Favorite Photo Friday

Dahlia and Milana have really hit their stride. They play together almost all the time now and Milana is learning so much from imitating (and forced learning - Dahlia is a hard task-master) her big sister.

Nothing unusual about two sisters playing together except there wasn't very much of that happening around here for the first year and even two. But they're certainly making up for any lost time. And it's so much fun for me to just sit back and watch and listen to all their escapades.

Milana obliged her big sister by letting her put on a bunch of dress-up outfits and parade around. Each time I heard the announcement "Ladies and Gentlemen....I now present Miss Milana Malfara as a fairy princess" I'd whip around at my desk and catch a picture or two of the little one....strutting her stuff and practicing her best "cheese"!

And does she have A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E.!!!

She's learning it from the best.

(.....no..ahem....not me......)

her big sister of course.

IT'S A NEW YEAR - 2012

How does the song go?

"So this is Christmas....and what have we done

another year older....a new one begun"

What is it about flipping a calendar that makes us look back and measure the year we've been through? Did we start, accomplish or even attempt all the things we wanted to? Did we have an impact, or any effect at all, on how our world moved and changed this year?

Did we love enough.....listen enough.....give enough?

And what makes us always strive for a bit more with each new year. Never quite satisfied that we made the mark or had any relevance in this crazy world that manages to stay together despite every element working against it.

(I don't have the answers.....I'm just thinking out loud.)

As for me....

...this was a watershed year.

I fell in love with my work - my photography. And though it doesn't have the same satisfaction as painting for me (or even music) it surprises me how much joy and satifaction I get out of every shoot and every picture that I take.

The deep joy I have being a mother can never be surpassed - I will be forever grateful and amazed that I am a mother. My Dahlia asked me today "what's the best thing about being a mom, Mom"? I have no answer because it's a million things - too many to count but just enough to truly appreciate

Wishing everyone a perfectly wonderful New Year!!!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

.....wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!

Favorite Photo Friday

For years, as much as I loved Christmas, there was always something missing.

A big something!

Besides the real reason for the celebration - the magic of Christmas is made for children. And, even though I'm really just a little kid in a grown-up body - sharing that magic makes it real. (I mean.....I enjoy my own company but it's hard to have a party with yourself.)

So, each year for the past 7 years, I am so very grateful that I have children to share the party with. Here is my Milana...looking deliciously edible. She has really come into her own lately and I'm enjoying discovering all of her uniqueness.

Eight more days till Christmas!

Everybody ready?

Tuesdays....around the world!

We're finally getting Christmas up and running here. I've been pretty swamped so the kiddos have had their decor assignments and they've more than stepped up to the challenge.

Enjoy our tour around the world today!

My girlies!!!!

Nothing sweeter!!!

Than big Sissy carrying the little'un for her birthday celebration.

Mama's heart is full.

Sorry to be MIA again lately. Been busy and very distracted and YOU know why!!!

=)

I hope to post more b-day pics soon.

Meanwhile....have a wonderful week.

xoxo

Our Birthday Girl !!!!

“What Is A Little Girl!”

She's a bundle of sweetness, brightness & fun.

The beauty of springtime, the warmth of the sun. She's Innocence covered with mud, sand, & soot. She's Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot...She's a composite picture of giggles & tears. Of tantrums, excitement, amusement & fears. A bundle of mischief and often a tease. A creature of moods not easy to please...Who'll capture your heart with her pixie-like grin. Or chatter and beg till your patience wears thin. But obedient, naughty, mischievous or coy.

She's Mom's little Darling & Dad's Pride & Joy.

(author unknown)

Today....Milana turns 4 !!!!

And I marvel at how far you've come. From that little quiet mouseling who didn't make a peep for months to this "bigger than life" bundle of joy and sparkle and cuddles and spitfire.

I'm sure life will have many bumps and turns but I'm equally sure you'll land on your feet everytime. In fact - you may even teach the bumps and turns a thing or two.

We love you to pieces, little one. And are so thankful you are ours.

Forever!

Happy Birthday Milana.

xoxo

Tuesday....Around the World

I was so ready to get away for a few days. I've been burning the candle at both ends since August and all I could think about was doing......absolutely nothing.

But it's almost impossible to do "nothing" at home. Especially when there is always work to do - just staring you in the face.

So, on Friday, around noon, we hit the road for up north.

To do.....absolutely nothing.

And that was made so much easier because the whole area (Mt Tremblant) was practically deserted. It's only like this for a few weeks in November and a few in May and that's when we love to get there.

On Friday - we didn't even go out. Spent about 2 hours in the hot tub and had pizza and watched movies. Oh...and we were all asleep by 9 PM.

Bliss!!

But this is what we woke up to on Saturday morning. First snowfall is so pretty.

The snow didn't stay but it was cold enough for warm coats and a little stroll through the village.

And everywhere there were signs of Christmas coming!

On Sunday it was time to leave. The little sign announces the name of the river. "Devil's River". And it was kind of creepy looking into the mist.

Had to stop for our favorite Crepes on the way home. And a cuddle with my girlies.

Link up below and visit some blogs from around the world.

And have a great week everyone!!