Painting with dad

Rich was busy working in his studio today trying to get a commission done when Anja wondered in and wouldn't leave until he let her paint just like him. Then she wanted him to teacher her a few things. It was so sweet I couldn't resist a few pictures.

No worries-- Rich will complete the commission on his own without her help. But I wonder if I could sell her pictures? Really, if an elephant can make money, can't a two year old?

Christmas with the boys

Last year we had the opportunity to take the boys to both Ballet West's Nutcracker and Hale Theatre's Christmas Carol. This year, we made them choose. Christmas Carol won and away we went! We hope Anja can join us next year when she's a bit older.

Colored Faces

Unfortunately, we visit Wal-Mart, which I affectionately call Hell-Mart, once a week for the quick stuff like milk and bread. Anja is usually in tow. Every time we go she puts a few coins in the Salvation Army bucket. A cute lady from down south is always ringing the bell and happily gives Anja a candy cane. This lady is as black and as Southern as they come and she makes me miss the South and Marie Posey every time I hear her talk. I don't really like it when people call me sweety but when a true southerner calls me "Sugar" with a thick as molasses drawl, it makes me smile. We've gotten a bit affectionate with this lady and Anja now gives her a quick hug as we leave. For some reason Anja noticed for the first time yesterday this woman's face.
A: "Mom, she has a black face."
M: "Yes, she does. That's how God made her and it's beautiful."
A: "Yes, it is pretty."
M: "He makes brown faces, and pink faces-like yours-, black faces and even very white faces."
A: "Wow! Could He make me a purple one?"

The lady smiled and said, "Sure he will, just ask him, Sugar."
Anja asked for one when she prayed last night-- but no change this morning.

The Usual

I can't ever remember a year when I actually got a nice picture of all three of my kids in their Christmas clothes in front of the tree.. here are this year's attempts.

Thank goodness this year's Christmas card picture was taken by a professional!

Molly Mouse and my ballerina

Once in a while your perfect day really works out. Usually what you imagine as a parent as being "a perfect day" implodes. The best example: kids crying at Disneyland. This outing, however, was magical. A girlfriend of mine helped me get tickets to Molly Mouse. A much shorter version of the Nutcracker ballet. It's designed for young children and is a great way to introduce them to the production.

Anja and I got all dressed up and made the trip downtown to the theater.

Our seats were magnificent! We sat on the front row of the balcony where we could see everything. There was even a little extra room for Anja to get up and dance-- which she did regularly.

At intermission we enjoyed some $4 cookies (yikes!) and then the cutest thing happened. The sugarplum fairy music was being played in the lobby and one by one I watched as all these little girls dressed in their Christmas dresses got up and started to twirl around. It was magical! I had a permanent grin on my face.

Anja LOVED the purple fairies and wanted a picture of them. So, in the dark I snapped one. It was an amazing production that really made me feel like Christmas is here.

My baby and I had a wonderful time and she went dancing out the door and to the parking lot. If you ask her about Molly Mouse, you'll get an ear and eye full. Anja can't stop twirling.

Thanksgiving...survival

This year we hosted the big event. It was fun.


Rich's sister Cheryl and her family from AZ made the trip up.

My brother Mat, sporting his mountain man look, with my soon-to-be sister-in-law Kellie are now back in Portland, OR after a year of traveling the world.

Great-grandma Bywater hung out with the four little ones.

The classy spread. Can't eat Thanksgiving on paper plates! It only took me four dishwasher cycles to get it all clean. I was happy to do it! See you all next year.

Freaky Elves

Freaky Elves--Beware!!

I took all four kids on Wednesday to Gardner Village to see the elves. All was well until one of the elves moved --I think he snored-- Anja freaked out and the tears didn't stop until we got home. Love those Christmas memories...