Relaxing Sunday

After yesterday's adventures, we took it easy today! My prediction about being sore is certainly a reality today! I think the kids were even a little sore - but mostly me! Definitely moving a little slower and inwardly groaning every time I get up from a comfy spot...

We did make it to church and enjoyed seeing some familiar faces from the last couple weeks and meeting some new people too. I will say we missed the sermon of the guest pastor that had been there the last couple weeks. Today's was okay, but not so inspiring as Rev. Howard's had been. SIC is in the process of finding a new permanent pastor, so it isn't always the same person delivering the sermon. I was approached today about possibly helping with Sunday School once a month on a rotation and Spencer is feeling the calling to do some music - his guitar should be here Tuesday with our air shipment!

After church, we ate some lunch and mommy and daddy took a nap...then, it was off to the swimming pool at the CoP offices. The kids had a great time swimming and played a little bit with a little boy and his mom who were also swimming.

We also hit the park with Dan, Sheila, and Ella for some playtime. We have really been enjoying their company! Now for the most awesome thing...a little boy came riding by on his bicycle and spotted Brendan and before I knew it, they were over there chatting away. So after a few minutes, I go over and say, "Hi, I am Brendan's mom..." only to realize at that point that the boy speaks virtually no English and I am baffled at what he and Brendan could have possibly been saying all that time. At any rate, we continued to try to talk to him and eventually I kind of wandered back and left them. Moments later I look up as the little boy is riding away and Brendan is holding up the boy's cell phone...I say, "Brendan, you can't have his cell, go after him and give it back..." Brendan is totally confused as to why the boy handed it to him in the first place. I trot after them to make sure Brendan caught up to him and find them around the corner in front of the building next to ours. The boy is with some adults, so I go over and come to find out, the boy wanted Brendan's phone number and I guess he was going to get his family to help him since he didn't speak English. It turns out he lives maybe a five minute drive away, but his aunt lives in the next building over and the boy (now we know his name is Tommy) likes to come visit his aunt. So, the boys exchanged phone numbers...maybe we will hear from him and be able to get the boys together - it was such a sweet scene to watch and from afar. You would have never known they couldn't understand a word the other was saying! The one thing they could agree on and the one word that Tommy surely knew was "friends" and he wanted to be friends with Brendan. Truly a touching moment to watch.

I am attaching a couple more pictures from yesterday.

We Came, We Saw, We Conquered!

Preikestolen, otherwise known as Pulpit Rock, was our destination today and words cannot describe, nor pictures do justice to it's amazing beauty! We left the apartment about 10:00 am this morning and drove over to the bottom of the hiking trail. The drive included a short ferry ride on a huge ferry! We started our hike about 11:15, knowing it would be about a 2 hour hike. Just how challenging the hike would be was a bit of a surprise! But, we soldiered on taking a few breaks along the way and stopping to eat the peanut butter sandwiches we had packed. Kyla was like a mountain goat and all but ran up (and later, back down) the trail. Brendan and I were definitely the slowpokes on this hike - we apparently aren't quite as coordinated! The trail was very narrow at times and it required lots of climbing and careful stepping. Along the way there were several beautiful views and lakes in the mountain. Brendan was starting to wear out at one point, but we kept pushing - we were soooo very close! And sure enough, there it was! The wind was pretty cold up there but it didn't matter - fjords as far as the eye could see in one direction and waterfalls and green areas in the other direction! Absolutely a spectacular, majestic, awe-inspiring view - truly one of God's masterpieces! I would say it ranks way up there with the Grand Canyon!

We stayed up there for a little bit taking in the views and even laid on our tummies on the edge for the ultimate of experiences - see picture of Spencer and the kids! Absolutely breath-taking! Before long, it was time to start our trek back down...so, about 2:00, we began to pick our way back down. After the climb up, we knew the climb down would be equally, if not more, difficult. The kids did great! Kyla took off and led the way, followed by Spencer, and then me and Brendan bringing up the rear. Spencer spent half the time trying to get Kyla to slow down a bit so Brendan and I could catch up! HA! Sure enough about 2 hours later, we made it back to the car! Whew, were we tired! Legs were like jello (and still are!) But, WE DID IT! WE DID IT! It was amazing and we are all so glad we pushed ourselves a bit - the reward was so great! Success is sweet and the sights fantastic! I am even more anxious to see the fjords from a boat in the near future on a fjord cruise for a totally different perspective!

A couple funny things...we ran into Mrs. Jones, Brendan's teacher, on the trail. We were headed up and she was on her way back down. Apparently, the primary school principal had taken all the teachers up today to do the hike up - how weird is that?

Oh, and the drive to the ferry and back...the tiniest road I think we have ever seen and certainly ever been on - some places were only wide enough for one car, literally! It was a twisty, turning road and so narrow! I am glad Spencer was driving today! But, when you think of Norway or see pictures, this is the road and the views they put in books - the quaint little houses, small fishing towns, a beautiful white church...

Anyway, we have two exhausted kids and none of us may be able to walk tomorrow, but it was a great day! Enjoy the pictures and remember, they don't even compare to the real thing! God is great!

Mexican Food Success

So...I skipped a day, Thursday, and I know some of you were disappointed - HA! Let me take a minute and fill you in on yesterday. It was not too eventful a day with the exception of the unexpected fire drill at the apartments...There is some work still going on in the building and apparently something set off the alarms. At first, I thought it was just our apartment and was looking for smoke - maybe the dryer or dishwasher that were both running, but quickly realized it was the whole building. The kids were still in pj's (for Brendan, that means underwear...) so I was rushing them to get clothes and shoes on because we needed to run down 7 flights of stairs. The elevators were locked down of course. So, we came running out the door and found out it was indeed a false alarm. Despite scaring the crap out of the kids, it was a good practice run in case there ever is an emergency.

The only other thing going yesterday...yep, you guessed it, a trip to the bank. They have supposedly figured out the problem, so with any luck, it will all be in working order by next week. Let me just say...it better be fixed, because Spencer is losing his patience and it takes quite a bit for that to happen, generally speaking...

Today, a slow morning turned into a busier afternoon. We were waiting to hear from the computer repair people because they were due to come today. The kids and I headed over to have lunch with Spencer as guests at the office cafeteria only to get there and find out the technician was coming shortly. So, after a quick lunch, we came back to the apartment just in time to meet the techie here - and...applause...he replaced my screen so there is no longer a line running down it! WooHoo!!!

It is another gorgeous day here, so once the computer was fixed, the kids and I started our walk over to 3 Swords for a while. It really isn't too far - maybe 15-20 minutes. I laid out a blanket and read my Kindle while the kids dipped their feet in the water, collected shells, and climbed around. It was an absolutely beautiful day - the sun warm enough to keep the cool breeze from being too cold. We saw a woman working with her horse across the way in the water and a couple tour buses full of tourists stopped to see the swords. We headed back to the apartment in time for Spencer's arrival home from work because we had plans...

Skip to dinner...after a little research, Spencer found a Mexican restaurant nearby and tonight was the night we were going to try it. Turns out, it is in the mall called Kvadrat, which advertises as the largest mall in Norway. We found it very quickly and we were so thrilled with the food - certainly success as it is the closest to Tex-Mex we could possibly get!!! I can guarantee we will be going there again in the near future! We then walked around the mall a bit and treated ourselves to ice cream before heading back home. The best part - we discovered the mall is only 15-20 minutes away and easy to get to! I feel a shopping trip coming on once school starts for the kids...just need a friend to go with to do some window shopping!

In other news...we received the package from Katy with the Nintendo DS chargers for the outlets here and the kids are in heaven...they were having serious withdrawals especially since we are very limited on toys until our shipments arrive...AND speaking of shipments - OUR AIR SHIPMENT IS HERE and will be delivered TUESDAY!!!

Also, we received the kids' teacher assignments today - Brendan is very excited because he has the teacher we met the day we toured the school, Mrs. Jones! We are anxious to meet Kyla's teacher as well. School will be starting here very soon! Only one more week of summer and it is back to the daily routine.

I am attaching a picture of the view from 3 Swords today - truly beautiful here! I still look outside my windows each day and think, "...Oh my gosh, I LIVE in Norway!" Who would have thought...!

Wednesday, August 4

Not much to report today...

I took the kids by the school playground in hopes that there would be some other kids out playing, but no luck today. Right by the school is a store I have been wanting to go in called Europris. It is sort of like a mini-Walmart (and I do mean mini!) and has a little of everything. I actually came across several items I have been keeping an eye out for, like an alarm clock and a paper towel holder, and before I could finish, the kids started their little bickering...it just got better when I walked over to pay and low and behold, the debit card wouldn't work...the clerk tried several times, but it was just like at the two gas stations and would not go through - never mind the fact it works at every store we have been in at the mall, plus Obs, several restaurants, and the ATM...so, I gave her my American credit card, but no, they didn't take that either and of course, I didn't have quite enough NOK to cover the purchase. So, Brendan was mad...chunked the bag back on the counter with a loud thunk (ok, totally embarrassed even more then before, because he wasn't being nice about it despite the fact I was...) and we abandoned our stuff and left. Needless to say, I was mortified between their bickering and Brendan's reaction, not to mention the fact that my card would not work and by then there were several other people lined up behind me...fabulous... Needless to say, Spencer called the bank and we should be getting a new debit card...

We promptly returned home and the kids spent some time in their rooms...Mommy needed a time out ;) And, that little event ended the possibility of me taking them out again today, so we stayed here until it was time to get Spencer in the hopes we could get haircuts for him and Brendan...which also included a quick walk over to the ATM for cash lest the card wouldn't work at the barber. So, we drove over to the barber who advertises that he takes walk-ins and was recommended to us by some people only to find out he is booked until Monday. So much for walk-ins... Now the boys have appointments for Monday...assuming Spencer won't already be headed out of town for his first trip to Oslo. I guess I will take Brendan regardless - his hair is longer than it has been in a while and school starts soon!

I was still a little edgy from the morning, so I sent myself to my room when we got home and stayed there and let Spencer handle the kids for the evening...I read my Kindle and fell asleep - a nap will do wonders :) I re-entered the family scene and soon after, the kids went to bed. I did a couple digital scrapbook pages and now we are watching Mythbusters - have to laugh, the myth is about breaking a beer bottle over someone's head...

As promised, I am attaching pictures of the kids' new bedding :)

Grocery Success!

So today was not eventful in terms of our outings, but we did accomplish a few things! The kids and I did our first big shopping trip without Spencer over at the Obs Coop. Since we had the car, I was able to do a bigger shopping to hopefully avoid the almost daily trips to the store across the street (where I can only buy as much as I can carry at one time.) I also found several things I have been looking for, although not all at Obs...we also did hit the mall for a few things. Bottom line is, I don't think I will have to get groceries or go to the shopping center across the street for a few days!

The highlight for Kyla - we found Hellmann's Mayonnaise! For Brendan, I finally bought him a can of Pringles ;) I also bought some candy with the hopes that it was like M&Ms, and they are, sort-of...a little bigger and a little flatter, but still candy-coated chocolate, so I can live with that!

And, as promised, we finally figured out the dimensions of the bed close enough that we could go into a store and know what size bedding we needed. The apartment came with bedding, of course, but I had promised from the very beginning that I would let the kids each pick out their own stuff no matter where we went. So...Kyla chose a red fitted sheet with a cute flower pattered duvet cover and Brendan chose a navy fitted sheet with a blue and white plaid duvet cover. I spent the rest of the evening getting them all washed so I could put them on tonight. They turned out to very cute - kids are asleep already, but I will snap a picture tomorrow and post it. I didn't see anything I just loved, so Spencer and I will have to go another time to pick out something for us. Speaking of the beds here...LOVE them! Very comfortable and we each have our own duvet, so no worries with cover-hogging! They are so soft and fluffy and cozy! I could just stay in bed some days...not that I do or that it is even an option...

It was another gorgeous day here and we took advantage of that by going for a family walk by the lake after dinner. We fed the ducks and walked the other direction from which we normally do and saw some different areas around the lake. We also found the golf course that backs up to the walking trail that goes around the lake. It is amazing how many bikers and joggers are on those trails...you really have to be aware and stay to one side as to not get taken out by a cyclist or get "dinged" at with the bicycle bells they ring if you are in their way! I always chuckle to myself...picture us in a single file line, or maybe two pairs, walking down a trail - Spencer in flip-flops and jeans (an me too sometimes,) one kid in jeans, long-sleeves and Crocs, and the other in shorts and a tee-shirt...talking in English as people are jogging or whizzing by on bicycles...I am sure they are thinking "...silly Americans..." Oh, well.

People here are generally nice and happy to help, but you just have to ask. We do have a new neighbor in the apartment beside us. He is also a CoP person. I ran into him on the landing outside the elevator and gave him directions to the store and offered to show him the appliances and stuff...poor guy came from Alaska and was exhausted. His family will be joining him next month I think. Anyway, least I could do - Dan and Sheila helped out Spencer when he first arrived - and it is nice to meet a fellow American that can at least get you started on the basics. It sounds like he and Spencer may be working together some.

Anyway, that is all for now!

A Visit to the Iron Age...

Ahhh, another BEAUTIFUL day in Norway! Full out sun and blue sky all around! LOVE that!

I tried to keep the kids busy today and totally lucked out - we started out the day with a walk over to the school. This served a dual purpose really. First, I wanted to see just how long it would take us to walk over, and second, we just had to get out because it was too pretty to be inside. It turned out to be about a 20 minute walk and once we were there, we decided to play on the school playground a while. We were thrilled to find two of the little girls they played with last week were there again, Anuk (sp?) and Caitlin! I also struck up a conversation with another lady there with her children. She has recently moved here as well, but from much closer - Denmark. She was lovely to chat with and her kids will be new students at ISS also. It is thanks to her that the rest of our day went the way it did...

Following our playground time, we headed back to the apartment for some lunch. And then, I decided to take the lady's suggestion and take the kids to see the Iron Age Farm called Jernaldergarden. And yes, I looked it up online, found a map, and realized it is literally a 7 minute drive from us! We arrived just in time for a tour in English. The guide was a young lady in period dress and she told us about how the people of Norway lived 1500 years ago in a reconstucted Iron Age Farm. It was a very interesting lesson that included the opportunity to make flat bread from dough and cook it over an open fire. I am attaching a picture - I took so many, but the view was absolutely breathtaking! AND, there was a definite reason for this view - it allowed the people of the farm to see the ocean and have warning if someone was coming to attack them! The kids and I really enjoyed it on this wonderful weather day!

Another cool thing, the family ticket we paid for Jernaldergarden was good for the Archaeological Museum in downtown. So, Spencer gave me hand on the directions and off we went again to take advantage of the tickets! What a treat! The museum was not large, but full of exhibits of the Viking Age. The best part was the interactive children's area complete with dress up clothes, replica shields, helmets, and even a replica sword they could hold. They also had the opportunity to try to make sparks with flint and iron, make wool thread, and hear a story about a famous Viking God, Olin, I think...and even better, Brendan and Kyla had the whole area to themselves and had the undivided attention of two young ladies that directed that area of the museum! We ended up staying for about an hour just letting them play and have fun with the girls showing them stuff. Brendan was very interested in the letter symbols from various ancient Viking languages and Kyla enjoyed trying to make sparks with the flint, which she of course stuck with until she succeeded.

We made it home in time to make a yummy dinner for daddy - fiskekakes, zucchini and carrots, and potato salad. After dinner, Spencer and Brendan took off to locate the barber shop that was recommended and Kyla and I headed to the mall for shoes for her and another run through the grocery store. After that, we headed down to Dan's apartment for the conclusion of our trip to the cannery Sunday - a sardine tasting party! Dan had purchased several cans of sardines in various flavors - chipotle, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dijon mustard - and we supplied the crackers (we have found some here we are in love with and will have to figure a way to ship some back to Texas!) Who knew sardines could be so yummy! Everyone agreed the favorite was the chipotle, followed by the dijon - a close second. The kids enjoyed some cookies... :)

Tomorrow, we will possibly look at one more house for rent, but we are still strongly leaning toward staying put...

Sardines and a Not Quite American Burger...

Happy Sunday Everyone!

We attended Stavanger International Church (SIC) again this week and were again made to feel very welcome and were greeted by several families. This week we met another family who has been here for several years - and he is an Aggie too! The sermon was very good and put a new twist on the parable of The Good Samaritan. We also shared in Communion. One of Spencer's co-workers, Jack and his family also attended this morning. I did tell Spencer that I believe his calling is to possibly help out with the music occasionally and Spencer is anxious for his guitar to arrive!

Following church, we headed out with Dan and little Ella (Sheila had to work a bit) to the Cannery Museum which was an actual sardine cannery for many years. The first Sunday of each month they light the wood-fired oven and smoke sardines for sampling. It was very interesting to check out the equipment and learn about the process of canning. The kids really enjoyed a hands-on area where they had sardines made of rubber and cans so the kids could "hand-pack" the sardines just like in the old days! I am attaching a picture. They were so cute over there and fussed about leaving - "...just one more can..."

This evening, we ventured out for a burger and fries. Spencer had been doing some "googling" and found a couple potentials, so we checked one of them out - it is literally just a little shack in downtown that you walk up to and order. I have attached a picture. It had a 4 out of 5 star rating so we figured it was worth a try. It was good, but different. Mayonnaise is hard to come by here and instead they had a "hamburger sauce" so we tried it. Also the "salad" that come on the burger consisted of lettuce and corn. Yes, I said corn...and it was actually not bad. The kids enjoyed having a burger too. But, we are still on the hunt for a true burger joint!

This evening, we again had the pleasure of Skyping with family! The kids absolutely love it. I keep thinking it is going to lose it's appeal, but they literally push and shove to get more camera time - especially Miss Priss, Kyla! If they see someone is "green" they will place a call all on their own and then sit front and center to talk. I have to make them leave the room to even have a chance at talking!

Weather Report here - cloudy with a few showers this morning and early afternoon, but the sun came out to make for a beautiful evening with lots of blue sky!

Other observations (and hopefully I won't jinx myself...) - I have not even had a twinge of a headache since arriving here! AMAZING! All of our allergies are better, especially me and Brendan, and we have not had to take any allergy medicine! Oh and my skin apparently likes it here too (not my heels so much, but my face.) And finally, the air is so much cleaner and fresher here! Certainly these are ALL wonderful things!

More soon!