Back to June 2009

Back to June 2009

I can hardly believe a year has gone by. I apologize for that. Well kind of. I've learned a lot over this past year. A lot about myself, my family, my friends, a lot about life, faith and the power of love. I've learned that I need to implement what I already know and follow the advice I would and have offered to others over the years.

I've come to realize that many people I know are what I would consider good time friends. Shocked? Yeah.. so was I.

I promised early on that this blog would not be sugar coated as many are. I promised that I would not only entertain but educate along the way. So hang tight.. there are many stories and life lessons on the way. Some will make you laugh and yes... I plan on making you cry as well.

I've procrastinated in updating this blog for many reasons. Just like any one of life's recipes there are many ingredients to consider.

But first we have some catching up to do. I've decided the best way to handle this is to forge ahead as quickly as time allows. Pictures.. pictures and many more pictures to upload.

I'll keep the descriptions brief but as accurate as my memory allows.

First and foremost I want you all to know that Tamara is fine. She is in fact wonderful.

OK.. you ready? Oh and this time around can you leave comments? It's really nice to get a little feedback once in a while. ;o)

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This is June 09

Daddy.. shows Tamara how to ride her bike.

I'm very serious about Tamara wearing her helmet. It just amazes me how many people have tried to get her to ride bicycles, scooters and Rollerblades without one. Seriously are they crazy or just totally clueless. It just floors me that other parents have actually tried to challenge me on this rule.

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Chatting with Baba on the phone.

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Tamara enjoying her Play house.

Time to slide...

Love those silly little curls of hers.

Did I mention her shoes squeak?

Play ball...

A walk around the yard with Daddy.

The swings are a great place for chat with Daddy.

Sweet no?

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Cousins Nicky and Katie's Piano, Guitar and singing recital.

Great Job Nick!

Katie sings ;o)

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Tamara's Kitty cat Lilly.

Tamara and Bruce on Father's Day 09

Love this photo!!!

Thumbs Up!!!

Loves her play set.

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These are in reverse order.

Below Tamara zones out after her Preschool moving up ceremony 09

A long exciting day for her. Especially being that Baba and Deedee came out to see her.

Baba brought her some flowers from her garden.

Tamara loves flowers just like her Mommy. ;o)

Out side her school. Her grandparents present her with her bouquet.

Tamara insisted on holding Baba's hand. Too cute.

FYI.. Mom's purse is an original Tamara of Boston Bag. A gift from her Grand daughter. ;o)

Michelle and Tamara. Michelle used to work for the school and served on the preschool committee with me for several years even before Tamara came home.

Tamara adores her maybe it has something to do with the play house Michelle gave her?

Thanks Michelle she still plays in it two years later. ;o)

My father shows Tamara some pictures in the preschool hall way.

Mrs Stevens, Mrs "Peachtree" as she liked to be called by the kids, Tamara and little buddy Megan pose after the ceremony.

Tamara shows Mommy her Preschool moving up diploma.

With her little friends

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Loves her tea parties.

With cousins Amanda and Katie.

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Another recital.

Katie poses with Tamara during intermission.

Relaxing with Mom.

Katie on stage.

Tamara sits on Baba's lap and sneaks Chocolate chip cookies out of her purse. Now why does Mom have cookies hidden in there?

The whole cast.

She loved the show.. even though it was rather long for a then 4 year old

she handled it very well.

My brother Zoran and his daughter Katie.

Olga playing stage Mom. lol

Baba and Katie.

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One Sunday afternoon.. after a nice visit.

Tamara is escorted to our car by my parents.

Tamara sad that it's time to go home. She loves visiting her grand parents.

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So that was June 09.. pretty much? She did attend a few kid parties that month as well but for some reason I shot more video then photos. I imagine I resorted to video as it's near impossible to capture a 4 year old at a kid party in a still photo.

In the interest of saving time I will be limiting the videos until we catch up as the download time is much longer then stills.

OK.. stay tuned.. we're on a roll.

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June .. Here Comes Summer

June.. Here comes Summer...

June brings warmer weather.. outdoor playdates.. and parties.

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Below Uncle Zoran sits on his horse while chatting with Tamara.

Katie Birthday party.. The kids play.

Tamara had a blast with the giant beach balls.

Action shot.. Smile Katie..lol

So much fun.. Weeee......

Nicky.. want to trade?

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Another beautiful day at the playground. It's the preschool picnic.. Tamara had a great time playing with her friends.

Weeeee......

Hi Mama

She loves to play..

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More to come.. hang on..

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Straightening Daddy's Hair

Straightening Daddy's Hair

From day one I have always encouraged Bruce to take a fairly active role in his daughter's life. Encouraging bonding from that 1st day in Tbilisi. It was important to me that they thrive and not just survive should any thing ever happen to me. I also know from first hand experience that it will effect her life as an adult. It will effect her relationships throughout her life and it was important that I know she will make wise choices. Having a positive male role model is important. Pretty heavy stuff for a 4 year old huh?

Ok.. enough serious stuff I just wanted to bring this point up.. well you'll see what daddy is willing to put up with. ;o)

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Hi Mama.. We're watering the driveway.

We'll need some water...


And some more water.



Hey.. whatcha doin?

Relaxing on the front porch in Mommy's lap.

So sweet!

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A visit to my parents house.

Tea time

Tea with Deedee

With Baba

Some of you may remember this outfit from our trip to Tbilisi.

"See spots run" the day we spent at the passport office. She's wearing this sitting in the car in my lap. I mention this as some seem to be under the impression that she never wears the same thing twice? See she does.

Love those curls

Being cute with Deedee. My father just adores her. It's really sweet.

OK.. if there was ever a question as to if Tamara and her Dada have bonded..

well watch this.. and you tell me.

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Mommy needed a Time Out

Mommy needed a Time OUT.

Sorry for the delay. We'll try and catch up before the year is out.

I'll post a bunch of pictures with a brief description and then I'll explain why Mommy needed a Time Out!

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Below Tamara's 1st preschool class trip happen to land on Mommy's Birthday.

Perfect .. I get to pretend I'm 4 again. What could be better?

Bruce took the day off to spend it with his girls.

Tamara and Zach hit the roller coaster. Weeeee

Tamara waves. She loves rides... think we may have a bit of a dare devil?

Even then she wanted nothing to do with the Jolly fat guy?

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Oops I almost forgot

Oops I almost forgot...

Happy Anniversary Bruce.

Yes 15 years ago Bruce and I dragged my family to Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin for our wedding and to meet his family.

In so many ways it seems like just yesterday that I planned our wedding. Flying back on forth several times to check on details. Emptying UPS trucks at his parents water front resort. I remember staying in one of the cottages and the entire length of the cottage was floor to ceiling boxes. Boxes that needed to be opened, checked, sorted and fluffed.

There were favors for each of the Bridal luncheons, dinners, a Wisconsin style Fish Boil, rehearsal dinner and of course the reception. 3 full days of events to keep us all busy. There were boxes and boxes of gift baskets that needed to be delivered to hotels, motels and B&B's before our guests arrived. There were center pieces, flowers, head pieces, bridal party gifts... the list just went on and on. I remember using 900 yards of tulle for decorating.

And I remember doing 99% of the work. I quit my job in April to be able to do this. Seems a little crazy now but back then it seemed to make sense?

So I stayed up late for pretty much 3 months. Making things.. wrapping.. making bow after bow.

I think that's what actually got me started on being able to stay up late.. which I'm doing now.

I remember it rained like crazy all week and cleared up for Fridays festivities. The weather was picture perfect Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our 3 party days. Come Monday morning the skies opened up again and it continued to rain all week. We really lucked out with the weather that weekend.

Anyway... I sort of forgot about our anniversary this year. :o(

I actually remembered because our best man John and his wife Judy sent us an e-card today. When I got the email I thought.. Huh? Wonder why they sent a card?

Yeah it was a jaw dropping moment.

Bruce and I actually forgot about our 5th. We were busy helping Zoran and Olga with their wedding prep that year and after we got home we stood on our deck. Looking out towards the woods. Listening to the wildlife and I asked

"What's today's date?"

"The 2nd.. Why" he replied

"Ah...Happy Anniversary" I said and we both laughed

Our 10th we celebrated and now the 15th looks like it will be some what mellow.

That's OK... right Dear?

At least now I have an excuse. Can I use Tamara as an excuse? LOL

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Happy Anniversary Bruce

It's been a fun 15 years and I look forward to the next ..hum? 50? With you and our beautiful daughter.

I love you both very much!

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Below are a few pictures for your enjoyment.

A special Thanks to our bridal party.. especially John and Judy for reminding me this year..lol.

But seriously Thank You and I hope to get you all together again some day.. perhaps for our 25th? ;o)

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Below

On my way to the church

Leaving the Land Mark resort with my parents and the girls. We were late the resort miss placed a case of champagne for the bridal parties limo ride.

Bruce and I after the ceremony in front of the church.

Zoran and Carlos wasted no time popping the corks.

Amanda and Jonathan.. so cute

Our bridal party

Left to right.. top to bottom

Mindy, Zoran, Christine, Wesley, Yvonne, Carlos, Jay, John, Me ;o) Bruce

Johnathon, Amanda, Joseph, Jennifer, Darren and Angie.

The Happy Couple

Our Team

We had a lot of laughs that day.

All the girls were wearing sneakers under their gowns for these photos as it did require a bit of climbing the cliffs at Cave Point.

At the reception

And they lived happily ever after.

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OK.. We'll be back soon with more of what you really want to see. ;o)

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