Comfortable Reading

I just love this picture of David reading...it's fun. He knows how to read comfortably.

Elizabeth THREE

My first niece ever---Elizabeth---turned three, and so in the tradition of the family, a full-fledged birthday party was thrown. Here are a few pictures from the special occasion. The baby doll gift was definitely a favorite of many of the children.

Visiting College

Seeing the music building brought back a flood of memories. Two of my cool professors, Dr. Milligan and Dr. Forrester, just happened to be there.

My Japanese friend Kumi and I get together every summer. This time, we met for dinner at the local Japanese restaurant.

The Hernandez family included me in their family during my college years. My last year there, I had the priviledge of teaching one of their daughters the flute. Here are Roseanna and I playing a few duets.

"Tomato Worm"

My dad and I were at the kitchen table working on our various computer projects when my mom came in from the garden. "Elissa, I need you to help me with a tomato worm."
"A tomato worm?" I replied. I was wondering what could be so difficult about getting rid of a worm. I obediently went to help with the worm, and was shocked by what I saw. This was no normal worm. Six feet up the tomato plant was a 2 1/2 inch long, 1/2 inch diameter thick caterpillar/worm (?) with a horn coming off the end of it.

The thought of touching the worm grossed me out, so I ran back up to the kitchen, retrieved a napkin, and returned for the task. On the step ladder, I positioned myself across from the worm. We looked at each other. At least, I think he was looking at me. Then I placed the napkin around the worm and gently pulled. Nothing happened. The caterpillar's suction-like "feet" were gripping the branch so tight that I couldn't pull him off. So, my mom handed me a pair of scissors, and I cut the whole branch off.

Being a little bit curious about the worm, I decided not to let it go right away, but to take it in and watch it from time to time while I did my work. My friend Courtney called, and while we were talking, I was trying to probe the caterpillar's feet off of the branch. When I got to the feet closest to its head, he lashed out like a snake toward my finger. Out of shock and fear, I screamed! This scream received a stern, comical look from my dad and, I'm sure, shock and amazement from Courtney.

For some reason, I could NOT leave the worm alone. I probed him again, he jerked his head out at me again, and I screamed again! By the second time, I was very embarrassed. Thankfully, the people who witnessed my screaming have known me for a long time and forgave me quickly.

What did I do with the worm? I took him to the neighbor's yard and plopped him over the fence. I know what you're thinking: "You should treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated." The good news about this story is that our neighbor doesn't have tomato plants. Poor worm, though! No tomato leaves to eat!

So, this post is written in honor of "the tomato worm."

My Dad

It was great to be able to spend alot of time with my dad this summer. He works throughout the day, but the nice thing is that he works at home. We had many great times together while working on our invidvidual projects on our individual computers.

Here he is honing his mechanical engineering research papers. I'm proud of my dad for his hard work and dedication.

Even when I'm way across on the other side of the ocean, it's nice to know he's thinking of me and praying for me.

My Mother

My mother is wonderful! She's a light, a testimony, and an encouragement to me. Wednesday, August 9th was her birthday. In celebration, my sister Mary and I made breakfast in bed for the birthday girl and my Dad treated us all to Red Lobster's.

The next day, some scheming was going on. My sister invited me over for iced tea and just some time together. I enjoyed being with her and the kids, but the thought did occur to me that I had completely abandoned my mother in the midst of her dinner preparations! Sarah, her family and I would soon go over and join my mom and dad for the wonderful dinner I knew she was putting together.

When we arrived at my parents' home, my child-hood friends Courtney and Leslie were there to greet me. I thought that Courtney had brought Leslie over to see me, as I had not seen her in ages, so this was a pleasant surprise.

While I was visitng with my friends, my nephew Timothy hugged me and piped out, "Happy Birthday, Aunt Elissa!" I was a little taken a back and thought he was confused. So I said, "You can go tell that to Grandma, Timothy." Off he ran into the kitchen to follow my suggestion.

Not long after this, everyone came out of the kitchen singing "Happy Birthday," and they were all looking at ME! My birthday's not until November! I was so confused and puzzled, but everything started to make sense when Sarah pinned a "birthday girl" pin on my shirt.

They had a full fledged birthday party for me, with steak, scalloped potatoes, watermelon and many other additions. Oh, and we had angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Yummy!

Afterwards, I was showered with presents. My mother had planned this because she and my dad haven't been with me to celebrate my birthday for the past six years. She wanted to "give me" her birthday. Pure sweetness!

My only very slight vexation was that they celebrated my future birthday instead of celebrating my past birthday. :)

Here's my wonderful mother and me...with my gifts.

Mama Mia Notes

Ok, so there is a story behind this song...lest you think I've gone off the deep end.
The other day, I was interrupted during a flute/piano jamming session. My parents were ready for us to go out. I reluctantly put my flute away and, while getting ready, enjoyed composing and performing this cheesy song.

Mama mia

"I play the violino, and I am Italiano.
I went to see mama mia, and she said to me, 'bambino, do not play the violino. '
'Oh,' I said, 'Mama mia, mama mia, mama mia, I want to play the violino;
Mama mia, mama mia, mama mia, why don't you let me play the Violino?!' "


~A spontaniously improvised operetic spoof, sung with much malismatic movement. Ad lib to your heart's content, and don't forget to sing with an Italian accent.