Julia

This is Julia. This is funny, rockin', beautiful Julia. I've known her mother in excess of 3 decades. Yes, you read that right (3 x 10). Moon Cookie Photography was hired to take her senior pictures & more. It was a ball. I must admit it feels strange knowing Julia is 18 & Danijela, our eldest, turns 6 in a couple months. It will be some time before we need senior anything. Well, that is for our children at least.

Hand-in-Hand

We were blessed to photograph this family in 2009. They are awesome. Last year the girls roamed the Arboretum & explored. All the while we're doing anything we can to get Simone to look at the camera. She knew who was in control. And it was not us.

Here we are in 2010. This family returned & Simone stole my heart. We did a "walking" photo shoot off the beaten track. About half way through our time, I felt the slightest tickling on my palm. Simone had me by the hand 100% & gifted me with the most beautiful smile as she looked up. I refrained from crying then. There is no question it was one of the sweetest moments on record for me as a photographer & human being.

It only took me a few moments to remind myself, "I'm suppose to be taking your picture." God spoke to my heart & said "don't let go." I held on & worried no more. She looked up at me & said, "I love you." Oh, geez. I love her too.

Only Poppy

Last night, my kids & I were sitting in the living room & I said to them, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine & fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug." They got up, unplugged my computer, & threw out my wine.

Missing Tooth

Danijela lost her 1st tooth

November 4, 2010.

One Lie

What a pleasant morning recently when Drayce & Luka played well together. They chased ghosts & captured bad guys. Then Drayce went bye-bye after a picnic on the back porch.

Luka decided we'd paint & draw. I cleaned the booth & retrieved the supplies. I literally left Luka for two minutes to get water. With incriminating crayon in-hand Luka stated, "Drayce drawed on the table, Mama."

Seriously? Little one, you just helped me clean the table. Drayce is nowhere in sight. You were caught easily this time. I looked at you & said "Luka, Drayce did not draw on the table. You did." He paused then said "Sorry, Mama." With the best intent I provided an analogy where Luka was punished for something he didn't do. He didn't like that at all. I pray something stuck with him. The days are numbered where I can identify when he is lying.

Rainbow

Danijela is thriving. I heard consistent, negative feedback about DISD. I started researching options before Danijela could walk. I spoke to parents with different perspectives. I toured schools. I arranged meetings with parents. I interviewed the principal. I interviewed teachers. As a parent, I helped establish the ECPTA for our local school. My goal was to educate our family & serve the community at large.

Danijela attends public school today. Within the first week she spoke Spanish involuntarily (primarily numbers) & has continued to expand her vocabulary via the Dual-Language Program. If successful, it will be her 3rd language (Tata, keep talking to our kiddos in Serbian). Blessed are we that many neighborhood families we know made the same decision & are very involved in the school. Danijela & others are surrounded by familiar faces & a rainbow of new ones.

God is the greatest artist of all.

Prize for You!

I'm asking for prayer, sweet friends.

Luka has been saying "I have a prize for you, Mama! Mama, I have a prize for you!" He's been saying this now a full two hours after I put him to bed safely & happily. I'm downstairs. He's up in his room. He continues to repeat himself every 10 seconds. Remember, it's been two hours (so far).

I refuse to respond. Right? It's driving me nutty. He has no prize (except his amazing smile & begging skills). Where does a 3 year old learn to torment his parent until he gets what he wants? Well, I can hear Tata snoring. I, myself, need prayers. Hum, Luka seems to be getting quiet. I know there is a lesson woven into the last two hours for us both. It will have to wait until dawn to unravel. I'm tired.