The Best Laid Plans....

Ah. Memories. I think this shot charecterizes Xander's birthday celebration last year! I'm currently searching for a space to have the party this year. After contemplating amusement parks, swimming pools that would have cost $130/hour, and at one point giving up on the idea of a 2nd birthday party, I think I have found a place. A similar park setting like last year, but with a water park near by, and an indoor shelter. Just incase we get rained on like last year!
Originally it was decided that Xander would have the big 1st birthday and not another until he turned 5 or so; when he would be old enough to grasp the concept and appreciate it. Well...like so many of my plans this doesn't seem to be panning out. It looks like there will be a birthday party for Alexander Brody every year until (like me at 25)he decides that he isn't going to have birthdays anymore.
Maybe next year the back yard will be free from Tony's misc. work implements and we can use the back yard for the party instead of a junk yard! I wouldn't get your hopes up.....I know I'm not.
On a postitive note regarding the renovations on the house, the workers should be finished by early next week with the rock work on the front porch. Now Tony and I have something new to argue about. He wants to wrap the columns and ledge in copper. I do not. I think that would be to many colors and textures on one house (grey siding,white trim, grey rock work, copper trim).He is determined for us to have a patchwork house. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about being creative and thinking outside the box. This aspect of my opinions does not apply to the exterior of houses. I am a conformist when it comes to this. Any one who agrees with me please let Tony know because he refuses to acknowledge any design rules and reasoning.

The Easter Bunny was very kind to Xander this year. Considering that last year he was terrified by her, I think we're making good progress! After Xander woke from his nap we heard the "Easter Bunny" (aunt sissy) knocking on the front door of Granny & Poppy's house. When we opened the door he had left Xander an Easter Wagon filled with goodies. Unfortunately I was not prepared with my camera and or video so the squeal of surprise and delight was not captured. Trust me,it was priceless! The Easter Bunny also took it upon herself to hide lots of plastic eggs around the yard. I honestly didn't know how well this activity would capture Xander's attention. I was afraid the Easter Bunny's efforts would be taken for granted, but turns out Xander loves to hunt for bright colorful objects! Who would have guessed?
It was also pointed out to me this weekend that contrary to my worries Xander is talking. It seems my expectations were set far to high and I was merely missing the words that he says because I was expecting fully formed syllables. I was aware that he says "all gone","mama",and "yagi" which means daddy as far as we can tell. Granny pointed out that he says "up" when he wants to be held and some other intelligble sound for binky. So now I've been paying closer attention and I do notice that when he jibber-jabbers he does get at least one syllable right for the words he's trying to say.Or, at least the words I think he's trying to say based on what his attention is focused on and his gestures.I was beginning to worry that he may have needed a speech therapist.So,the relief has undone at least one knot in my stomach.
There are many pictures of Easter in the photobucket. Please check them out!

Happy Easter!

Busy, Busy

Last Friday marked the start of a hectic month. Aunt Mitzi, J.C and Taylor came up to visit.Prompting a trip to Gibralter where you can shop for hours for stuff you don't need.Although I did find a cabinet unit that I was looking for.Mom made a wonderful dinner that night of meatloaf and we had some Guiness and cheese bread that was awesome.(i really need to learn how to cook something other than spagetti and cake!)After dinner Mom and Xander had "tea time". It was hilarious, please check it out in photo bucket. Friday was the only day I was able to visit because Saturday we went to Zach's birthday party and later on I had my first salsa dancing experience. I am naturally inclined with two left feet, but everyone I danced with seemed not to mind. I think Miha secretly enjoyed spinning me and watching me stumble. Everyone there danced so well and I had such a big time that it has prompted me to take salsa lessons so that next time I can keep up! Sunday was another birthday party. This time it was for baby Robert. The kids loved the pinata, especially when the candy fell.Now I am two days into this week already and fully emersed in school work. I have two term papers due next week, which is also the last week of class. After that I have finals. I'm relieved it's almost over, but this last part is killing me.
There are more pictures of all these events in photo bucket, so please check them out!

Aaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the pic I tried to post earlier this week. As I said before, no caption needed!

ulterior motive

Aren't they just precious. Delilah is giving some serious puppy dog eyes, but I wasn't able to decipher what it was she wanted. The window shot captures the terrible two in their normal position;watching the squirrels, whom enjoy torturing them by running back and forth under the window! I know those little fuzzy rats do it on purpose. A few weeks ago one of the squirrels decided to sit in front of the window , looking in, prancing back and forth while making that chirpy sound they do. Of course Delilah went nuts, being the critter killer that she is.

So what's my ulterior motive for posting these photos..............................

So far I haven't figured out how to make my new camera do the awesome stuff I know that it can. Still, I find myself taking the same kinds of compositions that I am use to with my point and shoot. After finals I'm hoping to spend some quality time with the Rebel XT and see if we can work together to bring the images in my mind to life. We'll see how it goes.