Tuesday, October 23, 2007, Ivalo, Finland~

Dear Journal~

Terve! Miita kuuluu? Kiitos hyvaa!

It's me, Sari Annike. I am doing better since I last wrote; finally got some medications to help the worst of my symptoms regarding both my fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. I'm feeling much better than I have in weeks.

I am now able to function, take care of the children, even return to work part time. (When I'm at work, I have my neighbor's mom watch over Birtta and Erik.) Nik is still working himself, working lots of extra hours, which will come in handy for Christmas.

For Christmas, I am going to my brother's  house; I will have Christmas with my brother Tove. Tove is two years older, lives close by, with his wife Helga, and three daughters Kirstina, Tamar, and Else (pronounced El-sah). I haven't seen him in a little while since getting sick; he also hasn't met my new baby yet, and I am sure he'd like to get to know his nephew. My other brothers will be there, too; it will be a full house!

I am trying to think what to get the children (and Nik) for Christmas. It's hard because I don't get all that much in disability pay; most of it goes to food, the bills, and the children's needs. What's left is not much. We have to scrimp and save just about every dime or penny we get.

Maybe I ought to sign our little family  up for charity help? I don't know yet, but I am thinking about it, make Christmas a little brighter for the children!

I talked to my friend in America, Helvig--he is doing great! He's graduated from college, is now working at a bookstore near where he lives; he loves it. Also talked to my other American friend Louie Sandusky; she's having problems. I will have to say a special prayer for her tonight when I go to bed.

As for Ilsa Rekkonen, my good friend who lives near me as well, she is mending a broken foot. She tripped, fell, hit her foot on the doorjamb, breaking three toes. Ouch. She's hobbling around on a pair of crutches and is still rather sore. She did it the other day.She called me the other day, sounded like she was drunk. Guess the doctors gave her some pretty powerful medications for the pain!

The weather here is chilly, partly cloudy out. The auroras were beautiful last night: greens, yellows, oranges, pinks, blues, all colors, just dancing across the sky. Beautiful! Auroral season is now in full swing here; have been having some phenominal auroral displays here for the past week or so.

Well, I am going to go now; am in the middle of baking cookies, and trying to keep "Nemo", our kittycat, out of the batter. I am also trying to keep an eye on two active children while Nik naps. Not easy to do, this multitasking! Until later, this is Sari saying Nakemiin!

~Love, your friend in Finland, Sari Annike. :)