Posted on August 31, 2008
We gathered around a long-long table, had great food and had time to talk to each other and to reminisce about the past (Mom’s memoir quickly became a great conversation piece).
This is an adorable shot of my brother Andrey and his grandson playing a tag-of-war with their mouths… I love the concentration on the little man’s face…
Our newly engaged couple: Nina and Carson. Their wedding is set for the next summer.
I had my camera on hand to take pictures of anyone who was willing to pose. This is my gorgeous niece Luba with her Grandma.
Mom’s great-grand-daughter (she was not willing to smile for me, no matter what I tried in the few seconds I had with her).
The “rascals” were there as well. I can hardly believe they have outgrown Mom so quickly.
And this is those of us who made it to the party (about half of our large family).
Posted on August 28, 2008
She is still the most amazing person I have ever met in my life. To this day her character and personality do not cease to surprise me with kindness and quite strength. I wish everyone in the world had a mother like mine.
As I presented my precious Mom with this timeless gift, at first she did not realize what it was, but then, after looking at the book for a couple of seconds, she grabbed me and held as tight as she could for a few seconds. Her body started to shake as a falling leaf… but then she relaxed and a smile, mixed with tears of unbelief, came across her beautifully warm face. She was speechless. Literally… She managed to say: “Thank you!” and then embraced me once again. There is nothing else that I could have imagined to give her on her 79th birthday that would have made her happier. I know one thing that could–having my Dad by her side, but that, unfortunately is not in my human power. I came as close to it as I possibly could, by embedding his photographs in the pages of her memoirs, to remind her of the love and the life they shared. It is not that she needs a reminder, but it makes memories that much more real.
The next year or so will be dedicated to translating the memoirs into English for those in our family who cannot read or speak Russian. I know it will be a challenge, but I am more than willing to start on this next step of the journey. After all, there is nothing more important than family, and preserving family’s history.
To those of you out there who ever thought about starting the same kind of project, my advice is–jump on it as fast and as hard as you can. We have our parents and relatives but for a mere moment (or so it seems). We cannot allow to waste any time and let hem to pass on without helping them to leave a “foot print” behind. Make their lives count!!! Make their memories last! And give a meaning to the next generation that will come after them and you! You won’t regret it… I promise.
Posted on August 25, 2008
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Happy B-day, Yaromir!!!
Yaromir did not want to face the camera, so I had to get what I could 
That’s what I call a b-day cake!!! Easy and delicious!
Yaroslav, the one on the right, is an angel. Every time I see his face my heart becomes softer than melted wax. I pray I have a child like him one day. The other nephew,Timur, is also a sweetie, and an absolute energy ball.
As is his twin brother Avenir.
Avenir, the on at the top, if you closely observe his left hand, is pointing to his “owie”.
I asked the two to make silly faces. They had a bagful of them.
And then I asked them to give each other a hug. Avenir, the one on the left, was all for it, but Timur… not so much.
Avernir had to pin him down long enough for me to get this shot…
and this one.
I am a blessed aunt, I can’t deny
Posted on August 23, 2008
