Last day of the month can only mean ...books, books, and more books.

I have had a feast reading this month. It has been so busy during the day taking care of the family and having fun, that the only time I've been able to read has been at night, sometimes till the wee hours of the morning. There were a few nights when I went to bed just before Elijah had to get up to get ready for work. It sounds insane, but reading actually brings sanity to my life, even if I have to stay very late to accomplish it. Well, enough with talking. Here is my awesome list for October:

1. The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett

The story of the book takes place in Scotland in the early 15oos. I loved its historical plot. I learned so much about Scotland during that time. The characters were amazing and well developed. The language is beautiful and it makes you feel right at home in Scotland. Dorothy Dunnett is brilliant in the choice of words, style, and character development. You learn each of the characters bit by bit through their actions, thoughts, and the way they express their feelings. The main character, Francis Crawford of Lymond, is presented at first as an anti-hero, and then as you get to know him better, he truly becomes the hero of the story. Whether he is the antagonist or the protagonist, you can't help but love his silvered tongue, handsome looks, and, regardless of the misconceptions you receive at the beginning of the story, his kind heart. If you like anything historical or Scottish, or just any book with strong characters, this book is for you. It is not an easy read, and the language is loaded with comparisons, epithets, metaphors, and various references to Greek, Roman, and Scottish mythology, but it's worth the time. I really enjoyed it. This is the first novel of a six volume series, and I tend to finish them all when I get some time after the holidays.

2. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I already reviewed this book earlier this month. As mentioned in that review, I was devastatingly disappointed with the way the author concluded the trilogy. She could have written such a better story with way more character development. As it is, you read only about the war and the many senseless deaths spread out in each page. I loved the first two books, but I was not happy with this last one. The character development was nonexistent, and the story brought no redeeming feelings.

3. Artemis Fowl - The Eternity Code - by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is an easy read, and just helps me relax with its funny and interesting characters, creative plot, and amazing imagination. This is the third one of the series, and I've been enjoying seeing little genius Artemis deal with life's challenges, his fairy friends, and the enemies that come his way.

4. Villette by Charlotte Bronte

We are reading this book for our book club, and although I had read it before, I thought it advisable to read it again, since I'm actually presenting it. I absolutely love this book. This is a masterpiece all on its own in the shelves of the classics. To tell the truth I'm surprised I love this book so much, since I tend to enjoy happy stories with happy endings. There is nothing happy in this book, and there is no happy ending. However, in Villette, Charlotte Bronte showed the world what a literary genius she was, through the beautiful usage of the language, the moral and philosophical issues she raises, and through the strong and weak at the same time, cold and fiery all at once, Lucy Snow, the main character of her novel, and the personification of her own self. If man fight wars and survive physical hardships in their life/fiction adventures, our Lucy, and many other female characters out there, fight their demons of loneliness, emotional distress, limited choices, and imprisonment of their own inner self. Although, Lucy emerges triumphantly over her life's trials, she has suffered much, emotionally and mentally. This was a novel so ahead of its time, discussing the role of the woman in the society, and the choices that woman had to deal with her challenges. The book's issues were as relevant then as they are now. This is not your usual book, but if you want to read an amazing and well written classic, with unique characters and beautiful language, I highly recommend it.

5. The life of Charlotte Bronte by Elisabeth Gaskell

This is the first book by Elisabeth Gaskell that I have ever read, and I was hooked. This author is in the list of my top five favorite female authors, along with Bronte, Austen, Wharton, and Woolf. To read a biography of one of your favorite authors written by another of your favorite authors is truly a literary treat. To this day, this biography written by Gaskell, is revered as one of the best biographies written ever. Needless to say, this book sealed the name of Charlotte Bronte as literary genius. Elisabeth Gaskell had known Charlotte Bronte during her lifetime in the few occasions Bronte made the effort to attend Charles Dickens' parties. After Bronte died, her father and husband approached Gaskell and asked her to write a biography for Charlotte, offering her all the correspondence she had had during her lifetime. Not that Gaskell needed them; Bronte's books are the best letters you can read to understand Charlotte's feelings and thoughts. Gaskell agreed to write the biography, and write she did. She was kind, sensitive, and more than anything, understanding. However, she was also a researcher, and she interviewed and visited with many of Charlotte's friends and those who were not her friends, but who had had an impact for good or bad on this amazing woman's life. I read this book again, to feel prepared for my presenting of Villette, but I shouldn't have. I remembered everything I had read before with pain in my heart for the hardships that this literary giant and sweet lady had encountered in her life. If you would like to read a beautifully written biography, or a book about Charlotte Bronte, don't go further, this is the right book.

6. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

I really like this author, and I've been wanting to read the book that brought him fame for a while now. Ender's Game is a well-thought and well-written book, with great characters, and a few twists and turns through out the book. Card writes well, with a style that brings ease to the reader. I'm not very fond of military topics, but I was surprised to see how much I was enjoying the plot and the descriptions of Ender's training. I wasn't taken back and astonished by this book, but I enjoyed it a good deal more than I thought I would. It was a good break between the classics and historical fiction I was reading at the time.

7. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

This month, I've read great books, all with a good combination of beautiful language, interesting plot, and fascinating characters. Bell Canto had all of these as well. However, what made this book unbelievably attractive to me was its character development, and their links with each other. The novel tells the story of a group of people that find themselves taken hostage by a revolutionary force. Many of the them are foreigners, having come to this particular country to see if they could invest, with the exception of one lady, an opera singer, who has being paid to sing for the main guest, a very important investor, who in turn was convinced to come to the foretold country by the fact that his favorite opera signer was going to sing for him in his birthday party. Events go as planned, except that toward the end of the party they all become hostages to a particular revolutionary group. When I first started reading it, I didn't particular liked it. I thought the plot to be a bit dry and slow. The plot doesn't change actually throughout the book, but what changes is the connection that I as the reader get with the characters. A little by little, I learn more and more about each of them, their personal thoughts and feelings, their past, their desires. What made it very interesting for me was the opera factor that was threaded throughout the book and kept the characters connected. I really enjoyed the subtle way that the author would introduce various facts about each character. Because they were all from different countries, I enjoyed the traditional characteristics that each of these characters brought from their cultures, such as the melancholy of the Russians, the reserved nature of the Japanese, the straightforwardness of the Americans, the romantic personality of the French, and so with many others. I didn't fancy the ending, nevertheless, it didn't lessen the beauty of the whole book. Skillful writing was what made this book interesting to me.

8. The Season - Sarah MacLean

I haven't read 300 pages before as fast as I read the 300 pages of this book. I was in dire need for a sweet romantic story, with a witty girl and a loving boy. This book was just what I needed to get my romantic fix. It's a fairly new book written in the style of Jane Austen taking place also during Jane Austin's time period. It has clean language, tender romance, and great female characters. It's an easy read with simple language and plot, but as I said, it did the trick for me when it came to a romantic story. This is just the right book for a relaxing autumn evening. By no means, read it and enjoy it.

9. Leave me alone, I'm reading by Maureen Corrigan

A book reviewer herself for NPR's Fresh Air, in her book, Maureen Corrigan offers us to accompany her in her analysis of her life by examining the books that change her life during particular events. She discusses her love for books and the books themselves. I absolutely loved this book. I didn't agree with everything she said, but I loved her witty and intelligent analysis of books that made a difference in her life. I took me a while to read this book, since I would stop and write titles that sounded interesting to me for future reading. Maybe some of them might make their appearance next month. If you need a new perspective on really good books out there, you should read this book. The titles and books she discusses aren't your usual Oprah best book of the month. Depth and strength seem to characterize the kind of books she suggests. I'm looking forward to reading some of them in the near future.

I hope you all had a good reading month. Don't forget to share some of your favorite reads with the rest of us.

Happy reading!

Finally walking...

I was at the park today and I couldn't have enough of these three beautiful children. Charlton, Taya, and Violet are all about the same age. I think Charlton is a month older. I watched them all three play together, take food from each other's hands, push each other if their space was invaded, and most of all walking together everywhere.
As I watched them walking, I realized I hadn't recorded Charlton doing that. He is growing so fast and doing and saying new things each day, that, with my busy life, I forget to record them. So, here are a few things that I remember about Charlton's growth this month. He has gotten two molers, and two others are coming out. As a result, he eats everything we give him. It's such a relief to not have to cook different kinds of food for different kinds of family members. As it stands, if Jefferson says he doesn't like the food I've prepared, I just tell him to look at Charlton and follow his example. Keep in mind that when Charlton eats he concentrates fully on his plate, and we don't hear any noises coming from that side of the room till he is done. Love it!

Charlton loves to play "pat-a-cake," Peek-a-Boo," "hide-and-seek" with his siblings, as well as he loves the game of "let's look at mom's make-up drawer." You can imagine his mother doesn't quite fancy that game. He loves to say "go," "dog," bye," love you," come," and many more, all in his own way. He is very charming and gives me kisses occasionally on the cheek, but mostly will blow one at me every time I ask for one. He is just adorable!

This morning, Charlton and I were having a good time playing, so I decided this was the proper moment to record him playing, walking, and throwing kisses.

Simple reflections

Funny...
Charlton saying"GO" every time I pick him up from his high chair or car seat. Like mother, like son.

Not Funny...
The Temperature being 103 degrees as September leaves and October approaches. Too hot to GO anywhere, except at the pool.


Funny...
James, coming home from Pre-K, asking Amy if she had a phone, and if she did, did she have his mom's number, and if she did, could she call his mother and ask her if he could eat the birthday lollipop that Zoe gave him. My sweet and obedient James!

Not Funny...
James' mom being so busy that she couldn't remember if she had breakfast. Lunch would have been forgotten too, if it weren't for Elijah to remind her.


Funny...
Jefferson snapping at Joe Cocker, saying "Isn't anything else you want to say to your woman, except repeating hundred times "you are so beautiful to me?"

Not Funny...
Jefferson growing too fast right in front of my eyes.


Funny...
Gillian's choice of Halloween costume: a pumpkin head and a ghost sheet.

Not funny...
Gillian's mom trying to convince Gillian to dress up like Fancy Nancy. Truth be told, she has dreams of dressing up like that herself.

And so it begins...

As a mother, I cherish my time I spend with my children, be that reading, playing, or being out and about. In the past, I've tried very hard to find balance between leisure and work, and I'm still working at it.

Today's day kind of threw me off balance. I started my day early in the morning by dropping off my children to school. Upon my arrival home, I found my friend Heidi waiting for us with her sweet kids. Our children played for a long time, and Heidi and I chatted and enjoyed each other's company. I hadn't seen her in a while, so this was a time well spent.

When Heidi and her children left, I fed James some lunch, and gave him some books to read, while I tried to tidy the house up. Charlton was taking a long nap today, approaching four hours long. When time came to pick up my older children from school, I put a bunch of snacks in my purse, woke Charlton and James up (he had fallen asleep while reading) and picked up Gillian and Jefferson.

I had arranged a play date for Jefferson after school at the park, so I dropped him off there. I had to take Gillian and Mary to Activity Days, so after picking up Mary from her house, I dropped them at their destination. I returned to spend some time with Jefferson at the park, and get to know Jefferson's friend's parent better. James and Charlton enjoyed playing at the park as well, but Jefferson was the one who was the happiest. You see, I rarely set up play dates with Jefferson's school friends because I don't know them very well, and I'm very careful who I invite at my house. That is why I chose the park. After spending about an hour there, I got them inside the car and drove to pick up Gillian and Mary.

After dropping Mary off, we headed at the pool for swim lessons. My friend, Heidi, who is a swim instructor at this community center, had offered to teach our children (mine and those of some other friends) at a reasonable price. Having three kids who all want to do extra-curriculum activities, I have to watch out for good and reasonable priced classes.

I'm excited for my children's swim lessons, because they are so close to learning how to swim, that I think this class will help them come close to their goals. However, when I sat down later on to look at my schedule, I felt my balance is slipping away. My three older children have swim lessons Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Gillian has Activity Days most Mondays, piano every Tuesday, and Soccer every Thursday. This is all in addition to their school work, reading time, and play time. I'm starting James in a Joy School next week for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, that myself and some other moms are getting together, while he will still attend the private Pre-K every Tuesday and Thursday. I'm volunteering at Jefferson's class once every other week, and I'm the Field Trip Coordinator and Photographer for his class, as well as the Newsletter editor for the Cornerstone School.

While I was thinking all of this, I was trying to find a way to balance this out. I'm grateful I've the energy and the enthusiasm to accomplish all of this, but there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. So, I said a prayer to receive an inspiration for my problems. As I was praying, I felt this peace and affirmation that what I was doing was called taking care of my children and helping them achieve their potential. After the prayer, I sat down and wrote a few notes of how to simplify my schedule without changing our routine. Some of the things that I came up were that I shouldn't have a number of play dates each week. One is enough, for me as well as for my children. This will give me time to do my chores and cooking in the morning, so we'll eat on time and follow our schedule without having to rush to cook dinner or find clothes to wear. Also, we don't have to go to every birthday party we have been invited. A card or a gift given to them would suffice. I shouldn't want to be with my friends every day and then go out more than once a week was another impression I got. Having four children who are growing and learning will make our life busy, but if I keep in mind that the most important part of our life is spending time together, then we'll be fine.

This message was made more clear tonight, when my friend Amy and I attended a Fundraising dinner to support our friend, Monica, who is in the board for an Haitian Orphanage Foundation. The director of the orphanage spoke to all of us explaining his vision for these poor children abandoned and hurt by life's challenges in Haiti. He mentioned something about trying to give them a safe home and a loving environment. Afterwards, when I was driving in the car by myself, I felt overwhelmingly blessed to have a wonderful family with happy children who are obedient and kind, for an amazing husband who tries very hard to lead this family in righteousness, and for this great privilege I have to provide a loving and safe home for my children. Being a mother and a wife is the greatest blessing of my life.

Our fun and busy week

Every Sunday, I tell myself that the coming week is going to be a slow paced week, but it never happens. So, I've come up with an interesting solution. I work and play hard all week, and then on Saturday, I just relax. That's what I did this past week. Every day I had two or three major things going, and life got really busy. But then, on Saturday I just read all day, and didn't feel bad at all. This is our week in an nutshell:

Gillian worked hard every day finishing her school work, as well as mom's homeschool assignments. She practiced her piano three days out of five, and made jam on her Activity Days. We went to the library, and Gillian filled her bags full of fascinating books. Beside reading Hardy Boys with dad every night, and reading her own chapter books at night, here are some of the other "fun"books she read to her brothers or to herself.
Beside homework and reading, Gillian was able to play with her two best friends on two different occasions. Here are some pictures of Gillian and Mary making fruit bowls for their siblings, and then eating popcorn while watching a 20-minute episode of Curious George.

Jefferson is really enjoying drawing. He has a great imagination and patience. I'm amazed at his creativity while using the computer or paper to draw. Here are some of his latest creations (he was very adamant about putting in my blog a drawing that he made of Papa's favorite car.)

Volcanoes erupting

Weapons of War

Jefferson and James skating

Besides drawing, Jefferson enjoys learning about various things, especially how things work. This week, however, he was so excited when I showed him the area in the library that contained all the science books. He checked out many fun books about volcanoes, space, knights, animals, and many more. The topic that had way more books in Jefferson's bag than any other was snakes. He checked out 13 books about snakes. Looking at them and then reading them gave me nightmares. Jefferson, himself, was fascinated by all the pictures and facts.

This past FHE (Family Home Evening), I taught a lesson on family history and journal keeping. I wanted Gillian to write more often in her journal. However, it was Jefferson and James who were very interested in keeping journals. I didn't expect this interest by my boys, especially from James, who can hardly write his name. Nevertheless, I went the next day with my boys to Target and had them pick their own journal. They have written every day. Although, Jefferson writes phonetically still, you can understand it quite well. As for James, let's just say I'm happy he reads it to me instead of asking me to read what he wrote. It's fun though to see the boys being so zealous about keeping this commandment.

James has been busy with his Pre-K, his friends at playgroup, reading books and taking care of Charlton. He is doing well with his reading, and has enjoyed working on memorizing numbers to 20 and the whole alphabet. To facilitate this kind of learning, I printed a few connect-the-dots pages. James had such a good time connecting the dots and then coloring those pages, that for the rest of the week he kept doing more and more. I think he has done around 30 pages.

We've also read a bunch of books, and he has especially enjoyed reading about dinosaurs, knights and the Titanic.
He has also helped me with Charlton and chores around the house. One day, he wanted to help me cook, and so I had him pull up a chair next to me. When he saw me use the rolling pin to chop some nuts by hitting them, he wanted me to stop. When I asked him what was going on, he said that the tool I was using (the rolling pin) was a smoother and is used to smooth dough for pie crusts, and not chop nuts. I thought that was funny.

Charlton is making me a happy mom. When we happen to stay home, he takes two naps, each two to three hours long. When he is not sleeping or eating, Charlton has enjoyed being with his brothers and sister, and their friends. He does manage to eat while playing some times.

This week, Charlton has hurt himself a couple of times. The last time this happened, he scratched his face on the cement outside. Gillian was so concerned about him, that later when Elijah asked him how Charlton was doing, she sighed and said with a concerned tone, "Oh, father, this boy is acquainted with grief." Later in the evening, Elijah and I couldn't stop laughing at our dramatic and so well spoken daughter of ours. Here is a picture of the boy acquainted with grief, who just loves to smile, regardless of his grief.Elijah's weeks are always busy. Besides working hard at his job, fulfilling his calling, and being a fabulous dad and husband, this week he attended two church meetings, visited the temple once, watched a movie with me, helped me with the dishes and dinner in various occasions, started and finished one Hardy Boys book to the kids, and took care of the yard. I'm grateful for Elijah and for all his hard work.

My week has been very productive as well. Besides doing all the fun things as a mom and homemaker, I've been able to finish two books and start a third one this week. I watched three movies, which is dramatic change for me who watches a movie a month. I entertained a friend of ours from Virginia who happened to be in Concord for a reunion. I made homemade bread for a friend of mine who just had her baby, and cheesecake for a friend who moved to a new house. I homeschooled my kids after their school three times out of five days. And I wrote in my blog six days out of 7. A pretty good week, if I should say so myself.

Music of the heart

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything. Plato

I grew up in a communist country. As a child I didn't think much about it, and I can't say I had a hard time. On the contrary, our parents made sure that we were surrounded by the good things of life, music and literature being two of them.

During communism, the Albanian TV was controlled by the government. I remember watching specific programs on different days of the week. Programs didn't start till 6:00 p.m. each day, with the exception of Sunday, on which day it started at 10:00 a.m. On Monday, there was traditional Albanian music. On Tuesday, we looked forward to watching a movie. The whole family could watch the movie, since even the slightest kiss was censored, so it was pretty safe. On Wednesday, we would watch historical documentaries, or animal shows. I don't remember what we watched on Thursday. However, I clearly remember that I would wait for the whole week to watch my favorite show televised on Friday, Classical Music Selections. They would show various arias from famous operas, instrumental pieces, ballet selections, and many symphonies. I continued my love for classical music by listening to the radio every evening, where I learned about the musicians who made those pieces as well. I've fond memories of my family and I watching The Vienna Orchestra playing Strauss every New Year's Day. The Blue Danube is pleasantly engraved in my mind forever. If you came in my room during those early years of Middle School and High School, my walls would be full of posters of great literary minds, composers, and copies of famous paintings. That change when my brother took over my room later on.

As I grew older, my obsession with classical music became stronger. I would listen to Turandot for hours, and I would always replay Nessun Dorma many times. I would take it all in with open eyes and ears as I watched the playful Carmen sing and dance. I bought and read books that told me about all the musicians. Even now, every time I get biographies for the children to read, I snick one about some classical music composer. To this day, one of my favorite movies remains Casta Diva: A Romanticized Biography of Bellini. I've attended numerous operas, ballets, symphonies, and concerts. I've heard the great tenors and sopranos of our times. And I continue to listen to Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, every day at home. I look forward to taking Gillian very soon to see Verdi's Aida in San Francisco. All this, because this kind of music speaks to my soul. No other music touches me as profoundly as classical music. It enters my being and for some definite moments while listening to it, I feel I'm part of the universe that surrounds me, floating tenderly like a feather.

As you might have guessed, today's Friday Forum's subject is about music. When I thought of this topic, I told myself that it would be quite impossible to share our favorite songs and musicians of all time, since I personally have favorites from every decade of last century. I also love more than one kind of genre. So, I decided to start my post today with my story of how I got to love classical music. I would love to hear your stories of how you got acquainted with your kind of music, and how does that particular music touch you. I also thought of some questions that we can share about our musical favorites. They are there just to give a direction to our discussion, but don't feel that you should answer everyone of them.

1. What's your favorite musical genre and why?
Classical Music. I love it that there so many options to listen to, a variety of operas, symphonies, ballets, etc. This kind of music takes me to a different reality where music is the language of our hearts. It calms me, and it takes away all the stresses of the day. My favorite thing to do while listening is sitting comfortably and listening with my eyes closed. I'm a better person, afterward.

2. What are some other genres you like to listen to?
I like Blue Grass, Big Band music, and I listen to a lot of New Age Pop. I also love Christmas music.

3.What do you listen to at home and in the car?
I listen to my favorite operas in the morning, Bethoven, Tchaikovski, Mozart, and the likes after lunch. In the car, I always listen to the Top Hits stations.

4. What are some of your favorite songs?
Even if I left the operas aside, I could take all night thinking and typing. So, I'm just going to share what I've liked these past months, and I'm going to include only English speaking ones. I like Lady Antebellum's I need you now, Hoobastank's The reason is you, Michael Buble's I haven't met you yet, all of Kelly Clarkson's songs, especially Because of you, Already gone, and My life would suck without you, Josh Groban's songs, especially You raised me up, John Mayor's songs, especially Heartbreak Warfare, Taylor Swift's You belong with me, and Mine, and goodness, so many more that I listen to every day.

5. What are some of your favorite bands/musicians?
I love U2, Beach Boys, The Doors, Bon Jovi, The Pretenders, The Beattles, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas, Alison Krauss, Flats and Scruggs, and many more.

6. What does a song have to have to touch you?
I like a good combination of good lyrics and beautiful melody. It has to be clean. And the singer needs to be talented. I tend to like love songs with clean language and story. I also like songs that I can identify with, or that have a powerful message.

Music is such a part of our lives that we sometimes take it for granted. I listen to various kinds of music throughout the day, and I'm grateful for the joy it brings to my soul.

Happy First Day of Autumn!

I absolutely love Fall. I delight in the warm colors of the leaves, crunching under my foot. I enjoy the fun holidays we celebrate during this season. I relish the pleasant scent of apples, pumpkins, grapes, pears, pomegranates, figs, sweet potatoes, and of all the many delectable casseroles and pies we make with them. I treasure the walks in the beautiful nature, welcomed by the cool weather. I love wearing sweaters and boots, and walking, dancing, exploring without the fear of cold winds. I take great pleasure in Fall Festivals, parades, and decorations. I get lost in capturing in pictures the beauty of this season.

I can't wait to get out in parks, gardens, and in the woods to see how California looks in the Fall. To celebrate the first day of my favorite season, however, I would like to reminisce through my years I spent in Georgia and Virginia by sharing some of my favorite shots of Fall in these states.

After we finished our studies at BYU, Elijah and I took our one-month old daughter and moved closer to Elijah's family in Cedartown, GA. Because of that decision, our children, and especially Gillian, have a special relationship with Elijah's family, and if you ask them where they are from, they will answer that they are from Georgia, even James, who was born and raised in Virginia. We lived there for two years, and they were a few of our most beautiful and happy years for our family life. We made sure that, while living in Virginia, we got to visit often. It was during those visits I took these shots. Most of them were taken on Elijah's family property. I have memories of sitting outside in the morning or in the evening in peaceful moments hearing nothing but the noise of insects. It is a proper place for reflection and relaxation. I have to warn you that when you see these pictures, you will long for those so much needed tranquil moments. Well, you know where to go...



When we moved to Virginia, I instantly knew this was the place where I belonged. The tricky thing with me is that wherever I go, I feel at home and I fall in love with it. I think it's a blessing that I'm able to find that special connection in each place I move or visit. Virginia offered me beautiful national parks, amazing museums, and memorable historical sites. We spent almost seven years in Virginia. James and Charlton were born there, and Elijah finished Law School as well as started his career in this beautiful state. I homeschooled my children for one year while living there, and I think the main reason for that was so we could all go as a family and explore this magnificent state. The whole East Coast is a marvel to behold during this colorful season. Trees are covered with tens of different colored leaves and you feel yourself as if you are in a painting. I have files full of photographs that I took during these seven years, but because of time, here are just a few of them.

I cannot close this post without sharing with you a few pictures of a slightly different place, where autumn has found its place regardles of the many skyscrapers found in it. New York City is such an exceptional city throughout the year, but autumn brings a warmth to the gray city, and that makes it even more desirable to visit. I love the bustle and the hustle of the cars and people coexisting together. I enjoy the decorations on the building, and the colors in the trees. I dance in the street as I hear early holiday music and I dream of Thanksgiving parade. Here are some pictures that hopefully can serve as a sweet welcome to this great city that has to offer so much. (For Elijah's sake, who doesn't like the hustle and the bustle of big cities, I've chosen pictures that portray only the peaceful side of New York City, but don't be deceived the noise is there, believe me.)

My dear brother, Shpetim.

As you can tell from this picture of me with braces, it has been quite some time since I've seen and visited with my older brother, Shpetim. I miss him and love him very much. Shpetim is my father's son with his first wife, and although we didn't grow up together, we have built a strong relationship through out these past 15 years. He lives with his family in Toronto, and when we lived in Virginia, we were able to visit each other a few times a year. I've been trying to convince him and his family to come and enjoy the warm breeze of the California autumn and leave the cold wind of Canadian soon-to-come winter. I hope he will make the trip sometime this year.

Today is his birthday. I was able to call him in the morning, and wish him happy birthday. It made him happy that I had remembered. He is a good man, and tries to choose the right. When his wife and children decided to join the church, he didn't feel ready for himself, but was very encouraging toward his family about their decision.

Shpetim reminds me so much of my father. He is very reserved and quiet, but when he needs to share an opinion he will. Just like my father, he is grounded, and his opinions are not products of rush judgment, but rather of continuous thinking and detail study of the subject.

He is hard working, and is never afraid of working any kinds of jobs. In Albania, my brother was an engineer and the president of a construction company. He also helped his wife manage a side business. They left all that behind and moved to Canada, so they could give their children a brighter future. Even in a foreign country, and without proper language skills, he has made a name for himself. He works hard and without complaining. He always tells me that if I need any changes in my life, I better start working for it. Nothing good comes easy.

I'm glad Shpetim is my brother. I'm grateful that we have a good relationship, and I've no doubt it will become stronger as the years go by. Happy Birthday, brother, and I wish you the best this coming year.

Happy Birthday to Granny!

Today, Elijah's grandmother, from his mother's side, turned 84! We call her Granny, and she is loved by us all. She has lived a fulfilled life, and she continues to be an example of kindness, love, and joy. Her laughter is contagious, and you can't help but be happy when you are around her. She is funny, sweet, loving, independent, thoughtful, compassionate, and smart.

Granny and I have a very special relationship, and I'm grateful for it. Since the beginning, Granny has treated and loved me just like her grandchildren. I've always felt her concern for me, her love and her respect. We call each other once a week and talk about everything, our families, lives, dreams. And whatever dream I'm thinking at the moment, she will say is right for me and that I can do it. I love her faith in me and her encouragement. She pays me hundreds of compliments while we are on the phone and while I'm telling her about my life. She makes me feel as if I'm truly living a grand life.

Recently, she has been collecting jokes and would share those with me when we call each other. So, for her birthday, I thought I would play a joke on her. I got her a pretty card and after sharing my feelings about her, I ended my remarks by saying "Enjoy the onion chopper!" Then, I sent my present all wrapped up inside an onion chopper box. When she got my present, my mother-in-law was present. Granny tears off the pink wrapping paper I've folded around the gift, and then remains quiet as she looks at the box. My mother-in-law says in surprise that this isn't the gift I had mentioned to her I was going to send. Nevertheless, because my mother-in-law is the kindest and the most good hearted woman I know, she says to her mother, "An onion chopper is a nice gift. I'm sure you'll like it!" Now, this is where it gets funny. Both my mother-in-law and Granny know that she has no need for an onion chopper since she rarely cooks, and when she does it's definitely not onions!

Well, after agreeing with her daughter about the great usage of the onion chopper, Granny finally opens the box, just to check that it works. And out comes the candy, and the gift, and out comes a laughter from my sweet Granny. She can't stop laughing, not particularly at my joke, but especially at my mother-in-law's remark. My mother-in-law, after seeing that it was a joke, joins the laughter. When I called Granny, I told her that for Christmas I wanted a garlic presser. I'm afraid that I might not end up with only the box.

I love you, Granny! You are such fun and a wonderful friend. Happy Birthday!

My darling Gillian

As I dropped my older children off to school today, I noticed that Gillian didn't go straight to her class. I usually don't drive off till I'm sure they have reached their destination safely. So I waited. I was about to get out of the car and see what the problem was, when I see Gillian walking with her arm around one of her friends. I had noticed that girl earlier standing by herself, all sad and with her head bowed. This may sound very silly, but my heart felt full at that moment. That is who Gillian is, sweet, considerate, loving, thoughtful, and compassionate. It reminded me of the Savior. That's what He would have done. Stop and help those in need. Gillian is such a good example to me. She is a wonderful daughter, and a great sister to my boys. What sets her apart is her maturity. She has many friends at church and at school. She always tries to please everyone, and is always so thoughtful toward others.

Just this Sunday, she surprised me again with her consideration for others' feelings. Gillian has many friends at church, but two of them are especially her closest friends, Mary and Emily. She gets along with them beautifully, and loves them equally. However, for some reasons that concern only little girls, they can't seem to have a good time all three together. As a result, Gillian invites them separately to play with her, and they always have a good time. This Sunday, I noticed that Mary was sitting alone, while Gillian was sitting with Emily. Mary and Gillian are always sitting together, and later, after church, to please Emily, Gillian plays with her for a few minutes outside. This works well. So, when I saw Mary by herself this Sunday, I was surprised.

I asked Gillian on our way home about it, and she responded to me: "I was sitting with Mary the whole time during class time, but I noticed that Emily wasn't feeling happy. She was sitting all by herself with no one to talk to. I tried to talk to her, but she didn't talk to me back. When we got to the Primary Room for Sharing Time, I made sure I sat by Emily and tried to make her happy. I knew Mary wouldn't mind. Emily felt much better, and she was her happy self again." I love Gillian, and I'm very grateful for her example of love and care toward everyone. I'm especially thankful for the joy she gives me each day.

Charming Charlton