Rubbin' and a Dubbin'

Those two just love taking baths together. I am sure in the not-to-distant future Matthew will outgrow this, but for now I'm enjoying every minute. How could I not when I've got them?

Best Friends Forever

My best friend Meagan and I in about 7th grade. Hey... no laughing. It was my grunge phase. I did live in the Pacific Northwest - I have an excuse! :) 

All these years later, I love you just the same Megs!

story of a blue sweater, cherished

My mom is a "saver." I use the word "saver" purposefully, because to call her a pack rat or hoarder would be incorrect. She does however, and always has, saved important memorabilia and such for nostalgic reasons. I can't remember a time where I thought this habit of hers was silly or pointless. My personality, much like my mom's, values tradition and sentimentality of this sort, so I always knew that one day I'd be so grateful that she packed these things away for me, "for when you get older," she'd say.

Apparently I'm older now (shocking) and each time I visit my mom I receive a box of things that represent my childhood; clothing and shoes, artwork and school papers, pictures, all sorts of things. I love being able to share these things with my family, giving them a glimpse, a clearer picture, of who I was as a child. Matthew is beginning to understand that I was a kid once too, that I had best friends in preschool, and even fit into baby clothes once. (again, shocking!) 

There is something so special about seeing my little girl wearing the same clothes that I once wore. At her first birthday, Natalya donned a dress that my mom sewed for me and shoes that I once wore. In the pictures above, Natalya is wearing a sweater that my grandma knitted for me. So much love has been invested in these garments. Not only when they were made, but also in the fact that my mom saved them for so long, waiting and knowing that one day they would be passed on, worn, and loved again when I pack them away and save them for my children.

Dancing Queen

My grandma gave us a keyboard for Christmas and it is getting so much use. I'm learning to play "Entertainer," Carlos loves playing with the Sound FX and putting recordings on top of each other, and Matthew and Talya love banging around and listening to the pre-recorded songs. Actually, we play with it so much I've left it upstairs on the ottoman instead of taking it downstairs to put it on a stand. 

We were all amazed at how Talya plays that keyboard like she has been doing it all of her life. She even sounds good on occasion... :) But most of all, it is super fun to watch her groove and play along to her favorite songs. Here is a video of her doing just that. ENJOY

Creative Play

Matthew and I went to JoAnn's this weekend and bought a ton of silly stuff for projects. Matthew is a true son of mine - his ears perk up at the word "project" just like mine. Go here to see what we did...

My babies... and another photography challenge

Silly Matthew - I wouldn't have posted this photo if his nose wasn't clear and his eyes didn't look so breathtaking

The smile that'll melt even the coldest of hearts

Talya singing as she does the "Booty Dance" - you have to see it - HILARIOUS

Why is my font underlining itself? So annoying. This was happening to me a couple of weeks ago when I was trying to post the Christmas photos. URG!

One of my goals for 2009 is to take 10,000 photos during the year. And another is to post 200 times on the family blog. It has kind of taken a back seat as my art blog takes off. Anyhoo, I figure the two go hand in hand. And a bonus: the grandparents will be happy to see more pics of the kids. 

Enough already. I can't stand this underlining. I've got to figure out how to stop this madness! ;-)

Christmas 2008

Each year Matthew gets to open one present on Christmas Eve Day - this year he (referring to Matthew, although Carlos really got it for himself) got Guitar Hero

Because of the Winter Storm, we were so worried that my family wouldn't be able to make it. Luckily they did to Talya's delight. That girl sure loves her Gramma!

Growing up one of my favorite Christmas traditions was reading The Night Before Christmas before bed. I passed the tradition on to my kids.

It looks as though Matthew and Natalya appreciate the yearly ritual as much as I did.

The Spread - OMG there were SOOO MANY presents. A Christmas Eve home with family gathered, traditions continued, tree lights on and presents delivered is magical.

Writing the Santa Letter. I have every Santa letter since Matthew was born, just as my mommy has all the Santa letters from my sister and I.

I love this photo of Carlos. Seldom do I capture an authentic smile from him.

Gramma Mo wincing after bonking Talya's head on the corner of the TV

Jenni Mo modeling the prayer shawl gifted by Grandma Sam

(she probably won't like this pic, but I love it)

I've been having a heck of a time getting the post together. The photos won't upload, the text is turning blue and underlining itself, the screen is scolling down for no reason. So I am going to post as is, and edit it later when I have more patience. So there's more to come....