40 & Fabulous

This is how much you mean to me, Sundee. I've exposed my singing talent to the world just for YOU. You are 40 and absolutely FABULOUS.

Her Bubbles

Cold Santa

Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth.
But a funny Santa ornament made an appearance.

He must be very cold.

Slumdog Millonaire

My mother & I went to see Slumdog Millionaire at the Magnolia today. I'm not even sure how to describe it. It's an amazing film. The way in which the story is depicted (timeline) & unfolds is excellent. It's much more violent than the trailer reveals. I even resist putting a link to the trailer. It shows truth from India and the slum life that still exists today. It's remarkably touching & horrifying. I suggest it to those that are really into film. The acting is excellent. Stay through the credits. You will want to dance. I am shaken by it a little, but truly think it is one of the best films I have seen in a long time.

Heck, we watch Veggie Tales, Martha Speaks, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Sound of Music around here. I was not prepared, but so glad I went to see it.

Talk about perspective. And one we all need desperately.

Three (Finally)

The Wheels

Today was the last day of gymnastics for Miss Danijela at The Little Gym. She is ready to move on (in her own words). She wants to "take a break" & then "do" ballet. We'll see what we can find (inexpensive). These images were taken a week ago when it wasn't so rainy & foggy. She can be such a ham. Love you girl. You are too young to know that for Christmas Tata & Mama have bought you a camera (The Bean) that takes 5MP images. Now, you too, can bug me! Love you, sweet pea.

The Booth

A strange thing happened on the way to get coffee. I've posted about the After Byte internet cafe around the corner right in our neighborhood -- wacky, wonderful place. The coffee was good and the food was great.

Devra & Ellis spent the day with us on Sunday. Devra decided she needed coffee & went to the cafe. They are no longer a cafe! It is a consignment operation. They just couldn't make it as a cafe. Devra returned with no coffee, but was laughing. She shared some funny happenings. Immediately, I thought of the 1950s diner booth they had. I asked for Tata's blessing (about purchasing), AND had the phone in my hand to call the owners. I've wanted a diner booth in this spot in our house forever. I always thought it would be so cool. Cool for the kids. Cool for closer meals together. Just cool in general.

It's cool. It's sitting in our home. We haven't eaten at the white table since. I can even kiss Tata across the table & both kids when they are willing (Tata is always willing). I'm determined to make this a money wash. That day we consigned our table and chairs (sitting in the corner). I also hope for compensation for a recent project (finished). I hope I can make it a "wash" because my husband didn't know what to do with me. He said, "Yes" because he trusts me, but we certainly don't have money right now.

Beatles 2000

You remind me of one of the Beatles. You have the shag & turtleneck. Now you need a groovy guitar. Try smiling in your photo ops. You look like a pissed off musician quite frustrated by the paparazzi. I'm it. Get used to it. Love you little Beatle.

Bethlehem Revisited

What a great evening with family & friends! We travelled to Bethlehem Revisited tonight. This will be a family tradition, hands down. There were live animals (sheep, chickens, donkeys, camels) that I personally (really) enjoy, but so do the children. There is an entire village (big) showing what life was like during the time of Jesus' life. This included a temple service, women working at home, food market and, of course, the inn where there was no room. Roman soldiers were walking the streets looking very serious, tall & intimidating. There were probably a hundred actors as you travel "the road" giving information about that time & they stayed in character. There were also various areas where the story itself was acted out.

This is history. Not fiction.

The Dive

Thanks to GOD above

Hollan

Hollan, our family hopes you enjoy this awesome outfit as much as Danijela did when she was little. Mama might have liked it more. It's one of my favorite & am so glad to know it will we warmed by your sweet body. Looking forward to holding you.

Blow Kisses

Got'em (Series)

Got'em

Seriously. Do you know how hard it is to get two smiling children in one photograph? Yes, you professionals do. Most of my friends do. I'll admit it. I'm a "one trick pony." I like to take cool shots of one subject. That's just me because I lack a talent & practice. When am I suppose to practice, people? One asking for me to paint and the other crawling up my leg. Not a lot of time. Today, however, I got ONE of our children together. Yes, it's very "flashy" & not artsy. You get what you can when you have two wild kids running non-stop. Tata & Mama love you. Man, do we love you.

Moon Cookie

Fourty Two

I turned 42 on Halloween. It was all about water during the day. There is this funky internet cafe around the corner from our house. Like, right around the corner. The owners give kids free reign to do whatever. They love the fountain & decided I needed a little face help. I agree. It felt so wonderful in the morning sun with kids laughing & being able to be kids, including me.

Aubrey & Glitter

Charlotte & Pumpkins

Two

Our Butterfly

Team Hoyt

My Reddmer lives and so does yours. Life is so precious. It is so short. Love. I know most people have seen this over & over, but it never seems to loose it's power of love through film & images.

My King

This is the King of my life. All power He holds in His hands. While the world falls around us He patiently waits for you so that none may be lost. Evil is the absence of His truth. And, as important, His loves every single person on eath. If you question, ask Him to show you the truth. If you doubt, hold to His promises. He is a God of promises. He is waiting to hear from you.

ReEngaged

What would I do without you? I hope I never have to find out. You are a wonderful husband, daddy, and light to the world. I am so glad we are going through ReEngage together. I'm so thankful you chose me. I love you, you Yugoslavian hunk.

Jelena 13.10.2008

Dragi prijatelji, mi smo se ponovili!!! Bebica se zove Jelena a rodilase 13.10.2008. Puno vas pozdravljamo

Cut

Man, is she not a cutie with that smile? Today we had a wonderful morning with our community group. Danijela & Tata went straight to the Crop Shop for a little trim. I so want her hair. We love you, sugar. I tried to get a picture with you, Tata & Luka. We need to work on Luka. He's quite the toot-toot.

Ladybug

This is a teaser for the Galloways. Sundee & I are working to create a book of Aubrey's awesome 3rd birthday party. We love you, Aubrey. And the Creature Teacher was very cool.

Princess Dress

Here she is in the princess dress (thanks to Andi). This is what she wore to the cafe this morning. Chances are very high it will also be worn to Aubrey's party.

Now I’ll explain the blank look on her face. We’ve started a bad habit of letting her watch Hello Kitty while Luka naps. I really do try to keep television watching at a bare minimum, but, as of late, I've really needed this little time to regroup.

Making a Present

We're headed to the Galloway house to celebrate Aubrey's 3rd birthday this afternoon. Danijela woke & immediately (and repeatedly) asked "when should we go?" She didn't want to leave the house so she wouldn't miss the party. Once we were able to convince her she would not miss the party she sat down to make Aubrey a present. She was excited & focused. She also has a shell she is going to give Aubrey. Then she naturally wanted to call Aubrey & did. I wish I had recorded her end of the conversation. It was funny.

We go to church on Sunday evenings which makes Sunday mornings very relaxed. Danijela selected her princess outfit to stroll to Another Byte (neighborhood internet cafe). We sat outside drank coffee, ate quiche, and gobbled muffins. Then the kids tortured "the" house cat. It was all very innocent, but I would have bitten them if I was that furry creature.

Two families. Many monkeys.