Anna

 I'm the mother of boys!  I don't know about girls other than my two adorable (now grown & married nieces) but, I'm getting a CRASH COURSE!    At the end of August my friend Ginger called in a panic.  She already had her Exchange Student Elma (this is her 5th student in 7 years) & there were two girls that had just arrived to the USA with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program that needed new placement & they had 72 hours to make it happen.  I feared I just couldn't handle it with all the mess from just finishing the move & remodel.  As well as I thought my son & his family would be living here on weekends while their new home was being built (but, it ended up they rented a duplex in the new town they are building in).  We decided that we have been so blessed that we just couldn't say NO.   Anna is from the Kamchatka Peninsula  

which is a 780 mile peninsula in the Russian Far East, with an area of about 100,000 square miles.  It lies between the Pacific Ocean to the east & the Sea of Okhotsk to the west.  Anna's country is actually closer to Alaska than to Moscow (sitting above Japan).   So, our Anna was no longer homeless in the USA.  She came to spend the school year with us & life has changed for all of us.  She is such a blessing & joy! 

  

She was only here two days & then it was her 17th birthday.  We celebrated at our favorite little bistro & she had a coconut pie instead of cake but, you can see that she loved it!  Just look at that photo above & the happy glow as she is blowing out her candles.  

A couple of nights later we went to a rooftop restaurant where one of the other host Mom's was singing & we celebrated Anna's birthday again.   Below is a few shots of that fun filled evening. 

Next, it was getting school supplies, school clothes, tennis practice outfits, calling school buses for schedules, packing lunches, running car pool.   I WAS OUT OF PRACTICE!  But, we've got it now.  I can tell you BOYS ARE EASIER!!!!!

Elma & Anna both adore Marble Slab Ice Cream & NEVER miss a chance to try a new flavor!

And there are so many new restaurants to try...

Below is a picture of the girls dancing with a lot of other people the night we went to Main Event to go bowling.  They loved it!  They love music & dancing.

Bowling scores weren't high but, we had fun!!!! 

Halloween is not celebrated in Russia but, Anna has had so much fun in all the stores seeing all the many choices we have for such silly fun.  She came home to tell her "Pops" that she had a new skinny boy friend & a new cat....

Anna loves dressing up so she & Elma are always doing photo shoots.  Below are two of my favorite shots.  So I hope you'll join me as Anna has her "American Dream" come true.  It is so amazing to see this happen & know that our government has such great programs for kids to come & experience our wonderful country & all she has to offer.  It may not be perfect but, I think it's the best thing out there & it seems many other countries feel the same way.

Where Does Time Go?

In the middle of a HUGE move & remodel (as well as the selling of our home) what could make us take a week & go back to California?  That beautiful Green Eyed Princess above!  She’s had me wrapped (& her uncle too) from the minute I saw her.  We had boys & I soooooooo wanted a girl but, blue we had in fold.  So, when my friend Cindy had Amanda I walked in the hospital room, picked her up & said “thank you for having her for me”.  I loved & spoiled this beautiful girl for MANY years & when the invitation came last year we said YES!!!

This is me (yes, I KNOW the glasses are horrible but, that was then…) & my baby girl!  I bought her that little pink outfit & many other things through the years…  When I saw the sign below I knew I had to get that for her too…

When I saw her Engagement Photos… I KNEW this was the one for her.  He was a smart man as they’ve been friends since High School.  He’s seen her through MANY broken hearts & relationships.  Always the friend who had a shoulder to cry on… And then they grew up & they KNEW!  Young love is such a beautiful thing.

We flew into Orange County Airport & were whisked away by our dear friend Vickie.  That night she & her precious hubby Ray went with us to Downtown Disney to have dinner with the wedding couple.

We had such a fun time with everyone & were amazed at the Legoland store.  My Hubby hammed it up with The Hulk!

Look what they can do with Lego’s!   The first one is the Beast from Beauty & The Beast.  HUGE!!!!! And look at Aladdin, the magic carpet with the kids on it… Hanging from the ceiling.  The detail in the carpet was astounding.

The dragon on the roof over the front door!  LOVE IT!!!! All Lego’s!

We had time to enjoy eating hamburgers at Ruby’s on the pier in Huntington Beach.  Seeing the surfers is always a trip & just loving the beach.  Vickie & Ray know all the great spots!

The wedding was held at The Disney Grand Hotel.  We loved the beautiful beams, fireplace & decor in this hotel.  “Baby Girl” chose well!

Her Momma helped with her dress & her Daddy walked her down the isle.  Exchanging the rings & sealed with a kiss.

They look so happy!

First Dance…

Cake!  She tried to make his face a mess & he just couldn’t do the same to her but, with one dip/kiss…. She was covered in cake too.  I LOVE that they can laugh & play with each other.  That makes marriage a LOT easier don’t you think?

At 4:00 sharp Mandy made the announcement that the wedding reception was over & the bride/groom with their guests would now go to Disneyland.  We changed into casual clothes & away we went.  Above we were in Cars Land & on the CARS ride. 

Wonderful World of Color Light/Water show ended the night.   What a perfect day!  A tired but, happy newlywed couple.  Thank you Mandy & Aaron for creating such a magical day for everyone.  I wish you all the love your hearts can hold.  Love is a dream your hearts makes.

I wanted to thank Tammy Love Photography, Mandy & all her friends & families that helped provide photos for this journey of memories for me to share with you.  Now, your Auntie is back to work with the move.  Check back soon to see our progress.  Note:  MOVING IS HARD WORK!
Hugs!  Charlene

How To Beat The Texas Heat

You load up the GRANDKIDS,  boat & 5th Wheel & head to the lake!    It was our first 100 degree day of the season… and we wanted to get away to play (Yes, that’s me on the right).

Lake Whitney is not far from our home.  It is well known as one of the cleanest lakes in Texas.  Folks taking scuba certifications use this lake because of the fact that it is deep, clear & is made up of white limestone rock.  As you can see from the beautiful cliffs above… it makes for some stunning views.

What do Grandfathers do at the lake?   Sleep while you swim, snack while you swim & ride out front when Daddy is driving.  This is called “Chilling out with Bop Bop” & our little ones love it (SO DOES Bop Bop).  Oh… & he pays for everything… that’s the best thing about Bop Bop’s they pay & they say yes to everything.

Our son & his family enjoying a swim.  Those little boys are like FISH!

I’m so proud of the Man/Daddy my son has turned out to be!  It makes a Momma proud!

And the princess????

A lot of sleeping with wind in her hair.  She loves the boat & going “Campin”.  But, it was hot & we were tired & had PLENTY of sun so we headed back early. THIS IS HOW YOU BEAT THE HEAT IN TEXAS & MAKE MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME! Go out & make memories with those YOU love! 
HUGS!  Charlene

You Couldn’t Wipe The Smile Off Her Face!

Ms Elle was thinking life was pretty good while she rode around Lake Texoma last week! This lake is HUGE! It straddles the border of Texas & Oklahoma & has MILES of cool water! And it’s a good thing because it is hard being a little black dog when it’s super hot. Momma had to keep Ms Elle wet to keep her cool outside. Above you see her surveying the lake from “her perch” on the back of the boat.

Sometimes she would just sit on the seat & look out the front.

When Daddy goes fast it makes wind in you hair! But, it doesn’t bother your nap if you ear is flying up over your head….

Last week we took our “Maiden Voyage” with our new Outback 5th Wheel Trailer & our son pulled our deck boat. This gave us a place to stay right on the lake & it was perfect.

The Captain & his First Mates were ready to hit the water.

“Little Bit” held Ms Elle.

It wasn’t long & The Captain killed the engine & those two mates SCURRIED up that ladder as fast as they could (that hard top holds 600 pounds & is perfect as a diving platform & stargazing perch). Soon the sound of “The Flying Frog” could be heard… Thud Thud Thud SPLASH!

Pretty soon… it was toes up in the water.

We are looking forward to a lot more fun with these guys this summer.

In the mean time… Elle & I plan on being wet to stay cool, no makeup, swimsuits & a hat…

What do you have planned for this summer?

STAY COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s supposed to be 101 tomorrow & the next day! And WHY do I live in Texas in the summer?????????

HUGS! Charlene

Happy Mothers Day to all my precious friends!
I hope you have a beautiful weekend with your Mother, Children or Both!


This is something a friend of mine sent me in an email & I thought it was so funny. So many of these sayings we have either heard or said... enjoy!

1.. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC. "
" Because I said so, that's why."
5.. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing & break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA ..
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.."
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful
parents like you do."
16.. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
19. My mother taught me ESP..
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me GENETICS. "You're just like your father."
23.. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
And my favorite:
25.. My mother taught me about JUSTICE .
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you"


As for me, the greatest gift has been the chance to be a mother to my two boys. To see them grow into amazing men & fabulous fathers just MELTS my heart. There is nothing that makes me just "CAVE" as to see that sweet smile & have him say... "Hi Momma"! And then there is the GRANDS! To see the car pull up & that door open as they ROCKET out of the car. Running with arms flung wide. SWEET! TOTALLY SWEET!

Have a wonderful weekend. Please tell me your favorite thing about being a mother. I would love to know.

My Favorite Christmas Book & Food for Thought Saturday

My friend Jain at Food for Thought challenged us to do a post about our favorite Christmas books (be sure to check her blog for a clever idea for those who love to read & also for her amazing photography) during the month of December & I knew right away which book I would do first. I have ALWAYS loved Jolly Old Santa Claus. The one I have chosen to share with you was written in 1958.

The illustrations are AMAZING!

Can you just imagine Mrs. Claus leading all the elves in singing carols? Look at Santa’s sweet face!

And can you smell the cookies baking? Did you ever wonder how many elves it takes to carry a sack of flour?

And the face on that reindeer peaking in the open dutch door!!!!! ADORABLE!!!! Have you ever seen such busy elves?

Prancing…

Oh how I LOVE reindeer!!!! I want a pair. Yeah, here in Texas you bet!!!!!

I guess the kid in me just can’t let this classic go & I wanted to share it with you. And speaking of sharing, we had two of our GRANDS tonight & went downtown to see Santa. I wanted to share this precious moment.

The little one is telling Santa he wants a hamster for Christmas (look at his older brother thinking “yeah right, Mom’s afraid of mice”) & check out Santa’s face on this one!

I hope you enjoyed my favorite Christmas Book choice & will read it to a little one you love this Christmas. There is nothing like the wonder of a child during this blessed time of year. And Jain thank you for another fun Food for Thought. I’m glad I didn’t have to cook this time but, if I did this would be my choice! Iced sugar cookies & cold glass of milk. YUM!

Click on the button to go visit Jain & the other to see what they have chosen.

Happy Reading! HUGS! Charlene