I spent the rest of the day in the kitchen pureeing, chopping, juicing, baking, sautéing, and broiling. And even though I didn't capture one photo, I dare say, it was the BEST thanksgiving meal that I have yet to create!

And with the help of the sister missionaries, and Jyri's brother, we managed to devour the feast in one sitting.

I'm 110% confident that this will be our last Thanksgiving here in Finland. And while it was a chore in and of itself, I'm so grateful that we decided to go through with it anyway.

We had a major paradigm shift in our home this holiday season; and we as a family have made it a rule to never postpone or set a side important holidays/dates/occasions ever again.

2011-11-28T11:40:00.003+02:00

The Koivisto Perhe woke up to our first winter wonderland this morning.

After a quick breakfast of oatmeal and milk, I bundled Kai up in his winter gear and headed out the door.

Turns out, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Kai loves the cold wet snow as much as his mother does!

"Help" in Finnish

Let's hope with a little time, it will grow on him....

Mummi.... Grandma

2011-11-23T09:54:00.001+02:00

I teach English lessons to a group of 60-70 year old Finnish ladies every Wednesday night. While I have heard that the following conversation has similarly taken place in some movie (that I have probably never seen), I experienced it first hand last night while playing a "get-to-know-each-other" game with my Mummi's (grandma's).

Finnish lady #1: "I am old and I am tired."

Katie: "You are old and you are tired. Ok."

Finnish lady #1: "Yes.... because I don't work anymore."

Katie: "Okay. Wait, what????"

Finnish lady #2: "No, you are not tired You are retarded!"

Finnish lady #1: "Yes, that is right. I am retarded because I don't work anymore."

Katie (cracked smile): "Oh! No, you are retired because you don't work anymore."

Finnish lady #1 & #2: "Ai jaa!" (Finnish word for okay.)

Silly English language.

Gets ya every time!

...yep, it's true!

2011-11-15T13:11:00.003+02:00

I love food. So much so, I day dream about the exotic places I'll one day vacation to JUST so I can sample the food. I also love books. I prefer a good book over any sitcom found on the tube. I often feel like a conversation stopper whenever someone asks me if I've seen the latest "hit" in the theaters. Nine times out of ten, it's a no. And in all honesty, nine times out of ten I have no real desire to see it anyways. I love going to church. I'm the only person I know that enjoys Fast Sundays. I absolutely love hearing the simple-tender testimonies of others... and in some cases, the crazy, over the top ones as well. I don't care what anyone says; I have a favorite Apostle (who made up that silly rule of not having favorites anyways?) I'm 23 years old, married, and have a 16 month old son. I live in one of the coldest places on earth. When I was a little girl, I use to day dream about marrying a man from Europe with a cute accent. I always pictured that he would be from the UK or Ireland. A Finnish accent is as good as gold, in my opinion. I love the temple... I went there one day. I will graduate next summer from BYU-Idaho's online program. Taking this long to complete my degree wasn't the game plan after I graduated High school... but hey, at least I'm graduating! Next to Kai, Jyri Koivisto is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life. I try not to be corny... but it's the truth.

My name is Katie. I cherish Jyri and Kai Koivisto. I make a killer cheese cake that would put both Betty and Martha to shame. I know my life calling was to be a mother....

and I'm a Mormon.

Kamu...Buddy

2011-11-12T16:04:00.004+02:00

Dear Otto,

Sorry about that whole "ripping-your-hair-out" ordeal last month when you came and visited me.

I guess I was a little jealous over your luscious, thick, locks....

and it probably didn't help that both of our mom's were laughing.

Those silly Äiti's (mom's)

Let's still be friends, okay?

I really don't mind when you snatch a cookie from my hand and eat it...

and I'm sure you don't mind when I push you over for no apparent reason.

Love,

Kai

Yeah!!!

2011-11-11T12:46:00.003+02:00

It is November 11th,

and it has YET to snow in Finland!

Yesterday morning I layered Kai up in long underwear, wool leggings, a sweater with shirt under neath, wool socks & mittens, two hats, and bundled him up in a blanket for our daily walk to the store...

After I snapped a few pictures of the glorious colors that a Finnish winter has yet to consume, I scooped up Kai from the stroller and let him walk the rest of the way to the store....

Turns out, I was a bit overdramatic when it came to his layering (it's November... in Finland... it should be colder... but I am certainly NOT complaining). The poor little guy was covered in sweat; and it was seeping through his sweater. So, to keep him from catching cold, we turned around and headed back home.

*Homemade chili, made by yours truly... and a few helping hands*

I use to be a skeptic, but now I am a believer...

Thank you to all who contribute to Global Warming!

I can honestly say that there are no complaints here in Finland!

Mato... Worm

2011-11-07T21:45:00.002+02:00

"A three year old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six-dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm."

-Bill Vaugan, author-

Halloween

2011-11-06T18:56:00.006+02:00

Finland does not celebrate Halloween.

With it having to be my favorite holiday, I decided to throw a Halloween party at our local church for the children.

Because of everyones hectic fall schedules, it was agreed that November 4th would be Jyväskylä's Halloween night.

I used my creative juices and whipped up the most spooky scene I could using black trash bags and cotton ball sheets (quite common here in Finland).

Highlight of the night:

* Children's costumes

* Seeing everyone experience Trick-or-Treating for the first time

* Planning and implementing my very first Halloween party

Lowlight of the night:

* Not enough pictures taken! My camera decided to die mid way into the party. Thank you Sarah Compton for the photos!

Merinda Jarvis

2011-11-02T20:40:00.002+02:00

Dear Jarvis Girls,

I found a worm.

When shall we Skype again and discuss my discovery?

It was a BIG worm too!

Love,

Kai

PS. I heard it's someones birthday tomorrow!?

Can I sing to you!

Obsess

2011-11-01T14:00:00.002+02:00

ob*sess [verb] preoccupy or fill the mind of (someone) continually, intrusively, and to a troubling extent.

I think it's safe to say...

Kai is obsessed with stuffed animals.

Way to go!

2011-10-28T09:56:00.004+03:00

[The Jarvis girls visit the Helsinki Temple with Kai. Summer 2011]

See that beautiful gal on the right holding my chubs of a son?

She's a total smarty pants...

and she's got a knack for writing!

She wrote THIS paper for her college english class (and she's still in high school!)

Give it a read. I did.

I was rather impressed and found myself smirking throughout the whole thing!

Good job Matilda! Good job!

Here it is again just in case:

Matilda's Paper

LOVE

2011-10-26T12:53:00.004+03:00

After tearing through our bookshelf, and leaving my living room in shambles, Kai stumbled upon the book The First Christmas.

He had never seen the book before.

With a tilt of his head, he carefully studied the picture of a young babe laying in a manger. Before I could manage an answer to his thought provoked question, he plunged his face onto the cover and gave the babe a nice big lick (a Kai kiss).

After catching my eyes, he lifted his face and said "Jeesis" (Kai's finnish word for Jesus)...

I, nor Jyri, had ever taught him that word before. It was as if he knew it this whole time...

...he had just been waiting 15 months to say it to us.

Kiitos... Please

2011-10-24T09:30:00.002+03:00

Heaven help me...

I just can't get enough of this little face!

Hottest Is Modest

2011-10-19T20:29:00.005+03:00

For last weeks activity night, I taught my girls the importance of dressing modestly.

After a rapid fire round of the "do's" and "don'ts" of wearing proper attire, I expressed to the girls how their bodies were sacred and stressed the importance of keeping them covered. I read this quote by the renowned Hermione Granger from Harry Potter (which the girls LOVED), and asked them to express their feelings of modesty in a form of art....

A few years back, my sister-in-law gave me a great idea to have the girls cut, decorate, and create their own "modest" dresses from trash bags...

And then create a "white" carpet from toilet paper (that represented purity) for the girls to showcase their dresses on.

Needless to say, it was a hit.

And as my finnish little girls would say,

"Hot-is is mod-is"

Syyskuu... September

2011-10-18T12:30:00.000+03:00

Who needs Facebook when you have... yea... well...

2011-10-16T15:01:00.004+03:00

It's official. I am Facebook free...

Well, not technically....yet.

Turns out, it's difficult to delete your Facebook account... like REALLY difficult.

So difficult, that I had to "google" the necessary steps to deactivate my account... and THEN delete it... only to find that my account is only "deactivated" and won't be deleted for a week.

And to top things off, I received a message from the Facebook crew saying:

"But wait Katie, "such and such" a friend will miss keeping in touch with you. You live "such and such" miles away from this person. Facebook is a wonderful way to stay in touch with friends and family all over the world."

....talk about a guilt trip!

But I am proud to say that I took my very first "Facebook free" baby steps today. And gosh darn it... it felt GOOD!

I'm a little anxious to see how my week will go. And I'm sure I will have a few moments in my day were I will think to myself "what to do...what to do." But then, I'll snap back into reality and do something productive with my time.

After reading THIS article (I needed to "grind the stone to dust") and watching THIS video, I came to realize that there are better things to be done with my time.

It will be hard.

I'm a caged social butterfly living in the snow globe capital of the world.

But, I'm going to focus my efforts towards building stronger relationships with the physical people around me.

... that and learning finnish. We shall see which one I master first.

Fall...

2011-10-13T23:00:00.005+03:00

Fall crept in slowly this past week for our winsome little city...

Enchanting... isn't it?

Hyvää syntymäpäivää... Happy Birthday

2011-10-13T19:33:00.005+03:00

Dear Otto,

Your Äiti {mom] throws a wicked party!

Happy birthday best friend!

-Kai-

Fun!

2011-10-11T08:56:00.002+03:00

"They went to the doctors,

and the doctor said,

No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

-american song-

Kesäkurpitsa... Pumpkin

2011-10-06T23:10:00.003+03:00

October is my favorite month.

Jyri Koivisto knows this.

Tonight, he came home with the best surprise imaginable...

I've spent the last 3 hours in the kitchen carving, chopping, baking, puréeing, and juicing.

And with the aid of a few helping hands...

... I'm quite confident that the "weekend menu" will be a hit!

Erin

2011-09-28T23:29:00.004+03:00

Highlight of my day,

Skyping with this crazy girl...

I seriously L-O-V-E my sister.

Not a fan of "that" song...

2011-09-27T11:50:00.003+03:00

* Little sticky fingers have misplaced the cord I use to upload photos from my camera... thus, no "memories" captured or posted here today.

I met a cute little 16 year old kid from Chile last week in my Finnish class.

After introducing himself as Alejandro (and yes, I asked if it was the same as "that" song...) he asked me where I was from. Before I could finish the sentence "...united states of...", Alejandro grasped my shoulders, looked me dead in the eye and asked,

"You know Michael Jackson?"

"Um... no Alejandro, I don't."

"Oh....WAIT, but, you KNOW who Michael Jackson is?"

"Yes Alejandro. I'm familiar with a few of his songs..."

"This is wonderful Katie from America! You have Facebook, no?"

"Yes, yes I do"

"Oh, this is wonderful! You and I will be Facebook friends. We will be Facebook friends for life!"

"I'm glad Alejandro."

Not 2 hours after class, I stumbled upon an e-mail from my Facebook account informing me that Alejandro had sent me a friend request. Next to the request was a profile picture of Michael Jackson.

I'm confident that Alejandro will be a valuable asset to me for the dark cold winter here to come.

Woo-Hoo!!!

2011-09-22T22:37:00.002+03:00

I stayed up last night for 3 hours studying....

I ate an entire bowl of homemade cookie dough...

and I, Katie Marie Antoinette Delaphonetia (as my sister Erin likes to call me) passed her test.

With flying colors, none the less.

Who's the smarty pants now?!

Keskusta...City Center

2011-09-21T17:06:00.003+03:00

It has rained buckets for the past month in my quant little city. And I'm not talking about the warm, crocodile tear drops from Kansas...

This stuff is agonizingly cold, with pitiful drizzles that drag on throughout the day.

But today, the weather agreed to cooperate with me.

converse kicks laced up...

phone in pocket...

baby on back...

City Center, here we come!

2011-09-20T12:13:00.003+03:00

"When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies...

So it ought to be."

-James Matthew Barrie, author of Peter Pan-

Kävele...Walk

2011-09-19T19:09:00.000+03:00

LONG!

2011-09-18T22:54:00.004+03:00

I am tired. Oh, so tired.

Last week was a trying week, for both mother and child...

[Moments after mean mommy scooped him up, and wouldn't allow him to bang on the TV with a metal spoon.]

But this week holds exciting promises.

I will be a busy bee.

And lets keep our fingers crossed that I will capture a few "memories" {pictures} in the process.

Kieli... Tongue

2011-09-12T23:28:00.003+03:00

This month, Kai learned to give kisses....

And if you happen to be REALLY lucky,

you get a little tongue.

9/11

2011-09-11T20:18:00.002+03:00

I was 13 years old.

My science teacher rushed into our class room 15 minutes late, and shouted at all of the students to be quiet. He turned on the classroom TV, a few short minutes before a plane crashed into the second twin tower.

I remember crying.

"Terrorists," my teacher said "from Afghanistan."... a country I had never taken the liking to learn about.

I remember looking over at the girl siting next to me, her eyes glazed over in an attempt to hold back her tears. I didn't understand what was going on. I just remember hearing panic through the CNN officiators cracked voice... and that scared me more than anything.

I saw mothers clutching soot covered children. I saw men and women running for their lives, while a cloud of smoke nipped at their ankles.

I remember the gas prices doubling at the local Caseys gas station... and the lines at Price Chopper snaking all the way back to the milk aisle.

It was the first time I had ever experienced fear.

the unknown...

the uncertainty...

it made me sick to my stomach.

And as a naive 13 year old girl, I couldn't wrap my mind around that much hate and/or anger. It didn't seem fair. It didn't seem right.

The questions kept coming:

Who, What, When, Where, WHY?

I remember watching the news later that night, and hearing that the Red Cross could no longer accept blood donations... they had reached their quota.

I then remember crying, but not because of fear. Instead, out of an overwhelming pride I had developed for our country and its endless efforts to unite and foster aid to one another.

As cliche as it sounds, "The United States of America" gave new meaning to me that day.

September 11, 2001... I will never forget

Pöllöwaari

2011-09-05T11:21:00.010+03:00

Jyri came home on Friday with a neat little surprise.

Turns out, The Koivisto can sell popsicles to an eskimo in January.... he currently holds the 2011 record sales for his company.

His boss told him, "Good job Koivisto. Now take your woman out for dinner. Use the company card."

... and so, he did just that.

Jyri arranged a last minute baby sitter, while I danced around my bedroom trying to coordinate various articles of clothing into the classiest get-up I could manage.

After suggesting red lipstick, and pearl earrings to match, Jyri escorted me to one of the best restaurants in Finland....

The Pöllöwaari

At first, I'll admit, I felt a bit out of place.

Walking in, Jyri looked as sharp as a knife... while I felt like Orphan Annie in comparison to the Prada bags and Gucci glasses in possession by the various couples throughout the room.

Oh, the joys of being a poor college student...

But material things were not going to create a wedge that evening. Instead, Jyri and I agreed that if anyone asked, he was a bizzionaire who owned various oil rigs throughout Saudi Arabia...we were simply stopping by because our chef was on vacation for the week.

**********

Words can not describe how delicious the food was.

I ordered lamb while The Koivisto opted for veal.

Both were so mouth-watering-ly tender, it was as if the meat just melted in your mouth.

It should be illegal how good the food came out (and how expensive it was)

I could easily get use to this kind of treatment....

Jyri Juhani Daniel Koivisto, I applaud you my friend!!!

Mine...

2011-08-29T23:23:00.003+03:00

Gosh darn it....

he even looks good when he sleeps!

Just us!

2011-08-26T13:34:00.003+03:00

The Koivisto is gone on business for the weekend....

looks like the munchkin and I will be bunk'n up tonight!

Pieni... Little

2011-08-24T21:35:00.005+03:00

Today, for Kai Juhani Rasmus Koivisto, was a

no good, very bad day...

His endeavors of exploration began to flounder when mean, overbearing mommy wouldn't let him:

* put ear cleaners down the shower drain

* pick up and eat gum from the city center streets

* walk down the escalator himself

* rip his shoes off at the check out line

* crawl through the clothing racks of that same store

* pick up rocks and put them in his pants (what is it with little boys doing that?)

* climb on the table during dinner

The end result: Ear piercing screams with the flailing of arms and legs.

Sometimes, it's just not fun being little!

Sleep Over

2011-08-23T09:06:00.003+03:00

Last Friday night was a memorable night for the Koivisto Perhe.

Being the leader for the 8-11 year old girls in my church, I decided to throw a "start of the school year" slumber party.

I shipped Jyri and Kai off to spend the night with Kari (Jyri's brother)...

but only after the munchkin got a few hours of lap time in.

The evening was spent watching Alvin & the Chipmunks, with fists full of popcorn and treats.

And when it was time for "lights out", the atmosphere quickly resonated into late night giggles and whispers of "nothingness."

A total of three accumulative hours of sleep was my luxury.

Not one tear was shed...

Nor one late comforting phone call to "mommy" dialed...

I would think it was deemed a good night!

Ikuisesti... Forever

2011-08-21T21:06:00.002+03:00

I have to speculate,

that God himself did make

us into corresponding shapes

like puzzle pieces from the clay...

They will see us waiving from such great heights,

"Come down now!" they'll say...

But everything looks perfect from far away,

"Come down now!"

But we'll stay.

-the postal service-

Time...

2011-08-18T10:50:00.004+03:00

For three years he waited patiently....

Summer 2010: Jyri enjoys Lutakko Beach in Jyväskylä, Finland.

The in-script reads: "Missä minun kamu on? Where is my buddy?"

...and patience, for Jyri Koivisto, is a virtue.

Summer 2011: Jyri and his kamu {buddy} Kai, enjoy Lutakko Beach in Jyväskylä, Finland.

Juhlat... Party!!!

2011-08-17T10:34:00.008+03:00

This past weekend I was privileged to host my very first baby shower for this fine young beauty...

Name: Christine

Baby Gender: Boy

My favorite attribute: Her quirky sense of humor

I baked, decorated, & entertained...

And organized a few games...

Sari Laine trying to determine what baby "ate". I took five diapers and filled them each with a different chocolate candy bar. The person who could guess all five diapers/candy bars correctly, won. The guests could only smell the "baby poo"... no tasting allowed!

Guests came bearing gifts, and words of wisdom of both the joys & trials of parenting.

All in all, we had a delightful time.

Congrats Christine on your newest little perhe {family} member!

We're all so excited to meet him!

A nice reminder...

2011-08-15T09:06:00.004+03:00

I tried my best to come up with something clever and/or whitty to say about these pictures....

nothing came to mind...

But with a face and smile like that, do you even needs words?

The baby that is...

A few fun tidbits I want to remember about Kai at this stage in his life:

* You know when he is tired because he melts into giggles.

* He is a very smart yet strong willed baby. He amazes me everyday with his advanced accomplishments (eating with a spoon already, putting toys away etc.)

* He loves to talk to anyone that will listen. He is a very sociable baby and loves to be around people.

* He is scared to death of flowers and plants.

* He is very small with meager amounts of hair. When he is up and walking in the city, people stop in the stores to see the 8-9 month old that is cruising down the aisles.... He's 13 months old.

* He adores his father. I am convinced that Jyri and Kai knew each other before this life. Almost every picture that has been taken with Kai smiling was done so by Jyri. Only Jyri can get that kind of look out of him.

-and here's a shout out to Matilda Jarvis! It's the small details that matter!!!!-

2011-08-11T22:26:00.007+03:00

Summer is officially coming to a close...

let the parka's and long underwear begin!

Naama... Face

2011-08-10T18:38:00.007+03:00

Sauna...

2011-08-09T22:27:00.002+03:00

Kai meni saunaan...

Kai went to the sauna...

pisti laukun naulaan.

and hung his bag on the hook.

Kai tuli saunasta...

Kai came back from the sauna...

otti laukun naulasta...

and took his bag from the hook...

-old finnish folk song-

We Like...

2011-08-08T11:18:00.006+03:00

Everyone (and their mother) have pale blue/gray eyes here in Finland. Because of this, the Finns ADORE this chubs dark ebony eyes.

This weekend was a good weekend. Long, but good. The Koivito and I packed up the munchkin and embarked on a 4 hour drive down to Helsinki to meet up with the in-laws.

I adore my in-laws.

We had such a relaxing time in a little mökki (summer cottage) in the middle of no where.

We ate good food. Swam in the Baltic Sea. Showered in salt water (my hair felt so soft afterwords) and ate our weight in berries from the forrest (wild blueberries, raspberries, & strawberries.)

There was so much to do, in such little time, that I didn't even capture ONE photo!

I'm pretty sure that when I die, my heaven will resemble a Finnish forrest with my in-laws mökki as my safe haven.

I'm SO not ready for the winter season, but this weekends outing was a sure pinnacle to a fantastic summers close.

********

Highlight: Catching up with everyone about summer work and vacations throughout Europe.

Lowlight: Jyri taking one of his "short cuts" and getting lost for 20 minutes.

Jyri's "short cuts" are like "headbutts"... they may seem like a good idea, no body wins with them.

Minun Puutarha... My Garden

2011-08-04T20:06:00.004+03:00

* I unclogged my bathroom sink using only table salt, vinegar, and boiling water. The concoction worked better then the "hazardous-if-you-happen-to-swallow-or-get-in-your-eyes" stuff I buy from the store. It always scares me to keep those kind of chemicals in my home... especially now that Kai is mobile.

* I fixed a flat tire on my bike for the first time today...all by myself. No need for J.Koivisto's help with this project my friend. It only took me 3 hours.

* Turns out, the broccoli plant that I have been cultivating in my little city garden (for the past 2 months) happens to be a weed. Whoops.

* I spent 4 hours yesterday at the allergy center for Kai's yearly check up on his wheat, egg, milk, and rye allergies. After a few tests were completed, my kamu {buddy} and I left the hospital with high hopes that his allergies were long behind him now. The next day, I awoke to a very angry baby with hives littering his legs, arms, and neck. It's back to newspaper and rabbit food for this perhe. (On a good note though, his wheat allergy seems to have disappeared!)

* I was given the wonderful opportunity to visit with an old friend and her son who were visiting from the States. I wish you were still living here in Finland Mandi, but I can't blame you for wanting to live in the Promised Land. Thanks for the mini therapy session... it has filled my cup for this year!

The Baby Sitters

2011-08-03T22:37:00.000+03:00

More catching up...

2011-07-31T21:36:00.002+03:00

A picture is worth a thousand words...

so does that mean a video is worth, like, a billion?

I {heart}...

Finnish Summers

The Jarvis Perhe,

Road Trips

I'm going there someday...

2011-07-30T18:17:00.002+03:00

On the road to Helsinki.

Temple, here we come!

Catching Up

2011-07-26T21:40:00.009+03:00

* Jarvis Perhe still in town

* visit to the cousins and in laws in Turku

* visit from Lari

* Trip to Helsinki

* Matilda and Merinda camp out at my place for the week

* delicious food

* late night giggles from overly tired girls

* The baby t-rex learns to walk

Best summer bar-far...

with the best yet to come in the next 2 weeks!!!

Invites

2011-07-19T11:03:00.001+03:00

This was the invite that I sent out for Kai's first Birthday. The original version was in Finnish, but I took the time to make a copy in english for your personal viewing:

Funny girl!

2011-07-18T09:09:00.003+03:00

Cute conversation between Merinda Jarvis and I...

Merinda: "Katie..."

Me: "Yeah?"

Merinda: "You flirt WAY too much with Jyri!"

Me: {cracked smile} "You think so?"

Merinda: "Oh yeah!"

Me: "He's just too cute I guess."

Merinda: "Yeah, well it's a little too much"

Straight from the horses mouth I guess. But can you blame me? I mean look at the guy.

[2007 Trip to Las Vegas, USA]

FUN

2011-07-17T15:27:00.000+03:00

Still here....

2011-07-10T22:36:00.003+03:00

This week I am....

* planning a birthday party

* making a video

* writing a few final papers for school

* strawberry picking

I had an awesome weekend with awesome company.

This week is the last week the Jarvis Perhe will be in Jyvaskyla... I'm going to milk it for all it's worth.

I'm savoring some awesome pics of the cherished family and friends for next weeks post.

See you all in a week!!!

[photo courtesy of Matilda Jarvis]

2011-07-04T23:44:00.002+03:00

The Jarvis Perhe is here....

* No time to blog, just bask in side splitting laughter and knee slapping good times

* I promise to post a few words about my amazing couch... really... but only after the Jarvis Girls and I reminisce of old memories while sprawled out upon it.

* Kai is seriously the funniest baby... in the WORLD. I can not WAIT to see how his personality develops and unveils over the years!

* Have I recently told you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Jarvis Perhe... just saying.... and yes, after their visit I will reveal who this amazing family is and why they are so stink'n awesome!!!

Have a Happy Week Everyone!!!

SAHM

2011-06-30T16:08:00.004+03:00

I am a SAHM {stay-at-home-mom}

Here in Finland, there really is no such thing as SAHM's.

After a mother has a child, it is common for her to stay at home with that child until he/she reaches the ripe old age of three... in which case, they will then return to work and the child is placed in day care.

For me, being a SAHM is a personal decision. I completely understand that there are mothers who have to work to support their families. I also know of women who are quite capable {and amazing} at balancing both work and a home life.

I simply feel blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home with my chubs.

With that said:

After striking up conversation with the local Finns, they are bewildered to hear that I stay at home with my child... and that I intend to stay at home until I feel ready to go back the the work force.

Their perplexed question:

"Well then, what do you DO all day???"

My humble response:

"What ever I want..."

And while I would like to say that that response is some what feasible... lets be honest, SAHM's really do have a lot on their plates:

It can be hard to find sleep, time, and personal space when you have a baby glued to your hip because of a need for attention... or [literally] from something sticky they ate that day.

And sometimes my little perhe doesn't take extended vacations or shop at the ritzy places. But I find great deals (remember that couch I told you about... still pinching myself over that one!)

And in all honestly, I really wouldn't have it any other way.

I am blessed.

Something that I read on a weekly bases can be found here...

These words are true, and I feel both empowerment and love when ever I find the time to read them.

Sofa....Self Explanatory

2011-06-29T23:57:00.003+03:00

Today I got a nifty expensive couch for free...

I was so giddy about the whole ordeal that I abused my replay button in the car on the drive down to pick it up. I belted this song at the top of my lungs with my chubs of a kamu {buddy} as my accompaniment.

Jyri kept the windows rolled up the whole ride there.

Later: a post with a few pics about my whimsical luck

Meklein... Almost

2011-06-27T12:22:00.004+03:00

Demolition day to be completed this week...

Today I'm scrubbing, mopping, wiping, and washing.

I've got a killer FHE planned out tonight...

Lowlight: Our new home doesn't have a dish washer hook up. It's back to the good ol' wash'n dishes by hand for this mama.

Highlight: I may or may not be getting a free couch . Tonight The Koivisto will venture with Kai and I into no mans land to see if the bugger is suitable for this koti {home}.

Sunnantai... Sunday

2011-06-26T20:17:00.003+03:00

Lazy Sunday afternoon mingled with bread pudding and cherished family & friends....

Rento Sunnuntai iltapäivä rakkaiden perhe jäsenten ja ystävien sekä hyvän ruoan kanssa...

yes, please.

kyllä, kiitos.

*Did you know the Jarvis Perhe {family} will be here in T-minus 6 days. Stay tuned to fall in love with their little perhe!!!

Apua... Help!

2011-06-22T21:12:00.004+03:00

Moving day + New Home + Treasure trove filled boxes

= Unchartered Territory & New Playground

The culprit?

Cotton Balls...

Lots and lots of cotton balls.

*Please note that this picture was taken well after the perpetrator was discovered & examined...

and after a few tears of laugher were shed on mom's part.

Iskä...Dad

2011-06-20T20:44:00.005+03:00

To a few good men...

Jyri: You're witty, patient, smart... you talk in your sleep and gripe over women drivers...but your smile melts me to puddles. Thank you for giving me the most cherished gift I could have ever asked for...

Best memory: Getting stranded and stuck in some po-dunk city in Idaho because you wanted to take a "short cut". My abs hurt so much the next day from laughing so hard that night!

Dad: You're composed, clever (with one of the best memories I have yet to find) and your cynical sense of humor always seems to crack a smile on my face... you're a grouch when you wake up... but I dare say, you make the best pancakes, ribs, and halibut west side of the mississippi river...thanks for teaching me how to spell mississippi as well*

Best memory: Friday morning sour dough pancakes for breakfast right before elementary school started. You always made me polish off my colossal cup of milk before heading out the door. I always griped. I can't complain now that I'm 5 foot 9 inches.

Happy Fathers Day you handsome devils you!

Ihana...Wonderful

2011-06-18T09:13:00.007+03:00

Yesterday, while walking through the thick birch tree littered forests of Kekkola (a little sub-city in Jyväskylä, Finland), I was overcome by the saccharine smell of freesia, rose and peony peak.

Immediately my mind was flooded with memories from the summer of my sophomore year of high school.

My Nana from Cali had mailed me my very first "couture" perfume. The inscription on the card read:

"A lovely smell, for a lovely young lady."

It was Estee Lauder, Pleasures perfume... and oh the pleasureful memories that were to be embraced that summer:

* Sun kissed cheeks

* Lazy afternoons by the pool side

* First crushes/dates/kisses

* Pebbles thrown at my window late at night to hold night time chats with that crush

* Watermelon breakfasts/lunches/dinners

* Late night dances with the Best Friend (Shaunacee C.) to Jimmy Fallons "Idiot Boyfriend"

* Silly video recordings with the sister (where did that video end up???)

Oh, how that summer was my "summer of 69"....

I paused for a moment, and took in my surroundings while engulfing the intoxicating fragrance.

I forged a new memory with that smell yesterday. Mesmerized by the flowers, bugs and rocks encasing him, Kai sat in his stroller content with the warm sun beating down on his downy soft cheeks.

His gummy smile melted my heart as he looked up towards me as if to say "Mom, look at these amazing things."

yes Kai, they are pretty amazing.

"If we knew everything in the world, there would be nothing left to discover. Ignorance is bliss."

-Unknown-

Kaupunki.... The City

2011-06-16T08:22:00.002+03:00

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the one...

Oh, the Places You'll GO!

-Oh the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss-

2011-06-14T19:14:00.005+03:00

im*prac*ti*cal: (adjective) 1 attempting to relocate within a foreign country while residing over a strong willed, energetic, eleven month old baby. 2 not sensible or realistic.

Katie: "Hey, I think I know what my problem is when it comes to time management."

Jyri: "Oh yeah..."

Katie: "Yeah, I need to learn to not bite off more then I can chew."

Jyri: "Baby steps hun... you need to learn how to chew first."

Katie: "..."

Ankka... Duck

2011-06-11T22:18:00.004+03:00

When I was 10 years old, I became obsessed with the movie

Fly Away Home...

to the point that I convinced my father that I, too, should have a gosling of my own to explore the plethora of forests and lakes in rural Gardner, Kansas...

The old man took pity upon his middle child.

And although knowing my track record of past family pets, (all of whom ended with burials at sea) my father was a patient man who had hopes that this final act might teach me a valuable life lesson...

He was yellow, he was fluffy, he fit in the palm of my hand.... and he only cost me $2 dollars at the annual August Johnson County Fair.

His name was to be Fritzel, and he was a 10 year olds best friend.

He did everything with me (swimming in the creek)

and followed me around like a...gosling to its mother...

So, it was only natural that Fritzel would like the same foods as a 10 year old girl:

Bread.

lots and lots and lots of bread

to the point that his little tummy just couldn't handle it any more...

and I became the matriarch of another burial at sea.

********

That was over 10 years ago, and till this day I am in awe to the idea that I have a thriving, healthy, family of my own

(thank you Jyri Koivisto)....

But I've never let my past dictate my future...

and last July convinced me that I have what it takes to cultivate life...

So, last week I decided to plant a garden.

* didn't have a clue what I was doing

* lived off of faith and prayers that all would work out okay

* became very discouraged when neighboring gardens flourished while mine looked like a dust bowl

But today will go down in history for this Kansas girl...

out of the 15 that were planted, 10 pumpkin leaves now litter my garden.

and with that, I will take what I can get!

Nyt....Now

2011-06-10T16:51:00.004+03:00

To do list:

* water garden

* clean apartment

* pack for new home

* read book for sustainability class

* take quiz over reading

Things that didn't get accomplished today:

* water garden

* clean apartment

* pack for new home

* read book for sustainability class

* take quiz over reading

It's been a long day, for both mother and child.

Minun...Mine

2011-06-08T15:37:00.003+03:00

* 5 AM wake up to cultivate the koivisto perhe garden.

* 6 AM run around Jyvaskyla lake

* 7 AM breakfast of rice porridge and OJ/ quick shower

all before the boys have had a chance to roll over...

this was a sight for sore eyes this morning...

i wouldn't even mind adding a few more chicky's to the picture...

and yet the best part is...

they're mine forever.

it doesn't get any better than that, does it.

no, no it doesn't.

Maatila...Farm

2011-06-05T21:27:00.004+03:00

This weekend we took a trip to a family friends farm.

Where Jyri scooped poop for my little city garden...

and I basked in the beauty and serenity of a Finnish summer.

It was Kai's first encounter with beasts of the field.

And while many of the animals were a bit bewildering...

some of us were unsure about a few.

By the end of the day we were all tuckered out...

Which made for a tranquil, cozy ride home.

Kiitos Paljon Hintikka Perhe!!!

Koti... Home

2011-06-01T08:40:00.004+03:00

Today I am:

Ripping off wallpaper

Scrubbing floors

Painting floor panels

All the while, the munckin is asleep

Next week is move in week...

I can not wait to post the before and after photos!!!

Meidän [our] uusi [new] pieni [little] koti [home]

2011-05-30T11:39:00.001+03:00

It's 5 o'clock in the morning,

where are you today?

I'm in my garden pull'n weeds and listening to postal service...

Weekend Warriors

2011-05-29T14:47:00.003+03:00

Highlight of the weekend:

Dinner and a movie with the in-laws

Lowlight of the weekend:

Wishing cherished family members farewell as they embark on a new quest in Sweden. We love you guys!!!