Rattlesnake

Commons Ford Ranch is where we encountered a rattlesnake yesterday! At least that is what we think it is. I was walking through a stream with the camera when I noticed the snake sunning itself on a rock. Definitely added some "danger" & excitement to our adventure in the woods. I'll be honest & tell you it was a pretty small rattler.

Guero's

Another family tradition is going to Guero's on Congress during our week together. It's a good Mexican restaurant in Austin. I personally look forward to the margaritas. With my new fancy camera I got some good shots of The Band.

Bingo Bunny

After calling the Bingo game they dressed Danijela in the bunny ears & coconut bra. That is Andi dancing around her. I love this image. At Thanksgiving I stole the Wonder Woman key chain repeatedly including from my sweet Mamaw.

Bingo

Margaret had a great idea at Thanksgiving. We played Bingo with a twist! It's a cross between cheesy prizes & White Elephant. Whoever won a game received a prize or they could steal. We played again yesterday with the Oregon crew.

Hammer Time

Sam received many a wonderful present for his birthday. However, his very own hammer was definitely a huge hit (pun intended)!

Hippo Birdie, Two Ewes ...

Happy birthday, Sam! We celebrated Sam's 3rd birthday yesterday. Samuel Allen is Kevin & Margaret's (my sister) youngest child. He ate lots of Oreos off the cake!

I'm in Austin

One time a year my family gathers in Austin. My parents and sister's family live here now. My brother & his family travel from Oregon. We toddle down from Dallas. We will return to Dallas on Monday. I'm taking lots of photos & trying to blog. I just got connected to my parents wireless yesterday, but travel back & forth between my parents & sister's depending on the baby. She is sleeping & I snuck back to my parents to post. Kevin kindly said he would watch our sweet baby ... Hopefully there will be nothing to do. Oh, they live just around the corner from one another.

I'm a REBEL!

Thank you, Honey! You don't ever need to buy me another gift for as long as I live. Literally. But I still want to find a creative way to pay us back for this extravagant purchase. I'm truly thankful. Yes. On Sunday I purchased a Canon Digital Rebel XT and EFS 17-85mm lens. I'd take a picture of it ... but I can't :)

Pancake Saturday

I LOVE Pancake Saturday! This was the third official Pancake Saturday & it is now my favorite day of the week. I'm not being melodramatic either. I really do love it. I've always said I won't stand at God's feet at the end of my life & regret I didn't work another hour or complete another task. I'll regret I didn't say "I love you" or humble myself to serve others more during my life. Pancake Saturday is about living life & loving people. We love Devra & Ellis so much. This Saturday was the first of many for our troop. Rob, Donna, James, Jake & Mitch joined us & what a blessing it was. Thank you for such an extraordinary day. Below is a picture of the girls. I look hideous as usual (this is my blog & I can say how I feel!). Devra & Donna are supermodels.

In this next picture I look human & I love them leaning into me.

Oh, what a cool Pancake Saturday! Here is Momma & Ellis. Life is so sweet, so short & so challenging. We need each other.

T & A

Yes, I know. And I think it is funny.

Tracy & Aubrey came over today for coffee. Love them. Anywho, I'm reminded by this picture how incredibly photogenic Tracy is. In person she is just plain beautiful. I've decided she's only an honorary member of the "Frumpy Mom's Club" because she is a close friend. She doesn't resemble a frumpy mom whatsoever. To think of it, I may be the only member.

Being the big girl that she is Danijela decided to take charge and rip Aubrey's hat off her head. Then I asked Danijela to give Aubrey a kiss. Her aim is not perfect but her intentions were good although she could easily be pulling a Mike Tyson.

Thai Chicken Something-Or-Other

This may sound extraordinarily corny. But it is true. It makes me happy to prepare a nutritious meal for our family. Daily I'm humbled by my husband and his deep love for God and us (in that order). I want to feed him and, more importantly, serve him. Don't get me wrong. This has certainly not always been the case. I'm not a cook & am quite strong-willed. God has changed my heart. I've (slowly) learned to do what I'm called to do regardless of my feelings. It's amazing to me how quickly I've been blessed with the desire too.


Okay. So last night I prepared Thai Chicken something-or-other. I enjoy the challenge of preparing a meal when I have very little in the kitchen. I like the idea of being thrifty or "stretching a penny". But it's admittedly scary because this should be left to an experienced cook ... which I am not. Well, I had an old spice (not the cologne) package from ages ago. I added diced raw chicken, coconut milk, peas, pearl onions & rice. It called for a red pepper which I didn't have. It also called for "soft jasmine rice". Quite frankly I have zero idea what "soft jasmine rice" is so I threw in arbrio rice. Sounds fancy too doesn't it? I only had arbrio because my Mom bought it when she was here. You use arbrio rice to make risotto. If you don't know what that is you are in as much trouble as me. The meal was yummy!

Katy Trail

Danijela whistles at a passing jogger on The Katy Trail. Pretty sure she is daydreaming about the day soon when she'll be Queen of the Katy.

Mind Mommy

Serbian. English. Spanish. Russian. Both Danijela & Kiley were not responding to 'No' on Tuesday in any language. The next image cracks me up because it captures that afternoon perfectly in a single shot.

Next up was the big people phone. Now, mind you, there is an entire chest full of toys available including their own baby cell phone. Things that shake, rattle & roll. Oh, but how much more fun to play with something you know you shouldn't & drive Mommy crazy all at the same time. Please note Melanie is holding the book "Creative Correction" which we were literally referencing in that moment.

Toddler

Recently I posted Danijela's huge step forward in the walking department. I don't mean to overshadow that accomplishment. However, the girl is for real walking now. That means she is officially a toddler. Yesterday I snapped shots of her walking around & around & around the house. She moves like she's working the highwire with her hands waving in the air. She'll fall & get right back up with all her might. It honestly must take a ton of energy. I'm waiting for this to cause her to sleep more. Still waiting ... And waiting ...

Canon Rebel is gone. You will notice. Robert is headed to Asia for a few weeks. Thanks for letting me borrow it as much as I have.

2nd Pancake Saturday

The 1st Pancake Saturday was such a hit that it is now a family tradition. Saturday Danijela was so kind as to get me up @ 5am. This has proven to be a new trend. While Tata was all snug in bed we made pancakes. Danijela ate hers (& I ate her leftovers). After Tata got up he got his share while baby girl ate some fruit. What a cute pair.

Baby Moses

Pretty sure my Dad (Poppy) sent this to me a couple years ago. Props to Pops & to Sundee for taking out the naughty word!

Up Close

Graceful Ellis

Gde je svetlo?

Our girl is bilingual. She knows "Where is the light?" whether you ask in Serbian or English. You go girl!

Fingerprints

There is something about this image that resonates in my heart. I see the miracle of life & our little girl growing. With blogging I rarely capture what I consider excellent shots because I'm doing it in the moment with a 1 year old who needs her mommy more than a photographer. I think this is an excellent shot & hope that does not sound boastful because that is not the intent of my statement. I feel certain Danijela will appreciate all the love her Tata & Mama give her which is often reflected in this blog.

I am a Christian

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!


A similar poem was copyrighted by Carol Wimmer in 1988. This particular version is often attributed to Dr. Maya Angelou. The official Angelou website, however, states she has absolutely no affiliation with the "poems" entitled Clothes or I Am A Christian that are circulating the Internet.

Wood

Happy 5th anniversary, Darren & Sundee. In celebration of this wondrous occasion (last Friday) Danijela gnawed on some wood while wearing her birthday shirt from Sundee. Oh, if you didn't already know, this is the wood anniversary.

Officially Walking

This is a pretty cool milestone I must say. Recently Danijela has been testing the waters of standing without holding onto anything. It is quite the production & endearing. She is very impressed with herself & thinks you should be too.


Friday she took a few "steps" with encouragement. Honestly it was more like one "real" step as she leaned toward the "catcher." Well, today she repeatedly took up to 10 steps all alone and voluntarily! Now the focus isn't so hot on these images, but we're grateful to have documented the event!

Bird Watchin'

One of Danijela's new favorite things is bird watchin' whether we are in the house or strollin' the hood. Her Poppy will be proud. These are from today.

Pancake Saturday