Gruene, TX

The Proposal

Ellis Grace Bags

An amazing, creative entrepreneur lives among us. Now Devra is a celebrity too. Her Ellis Grace business is featured in The Advocate this month. Very cool.

I have one of her awesome bags that I take everywhere.

I'm going to try to post a picture of it today.

Vintage Trolley

Last week Mel invited us to travel downtown to the museum via vintage trolley. Our young guide was very informative. We rode sweet Matilda (1925) to the DMA with air conditioning condensation rolling down the exterior of the windows. Oh, how nice. Rosie (1909) the oldest streetcar in daily service in North America was our ride back. She, unfortunately had no condensation. That was a little tough with four tired children. Or this mama who is showing signs of age. 

It was a great experience for the children & informative for the mommies. The free DMA days for kids are crazy crowded. Taking the trolley was a perfect idea because parking would've been madness.

I didn't find the event to be very inviting. Yes, it's a museum. But a museum that invited children in after all. They don't allow beverages or food of any kind inside (checking every bag). And definitely touching the massive sculptures in the garden outside was a no-no. It's like asking a child to not lick the ice cream cone in his hand.

The Bean

Is that a little photographer I see down the hall?

Tata and Mama purchased The Argus Bean for Danijela in December 2009. It seems much longer ago because she's never had much interest in it. Things are changing. She chased Luka around the house @ the end of July trying to interview him via video. He thought it was a great time to run from her and laugh. She did too.

Sweet sounds.

Careful Rock

Luka has a serious "ouchie" on his hip. I asked him how he got it. He said from a "careful rock." I clearly needed to continue my investigation. He then clarified, "Tata said to be careful on the rock & then I fell." Case closed.

Gingerbread in July

I know they're not "real" Gingerbread Houses. Graham crackers work. And come conveniently wrapped in a box ready for use. Danijela & Luka created their master pieces @ camp. I'm thinking big people help was involved at some level.

Luka was excited to show me his. He was elated to smash it moments before these pictures were taken. He tasted it. Most of the project rested comfortably on the living room floor for the remainder of the day. He (or some other small creature) probably went back for seconds when I wasn't looking.

Why keep it if you have an opportunity to smash it to bits with glee? Good work, boy. Mama always has a broom handy.

Meaning of Words

Luka visited the Dr. N today. He brought his zeca (Serbian for rabbit). The receptionist asked, "Does zeca mean rabbit?" Luka responded "No! Zeca is happy!"

Struck Twice

Danijela was diagnosed with strep throat yesterday. Luka was cleared today. They both contracted strep in early May. It seems like yesterday to me (and Danijela).

A friend took Luka to a spray park this afternoon & Danijela was beside herself. She's used to having the play date versus her little brother. She's exhausted & upset at the slightest thing. I hope tomorrow is a better day for her.

Dr. N said she should be non-contagious within 24 - 36 hours after starting the antibiotics. This is a doctor we trust completely. He is not one to dole out medication if it can be fought off naturally which is our bent.

Wow!

I love you so very much. You are my "hottie" and "suggie" forever. Heck, you will always be the "hot Yugoslavian" from my youth. You've become my protector & a strong family leader. I'm honored to be your wife. You have an amazing smile. More amazing is the heart behind the smile & your love for God. I'm incredibly grateful God chose to bring us together. We'll be marking 10 years in the near future. Life is so short. I'm working to laugh as I go & enjoy life like you do.

Thank you for your inspiration.
Thank you for your support.

My Idols

This makes me smile.

I hope it does the same for you.

Egg

Look for the tini, tiny white / translucent egg on the undreside of the Milk Weed leaf? It's difficult to see (click the image). Our search included four children with vocal whining, complaining, & jumping (on us) from the get-go. We considered leaving. Then Luka asked me to "call God." We prayed right there in the field and found the egg. Within a week, the egg should transform into a tiny caterpillar. It's already been named "Jessie" (from Toy Story).

Shelter of Love

Diane

Emily

Niki

Leah

Kristin

Missy

Maria

Jessie

Aisha

Jaini

No, no, no ....

The medical test results are confirmed. Danijela AND Luka have strep throat. Yes, you read that right, people. Please, God, spare Tata & Mama.

On a semi-funny side note, click the image. Look closely at Luka's bangs. They are singed. I just noticed it yesterday. We've been bathing them by candlelight. All the fancy (hard to find) bulbs over the vanity are kaput. Guess Luka ventured a little too close to the flame when we weren't looking.

Strep Throat

Sweet Danijela has strep throat. She mentioned a sore throat recently. It wasn't until Friday when she asked me,"Mama, will you pray for my throat?" that I knew something was really wrong. What sweet words & a little odd. She rarely admits to not feeling well. Here are the symptoms:

• Severe & sudden sore throat w/o other cold symptoms.
• Pain or difficulty swallowing.
• Fever over 101F
• Swollen lymph nodes
• White/yellow spots or coating on throat and tonsils
• Bright red throat or dark red spots on roof of mouth
• Swollen tonsils

Yesterday I spoke with one 24/7 Parkland hotline nurse, our insurance nurse and our doctor. Dr. Nale is not concerned. We have an appointment today @ 3:20.

Oh, when I was speaking to a nurse, Danijela was crying & asking (begging) to speak to the nurse. Her first question was "Am I going to die?" and then "Will I have to have a shot?" I don't know exactly what the nurse said, but Danijela calmed down completely. Then off in search of a chocolate milkshake breakfast!

Around the World

Watch & listen to this amazing rendition of Stand by Me. Sounds from the human voice & soul. Devra sent this to me months ago. Each time I listen to it I'm reminded of all God's creation. Life is so brief. Love is so strong. God is love & it is endless.

Brooklyn 2010

Old Cowboy

Our Luka is 3! Luka visited the Fort Worth Stock Yards in February where he was captured! Hum, I might need to invest in a jailhouse.

Tata, Mama & Danijela cannot imagine life before Luka. You were born April 10, 2007 in the wee morning hours. You came fast & furious. We'll never forget that night as long as we live. You came out like a pistol & haven't stopped since. Oh, right, you are a cowboy after all. I've asked Danijela countless times & she doesn't remember life without you.

You love us.
We love you.
You are crazy for horses.
You are stockpiling guns (oh!).
You play with your barn & stable daily.
You are the official house alarm clock.
You bless us with crazy, amazing smiles.
And you are a daredevil.

To be honest, you prefer to play with your big sister over all your "manly" toys if it means being with her. Keep smiling & giggling. We don't even mind the tantrums (for the most part). Tata & Mama only want the best for you which aren’t necessarily what you want. Shocker! Trust us. It's all out of deep, unconditional love for you.

Our Girl

This series of images are my Danijela favorites.

In 2001, we planned to start growing our family. This was to occur following my one (and only) marathon. While in Dublin, Ireland after the race I celebrated my 35th birthday. After two years, I became pregnant with twins. No assistance. No kidding. Warning: After 35 years a women is more likely to conceive multiples. Sadly, I miscarried at 13 weeks. It was a tough.

Shortly after, we planned a European vacation. My parents were visiting days before we left. I don't know why, but took Mom to the drug store to purchase a pregnancy test. I was a few days late, but anticipated nothing. One quick trip to the bathroom & I said, "Well, I'm pregnant." We kept our plans & put our trust in God. We were in Europe one month. I was sick in Europe one month. First we flew to Belegrade, Serbia. This was Dejan's first time back to his village since leaving at the country at age 11.

It's a tradition when you enter a home you are greeted with a shot of šljivovica. It didn't seem to phase anyone I was pregnant. There's actually a strong belief it can cure countless aliments and possibly prevent me from miscarrying. One afternoon I was given a glass and passed it to Dejan under the table. He saved me many times. He took great care of me then and now. I'm glad we went for him & his family . We travelled through other parts of Europe. But I'll be the first to admit I wanted to be sick and pregant at home.

Thunder of Photography

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable, she made her daily trek to school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up along with lightning.

Her mother was concerned she would be frightened and feared for her safety. The mother got in the car & quickly drove along the route to her child's school. As she did, she saw her little girl walking along.

At each flash of lightning, the child stopped, looked up, and smiled. More lighting followed quickly and the little girl looked up and smiled. When her mother drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called, "What are you doing?"

"I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture."

Words from Luka

I want you to cut my finger off!
He was crying & repeating it over & over. Somehow he hurt his finger. He got it in his head that if I cut it off everything would be better. I gave him a plastic knife & said he could cut it off. He wasn't up with that.

Get under the sheeps.
Luka is our house alarm. While he does have a big bed he typically chooses to scream, "Is it morning yet?" from his upstairs room. Luckily it happens around 7am when Tata needs to start moving (minus the weekends). The last few mornings I've gone upstairs & he tells me to get under the "sheeps" with him. We giggle a whole lot as Mama ruins her back.

Don't look at me! (LOUD)When Luka knows we're upset with him quickly he puts on the "mad" face. He makes his statement & ensures we see his disgust. Then he turns his back to us. I try not to laugh & usually succeed.

Mama, my pen*s is BIG!
This one is recent (potty trained). The first time I ignored him. I wasn’t sure what to say & didn't look. Today, before nap, he needed to go potty. Sure enough he said it again. Lucky me, I had to hold it (we have target issues). It was rather long. I still didn’t know what to say so stayed silent. Need to talk to Tata tonight.

I gun you!

Whoo! We've graduated from "I pow pow you!" (with the tiniest plastic gun ever) to "I gun you!" And, while still a toy, the guns are now guns. Personally, it's horrifying to me. Deda let's him watch Westerns. Deda is also where our boy gets his guns.

Walk with Me

It was a long walk from innocence to suffering that I didn't even understand. I'm not sure how many times it happened. The images tell my story as a very young girl. I refer to it now as my "walk of shame."

Hear me now.

It's not my final destination.

Praise God and Him alone.