Our Thinker

Taylor is the "thinker" (not stinker) in our family. She came to Austin for about two weeks. I was so blessed to spend time with her & see how she has grown. I mean that both phyically & just her overall being. Love that girl. We spent a couple late nights up together. I miss her already. Actually that started when I drove away. Looking forward to seeing her, Kelsey, Paula and my brother in March. It won't come soon enough!

RenderInk

Speaking of Melanie. She is an amazing artist & incredibly creative. She has an Etsy shop. You really need to check it out. She has blessed me personally with her gift.

4

It's incredibly hard to believe Danijela & Kiley will turn four soon. They were born 9 days apart. Melanie made shirts for the girls to wear. I wish I could take credit for being creative like she is. My photography is my creativity, but I would so like to have hers. Thank you, Melanie.

Movin'

This is one of the 1st images off the 50D. Again, I have to use a 50mm AND my son is in constant motion (ask anyone!). I cannot believe the increased light sensitivity. It’s like a whole new world to me which most of my friends with 40Ds already know. I have so much to learn & look forward to the help because I'm lost.

Luka did well in Austin. As the days passed the "well" changed. That's why I decided to drive home tonight. I felt like he needed his Tata as did Danijela. I so enjoyed sleeping with her while we were there. Luka (sad to admit) sleeps in Poppy & Grammy's large closet where it’s dark & quiet. Yet, every single day he was rising earlier & earlier. That meant my parents did too. They took care of Luka & allowed me to sleep with Danijela until she woke. I have an awesome family.

Kevin & Margaret always include Danijela in all their busyness of life in cool places. Luka was beside himself because they were leaving without him yesterday. My sister could not handle it (in a good way). So off she went with all 4 kids. Kevin took up the rear which was probably more difficult. Not an easy task. These parents are awesome. Thank you to my whole family, including Gemel (Beauty) Taylor. We had a great time & I’m not one to exaggerate my stays in Austin because it can be hard with two children so close in age. I felt (and sometimes acted) like I was in the Bahamas on vacation.

Canon 50D

Dan & I (R)eally purchased the Canon 50D camera body while I've been in Austin! My uncle, Greg Lasley, was a definite inspiration -- not that he encouraged me to purchase a new body -- not at all. So, let me rephrase the purchase situation. I asked Dejan's permission & we agreed to put it on credit -- which I don't think we have ever done. My current lens (17mm - 85mm) actually went totally kaput between the time I ordered the new body & the time it arrived (24 hrs). I spent most of this day at Precision Camera for diagnostics. It's definitely the lens. The image above is from Christmas '09 with the (now dead) lens & Rebel XT.

Fire Bowl

Gemel

Growing

We're having a great time in Austin. All the children play so well together. Luka has been napping really welll. Boy needs a pedicure (for sure)! We all miss Tata. I met my uncle for the 2nd time today. He's an amazing wildlife photographer & taught me so much in the couple hours we were able to spend together. More about that later. Thank you, Greg Lasley.

Eleven

Today is Denny & Melanie's 11th anniversary. Happy anniversary! We were blessed to spend the morning with Melanie & their beautiful children. Mel, I love you. You do not fit a mold anymore than my own husband. I am so incredibly grateful to have you in my life. You've probably had some "sticker shock" since knowing me, but you love me just the same. You were not just a rocker in high school. You rock right now. Thank you for being you. But, by the way, would you get pissed every now & again to not make the rest of us feel so lame-o.

Happy Birthday, Ellis!

What a great morning to celebrate Ellis' 3rd birthday! The girls decorated aprons, decorated cookies, and ate a mermaid cake. As Devra said, "I'm jacking your kids up on sugar!" And she pulled through on that promise. It was a small "girls only" party. Simple. Sweet. Silly. The girls had a great time playing very well together. Danijela did not want to leave.

Thank you, Langfords for doing it right & including us.

Another Round

In May 2008 Danijela & I had a camera duel. She was using her fake baby camera then. I used the real deal. Now my camera is out of date. She has the newest in this household. Her Tata & Mama bought her The Argus Bean for Christmas. It rocks outside. It's meant for outdoor use (like hiking and such), not necessarily a kid camera. But it's awesome & very durable. Today we were playing outside & had another duel. I want the day to come when she's more interested in photography (or anything!) than princesses & finding a "husband." She told me today she has not interest in being a wife. Go figure.

Princess Isabella

Princess Isabella had her 4th birthday celebration on Sunday. It was a princess party with her wonderful parents, Tom & Caroline. It was a tea party for a handful of girls with Swedish tradition.

Danijela & I made a day of it. We created a birthday card. She wanted to take a bath to get ready. I blew her hair dry (wow that takes time for someone that has hair!). She wanted me to curl her hair. I actually do have a curling iron from eons ago. Hum. Tried the first curl & she said "No, Mama." Okay. Saved me like an hour.

Danijela always apologizes to me. I told her it didn't matter to me at all. Whatever she wanted was fine by me. We spent time getting ready like any princess would. We didn't have time to "paint" her toenails which seemed fine (amazingly enough). You never know the battles you are going to have to fight, but this wasn't one on this particular day. She had a wonderful time & didn't want to leave.

All parties must come to an end. She followed my instructions well & we strolled home. Danijela spent the next hour amazed at the princess things with which she was gifted. She is still amazed today.

Thank you, Tom & Caroline.

Kevin

Gotcha, Kevin. I think this is a great photograph of you. If I could somehow photograph your heart, people could see what I do each time our families are together. You are a kind and gentle soul. You love my sister and your family in a way I desire to see them served. You are so incredibly smart. You have the "Midas" touch. Everything you start turns to gold. God is with you and your family. I am blessed to know you and live life together. You actually rock. My husband rocks harder because he has to deal with me. Either way, you two are a God send to two pretty strong-willed women. Love you.

Everyone Matters

All people matter. The underprivileged, the over privileged, the beggar on the street, the barista in the coffee shop, the person that treats you rudely (as we have also done), the friend, the stranger, the gold digger. God loves us all & wants all to come to Him. I am definitely a one-on-one person & have had the privilege of meeting new people in the neighborhood. People wanting to meet others. People struggling through marriage. People struggling to fight for their lives. One recently lost that fight.

Since being a very young child I nightly prayed I would make a difference be it one million or one. God knew and knows my heart. It’s not the number. It’s the heart behind what you do. One soul. One lost sheep. The Heavens rejoice in our desire to love and care for others where they are. Just as Christ Jesus did.

Prayer for Anthony

Tonight I put Danijela to bed. We prayed. Then she asked to pray for Anthony. I was a little shocked. I won't get this 100% right but it went something like this "Dear God, thank you for Anthony. I pray he gets better. We will make him cookies, draw more notes and invite him to dinner. Thank you, God, for Anthony."

I cried quietly as she went on and on. This is the life God wants us to live and create for our children. Man, I am amazed at being so amazed. He will never be alone again.

Answer to Prayer

(British) Anthony lives across the street. In the last serveal months we've seen a woman coming in and out of the house. We made friends and know Anthony is in 4th stage cancer. He has beaten the odds. I've pursued his friend, Johann, about how we can help. She drives from West Virginia every few weeks to help him. She told me "He won’t accept help until Hell freezes over." She was (and is) very patient with me. I just keep asking.

This past week she said "dog food." Anthony lives alone with no family. He has two dogs and growing medical bills. I "secretly" bought dog food from Whole Foods. Danijela and I painted a card & taped it to his door on another night. Danijela told me what to write, "Dear Anthony, I love you very much."

Last night was amazing. He rang the door bell! He stepped in our house to thank us & expressed how much it means to him. I hugged him like a grizzly bear. He seems so alive & not a recluse at all. He talked about his treatment & how well he is doing. As far as I am concerned he is part of our family now.

Random acts of kindness break down walls & create life. I now feel comfortable going to his home and checking on what he might need or want -- be it items or just friendship. My heart swelled when he came to our door. I feel in love with that man the minute he crossed the line from "unknown neighbor" to friend. I'm excited about a new beginning with him. And will help more.

Milestone

I wasn't there. I was in the shower when Tata & Danijela called me (very excited). Danijela wrote this "all by herself" and Tata insisted I post this most miraculous event. Pretty stinking cool. The year is totally wrong, but I bet she loves me in 2009 as well.

Oh, baby!

Ballet

Sweet girl, you had your 1st day of ballet. Luka was so loud we had to walk outside. You seemed so happy and excited. That's all Tata & Mama want. When this becomes less than fun we'll move on. You looked so cute in your tights, leotard, little skirt thingy, ballet shoes, tap shoes, ponytail. I'm thankful that most of your outfit cost us nothing due to dear friends. Miss Amanda is an excellent teacher. Loved peeking through the curtain when your brother wasn't wailing.

LUKA

This is one love of my life (our youngest, Luka). My husband is the most beautiful person I know. I often wonder why in the world he decided to love me with all my scars and hurts. I know I am loved. I know our children are a true gift from the Almighty. My heart weeps when I hold them, any of them. I'm thankful for the lives we created together with the miracle of God's love and power. Our lives were woven together with the miracle of God's love and wisdom. Praise God alone.

Forty Years of Amazing (Devra) Grace

Happy birthday, dearest friend.

There are countless reasons I love you &, actually, stalk you at times. This image is you. You are red hot -- seriously, red hot. You are transparent with your opinions & deep struggles (bumps). You’re bold. Your openness to love the world is exactly what draws me to you. You are incredible. You need to see you like the world does -- not like the enemy desires. This needs to be one of those resolutions for 2009. Your external beauty is obvious (and not just to me). Girl needs to believe.

More importantly, your beauty wells up from your heart to others which make your eyes twinkle & I cry. I've benefitted from your kindness & love a ridiculous number of times. You are quirky. You are funny as all get out. And, for some strange reason, you love me right where I am. You are incredibly intelligent. You’re an amazing mother, daughter, sister, and friend and are willing to struggle well through life together. There is nothing you could do or say that would ever change my love for you & our rock’ in friendship. God has blessed me way beyond anything I deserve.

I mark our first meeting when you were about to explode with Ellis & hosted one of the first LFHMC gatherings. It must have been in January (around your birthday) in 2006. Freaky as it is that means I have known you 3 years. Freakier still is I’ve really known you a lifetime because God put us together. I have no doubt about that. There is nothing you don't know about me & love me all the same. Oh, how precious you are to me. I love you. I hope you have an amazing day. And the year following is just as amazing. Today we celebrate your life, as does God!

Our Son

Today was my day with our fella. We met Sundee (Reece) and Kirsten (Grayson & Foster) at the park. Luka did so well. He likes to climb and was mostly at the observation "deck." I don't think he's ever been around boys (only) so he was very observant. Toward the end of our time he said "Home." I asked if he wanted to sleep. His reply was the “yes nod.” Guy was sound asleep about 5 minutes into our trip back home. We had a wonderful day together. Dear God, you have blessed us beyond measure. That doesn't mean all days are easy, but, when I reflect, tears flow at the love I have for my entire family.

Amazing Grace

An amazing thing happened today. I cried, laughed, cried and laughed. Looking back God was preparing me today for what happened. Tracy & I took the kids to the Lakewood library story time. It was fun for Danijela & Aubrey. They danced, listened to stories and made an great art project. So far my favorite story time place.

Across the room I noticed a woman. I knew I knew her. I do this all the time. I cannot forget a person's face or voice for that matter. She left the room at some point. I hurried to catch her to confirm my heart's pull. She was the person that counseled & loved me in a dark time. We met at Skillman Bible Church. I've never seen anything but a smile on her face. She mentored me with the deepest devotion. She showed me God's Word & His hope when I really didn't even know God very well. We met each Saturday morning at her home to worship together and read the Bible. I had lots of questions.

I eventually found her in the library today. I said "Hello, Diane" ... "My name is ..." She finished the sentence with "Angie!" She was thrilled & couldn't keep her hands off me and Luka. I probably haven't seen her in a decade. She remembered all the details of my life. We talked & she's involved in a Bible study ON MY STREET. One of her sons is back from Bosnia as a missionary (he is fluent) and is grasping to meet others that speak the language of the region. I have one of those (sweet Dejan). Before we hugged & parted she already had plans to have us over ... and love us. I will never forget her & all the kindness she poured on me when I was a very lost soul. We exchanged numbers & I am so excited to be in her life again.

"and that they love you too."

Today in church both Danijela and Luka learnd the song "Jesus Loves the Little Children." After changing a very stinky diaper, I waited to spend time alone with Danijela after she & Tata cleaned her tornado room.

She was pretty squirmy in bed. I didn't mind at all. I just adored being near her. I said "Let's pray" and she replied "I'd like to pray." It went something like this: "Dear God, thank you for church. I like church. Thank you for my room. I love my room. Thank you for Mama, Daddy and Luka. Thank you for our home. Thank you for the builders and that they love you too. Thank you so much."

I was tearing up a bit as I listend to one of her precious prayers (there have been many). Then she asked when Tata would be feeling better. I said "Well, let's pray for Tata." She asked me to pray which I did and will continue to do. He's been really sick.

We spoon when I lay down with her before she falls asleep. She always reaches back for my arm and pulls it over her chest. It didn't take long until I heard a slight *snore* and she was sound asleep.

Jesus Loves

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

The sentiments in Woolston’s lyrics are drawn from Scripture and reflect reality. “Faith is natural to a child, for complete physical dependence is accompanied by absolute emotional confidence,” wrote Christian educator Lois LeBar in her classic book, Children in the Bible.

Children come to Jesus readily, there is more hesitancy for adults to respond. Grown-ups seem to lose the innocent faith and trusting nature that children possess. Yet in Matthew 18:4-6, Jesus invites us to come to Him “like little children” and says “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Kangaroos, Climbers & Carousel

If anyone thinks staying at home with children is easier than working, you need to talk to me or, at least, someone with my personality type. Don't get me wrong. I have learned much about myself (good, bad & super ugly) during the last 4 years. We, and I mean Devra, Ellis, Angela, Luka, Danijela, Tracy, Aubrey and Charlotte, were at the zoo for a couple hours today. I did not have a single conversation with one adult. I lost Luka several times (opps!) during this adventure as he ran like a wild animal. Confession. I really should never go to the zoo alone. I've sometimes dreamt about working in an office with the door and a computer that can't talk back. BUT I love Danny & those babies more than my own life. Truly I do. I try to take this job as seriously as anything -- care for my husband & kids (cooking, cleaning, teaching, learning, trying). Whew. I'm tired just writing this.

Oh, the days I travelled to Europe and Asia sleeping in 5 star hotels. This is the new star (not yet completely rated).

Dinosaur Eggs

I met Tracy at Austin College in 1985. I would never have guessed we would find each other, love one another (deeply) and have children together that love one another too. T -- I love you forever. You don't judge me. You love me all the time every day. What an enormous blessing that our children love one another too. God is looking out for us all.

Manicure

Aubrey rocks!

My Definition

Museum of Nature & Science

Many moons and stars ago Tata requested I document these tickets on the blog. He took his daughter to the planetarium. She loved it! Now she questions her "star" t-shirts saying they really are round. Appreciate those comments so much. That her eyes are open and watching. Another day he took her to an IMAX movie "Journey into Amazing Caves." Again, girl loved it. Makes me hopeful that she will continue to learn to love the earth God provided us and all those amazing people that inhabit it. God is good.