Lindsay's "Friend" Birthday Party

We knew MY GYM threw great parties...so that's what we did for Lindsay's "friend" b-day party. We held her party a month early, before her friends went off in all directions for summer. In attendance were many friends Lindsay started pre-school with three years ago. It has been fun watching them grow and blossom...we know some will be life-long friends. Thanks for a great time: Kendal, Ava, Charlie, Sofie, Craigy, Delilah, Eeva, Anthony, Michael, Marley, Eliana, Kai, and Zacky...so glad you could come! xoxo Lindsay

Elizabeth Bozanich 1918-2011

On Monday, June 6th at 11:20pm we lost the matriarch of our family at the age of 92. My grandmother, Elizabeth, passed away surrounded by her family. We celebrated her life on Friday, June 10th. The Croatian Choir sang like angels, as Father John told her story of strength, courage and love. It was a beautiful tribute to a woman we adored with all our hearts. The church was full of close family, distant relatives, friends, and coworkers...all who were touched by her love and gentle spirit. Below are photos taken in the last three years, and part of her eulogy I was honored to write and deliver at her service. God Bless You Grandma...we'll miss you each and every day. Love you puno, puno!

90th Surprise Birthday Party

Long time friend Maime and her daughter Kathy

Sister-in-law Marge and her daughter Sue

Lynne Jurlin (nephew's wife)

Cousins Josie and Nancy Bosnich

Selma and Maime...longtime friends of over 80 years

Lindsay Jane and Nona

Kendal's 3rd Birthday with some of her great grandaughters

Lindsay and Nona at her 4th Birthday Party

Christmas Eve 2010

Dear Grandma,

Thank you- For showing me what strength is ~ by working hard all of your life, if it needed to get done, you did it.

Thank you – For showing me the importance of dignity; you held your head high, squared your shoulders and gracefully endured all that came your way.

Thank you for showing me the importance of faith and spirituality; with your dedication to the church and your continued faith in our Lord.

Thank you for showing the value of family and the meaning of dedication; with the care you administered to your ailing and aging parents, your husband, as well as your sisters.

Thank you for showing me what it is like to have a sense of pride; caring about what others think. while maintaining your own strong beliefs and values.

Thank you for showing me the meaning of true beauty; not only did you always look impeccable; your inner beauty and grace shined through.

Thank you for showing me how to cook; and to never underestimate the power of a family gathered around a table, sharing a good meal. Always keeping in mind if you are expecting 10, cook for 30.

Thank for showing me your unwavering love with:
heartfelt cards, phone calls, thoughtful gifts, and being there whenever I needed.

Thank you for showing me there’s nothing better than an old friend; demonstrated by your life-long relationships with so many...especially Cuma Selma and Cuma Maime.

I’ll remember:
Your laugh
Your gift of the gab
Your story sharing
Your mostaciolli, peas, sauerkraut and pineapple upside down cake
Your shopping tips – if there was a bargain you knew where to go
Your tidiness – don’t know anyone else who cleaned their baseboards weekly but you
And more than anything grandma…I’ll miss your presence, today and always.
xo Michelle

Spring Photo Shoot 2011

Photo shoot at our favorite park, which is just blocks from our house. Kendal was not so cooperative, nor was she fond of standing still...most of her pictures are action shots. I told both girls there was a monkey inside my camera (old photograher trick), so in some of the photos you can see Lindsay looking so curiously at the camera...trying to figure out just where that monkey is!

AJ + Kendal = Puppy Love

Kendal and AJ go to preschool together. I am told by the teachers that Kendal is the only person who can get AJ to smile. Here they are together at a birthday party. Too cute!