Friday, November 9, 2012

Rays of Sunshine

The end of another week. It is minus six outside and the sky is so clear that I can see a thousand stars. In the background I can hear Juha Tapio singing Sitkeä Sydän (no he is not in our flat unfortunately...it is just the tv in the front room), but it's still a good song.

Saskia and Cameron have been raising money for red nose day this week and Finland has already raised more than two million euros, which is fantastic. Just two euros is enough for a child in Africa to have a health check, so no amount is too small to make a difference!

The highlight of my day today was a conversation I had this afternoon about parenting.  We talked about what being a "good parent" actually means.  It was a short conversation, but was one which left me with a warm feeling for the rest of the day. Sometimes just a five minute exchange with someone can leave a strong impression, and that was exactly the case today.

I guess the truth is that most of us who are parents often wonder if we are doing it right - and often worry that we are not good enough.  I know I certainly do, (if you are a parent yourself then I bet you know exactly what I mean). But at the end of the day all any of us can do is to try our best. Celebrate the things we get right and try and learn from the things we may sometimes get wrong. I remain convinced that the priority is to make sure children know they are loved. The rest is secondary.

Anyway, here is a tunnel of sunshine for those of you who have children - and particularly the person with whom I spoke today. Perhaps without knowing it, she brought a ray of sunshine into my life this afternoon. And I also know that she is a great Mum. I hope that this weekend someone will appear in your life and do the same for you.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Oravatupa Sunday Cafe - Help Spread the Word!

Just a quick note to let you know that the new charity cafe is now open on Sundays between 11am and 2pm at Oravantupa. (In Nuppulinna, Hämeen Härkätie 5). The aim is not to spend any money on advertising, so please help spread the word, and pass this link on to anyone who might be interested!

All proceeds will go to charity, the idea being that every three months there will be an open meeting at which the cafe customers decide for themselves where the money should go.

Donations are also welcome - either in the form of something you have baked, or alternatively things such as coffee, tea, serviettes or candles! But you do not have to take anything with you - the important thing is to pay the cafe a visit and contribute to the warm atmosphere.

Until now there has not been anywhere to go for a coffee on Sunday in Somero.  Hopefully Oravatupa will catch on, so here in Somero there will be a welcoming place to go on Sundays and we can all raise money together for various good causes.

Hope to see you there!

Niko has a Great Day


Niko reminds everyone how old he is
 
Minttu reads to her friends
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The good news is that this "tomorrow" was definitely better than the last one. In fact the day was full of good things. Niko really enjoyed his special day and was especially pleased to receive some new police cars and an aeroplane. It's hard to believe that it is already three years since he was born! Here are some pictures from his party!
Minttu does a circus act for her brother

Niko makes a birthday wish
Luca checks that his brother is doing it right
Thank you to everyone who came!