SMU Swim

Amazing. 

Last summer Danijela heard about an SMU swim camp she wanted to attend. "Camp" to us translates to large amounts of cash. It, indeed, costs $650 for four days and nights. I told her we simply couldn't afford to send her, but completely supported her in going. In the last 10 months, Danijela accumulated the full amount. She started a dog walking business, helped a neighbor pack and move, wrangled worms, cared for chickens, loved some quails, saved birthday and Christmas money and sold her own belongings.

I cannot tell you how incredibly proud we are of her. Today, at the age of 10, her adventure started with her bestie, Hayden!

Kickin' it with the kids.

Sweet Tomatoes

Barton Springs Pool

So, I'm trying out a Blogger app on my phone and iPad. This is about the only way I am going to consistently document life on the go. This is definitely not optimal, but it is doable. This is a iPhone image of Danijela at the pool. That place is simply beautiful. We recently took a road trip to Carlsbad Caverns, The McDonald Observatory, and Monahan's Sandhills State Park. They too were awesome. I'll blog about that adventure soon. 

We are headed back to Barton Springs Pool again later today.

Barton Creek

Grammy and I took the kids (a bunch) to Barton Creek and Barton Springs Pool today. It was gorgeous outside and not too hot on this Texas summer day. At the pool, Danijela made fast friends with Kennedy. Luka decided to dive off the diving board. I couldn't believe it. This was his first attempt EVER and he did it without looking back. Awesome! We cheered him on and he announced he was going to do a front flip. And, by golly, he did without any apparent fear.

Password

You either know the password or you don't. I overheard the kids say that if you are told the password you best not forget it. Apparently this newly formed club isn't extending second chances at this time.  Interesting.

The Wheels are Off!

Took Danijela and Luka to a church parking lot in the 'hood this afternoon. Man, was it hot! Anyway, I took Luka's training wheels off and that was it. One try and he's off!

Where are they now?

Where are the children? One hint. I've been voted the Best Mommy Ever. I wish I was small enough to fit through the drawer openings. I might give it a go when they are asleep.

Luka Quote

Danijela really enjoys our neighbors' company. After school today she begged to go to Janet's house. Janet is a wonderful person & artist that lives next door. I'll write more about her at another time. Well, Janet wasn't home. Danijela returned to see if she could go to Adrienne's house. She begged again. Adrienne is equally awesome & I'll have to tell you about her too. Well, when Danijela headed to Adrienne's house Luka said, "She sure is a fan of people." She is. And I love that Luka see that for himself. He prefers Legos.

Srecan Rodjendan

Srecan Rodjendan, Luka! What a great birthday he's had so far. His birthday was yesterday. And at the ripe old age of 6 he is very much into Angry Birds and all things Lego. He talks in his sleep every night. He has an incredible sense of humor. He's grumpy and loud most mornings right when he wakes. He's very particular. He doesn't like to erase when he is doing his homework. He doesn't like the feeling of tags on his shirts. He likes things to be in order and is very good at putting things where they belong (because he likes order). He's an excellent soccer player. He is also very good at math. Both the kids are. He has an incredible smile, but usually prefers to make crazy faces at the camera. He is very knowledgeable about animals of all kinds. Looking forward to watching him grow and seeing what he discovers next.

Little Hearts & Big Tears

I was pleasantly surprised when the kids received a scripture memory 'challenge' at Watermark last night. I told both Luka and Danijela how Ms Melanie and I had just talked about memorizing God's Word. Danijela and I started working on Ephesians 2:1-10. Those for Kindergarten are shorter. And wonderfully enough one is within that same Ephesians text.

The gospel was shared with the kids last night. It is the greatest love story and it's not necessarily an easy story to hear because of His sacrifice. On the ride home Danijela and Luka were very quiet. I waited. Close to home the questions started coming. Right now their focus leans toward what it's like to be separated when someone dies. It's overwhelming to me when it moves from God's love expressed on the cross to our physical separation when I, or they, die. They asked if I would call them from Heaven. They asked me not to go too soon. Luka wanted to know if he would be able to draw me pictures. In my very human moments in the dark of night I quietly ponder separation myself and shed a tear or two.

I need to write more of His Word on my heart just for times like these. And cry anyway.

Soccer Star

Luka started playing soccer right when he turned five. He's a natural. Without any soccer experience he 'kicks' it well. I've been amazed. I'm guessing he has those soccer genes from his Tata. Now I'm definitely not one to be blinded by my love for these kids. If he sucked I'd say so. If he was mediocre I'd say that as well. But he doesn't. I'm consistently shocked by his footwork and speed. Crazy good. Love you, little man.

Waking ...

I haven't consistently blogged in years. My only explanation is I got really, really sick. It was bad. And I mean bad. After crawling my way out blogging was no longer part of my daily life. I dropped the ball. Well, I'm working to change that now. So many cool things have happened. Danijela will turn 8 a week from today. Luka is on the edge of turning 6. He lost his 1st tooth yesterday. They are not perfect, but they are amazing people. I adore being a mother to these two people. I adore it. I love spending time with them & listening to their thoughts & ideas.

So I'll be posting pictures & memories here that are now in our collective past ... because I don't want to forget. And I want them to know. At 46 forgetting is a common occurance. Please spur me on when you haven't seen a post in some time ...

Beautiful You ...

You two are so beautiful. Beauty comes from the soul. And you have it. You're also incredibly funny. You make me laugh every single day. You are precious. I can't image life without you. I'm a different, better person because of you. You have Tata & Mama's hearts forever and ever. Blessed are we.

A Fashion Model

I just received the most awesome voicemail from Danijela. The inflection in her voice & the way she expressed herself is priceless. She said "We just finished watching Toy Story 3. Oh, ... and by the way, ... I've decided to be a fashion model. Bye." The only thing I remember from Toy Story 3 that had anything to do with fashion was groovy Ken & his incredibly fun wardrobe. You go, girl.

Margaret Frances Owings Wyatt

May 1, 1918 - July 12, 2012

"It seems the older they get, the harder it is to give them up ..."  When it comes to death age truly is of little significance to those left behind. I do, however, appreciate this sentiment as I return from kissing Mamaw goodbye. It isn't easier because of her 94 years. Saying goodbye isn't any less painful. It is 45 years deep.

Fall

Chillins

Poppy & Grammy were in Amarillo for Christmas. Yesterday they made a detour on their trek home to pickup the kiddos. The kids were so excited. They each packed their own suitcase & waited as patiently as a six and four year old can. I did have to answer the inevitable "when are they going to be here" question at least 20 times. Well, Tata & Mama miss them already. I'll be headed down there is a couple days. Kiss kiss.

Project Tree

Walkin'