Christmas Clause

This was the best Christmas ever! We focused on Christ's birth throughout the month. On Thursday we went to Mel's and made a birthday cake for Jesus. Each layer has a meaning.

We worked the 2pm Christmas Eve service @ Watermark in the Children's ministry. However, they released us because most parents elected to take their kiddos into the service (which is exactly what I would do). We left a wee bit early because we knew Santa would be arriving at our home about 3:30pm. He has a cell phone these days! It was magical on so many levels & not just Santa.

We watched "It's a Wonderful Life" this morning (a tradition) which made me cry and think about life. I cried silently with our babies in my arms. Daddy napped (in & out). It was simple. It was such a beautiful day. We are blessed beyond measure.

God, thank you.

Psalm 121

I lift my eyes up to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You
Maker of heaven, creator of the earth

He keeps our feet firm, He watches o’er us
He will not tire or rest
Truly He watches over His people
And He will not sleep

Oh how I need You Lord
You are my only hope
You’re my only prayer
So I will wait for You
To come and rescue me
Come and give me life

The Lord will keep you from every evil
He will tend your life
The Lord will guard your coming and going
Now and forevermore

(by Brian Doerksen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwdi3pnQ4aQ

Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Melanie!

You are an amazing person. Life would never be the same without you. I know I speak for Sundee, Jan & Kirsten. Thank you for letting us celebrate your life tonight. It was a wonderful, sweet time. Lots of laughter & tears. You live in my heart & I thank you for loving me just as I am, sweet girl.

Sparkles & Carnival

We went to a carnival on a beautiful, sunny Saturday with Devra & Ellis. It was a good time minus crazy Luka. He decided to have fun about the time we had to leave (w/ Luka only). Devra & the girls stayed & had a great time. We only lost Ellis twice. Not sure how many times Danijela got lost in the crowd. The girls patiently waited in line for face painting. Danijela (and I'm sure Ellis) still have left over face paint. I honestly thought the many bounce houses would be the "it" of the day. Nope. Thank you to Devra for taking care of Danijela which allowed Dan & I to meet with Jan. Thank you to Tata for handling our super tired monkey (Luka).

High Pony

This is my girl, Danijela, and my other girl, Jessica. Jess is incredibly wonderful with our children. She recently gave Danijela Tinkerbelle PJs. We have to wash them frequently because that's all she'll wear now. Tonight Luka is soundly asleep (thank you, God) in his Woodie & Buzz Light Year PJs ... again a sweet gift from Jessica. Thank you for being a kid with my kids & being so kind to me. Yes, we have travelled a tough road together. Life is a journey & you are an AMAZING person. Don't you ever forget that, girl. God made you & will never leave you.

Cowboy

This is it. Luka rarely leaves the house without his "cowboy" hat. It's one Danijela wore as a baby. He also takes his "pistol" from a party (super small red plastic thing). Close at hand is his lovey. He is a mean cowboy even with a pink hat. We called him "Luka Pistol" long before he carried one. I hope to never forget this time in his life. He will roll around on the floor in a tantrum before leaving the house if he doesn't have his pink "cowboy" hat. Pow, pow, dude. You have certainly whooped me.

Rainbows of Life

We are alive & well. I haven't posted in months, but life has been moving forward at a rapid pace. It has rained for what seems like weeks upon weeks. We have had a sick household & I've been working the photography business. Here is a glimpse of our sweet family. Making the most of the continual rain & rainbows in between.

Working Girl

ReEngaged

Dear Dejan,

You are my best friend, lover, father to our spunky children &, most importantly, a true gift from God. I knew the day you asked me to marry you that you would not have done so without guidance from God directly. I said “Yes” to God because I knew your heart. I was also afraid because it was such a surprise to me. I’d only been divorced a short time & somewhat lost. I know God is honoring my decision today to follow Him by giving my life to Him & you. Oh, how very blessed I am to have you & hold you for the rest of my life. What would I do without you? I hope to never find out. Yet, I also know God would provide the strength & understanding to move forward in this broken world, as he would you.

You are an amazing partner. We are a team more today than when we married in 2000. We are more of a team today than three months ago. You are a wonderful, thoughtful husband. You have experienced my worst (well, let’s pray it’s the worst) & loved me all the same. You are the best Daddy ever. You love God first & me second just as you should. You love Him and us (our family) every single day without hesitation & joy in that amazing heart of yours. You have compassion that surpasses my own understanding which is a model for me on earth of how God loves me. Thank you.

I have a long way to go as I struggle. Sometimes I struggle well & other times not so well. It doesn’t seem to make a difference to you. I’m reminded how “lucky” I am to have you in my life. Everyone tells me this – your friends, my friends, your parents, my parents, everyone. I used to feel discouragement at these sentiments because it made me feel lesser. I didn’t need help feeling like a failure & took those words in a self-centered way. I didn’t get it. Today, I can honestly say I am honored when people express these thoughts, these truths. I’m honored God gave you to me – the real deal.

We’ll work on our marriage until death do us part. I find that exciting. I find it life-giving. If we sit in a place of contentment for long, we are not seeking God’s will to continue to grow as a couple & individuals in the light of God’s love & wisdom. We set ourselves up for an attack.

You have set an example before my eyes of how to love God & others. You have been patient with me. I am often overcome with mercy for others & jump in to help & love them to the detriment of our relationship & family. I vow not to do that again. I must seek God first & discuss all things with you before any move I make. Please forgive me for ever saying hurtful words to you, taking advantage of your kindness, pulling away while I get caught up in the world, & “jumping” before seeking His wisdom & yours.

I know our common goal is to always serve the Lord together, to love Him at the center of our lives, and set an example for our children. They too are a gift from God on loan to us. What an important job we have. They are precious. But without a strong marriage & Godly example we do them & the world a disservice. Let the Lord shine in our relationship with Him and one another.

You rock.

Your Loved Wife,

Angela

Honoring Elby

CHAPMAN, ELBERT F., Jr. born July 26, 1926, died May 30, 2009. Son of Elbert, Sr. and Edna Mae Dieterich Chapman. Elby was a retired school teacher and loved children, animals, gardening and golf. He leaves behind many relatives and friends, some of them life-long, who all loved and treasured Elby. He will be sorely missed. Elby will be cremated and his ashes scattered in the mountains with those of his beloved Anne, who died in April. Memorials may be made to Denver Hospice or a charity of choice. The family wishes to thank all of his loyal friends and caretakers who saw him through his final days.

Uncle Elby knew I loved him. He's my father's only sibling. As a kid, I'll admit I was intimidated by him. He had a dry sense of humor I didn't always understand. And it was hard to get to know him inside. As I matured, I understood him more & loved him deeper. As an adult, I got it. Anne was the one loved by the masses, so it seemed. I think he felt left behind like I did.

In the last decade, I'd call & he'd immediately say, "Hold on, I'll get Anne." I'd respond "Excuse me, buster, but I didn't call to only talk to Anne." We had funny conversations. I consistently told him I loved him. He would mutter "Love you too." He had this sweet soft spot in his heart he rarely let most see. At least that was my experience.

I miss you, Elby. I'll be travelling to Colorado with my children this weekend. I desire to celebrate your life & Anne's & help spread your ashes in the mountains. It will be an honor & a final goodbye of sorts. You were loved. You are loved. I miss you.

Clipped

Reece, Danijela & Kiley were happily chasing one another around the house on Wednesday afternoon. It involved lots of giggling & fun. That was until Danijela clipped her brow on the kitchen countertop corner. She covered her eye when she came to us (the adults!). There was blood. You can tell where this is going.

Immediately I noticed it looked wide open. Mel & Sundee were great, as was Reece. They cared for her. I held her while Melanie pressed a cloth against her eye & talked to her. It all looked good after applying pressure & Reece provided a cool Cars band aid.

We got home. The band aid feel off. It was soaked in blood. The cut was wide open like a butterfly. I knew she needed something more than what I had to offer. Our nurse said to go to a care facility or ER. We have a hospital right around the corner & that's where we went. Love you Dermabond!

Since then Danijela has had a high fever & cough. Back to the doctor. They said it is not related & there is no infection in her eye (she recently had a staff infection in her toe). She seems to be turning around today.

Little Mermaids

Bob, the duck, was a constant companion to the girls as they took their first "big girl" swimming lessons with Mrs. Angie. Angie is truly awesome! Mel & I stayed indoors while watching. For the first three days there were quite a few "have to go potty" episodes because Danijela wasn't so sure about swimming. For Danijela, the last two days rocked. She did so well. These are images from their last lesson with both daddys watching.

Hold You

Auction

Moon Cookie Photography donated a free photo shoot benefiting the SPCA. I was all dressed & ready while my friends took an image of me. I was very insecure about going to this closed party alone. I think it turned out well.

Baby on Board

1st Client

Thank you to Devra, for being my inspiration. You have always wanted me to do something with my photography & it is a blessing that you are our first client. Hold you!