Lately Natalya is just been growing way beyond her years.  I am really not surpised because it's in her being.  She is incredibly bright and very aware, and, well, I am just dumbfounded sometimes listening to her talk.  Today she came home and started her homework as usual.  As I get into the coming home chaos, she turns to me and says, "Momma, some kids at school say that 'ass' is a bad word."  Off course, I tilt my head and look at her.  Then I say, "Well, what do you think it means?"  And she says, "Well, it's a part of 'class' and 'glass'."  As my heart swells, I go to her and hug her and kiss her forhead and say, "I am so glad that it took you this long to have to hear this."  I really would have wanted it to be longer but considering that other kids already knew, I'd say she did pretty well.  I go on to tell her the various meanings and say that it's not appropriate in most situations.  She is good with that. 

It keeps running through my head and I wait for the next one to come up.  I know, she would have learned it at some point but I sorta feel like those kids have taken away a part of her innocence.  I can not protect her 100% of the time but I hope she always thinks of me during times like these.  My baby, she's just growing up.

OK, in other sweetness fronts... I got to see my sweet friend Kristin today.  She is a light and hugs with all her heart.  I felt it today.  Kristin is having her third baby and is one rockin' momma. 

Kristin and her hub make beautiful children.  Can't wait to meet number 3.

Oh yes we did.  We put our tree up.  Trees.  This is the one in the girls play room.  They decorated it themselves so it's really bottom heavy.  But fab.  We have another in the living room that's not decorated yet but will be this week.  They just couldn't wait so I said why not.  Check that off the list. 

I spent last week with a good five day long headache.  It's not unusual, very annoying, hard to work.  But I'm feeling better and ready to get back to life.  I took the girls' picture for our Christmas card.  I love it.  Can't wait to show it to you.  I'm finishing up the last of the Christmas sessions and hopefully will be done with them by this weekend.  Please hold me to that cuz I really do want to be done with them soon. 

Later gaters.  Happy Monday.

I did a family sessin for Jennifer but she also wanted a few pics of herself with her guitar.  She takes lessons at home once a week when the kids are in bed.  Is she not rockin'?  She will also be rockin' the Rock n Roll Marathon this weekend.  The mom of all trades.  I do have some more of her closer up but I thought this one should be her album cover.  She doesn't have an album planned but you never know.  Jen can do it all.

My hub is celebrating his veterans-ness by taking the day off and taking me to have sushi for lunch.  Now that's the way to celebrate.

This kiss face was all her.  Would you have guessed that she is four years old?  Cutie cutie.

Chloe.  Showing a little attitude here.  Not the bad kind cuz she was awesome.

And Quinn.  Huh, just adorable.

And this one cracks me up because the session was already over, hence the lollipops.  But I couldn't resist.  They wouldn't even lick them right away.  Thanks guys!  You are doing a great job with them, they are precious.

The motliest crew ever.  The costumes are so indicative of the girls' personalities.  I tried to talk Vienne out of being a princess because she is a princess every day.  In some way or another she dresses, pretends, plays with princess toys nonstop.  I gave in telling myself that that was just her.  Natalya on the other had decided she wanted to be a robot.  So this what she and Daddy created (who by the way is dressed as her creater the Mad Scientist.)  Natalya is very creative, analytically minded.  I'm so glad it turned out this way this year.  Oh, I do have to note that Natalya did have a hard time walking and may have reconsidered her decision a few times during the hunt.  She may have to reconsider the design. 

Happy Monday to ya!

I think sugar now runs through my viens.  If I eat anymore sweets I think I just might vomit.  But how can you resisit them?  Please tell me.

We went out to the river to take pictures of this beautiful family.  Mason goes to school with Vienne.  And adorable Clarissa would just melt your heart.  Keep a look out on Etsy for this mom.  One of these days she'll take our advice and start a shop.  She makes some wondefully cute clothing for her kiddos.  Thanks, Michelle, for letting me spend time with your sweet family.

In a nutshell, it provides the reader with different ways to view the world differently.  One of the explorations that Natalya has done is to document all of the hidden faces that you see whether in nature or man-made objects.  The "World of Magic" exploration asks you to collect things for their "magic potential" and write a story about them.  For example, a magic pinecone could be planted to grow a magic tree that makes everyone who sits under it sleepy.  It's perfect for Natalya who is in the 2nd grade but I think that even preschoolers could use it with your help.  Vienne plays along sometimes.  It's really encourages creative thinking.  Go explore.