Basketball moments

My little man is a big basketball fan.  He watches the games on TV, and he's not even 4 yet, but he really loves playing as well. He takes after Papa. 
Today we were out in the back yard where we have a basketball hoop, and he was making shots, dribbling, showing me different moves. 
After a while he says to me with a sad/frustrated look on his face "Mama, I'm not a good dribbler".. And since he seemed really serious I took a closer look.  Poor kid, his basketball was half deflated, but he was still managing to keep the ball going for a while. :)  That's a real player - one that can dribble even with a deflated ball.
He requested that I lower the hoop, so he can do a slam dunk, and that was a definite pick me up for him.  His "game" picked up so much so that after a while he came and sat down and said - "it's time for the dancers to go out on the court". :)  Yes, he has gone to quite a few Magic games and he has his own (imaginary) cheerleaders that come out at half time right here in our back yard.

I wish I could spend hours every day watching him play, and giving him a thumbs up after each basket he makes (as he required today).  As I watch him, I wonder where life will take him, if basketball will be a major part of it or not.. but it's not basketball that I will necessarily remember from these moments.  It's his beautiful eyes lighting up and looking back at me with the pride of accomplishing something, it's the drive to try and try again and the resolve to keep going, it's his sweet little face smiling at me like the world is ok... the easy nonchalance and simplicity with which he approaches his days, every moment, without the fear of running out of time.  He lives in the moment..  That's no easy task for me.  I'm always running out of time... always rushing to the next thing.  So tonight I'm saying to myself - Stop and smell the proverbial flowers.  Get a glimpse of the world through the eyes of a child...  Breathe, and live in the moment. It's really not about basketball.  :)

Merry Christmas!

Just stopping by the blogging world to say...

Hope that this Christmas, you can pause and take in the wonder of how God came down, as a humble, vulnerable baby boy, and reached out to us, extending a hope and a future that we could never have dreamt up on our own...

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas!!!

Happy 1 month to my sweet Ana

Hi to the lone reader out there.  I have planned many times to revisit the world of blogging and frankly didn't know for sure if that was even going to happen before 2010 was over, but here I am once again - no better occasion than to wish my sweet little girl a happy "1 month" day. 
Yes, lots has happened since my last post in February, but to sum it all up, let me just say we found out we were expecting back in March, and were so excited to welcome our sweet little girl into our family a month ago today.  We named her Ana Catherine (Ana for my mom and Catherine for Bri's mom). 
I have taken the last month to be home and focus (as much as possible), on just being with my new baby and on figuring out how to best be a mom of two.  I conclude that 1 month is not nearly enough time to have anything figured out, even with my sweet mom here to help out.

I would love to learn to be a more consistent blogger in the next year, and use this space to document family happenings, such as trips, holidays, milestones, and whatever else comes our way, so bear with me (an inconsistent blogger) once more..

In the meantime, enjoy these pics of baby Ana - my little principessa (as Brian calls her).  {Props to my friend Emily who is such a talented photographer.  You can find her here.}  

 There's something so precious about a newborn baby sleeping... 

 

 

These cute little lips and tiny nose rock my world.

She was exactly 1 week old here.. and smiling.. :)

Perfectly vulnerable...

Joy

So close...

"My little Principessa"

8 pound treasure

big feet... little feet

Wow... family of 4 overnight

Luca's in love

One of the few awake moments..

Ana looks just like Luca when he was born

Life will never be the same again...

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Before I start, let me just say - I KNOW Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday... a "made up holiday"... etc.. etc... and that's ok. I understand that it's just another day, but it's also an ordinary day when you can choose to do something out of the ordinary for the one that you say you love, that special person you spend your life closest to.

Well, my dear husband outdid himself this year. If you know him, you know he loves surprises! Here's how my "special" day went (I celebrated it on Friday). He took the day off of work and said to me on Thursday night that I needed to be ready to go by 8:30 am the next morning, which I of course did. I showed up in the kitchen at 8:30 sharp, and sat down to eat breakfast with him (he knew I wouldn't make time for breakfast otherwise). At 8:45 on the dot, he informed me that I needed to go. "Go where?" "You'll see", he said. So I blindly go get in the car and find the navigational system plugged in, and a basket on the passenger seat, with little sealed envelopes labeled #1, #2, #3, #4 (attached to a package), #5 and #6. I opened note #1 which said, among other things: "Good morning Valentine! So your journey begins. I know you say you don't like surprises, but I hope that you will feel loved, pampered and renewed. You'll need to be at the address below by 9:15am. When you arrive, open envelope #2."
I have to confess that on the way there, I was secretly hoping for some spa action - something I hardly ever indulge in. I couldn't wait to pull into the indicated parking lot and rip open envelope #2:
"... I wanted to give you a day of relaxation so that is what this will be. Attached you will find the gift certificate, your spa itinerary and tip money. Hopefully they do an amazing job... Your journey is not over so when you are done and back in the car open envelope #3."

I was so excited to go in and just forget about everything else for the next 2 1/2 hours! I got a nice massage and a French manicure/pedicure. He even remembered to put 2 pairs of flip-flops under the seat in my car (my favorite ones and my comfy ones), because of course, I couldn't wear my shoes afterward and ruin my perfectly painted French pedicure! :)

I was then off to the car again to open my next envelope - #3. This one said: "...Do you feel relaxed?.. Well, I'm sure you worked up an appetite so your next trip will be to a little place I found with some of your favorite food. Go to the address below and get whatever you want!...When you arrive, make sure to bring envelope #4 and the package with you. Open it up when you sit down to eat."

So off I went and about 4 miles down the road I found this cute little place that sells pitas, hummus, gyros and some other Mediterranean things that I really like. It was POURING down rain but there was an umbrella in the car, so I waltzed in there with my note # 4, package to open and a great appetite. Who knew that you could have so much fun by yourself when it was pouring outside? I was literally singing in the rain, and couldn't wipe this sheepish smile off my face. :)

I ordered my pita and hummus and sat down to open the next note that said this (among other things): "...Well, I couldn't just leave you alone to eat without anything to do could I? You may now open the package and don't continue reading until you have done so". I ripped it open and pulled out this big book he had made (printed and bound) for me. It took me but a second to open it and figure out what it was. So exciting! I caught my breath and read on: "...Yep! I found a copy of the book Stephanie Meyer wrote from Edward's perspective. Enjoy your reading but not for too long. You need to leave around 2:45 for your next journey. Head to the address below and open envelope # 5 when you pull into the parking lot. Happy reading!"

I have to say that as of late, one of my favorite things to do is go some place quiet and sit down and read a book. I LOVE reading but I can't find the time to do much of it at home, since most days our house is jumping with happy feet and busy little hands pulling on my sleeve, getting into things, etc. :) Now this was a treat, especially since I really got into this series and saw both movies, etc.. Only you Twilight fans will understand. Bri isn't an avid fan but he humors me and even went to the movies with me when they came out. [I can hear a collective "how sweet" from you right now. :)]

My allotted reading time just flew by and I found myself in the car again wondering where I was driving to. I couldn't think of what else he had planned. If the day stopped here, I would have been more than satisfied. :) Knowing Brian, my next destination could be anything, but wait, not a Publix, right? Wait a minute - there's also a Home Depot next to it.. hmmm... why would he send me to this shopping center?

I pulled over and read the next note - #5: "So what do I want you to do in Publix? Well, absolutely nothing! This was a distraction from your 'real' destination, which follows. Recognize the address? Yep, it's Tory's house. I made an appointment to get your hair colored and cut (optional if you want). She is expecting you so hurry up! When you are back in the car open up the final envelope - #6."

What? It wasn't over? Ah! I'd been wanting to get my hair done for a long while, and I would surely have recognized the address if he sent me straight there. It was a longer drive, so he sent me to the Publix on the way to keep me guessing a while longer. :)

So off I went to my friend Tory's house, who of course was in on the whole thing. She did a fabulous job on my hair and I felt like I had gotten a makeover by the end of the day.... I walked out to the car, got in and waited a second before opening my final note from Bri... It had been such a great day and I didn't want it to be over... His note said many things that made me smile and warmed me on the inside, but I will keep those to myself and just tell you the end of it: "...I love you babe, now come home to me so I can see you and we can go out on our date together. Drive safe. See you soon. Brian (your Valentine)". I met him shortly after, and we went to dinner and a movie - a great end to a great day!

I had had all this time in the car by myself, with my thoughts..... and I found myself reminiscing about the days before we were married, when we didn't get to see each other all the time.. the times when my thoughts gravitated around where he was and what he might be doing... or when I would see him next... and I asked myself where the wonder goes after you've been married for a few years... You still love him/her, but the wonder of this person can sneak out of your days unnoticed, when other things like work, chores, responsibilities, and to do lists crowd every empty minute in your day...

That is why, my friends, we need days like Valentines Day. We are creatures of habit and our lives revolve around routines and reminders. That's why we have seasons, and holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc...) because this is how we work - we need these markers. God instituted different holidays throughout the Old Testament - times to set aside the usual daily routine and remember / celebrate something important, something out of the ordinary. No, I am not saying that Valentines Day is from the Bible or that it's right up there with the "real" holidays... I'm just saying that to me it seems like a pretty good reminder to set aside what's going on in your day and find your own way to celebrate each other. To those that say "I can do that any other day of the year", I say: "Ok. Than take that other day of the year and really do it!"

Frankly, it takes extra time and energy to do something special. You have to put the other person first and give something of yourself. It's far easier to fall back on the old "it's not a real holiday/it's not a big deal" excuse. I've been there myself.

Not this year though. I was inspired to do something for Bri myself, because he took the lead. I know that I probably won't ever pull off the elaborate things he plans for me, but it's not a competition. I will take the time to let him know - really know - that he is on my mind, that I love him, and that I still feel the wonder of who he is and of who he is becoming right in front of my eyes. I resolve to not let it slip away unnoticed. I will set reminders and discipline myself to celebrate "us"...

This Valentine's Day I felt loved and cherished. How about you?...

Happy New Year!

Hi friends,

How did your year start out? Same old same old? At the Emmans house, the holidays came and went with a little less stress then last year's, and with a little more peace and quiet in our days, even in the midst of busyness. Don't get me wrong. We all have "those"days, but overall, I can say I didn't feel like I held my breath through it all. That's a good thing. :)

I've been thinking about how this year is starting out for us... and I can honestly say I am thankful to see the Lord's hand in our lives. It might be because of the "clean slate" feeling that I typically get at the beginning of a new year, but I sense a new enthusiasm to keep working on goals set a while ago, and also adding new ones.

Here are a few things that I thank the Lord for as we start a new year:

• My relationship with Brian and a refreshing mode of communication with each other
• Our church and moving toward a new stage as we go to Moss Park Elementary.
• Our small group, and all the promise it holds as a place for growth, for deepening relationships, and for new friendships.
• Being close to our family here in Orlando.
• My family from all over (Romania, Spain, England) and somehow keeping close to each other across the miles and across the years.
• A few old friends to share life with, and a few new ones to add to the list.
• Being able to stay home with Luca and see him grow, as I share some of my days with a few special kiddos that the Lord brought into our lives.

Talk about Luca, I can't resist putting a couple of pics of him on here, mainly for those who are not on Facebook very often. His favorite gift this year has been a little battery operated Thomas the Train. This little guy quickly became a serious friend!

There are other things to add to my list, but it isn't meant to be exhaustive. It's just a prompting to stop and think of how God has reached into our lives and started us down the new year. Hopefully this will put wind into your sails as it has into mine.

What are you thankful for?

Good News Bad News

Well, I don't know if anyone still reads this blog... I mean... if I was following it and there wouldn't have been an update since 4 months ago, I'd probably have given up on it. But just in case there's any lone reader out there who isn't keeping up with our happenings on Facebook or elsewhere, I thought I'd write you...

The last couple of weeks have been pretty unexpectedly hard at the Emmans house, but the weeks preceeding them were some of the best ones...

If you didn't already know, we found out in July that we were expecting baby # 2! Brian and I were SOOO excited and didn't wait long to share our great news with mostly everyone. We made plans and looked forward to meeting our new little guy/girl...


About 10 days ago though, we found out that baby #2 isn't coming anymore... We were sad. We cried. We prayed. We talked. We prayed. We waited... We're still sad...


If you see me, don't ask What Happended, and don't ask How I am. I Am Sad.

We don't have answers.. these things never come with real answers/explanations...


We know we aren't walking this road alone. That's a good thing. And we know we are being changed. That's also a good (and painful) thing. Really, what else do I need to know? Not much, except that it is all happening for a very good reason (that I can't fathom), and that it will all be made right and clear one day.


In the meantime, I'll try to live life, love my child and my husband, and get to know and love God a little deeper than I could before.


Tonight, when everyone is asleep and the house is quiet, that looks like playing my guitar and letting God comfort me like only He can.


I wish I could have seen my baby's face. I wish I could have heard his laugh, held him close, walked hand in hand and laughed at silly things together. I wish I could have sung him a lullaby and watched him drift to sleep. I wish I could have seen him/her grow....


One day though, I WILL see my baby - my baby made perfect by Someone who can love him way better than I ever could. And I will sit and listen to all their stories.... And in these stories, there won't be any tears, teething, scraped knees, nightmares, good byes or broken hearts. I will be glad that my baby will have been safe and happy all along in Someone's capable arms... My own pain then won't be remembered... only joy will remain.


Until then, I will try and rest in those same capable arms.

My nephew Isaac and his cousins, Silvan and Luca

Hi there friends. Time to check in again as promised. I bet my Kansas friends are proud of me right now :)

I got to meet my nephew Isaac in person for the first time this trip. He is the son of my one and only brother - Eddie. By the way, he and his wife Laura are coming to Romania in a few days (from Spain), and we are totally looking forward to seeing them. It's been way too long since the last time we've seen them. They sent Isaac ahead with his grandparents so we got to see him these past few days. What a treat. He is such a great, smart, cute kid!!! Get ready for a bunch of pics of the boys coming up.

Isaac and Delia reading a book. He LOVES books. :)

Apparently he is quite ticklish!

Delia with the three little cousins.

They love sitting in Mama Ani's kitchen and "reading" and writing - quite the studious types if you ask me. :)

This "school" stuff is quite interesting. It takes concentration.

"ColoRez cu tuRcuaz?!" Turquoise is Isaac's color of choice.

Silvan LOVES puppies!!! Can you tell?

Luca loves hanging with his cousins!

This school stuff is some serious business!

I love to see them together!

Well friends, I must sign off but I plan to write again soon. Hope you are all well.

Post from Romania

Hi everybody!
Delia here. I thought I'd check in since Luca has been out of commission for the past five days or so. If you're wondering, we made it to Romania alright, with no meltdowns or major problems. It was so nice to land straight into Sibiu, my hometown, and not have to take a six hour drive at the end of our trip from Bucharest for a change. My family's smiling faces all waiting for us at the airport was priceless. Luca became fast friends almost instantly with all of them and we all adapted to the time change pretty quickly (7 hours later than Orlando).

However, on our second day here Luca got a bad stomach virus (either on the plane or we brought it with us somehow) and has been fighting it off since then without much success until today. We have lost track how many times we have cleaned up vomit and how many diarrhea diapers we have changed. To top it all off, this bug is a traveling kind and has jumped from person to person (Brian next, then Noni - my sister, then my Dad, Mom, Ina - my sister, Maria - other sister, Debi - youngest sister, and more recently my brother-in-law Sebi). Seems like I am the last one standing (or the next in line!). The good thing about this is that this family contamination has provided us ample time to sit and chat since hardly anyone felt like getting out of the house. I love sitting in the kitchen and shooting the breeze with everyone. It's one of my favorite things to do when I'm here.

Today though we ventured out since most people seemed to be on the mend. We had to bundle up since it was in the 30's here. It even snowed the last couple of days but melted right away. Luca loves to catch snowflakes and suprisingly enough he has not complained about the cold as much as we thought he would. Doesn't he look so cute all bundled up?

This is my sisters' favorite smile of his (the squinty smile).

He LOVES the fact that he gets to see Dadda throughout the day. He's not a fan of Dadda going to work.

My cousin, Damaris came to visit us the other day. She happened to be in Romania this week and made it a point to come meet Luca and see us again. We had a great time reminiscing about all kinds of things, eating mamaliga, sarmale, baked apples...

Here's my Mom - Ana and my sister - Ina (the doctor), hanging with us. Love you ladies!

Luca loved his toy truck Damaris. Thank you! (And yes, we DO fit in the same armchair!)

One of our fun little traditions here is that Brian buys me new shoes every time we come to Romania (whether we plan it or not). We had a little date last night just the two of us (thank God for built in babysitters) and we 'happened' to wonder into one of my favorite shoe stores Leonardo's. I ended up with these cute shoes below :) I just LOVE them! Thank you baby.

Stay tuned for more. We got to meet my nephew Isaac in person for the first time yesterday! He is the cutest thing ever and I can't wait to show him off in my next post.

Halloween 2008

Many people have asked if I am alive and if I still type in my blog. My answer to them is yes I am alive, but I have been really busy being an active toddler. Now that I am on vacation in Romania me and my Dad finally have time to sit down and update the family blog with some exciting things that have happened over the past few months.

First of all let me know show you how Halloween 2008 was for me:

Here is the beginning of my trick or treating with our cool car in the background.

Here I am being silly in my 'Hulk' costume

My cousins Lindsey, Gracey, and Abby


Here I am trick or treating and playing with some really cool pumpkins

The vicious Hulk with his Momma

Trick or Treating with Momma

Doing my Hulk pose by a pumpkin

My cousins Ethan and Jordan with masks off...

and with masks on

Lindsey (Rocker Girl)

Gracey (The Princess)

Abby (Hannah Montana)

My Poppa at the end of the night hanging out with the girls

My Halloween was great! I loved being the Hulk and hanging out with my cousins. I definitely can tell a huge difference than last year where I barely could move. Now I ran and got into everything and was so excited to say 'Twick or Tweat' to all of the people.

Luca's Dedication

Ok so my Dad has claimed that the delay in my blog posts has been due to 'technical difficulties'. Whatever that means I'm not quite too sure, but I think it had to do with getting the video off of our video camera. The video below is from Summit Church in Orlando. Thanks Aunt Jen for shooting the video for us. It was so great to have all of my Orlando family and many friends come see me get dedicated. Mom and Dad were really excited to commit to raising me in a godly manner in front of all the people in the church and of course God. Enjoy.


Also, here are some recent pictures of me taken around the same time as my dedication.

Our First Family Pics

My friend Milo has a Mom named Emily and she is a really great photographer. Over the summer she took some really cool pictures of me, Mom, and Dad at my dad's work. In fact - all of the pictures to the side of our blog are from this day. Below you will see some more pictures from that day. Thanks again Emily!

Dad says this is my 'tough guy' pose. I got really good at running around which makes it really hard for my mom and dad to catch me. Emily caught me standing still for a brief moment.

Here is Mom and Dad at a brand new gazebo at my Dad's work. Aren't they cute? Check out those clouds. Gotta love Florida thunderstorms!!

This is a fun one of us walking together...

Anyone that has been around my family knows that my parents LOVE to kiss me! I slipped Emily a penny to document this to show others what I go through. Nah, I actually like it - for now at least.

I really like this picture of us walking together and me catching one more glimpse of where Emily is.

If you haven't already you can check out the rest of our family day pics by copying and pasting the following link:
http://photo.walgreens.com/share/p=57871220837531742/l=23469977/g=19327796/cobrandOid
=1009/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB