~New Beginnings~

Book Review Saturday: The Secret Holocaust Diaries

 

For half a century, a terrible secret lay hidden, locked in a trunk in an attic . . . photos, official documents, and scraps of a diary written by a young girl. 
“The time has come when I must share my life story . . . some facts from the past that could make a contribution, however small it may be, to the history of mankind.” 
The Secret Holocaust Diaries is a haunting eyewitness account of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister, a remarkable Russian-American woman who saw and survived unspeakable evils as a young girl. For half a century she kept her story secret while living a normal American life. She locked all her photos, documents, diaries, and dark memories from World War II in a trunk. Late in life she unlocked the trunk, first for herself, then for her husband, and now for the rest of the world. 
Nonna’s story is one of suffering, torture, and death—but also of incredible acts of kindness that show the ultimate triumph of faith and love over despair and evil. The Secret Holocaust Diaries is in part a tragedy, yet it’s also an unforgettable true story about forgiveness, courage, and hope.

 

I've just finished this wonderful book, but it was also are hard read for me.  After living in Germany all those years I could see the places she was talking about so vividly.   This book really kept me up at night .   Sometimes it's just hard to explain how a book moves you...if you know what I mean. ;)

 

 

 

Beautiful fine art Friday!

Have a beautiful Friday! 

Back to reality!

Today has been cleaning and schooling.  

I cleaned out the refrigerator....how can one refrigerator get so dirty so fast?   Scary!!

So we went from total disorganized to clean and organized.  We actually know whats in there now.  That's a good thing.

I made a list of what's in the freezer as well.   I've been working on a meal plan to use what we have and to get back to cooking.   I even cleaned out and organized our pantry...the kids will be shocked.  

I accomplished cleaning out my closet today and ironed up everything that needed it.   That was a job...boy having a baby in the house has definitely made me a little lazy about putting things away like I'm suppose to.    So...my friends....it's back to reality.  Cleaning...organizing and putting things away when I'm finished with them.  

 

It's official, I'm old. ;)

Here are some high lights of my birthday yesterday. 

We had a delicious dinner from Olive Garden and this yummy cake and fruit for dessert. 

The cake was to cute. 

Are these two cute or what?

I took this picture the other day...Mr. Adorable Isaiah.  

Have a great Wednesday!

It's my birthday...

and I'll cry if I want to....

I can't be 45....really????

Really???  I feel a little dazed by it.  ;)

Happy Birthday to me!

Today, I'm thankful for my family.  My healthy grand-babies, my daughters, my son and my son-in-law.  My husband who makes so many sacrifices for our family.  My friends and all of you!  It's been a great year and I know another good one to come.  

Blessings to you all!

Love,

Tammy

Happy Presidents' Day

We are having a lovely day off in our house.  We all slept in and are enjoying the glorious sunshine. 

Baby update--Isaiah's  cord fell off yesterday and he will be getting his first real bath at home.   He's growing up a storm. 

Homecomings, birthdays and babies.

On Thursday afternoon Jon arrived home from Afghanistan to a waiting wife and two lovely children.  I'm sure the poor fellow has been bushed, but he has been helping with every feeding and doing a lovely job with the children.  Welcome Home, Jon!

On Friday we celebrated Taliyah's first birthday.  I can't believe she's a year old.  Each day has been filled with smiles, joy and loads of love.    What an honor it has been to have them here.  I treasure these days as June is quickly approaching and they will leave and go back to Texas and Jon will come home for good.

Happy Birthday to our little princess!

The calm before the storm...lol.

Taliyah is so excited. 

She really loved her balloons. 

Cupcakes for dessert...yum!

Blowing out the candle with Mom and Dad.

Enjoying her first whole cupcake.  

It was a great first birthday for Taliyah.  

 

Baby update:  Isaiah

Dad is home and enjoying snuggling with Isaiah.  

This little man is growing by leaps and bounds.  He's drinking 2 ounces every 2 hours like clockwork. 

He is so absolutely precious!

Hanging out with Nana. 

Adorable I tell ya! 

Resting peacefully on Auntie Amber's arm. 

 

Have a great week everyone!

Baby update.

Isaiah had his 4 day check up today.  He weighs exactly what he did when he was born.  He has gained back the two ounces he lost since birth.   He's eating wonderfully (2 ounces every 2 1/2 to 3 hours) and sleeping well.   

Taliyah is teething again...poor little princess.  She is getting her first set of molars on the top and bottom.   She already has 8 teeth and is way above her peers in teething.  Hopefully things will slow down in the teething department and she won't feel bad while her Daddy is  here.

Speaking of her Dad..Jon arrives tomorrow.  Talk about a happy crew.  We can't wait to see them reunited.  I'm sure these two weeks are going to pass so quickly for them.  

Off to snuggle a little one and count my blessings! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

What a beautiful day I've had with my great family.  This morning Amber had her ultrasound to check the four chambers of her little one's heart.  They got everything they needed and we pray all is well.  

Then home to our sweetest little ones.....what fun! :)

 

Then after getting my Nana fix...we were having a yummy lunch and my husband had these lovelies delivered...what an awesome surprise!  

I so didn't expect this....again...what a man!

 

 

This is one of favorite pictures this weekend.   Uncle Ron meeting Isaiah.  Precious!

This was Taliyah getting her Mommy back on Sunday evening when we got home.  I don't know who was happier...Taliyah or Jess.  Precious!!

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

 

He's here.....

It was 3am on Saturday morning February 11, and the wind was howling, the snow was blowing.  Jess came into our room to wake me.  It was time.  I quickly dressed as she was progressing rapidly.   We left at 3:15am and arrived and were checked in by 3:58am.   She was checked and at 5 at 3:30am.  They quickly set us up in a new room and got us settled.  Jess was having pretty close contractions and at 5:30am she got her epidural and had progressed to 7 by 6:30am.   After a short nap she said she felt like it was time to push.  I quickly got our nurse and she brought the team with her.   Indeed, it was time.  Jess was ready for Isaiah to make his appearance.   She pushed for about 5 minutes and Isaiah made his entrance into the world.   The experience is one I will never forget.  He is just precious and I was honored to be apart of his birth.   Shortly after delivery Jess got a call from her husband who is deployed to Afghanistan....he wanted so much to be here...but pictures were quickly emailed to him (or as quickly as Jess and I could figure out how to do it.)    Mom and  baby Isaiah are doing great! 

Here he is....

Look at these cute little feet....:)

Isaiah and I...absolute bliss!  He's just perfect.

So here's his stats:

6lbs. 9oz.

18.75 inches long

born @ 7:47 am --February 11, 2012.

 

The staff at Fort Belvoir was awesome.    There are not enough words to convey how great they were to us.    We so appreciate the great job they did! :) 

Congratulations Jessica and Jon we love you guys!