Family Tree Project Finished:Wall-Worthy?

So, several days ago, before the rush of Girl Scout Orders were due (I'm Faye's Girl Scout Cookie Leader) and before my first-ever Beauty Control Party (Yes, I am a new Consultant), I went to my friend's house to finish a project that has been unfinished since June. I had all the materials I needed, but couldn't get the creative juices flowing. I worked on getting my family' names neatly penciled in the leaves while enjoying my friends' company. I didn't finish it for another few days. Still, after everything I am unsure if I like it or not. My friends like it. I really think it looks too home-made for my taste. I'm wondering if it's still wall-worthy. What is your opinion? Take the poll now. Sonia XXOO

Glass House Mountains, Nutworks and Brisbane, Australia

Well, there were so many more photos I wanted to show that I decided to break them up into a series. Last week I showed you photos of the Koala Sanctuary. This time, I have photos from the hinterland, a place up in the mountains that separate the Gold Coast from the Western Australia (the bush). It is beautiful and where you'll find dairies, quaint little shops and a rainforest. Pretty amazing.

We are with Lynn and LuAnn Cole, Devon's parents and they are the couple who made this trip to Australia possible for us for two reasons. One, they were serving a mission in Australia for the LDS Church at the time, and second because they wanted us to come see them. We missed each other and it was wonderful to experience the best of Queensland. They took us around to see the sights.

One of our favorite places to visit was Nutworks, a macadamia factory. We tried so many kinds of flavors of macadamias there and I bought a recipe book too. One thing that caught my attention was the cool way they recycled the outer macadamia shell. They used it as mulch in their landscaping. I thought it was really creative! There is also a photo of the city of Brisbane. It is just beautiful. It was taken at the top of Kangaroo point where the LDS Temple and Institute is situated. What a wonderful place to gaze upon the city, don't you think? If I ever figure out how to get a video up and running, I would show you the "flight of the fruit bats." At twilight we got to see them up in the air, getting ready for their nightly feast. Very cool. I do love bats.

Sonia XXOO

It may not be the best video of a bat, but check out how huge he was!!!

Some Photos of Australia

So I thought while we're in the thick of winter, I'd show some photos of our trip to Brisbane, Australia from last year where it was hot, sticky and absolutely fabulous!!!! When I look out of the window here in Wisconsin and see four feet of piled up snow, I just close my eyes and imagine myself in the thick of the rainforest again and smelling the gum trees and holding Orien, my koala. I hope you can imagine it too with these photos. There was so much more that I did there that I can show you, but here is just a "taste"

Love Sonia XXOO

Faye's Birthday and Baptism

Hi Everyone!

Well Faye turned 8 years old last Monday and was baptized last Saturday!

For her birthday, she invited some friends to join her for a dinner party. She requested meat fondue. The girls followed our rule about hugging and kissing everyone at the table if a piece of meat stays in the pot. They thought the objective to hug and kiss the most so there were lots of lost meat, to say the least. And lots of love!

Then on Saturday, Faye was so precious in her baptismal gown! Her Father and I are so proud of her. I was very nervous about giving a talk on Baptism, but I felt the Holy Ghost so strong when LuAnn (Faye's grandma) gave her talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I could see the joy in Faye's face after she came up out of the water and we quickly changed her into her dress. On Sunday, Faye was welcomed into the church as the newest member of the Milwaukee Ward. I can already notice a change in her behaviour since.

She is getting so big! She has been reading her new scriptures that her grandparent's gave her for her baptism and is really enjoying them.

I am feeling very good about our time here in Milwaukee. It doesn't matter how cold it is outside or how much snow falls, my heart is warm from the friends I've made here in the midwest. Thanks to all of you who made this baptism special. Not only for Faye but for our family. You are wonderful!!

Love, Sonia XXOO

I hope you like the photos we took of the baptism.

Faye's Baptism

Hello Everyone! I thought I'd show you the finished invitation for Faye's Baptism. My good friends Laura and Martha helped me to design and execute my idea. Thanks, girls for your creative genius.

I am sad to say that my parents won't be able to make it to Faye's baptism in a few weeks. My dad is undergoing some major heart surgery and will be unable to travel as he will be recovering. I pray for him and mom every day. I hope that his operation will go safely and restore the strength he has lost due to a weak and clogged heart. I also hope he has the opportunity to restore his eyesight through surgery at some point-a complication of diabetes. We wish you a speedy recovery. I love you Dad.

On a lighter note, Devon's parents are coming for a visit and I am so thrilled to have them here! We all are, in fact. I have a few more weeks to get my house in order for visitors. Faye's baptism will be here in no time. Already I'm late in sending my invitations. Hopefully she will be surrounded by friends and loved ones to help support her on her special day. I want it to be something she'll remember for her entire life.

Okay, till next time, Sonia XXOO