Winter Morning
February 13, 2018
Cold and gray winter morning in Latvia. All trees on the other side of the road were covered in ice crystals. So beautifully white! Ilze
Category: Family & Parenting
Two weeks off
February 10, 2018
Things around me are getting crazy. I need more time, space, need to plan and do few projects… I’m taking days (up to two weeks) off from blogging. I just sat down for few hours to make scheduled posts for 8 days and now I’m saying goodbye for few weeks. Take care you all! Ilze
Crêpe or Thin Pancakes
February 8, 2018
In Latvian “plānās pankūkas” (thin pancakes) but most of the people know it as Crêpe. These are my favorite pancakes. I remember how mom used to bake them… rarely (maybe once a month, or so)! If she baked them every week it won’t be special! So, this morning I got up at 6am because of Helmī. … More Crêpe or Thin Pancakes
Early morning after a late night!
February 8, 2018
Update: Two bigger girls don’t have a temperature but Nelle got itchy throat. Salt water gargle isn’t an option cause she doesn’t know how to do that. We will stick with pastilles and camomile tea, water and honey. That won’t be a problem. It looks like Helmī is allergic to quince! I added it to the herbal teas for … More Early morning after a late night!
Blog: Logo [✓]
February 7, 2018
Finally, this blog has a logo! I made a logo for this blog yesterday and that’s all thanks to FamilyBizzBuzz Etsy shop. I like my Etsy shop logo and this was the starting point for blogs logo… They look alike. And that is good, cause that’s me… behind both! What do you think? I have … More Blog: Logo [✓]
Update
February 6, 2018
Now all three girls are ill. Even Helmī have a temperature. No flu… something else. We stick to a lot of C vitamin, herbal teas, and few meds… Girls are puzzling and I’m doing my best to keep them in bed and happy! It feels like I’m next! While girls were sleeping I’ve tried to get … More Update
Postpone
February 5, 2018
I have to postpone all my plans and actions related to the Etsy shop. Girls are ill! Nothing serious, but being all at home where Janis try to work from… is serious! Or at least “good workout” for me! Linna was ill on Friday (only temperature – about 38.8C). Now she’s having running nouse. Nelle got … More Postpone
Sunday (mess from Sunday!)
January 30, 2018
Is it ok to talk about Sunday two days after it!?! As you know my mom was there and helped me scrub and clean all the darkest corners and places in the house. I was dealing with the “girls made mess” on Saturday, but well, I did it! I could take care of all the house, … More Sunday (mess from Sunday!)
Sunday
January 29, 2018
Mario & Nora visited us on Saturday after Nora had choir show in Smiltene. We had a lovely time chatting inside cause weather outside was rainy & windy! Sunday morning I started with coffee and made Tuna tortilla wraps. After that, there were chatting & chilling! I was too relaxed to look for my phone, … More Sunday
Ome Mārīte / Grandma Marite
January 25, 2018
Grandma is here so all the girls have a day off the kindergarten. As always we have a ton of chores to do and Marīte is 100 times quicker than me… She wanted to fold laundry, but before that girl is giving her SPA. Linna covered her arms with Weleda regenerating hand cream while Nelle … More Ome Mārīte / Grandma Marite
Another shaker card!
January 24, 2018
OK. Do you remember our first shaker card!? I was inspired by Lana and her shaker card “Hello”! Nelle came home from kindergarten last Thursday and announced that her teacher is leaving on Friday! “She will have a baby and we have to make her shaker card!!!”… I paused… “It’s only a few hours till the … More Another shaker card!
Few days off
January 23, 2018
Janis changed his work and have a new contract since 10th of January. He decided not to dig in until this Monday. So, Janis had few days off – seven working days if be exact! He spends that time doing what he normally can’t. Usually, we shop our food here in Gulbene, but since Janis didn’t … More Few days off
Marley
January 20, 2018
Our Cat Marley is getting friendlier and friendlier every day!! And now as far as I can tell (I’m almost 35 and I never had a cat before and I don’t look under the tail of cats I met along the way) our cat Marley is SHE! Is Marley a girl name?! Cause our cat Marley … More Marley
Our first shaker card
January 17, 2018
I want to go back to cardmaking, but not that much, cause all my craft corner looks like a mess and since it’s upstairs and in the room with closed doors, I forget about it! Every time I walk upstairs (rear, cause we don’t live there) I’m surprised of what’s going on in my craft … More Our first shaker card
Home alone
January 14, 2018
Or should I say – Home alone with Linna? Last week was interesting! Interesting cause we were apart from each other! Janis went to Riga to sign a new contract with a new IT company. And stayed in Riga for two days. As you know Nelle has time with me on Mondays, after School of … More Home alone
Art School for Nelle
January 13, 2018
Last time Nelle had her art class was before Christmas and the next time the Art School opened was on Monday 8th of January! This period without the Art School was hard for Nelle and me! She asked 100 times – When will the school open!? For example, on Monday they have to paint a picture on a sandpaper using … More Art School for Nelle
Enchanted forest
January 11, 2018
We can’t imagine a better way to entertain kids and awaken their imagination than a walk into an enchanted forest on a sunny day as it was this Sunday! I call this forest (that is actually more like woods 50 meters away from our house) enchanted cause I and also my girls believe these 100-year-old trees … More Enchanted forest
My newbie blog 1-year-old already!
January 9, 2018
There is something about my feelings right now… … I can’t believe how much things have happened this year! ONE year! The first year of this blog that I made a year ago… I can’t express my feelings in English, so I hope to share a few “facts” :). First of all… I’ve started this … More My newbie blog 1-year-old already!
Monday
January 8, 2018
We all know Mondays… Really!? NO! I would say “No! It is the same as the other days!” …six years ago! But now – OMG! Tomorrow is Monday!…Twice more coffee! And like it wouldn’t be enough! That “Monday” thing is real even if you are staying at home mom. And those who are saying “Mondays … More Monday
Linna in action!
January 6, 2018
This is good! I like where it is going! Sometimes Linna likes to help. Whenever I ask – she doesn’t want to help. She likes to come and help every time I keep my mouth shoot and ignore here. Nice! Now I will have new tactics! I will start cleaning something and I hope, I … More Linna in action!
First blog post this year
January 1, 2018
It’s too early to speak about my plans, dreams, and goals for 2018! Tomorrow girls will be in kindergarten. They’ve been asking since Christmas! They got few weeks off. As a mom, I can say, that these three girls know how to make me tired..or is it me, who wants to … More First blog post this year
Beautiful Christmas Morning (Part 2)
December 29, 2017
Yesterday I’ve shared beautiful pictures of our Christmas morning. I will share few more… I’m glad I postpone breakfast for everyone and run outside with the camera. I was a bit selfish but not all the guests and family were up… so… not feeling that guilty 🙂 So beautiful! Ilze
Beautiful Christmas Morning (Part 1)
December 28, 2017
We woke up to a beautiful view on the Christmas morning. Mother Nature really knows how to decorate 🙂 I thought I will write something more about this morning but going through the pictures… there is no need for words. Enjoy. I hope to share more pictures later on… Ilze
Yesterday’s PJ party
December 27, 2017
Girls stayed at grandparents house cause we had the date night (one in 4 years!). I slept only a few hours before girls came home from grandparents. I was tired and sleepy and tried to deal with dirty kitchen and dishes. Janis took two older girls out to have fun in the snow. After they came … More Yesterday’s PJ party
Relaxed and Grounded over the Holiday season!?
December 22, 2017
Yes! You can be grounded and relaxed over the holiday season! 7 years ago I become a wife to my wonderful husband and since that year I’ve been hosting Christmas party for the close family…. that is getting bigger and bigger! When we started 7 years ago there where 8 people: Me, Janis, Jani’s parents … More Relaxed and Grounded over the Holiday season!?
Nelle’s Art School!
December 22, 2017
For the last time this year, Nelle was on her School of Art on Monday. She had a wonderful time and she loves to be there. Next year she will be going for sure. But I won’t do that without my neighbor Lāsma! Thank you! She’s has already been asking how much days till 8th January.. … More Nelle’s Art School!
Decorations and our Christmas tree
December 21, 2017
This years house decoration was like a rollercoaster! I made all the natural decorations (as I did before, cause I really love natural material)…. then I had to take them off, cause it felt like I have some sort of allergy… then I had to think about decorations again… And do it again! But after taking … More Decorations and our Christmas tree
Baking Gingerbread cookies
December 19, 2017
Our quality time together continues with the baking of gingerbread cookies. Girls loved this activity too! I start to think that they are a bit like me after all 🙂 I really enjoyed doing it, I still remember how my granny (a bit grumpy lady) explained to me that I need to cut cookies starting from … More Baking Gingerbread cookies
Making gingerbread cookie dough!
December 18, 2017
We spent some quality time together with girls in the kitchen. Nelle and Linna asked if they can make gingerbread cookie dough… and I said: “Why not! Go wash your hands and look for the apron!”. This time Hemī didn’t want to listen to me and didn’t followed our simple rules so she stayed with … More Making gingerbread cookie dough!
Happy Mail Day #7
December 16, 2017
What I got in the mail I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post? The best thing I could get after such a crazy&stressful morning I had two days ago! Tea and cookies from my blogging friend GrumpyTyke! What a lovely box! Thank you!!! It was right on TIME! Really! How did you do that!? I had real Yorkshire … More Happy Mail Day #7
Sad girls…
December 11, 2017
…they were sad when I said “NO!” to snow angels and jumping around in snow cause they were all dressed up for going to Gulbene! Yes, we have separate cloth for city and home! Otherwise, you can’t survive in the countryside! And it doesn’t matter actually, cause when I told, that we are going to … More Sad girls…
Having fun with headlight
December 9, 2017
Janis bought a LED Headlight for himself but girls asked politely and Janis couldn’t resist. Girls were happy to play with it. At the beginning, they just take turns and spend time close to us in our living room. We thought: don’t look into eyes with it, don’t look into light, don’t fight over it … More Having fun with headlight
Happy Mail Day #6
December 8, 2017
Another thing for cardmaking. Not just “another thing”! Something I wanted for ages but wasn’t ready to spend 105,- Euro! Now it’s here and I got it for a half price cause it’s used but it was written: “Condition: Like” I usually don’t believe but this time it really is “like new”!!! Bargain! Introducing, my … More Happy Mail Day #6
Oh, it’s a full moon!
December 6, 2017
Girls were driving me crazy at the weekend! I couldn’t explain why! They were so active and challenging! Fighting with each other, running, jumping, banging head and believing that they can fly… form sofa to armchair! Helmī was the craziest, the most active, the fastest, the crybaby and the extreme sports winner for sure! I would say discoverer … More Oh, it’s a full moon!
Happy Mail Day #4
December 5, 2017
It’s interesting how I made friends by blogging! Last week I received lovely watercolor prints made by my blogging friend Jodi from USA! She is such an inspiration to me! When I first saw her blog I wanted to grow up and be like her! Now I know, that everything is in my hands! She is … More Happy Mail Day #4
Cat as a family member
December 5, 2017
Let’s start this post with “I”! I’m not a cat lover… nor dog lover. I think I’m too tired of cleaning that I’m afraid cat/dog will make a mess and I end up crying in pillow…. but…I also want to give my kids “knowledge” and “childhood” by taking a cat in our family. I’m not … More Cat as a family member
Santa’s beard calendar
December 4, 2017
So, the Advent is here and my girls started to count down till Christmas. We started at 1st of December. Everything went as planned until Helmī got ill and stayed home and decide to destroy Nelle’s and Linna’s calendars… But I will print new ones, cause girls really love to cut the stripe off every … More Santa’s beard calendar
Nelles’ first Homework
December 4, 2017
Sunday evening…. I would say late night for the kid. It was 10pm. I opened her bag to put washed clothes in (usually they need a skirt for dance and a sportswear for sports lesson)… and Nelle grabs notebook with a surprised face and says: “OMG! I forgot to do the homework!!!” Runs to her room … More Nelles’ first Homework
Circus without animals
December 3, 2017
My kind of circus was in the town. A circus without animals! Latvia’s parliament, on May 11 reaffirmed its commitment to ban the use of animals in circuses. Since that there are only shows with clowns and acrobats allowed. For the first time, my two girls (we got only two tickets it was sold out!) … More Circus without animals
School of Art for Nelle
December 2, 2017
Thanks to my new neighbor, Lāsma (who has a son the same age as Nelle and moved here about a month ago), my oldest girl is registered in the school of art! Last Monday we were in the art school for the first time and she loved it! And now she’s been asking if it’s … More School of Art for Nelle
How to make a salt dough?
December 1, 2017
1st of December… let’s begin preparing for Christmas. I know a lot of you are ready for Christmas already (I mean decorations and advent wreath) but here in Latvia… we are running into a forest for natural material for wreath right before Advent Sunday. Otherwise, it will fall apart. A few days ago the weather … More How to make a salt dough?
Printable Santa’s Beard Countdown Calendar
November 25, 2017
This year I made Santa’s beard countdown calendar. A bit different Advent calendar – no presents, no treats – just countdown. I can’t decide whether girls would love to see the date of the day (like a calendar) or answer to the question: how much days till Christmas!? There are Advent Sundays when we lit the … More Printable Santa’s Beard Countdown Calendar
Coffee Break & Cookies
November 23, 2017
Coffee break is better than ever with these cups! After doing some chores I love to have time with a cup of coffee and few sugary treats. Usually, it was nosy time with much disturbance and in hurry but now since all the girls are in the kindergarten I can enjoy quiet time and without … More Coffee Break & Cookies
Linnas Godfather
November 21, 2017
Our beloved Linna’s godfather visited us on Monday. We chatted about life and how you get used to “unnormal” things pretty fast… And it’s true! In the first, you might think that something hit you very hard but after few times you get used to it! What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Linna was … More Linnas Godfather
10th of November – “Mārtiņdiena”
November 10, 2017
—wikipedia Mārtiņi or Mārtiņdiena is an ancient Latvian winter welcoming holiday when the time of pieguļa and shepherding came to an end. According to a solar calendar, Mārtiņdiena marks the midpoint between the autumnal equinox (Miķeļi) and winter solstice (Ziemassvētki), and is celebrated in the middle of November. Mārtiņi ended Veļu laiks (Time of the Dead) and started Ledus laiks … More 10th of November – “Mārtiņdiena”
First Snow & First Time
October 26, 2017
Good morning everyone! Good morning Mother Nature! The first snow is here! It doesn’t look like it stays for long. BUT the fact that snow is here – is registered here on my blog. With the snow, our friends showed up for the first time this season. All girls staying home today and we will have breakfast in … More First Snow & First Time
Salacgriva / Moms birthday party
October 22, 2017
We were in Salcgriva yesterday for my moms birthday party. She celebrated her 64th birthday and had dinner at home. Just all together: me & my family, brother with his and my mom. She doesn’t like to celebrate or make parties. We had my favorite kotletes (meatballs!? She knows how to make delicious, juicy meatballs for … More Salacgriva / Moms birthday party
Visit: Team Riga vs Team Salacgriva
October 17, 2017
All three my girls are different. They have a different character, different attitude, and completely different wishes! All I wish is them be happy in the life! It’s easy to lose your “true self” at school, college and work. I’m still looking for myself right now! And I’m almost 35!!! I’m not afraid of that number … More Visit: Team Riga vs Team Salacgriva
DIY: Easy Potato Stamps
October 15, 2017
This is something I thought of when Linna wanted to help me in the kitchen. I was in the hurry so I needed her to be off the “helping”. I asked Linna to wash potatoes while I was looking around (still mess in my kitchen – haven’t finished it!) for cookie cutters. I was lucky! … More DIY: Easy Potato Stamps
Rainy days – walk
October 10, 2017
It’s been raining here in Latvia. I feel how changes our routine… time spend outside now is spend inside. Walks get shorted and fewer. I don’t like it! We all need to go outside and have a walk to be awake and in movement! Movement is life, health, and happiness. Life without movement stagnates and declines. It’s hard to … More Rainy days – walk
Nelle’s in the kitchen!
October 4, 2017
I was outside with my camera and when I came inside, I was surprised! I found Nelle (5-year-old) in the kitchen with the bowl and handheld shredder! I asked Janis – what is going on!? And he answered that Nelle is making a salad! Her first salad ever! She never wanted to be in the kitchen. Well, … More Nelle’s in the kitchen!
Not the Honey cake, Honey!
September 23, 2017
Sorry to those who waited for the honey cake recipe from Helmī birthday! This is better than honey cake! “What’s that!?!” with the surprised face I asked Janis… “Bicycle!” “That I understand, but why it’s there!? Where did you get it and why we need another bicycle!?… Tricycle? Or whatever that is!?” “That is used … More Not the Honey cake, Honey!
Max & Ruby inspired party: Part III
September 22, 2017
Saturday morning I made few cake toppers to add to the flower pots I use for decoration. Also, I printed out few coloring pages, Max & Ruby stickers on plain paper to use for party hats that also I finished Saturday morning. Everyone can color a page or make a party hat or mask of … More Max & Ruby inspired party: Part III
I’m happy to be back!
September 19, 2017
Sunday, a day after celebrating my girls 2nd birthday party, I felt tired and empty. We went to the forest to charge our batteries and at the end of the day, I was ready to welcome Monday and start “working” on my blog posts about Helmī birthday and wild mushrooms. Mother Nature is beautiful! Monday … More I’m happy to be back!
Max & Ruby Inspired Birthday Garland
September 14, 2017
As you know my daughters birthday party is coming up. I decide to make an easy printable Max & Ruby Garland while two of three were in the kindergarten. Why Max & Ruby? It’s this birthday’s theme. Helmī really loves Max & Ruby series. And we are watching them in English, cause there is no … More Max & Ruby Inspired Birthday Garland
My Birthday Girl!!!!
September 13, 2017
Today is Helmī Saule’s 2nd birthday! I can’t believe it! Oh, well I can believe it but still… 2 years! That’s serious! She’s not a baby anymore! She’s a girl! GIRL! This Monday she had her first one hour visit to the kindergarten. We had to play peek a boo to get her dressed. I had … More My Birthday Girl!!!!
Cousins 1st Birthday
September 10, 2017
We receive an invitation to our sibling’s cousins 1st Birthday! They have only one cousin and that’s from Janis side. His name is David and it’s Janis sister’s first child. They were celebrating the 1st week and 1st month and 6 months and so on and now it’s finally a first-year celebration. We were welcomed … More Cousins 1st Birthday
Helmī 2nd birthday is coming
September 8, 2017
Helmī 2nd birthday is coming soon! Helmī was born on 13th of September. I remember that short night! Only 2 hours and she were on my arms. She will be two years old soon! Two! Time flys, indeed! I remember her first birthday, we were celebrating 2 days. On the 13th and 17th of September. That was … More Helmī 2nd birthday is coming
First day of school in Latvia
September 3, 2017
The first day of school in Latvia was on 1st of September and it was Friday! Also, kids in kindergarten have a small celebration and some fun activities. My girls asked for flowers for teachers and I made few flower bouquets out of flowers we had in the garden. Like marigolds, mugwort, and asparagus. Who knew … More First day of school in Latvia
Nelles beloved Godmother Viola
August 28, 2017
That was unexpected. Viola from Berlin visited us on Sunday! My girls were happy and so was I. I knew that she flew to Latvia on Friday night but I wasn’t sure if she finds time to visit us, she was there for a cousins wedding. The bride is Janis cousin too, but we weren’t … More Nelles beloved Godmother Viola
Permaculture festival
August 12, 2017
It’s hot here in Permaculture Festival! It’s +31 degree Celsius! I don’t want to build walipini or rocket stove. I spent time with my girls at kids tent…. and attended lecture about compost. We painted with all natural colors like curry, blackberries, peppermint, beetroot juice and much more… Ilze
Permaculture Festival…
August 11, 2017
Today we are driving to Permaculture Festival. It’s 4th Permaculture festival this year but I never heard of it before. What is permaculture festival? It is a great event where people meet with smiles, trade knowledge and ideas about how to live in beat with nature. Will see. I’m interested in soil regeneration and compost building and Janis … More Permaculture Festival…
Daddy’s little helper: Helmī
August 9, 2017
My little girl Helmī. She is a bundle of joy and the only kid I didn’t have to worry about. She grew up by herself – I didn’t have to sit near her and entertain her like I had to do with Nelle and Linna. She ate well and grow strong. Maybe that was because … More Daddy’s little helper: Helmī
Moody Moon
August 7, 2017
I never thought I could tell the Moon phase by watching my kids! And I mean that FULL MOON phase when kids don’t want to go to bed and jumping around till 1 am! And, YES! I’m informed about those reserches that show that the moon doesn’t affect the behavior of children the way we thought … More Moody Moon
Walk in the Sunset
August 6, 2017
Sunset. Clouds and the sun. Walk. Time together. Love. Ilze
Kitty Cat / Sunset
July 31, 2017
A small trip that made us smile. Made us happier, healthier and calmer. All cats need love – even old ones! A Lovely sunset at the end and all without crying went to bad. Summer, I love you! Ilze
Frozen inspired summer day / Day off
July 27, 2017
This is the day off for my girls. They didn’t want to visit a kindergarten so we let them stay home. Actually, I’m sneezing and don’t plan to do any repairing/renovation job today. Girls found Elsa dresses… and run around singing “Let it go, let it go” half of the day. Those of you who … More Frozen inspired summer day / Day off
Saturdays Bike Ride
July 23, 2017
If there is a sunny day we have a bike ride. And those sunny days are rare this summer here in Latvia. My mom visited us and we decide to go for a small bike ride before dinner. Girls asked for a picnic and that wasn’t a problem, as usual, I packed in few minutes. … More Saturdays Bike Ride
Līgo / Jāņi 2017
June 25, 2017
Jāņi 2017. Celebrated at Salacgriva (my hometown), Latvia. I made floral head wreaths (I don’t know another name!!!) for all girls and me and Jāņi cheese like planned. This time it Jāņi cheese wasn’t that good. The first thing to do when I’ll get back home – find my Jāņi cheese recipe and post it … More Līgo / Jāņi 2017
Sea: Gulf of Riga
June 16, 2017
We call it sea. But it’s a gulf.Doesn’t matter. Nelle calls it a big lake. Anyway… Girls were at sea again. It’s not that warm yet but Janis and girls love the sea and I think free time might be handy. So, I let them go and have fun in the sand…. not water! It’s … More Sea: Gulf of Riga
I’m hurting myself
June 15, 2017
I was a young girl… I wanted to make career and the reason was my family was broken. My dad was an alcoholic and my mom tries to pay bills and feed us. It was an interesting time and experience in my life. I knew that I need a good education to have a well-payed job … More I’m hurting myself
Day 2 at Leidersbach: Laundry and Walk
June 7, 2017
We were woken up by bells of the church at 10 am. How do you like that!? At 10 am! We stayed for one more day in Leidersbach. The weather was so nice – not hot, not too sunny, cool and partly cloudy – not raining. That playground and horses I wrote about yesterday weren’t in … More Day 2 at Leidersbach: Laundry and Walk
No way! Leidersbach
June 6, 2017
No way! After having a good time in Lich, we couldn’t head back home. It just didn’t feel right. We all felt like we need to travel a bit more…. just a bit more before we head back. We drive a bit down (away from Latvia) and stayed at a funny small city called Leidersbach. It’s … More No way! Leidersbach
Are we heading home? Lich.
June 5, 2017
Germany is big so we decided to go closer to Latvia from Ramsthal…. Why? Janis vacation ends up on 8th of June… but he can take few more weeks off without salary. We still got money to travel a bit and small village Lich that offers a big & free playground is a place we … More Are we heading home? Lich.
Between mountains: Ramsthal
June 4, 2017
e tWe decided to go to Ramsthal…. Why Ramsthal? I have to ask: Why not!? There should be free parking with necessary facilities. Will see… It is so easy to travel like this. Just go where the road invites you. After an hour drive, we were in Ramsthal – beautiful village in between mountains. The … More Between mountains: Ramsthal
Laundry Day & Playground
June 3, 2017
Did laundry without losing a sock …. today was a good day! It was an interesting experience. And I can say it’s something that takes all day. We bought our portable washing machine for camper and tried it already while at home. It didn’t work as planned but I guess my expectations was higher than … More Laundry Day & Playground
Without a destination
June 1, 2017
Now we are free. Free to go whenever we like. We left family friends and the beautiful/magical garden and drove to the closest shop to buy some food and water. We wanted to visit the city and see the castle up the hill. The frequent need of toilet spoiled all the so called plan. We … More Without a destination
My happy place
May 31, 2017
As you know we were in the Berlin for a few days and the main reason was to see Viola – Nelles Godmother and to celebrate Nelles 5th birthday. We decided to leave the caravan near family friend’s house and drive all the way (more than 400km) to the Berlin just by the car. That … More My happy place
Nelle turns 5!
May 30, 2017
Nelle turned 5! She had her birthday in one of the Berlin’s park. The day started early and Nelle got here birthday crown from Godmother and called herself a princess. We woke up early – had breakfast and went to the park to be sure we had the BEST spot in the whole park. And … More Nelle turns 5!
Having fun & walk in Berlin
May 29, 2017
Berlin. Oh. I am surprised! I can’t even describe my feeling. First of all – I haven’t been in a big city for a long long long time! These past 3 years living in the countryside made me country girl! Nelle met her godmother and we stayed with here. She tried to convince me to go out and … More Having fun & walk in Berlin
Few days without driving
May 27, 2017
Our first destination was family friends that live near Coburg. Last time we saw them was 6 years ago. There is only one change since that and that is – I’m a mom. That’s a big change! I remember how I and Janis were daydreaming in the garden back then… We drove more than 1600 … More Few days without driving
Crossing the border and pit stopping a lot
May 25, 2017
Since we had long, long drive through Poland and we all were tired we decide to drive “slower”. Making more pit stops along the way. We didn’t want to develop disgust for traveling to our girls… It was hard. It seams that I also need time “off the car” and we stopped every 30-50 km 🙂 … More Crossing the border and pit stopping a lot
Getting worse!?
May 22, 2017
Oh it looks like it is getting worse! We started our journey today. And that’s good! But there is “BUT”. Janis is getting ill. He is having angina and he looks tired. Can’t swallow, can’t speak… His body temperature is getting higher and higher. And… he is the only driver! We are in Lithuania and … More Getting worse!?
New staff
May 21, 2017
Today I had two knew employees in my kitchen…. or should I say outside the kitchen! Girls saw me washing dishes outside and took the job over. I don’t know if they will show up tomorrow but today they got upset when I told that all the dirty dishes are clean. Happy Latvian mom, Ilze … More New staff
How to Pack for a Picnic in 5 Minutes
May 11, 2017
A spontaneous picnic is the one I’m talking about. Can you pack for such picnic in 5 minutes? All you need is quick, free from cooking, cutting and mixing lunch box ideas! Grab and go! Usually, we have our picnic in the nearest forest (only 10 km away from home & people) that belongs to Latvian State … More How to Pack for a Picnic in 5 Minutes
Finger painting
May 9, 2017
We (me and Janis) need free time to fix/install electricity in the caravan so I decided to delight my two oldest ones with finger paint and finger painting. I brought a garden table inside to be sure that it is easy to clean afterward. While the youngest one was napping the biggest sisters was able to do … More Finger painting
Hometown
April 28, 2017
Yesterday we packed first two suitcases for upcoming caravan trip… and packed two more bags for small get away to my hometown: Salacgriva. We decided to visit my mom and “change the decorations”. About Salacgriva: It’s a small town located near Gulf of Riga (Baltic Sea), close to Estonian border. See here. If you ask me – … More Hometown
First two suitcases packed!
April 27, 2017
Yesterday evening was sunny and so does this morning. Girls wanted to pack her summer clothes for our caravan trip. And I realize that it would be easier for me if something will be washed, ironed and packed already! Less cloth for girls to wear now (they like to change cloth 5 times per day … More First two suitcases packed!
8 PM Coffee Break
April 26, 2017
Today we have sun.. and rain… and snow and hail… All together changing every half hour. Suddenly I found myself wondering around the fridge and looking for something special. But can’t find anything. I’m trying not to drink coffee and eat sweets. And I’m getting pretty good at it! But today… at 8 PM … More 8 PM Coffee Break
Easter bunny
April 24, 2017
This year my Easter bunny left sitting on the top of my vintage cupboard. This bunny is special. It was delivered to our home at the day when Linna was born. Why?! I don’t know. I was so carried away by the easter bunnies letter and all the activities for the girls, that decoration wasn’t … More Easter bunny
Happy Easter
April 17, 2017
Happy Easter to you all! We are having fun making greeting cards. I love “Fingerprint activities” book by USBORNE. So many ideas how to paint using your fingertips. And girls love it too. Ilze
Scissor Cutting Practice: Shapes / Free Easter Printable
April 1, 2017
After all the scissor cutting practices are finished, a child might want to demonstrate his/her cutting skills. And what’s a better way then easter greeting card for a dad or a grandma?! I made few greeting cards for my oldest girl to cut out to show dad how good is her scissor cutting skill. Learn more about Scissors Cutting Practice … More Scissor Cutting Practice: Shapes / Free Easter Printable
Scissor cutting practice: Simple Shapes / Free Easter printable
March 30, 2017
Scissor cutting practice is important for developing the fine motor skills that young children need in order to hold pencils, pens, and crayons. Children should start scissor cutting practice before learning how to write. About the Scissors cutting skill development you can find in my previous post: Scissors Cutting Practice for Preschoolers. Practice sheets for short and long … More Scissor cutting practice: Simple Shapes / Free Easter printable
Getting ready: cleaning treiler / caravan
March 24, 2017
This is THAT day! Finally, we can’t wait any longer and decide to bring our caravan home to clean it up and start to install solar panels on the roof and move in. Here is the video how it looks inside and my feelings…. It was easy to clean… it wasn’t dirty and it’s about … More Getting ready: cleaning treiler / caravan
Learn Numbers, Sequence & Counting: Ice Cream Scoops (free printable)
March 22, 2017
I’m so obsessed with nice looking materials for my girls to play-learn. I really enjoy the process of making them and the smiles on here faces to use them! And my math related roots says that math is something that we need to learn and it could be so enjoyable and fun activity too! (At least for … More Learn Numbers, Sequence & Counting: Ice Cream Scoops (free printable)
March: Birthday month
March 20, 2017
I can’t believe it’s already 20th of March! This weekend we celebrated: 3rd birthday of our girl Linna 31st birthday of my husband Janis 55th birthday of Janis father 25th birthday of Janis brother and more… (uncles and cousins, aunts and godmothers) !! We had one big party for all the Birthdays! As usually within … More March: Birthday month
Scissor Cutting Skills / FREE Easter Printable Worksheet
March 6, 2017
About the Scissors cutting skill development you can find in my previous post: Scissors Cutting Practice for Preschoolers. For better results and faster learning start with tearing paper by hand and the cut short cuts and end with wavy lines. I made Easter themed worksheets…. because, why not! I’d say this a Preschool Cutting Activity for 3-year-olds … More Scissor Cutting Skills / FREE Easter Printable Worksheet
Weekend: Family time
March 5, 2017
It was a wonderfull weekend with my beloved ones. My brother with his girlfriend came to spend some quality time with us & girls. My brother is our Nelle’s godfather. She adores him! We didn’t leave home all weekend. Stayed inside, chatting and chilling, playing and eating. Talked a lot and even tried to make a … More Weekend: Family time
Scissors Cutting Practice for Preschoolers
March 3, 2017
Cutting practice is what going on in our house right now. Nelle loves to cut. I’m surprised how she can do that with right arm, she is left-handed. I bought here left-handed scissors but still cutting with the right arm. Well – let it be! Maybe it’s not too late to teach her to write with right … More Scissors Cutting Practice for Preschoolers
Pencil sharpener from ebay
February 24, 2017
Finally. The pencil sharpener is here and Nelle came to me with the smile and asked to sharpen the pencils. I would sing heavily if I didn’t have the electric pencil sharpener bought on eBay. l had to sharpen all 71 pencils twice after I wrote that post about kids and their pencils and need of electric sharpener. … More Pencil sharpener from ebay
a day in the life of a latvian mom 