The Photoshoot

For my Birthday Lucas and Julia wore their matching "If you think I'm cute you should see my Auntie" T-Shirts. Of Course I saw this as the perfect photo op. . . little did I know that capturing a 7 month old and a 3 yr old in the same frame would be exceptionally difficult. After 49 shots the t-shirt can only be fully read in 1 photo. . . and to get them both looking at the camera at the same time without any tears seemed to be an almost impossible task . . . we did it though. And we managed to capture some silly 3yr old facial expressions and Lucas' adorable sumo wrestler legs, which I simply can't resist. :) Cute . . . just like Auntie :)

Swinging

Time to give my nephew his very own blogpost.

Here's Lucas at 7months old, his first swing ride at the park. He's really such a sweet little guy:)

Family Sunday

Today was such a great day. It was one of reminiscing back to my childhood and secretly I felt just as exuberant as I did when I was a little girl. My Dad took Julia and I tobogganing - ok I went along so that Bapa didn't have to go up and down the hill, but as I played in the cold crisp air and made snow angels I felt like a kid again. I really felt like that little girl who would go zipping down the hill on the sno jet back in the '80's - kind of helped that we used our old sno jet toboggan today. Afterwards we came home for a nostalgic dinner. My Mom made her special sweet and sour spare ribs, which I haven't had since I don't know when, but used to love them when I was a kid. After dinner I couldn't help but smile and remember how fun my Dad is, as I watched Bapa giving Julia a horsey ride - something he used to do when Jen and I were little and we used to love it. I really enjoy our family Sundays!!

My Nephew Lucas

The Little Diva is a Big Sister.

Auntie Diva is in love again.

Fajitas!!!

Yesterday morning, Achilles and Jen found out the sex of the baby they are expecting in August. So my sister puts Julia on the speaker phone to share the news with Me, Grandma and Bapa. Jen says, "Julia, tell Grandma, Bapa and Auntie what we're having!!" and Julia yells excitedly "Fajitas!!!" It took a few more minutes of careful prompting to get the real news out of Julia, but she finally shared. Looks like in August I'm going to be the proud Auntie of . . . Fajitas!! Yaaaay Fajitas!!

My Burd-day

My 30th Birthday was wonderful. I have to say that this phone msg left by my 2 year old niece was probably the bestest birthday greeting of the day hands down . . . ahhh have I ever mentioned how much I love being "Auntie"?? (The video isn't really exciting to watch, but the audio is definitely worth listening to:)

Pink Poinsettias

My grandma loved poinsettias. She liked all the colours but I remember her telling me when I was young that she was particularly fond of the pink ones. After that I always bought her a pot of pink poinsettias for her birthday, it became my special tradition. She always knew what I'd be giving her, but she would still act surprised. She would sit and genuinely admire them as though they were the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen. She would diligently care for the plant all throughout the Christmas season and even sometimes would keep it the entire year and see if it bloomed the following Christmas season. I just couldn't help but stop today to pick up a pot of pink pointsettias. These ones are particularly beautiful, Motc surely would have thought that they were the most beautiful poinsettias she had ever seen. I miss her a whole lot, especially today.

My Grandma

My Grandma was a soft woman of strength.

A woman who unknowingly showed her strength by openly sharing her weaknesses.

A woman who loved so selflessly and taught me so much.

I'm going to miss my Motc a lot.

The Big "C"

The Big "C". That's what Tutty used to call cancer. I remember when he first said it. He looked at my Mom and said, "I have the big C don't I?" He never wanted to admit that He had it. I guess he thought that if the word was never actually said, we would never have to face the reality of it. Well we as a family did face the reality of it and I have come to dread hearing that word. Every time I hear it something in my heart leaps. Last night my Mom told me that Motc has officially been diagnosed with cancer. It's amazing what kind of emotions that one word was able to conjure up. I wonder if Tutty may have been on to something by avoiding the word. The word "cancer" can really own you if you let it.

The Fam

Tonight we took our family photo. This year we all wore cheesy polar fleece sweatshirts in an array of different colours (Jen's idea). Of course the best shot leaves me caught yet again with my mouth hanging wide open.
I think we actually look pretty fun.
Oh how I love my family!!

Christmas Cutie

No doubt the entire McNeil family would agree that the best part of

Christmas 2006 was having the "Christmas Cutie" around.

(Oh and having Julia there was great too:)

Lessons from Auntie Diva

(Julia poses with one of her many subordinates:)

Diva Lesson #9

Dealing with our Subordinates

Being a diva often requires having to work with diva wannabes, who although they try, could never match our level of divaness. We must however learn the different techniques on how to deal with those who clearly lack the grace, wit, charm, and cuteness that we so naturally exude.

Tips on how to deal with our subordinates
1. A subordinate observes the way others fall at your feet (especially the boys), and she craves the same kind of attention, which can cause her to act in ways that can be very annoying. If a subordinate ever annoys you to the point where you think you may lose your cool, arrange with the director to have him/her assign "Little Miss. Subordinate" a ridiculous looking costume that makes her look even more subordinate. (see above photo)

2. You may occasionally catch the subordinate secretly trying on your tiara in the dressing room. Simply approach her, smile and politely say, "I'm terribly sorry, but the director asked me to remind you that subordinates generally don't have tiara privileges; however because I'm so nice and really do like you, I will allow you to admire me as I wear my tiara." Then simply snatch the tiara from her head put it on your own and allow the subordinate to ooo and aaaah at your beauty.

3. When being photographed the subordinate will usually be caught in the most unflattering of poses, usually with her mouth wide open struggling with all her might to attempt the same high F that just naturally flows from your voice with such ease and grace. Remember being photographed next to a subordinate, only makes you look all the cuter in comparison. (see above photo)

4. Never feel threatened while the subordinate tries to upstage you in any way she can. Just smile look pretty and work your diva charm. No matter how hard the subordinate may try, next to you she'll always appear second rate. (see above photo)

Having subordinates around us can really only enhance our divaness.
So I say, Bring on the subordinates diva sister!!

One Year Later

One year ago today I wrote this in my journal: "Well the time has come for Jen to have her baby. She's been induced and hopefully I will be an Aunt within the next 24 hours. What an absolute miracle!! We are all bursting with anticipation and excitement. What a blessing this little baby will be to our family. Thank you God for the way you have moved so far. I thank you for the new life that will be coming into this world within the next 24 hrs. You are a God who reigns over all. I ask for your hand of protection over both Jennifer and this little baby as they endure labour. Keep them both safe and give them the strength to endure. My beautiful sister is going to be a Mom. Wow! This is a moment we've been dreaming of since we were little girls. And now it's here, only this child will have a personality, a will and a soul that You have created. We could never have imagined this little person in our own minds because you Lord have created this child in Your image. I can not wait to meet Your new creation. I praise You and adore You for all that You are and for all that you are changing me to be. Amen." - October 20, 2005

Beautiful Julia (web album)

One year later and I know more of who God is because He has given our family Julia. She is such a joy. She's precious and beautiful. I look at her time and time again and marvel at His workmanship. I smile more. I enjoy the little things more, I laugh more. Thank you God for showing me how precious and how fragile life is as You have blessed me with the opportunity to experience life through Julia's eyes over the past year. This beautiful little girl has softened me, has inspired me and has reminded me of how special my family is. I have been able to grasp a greater comprehension of what your unconditional love for me is like too. I have always just loved Julia for who she is, because she is. Loving her before she was born and loving her today. Knowing Julia has changed me in more ways than I could ever have imagined a year ago. You have showered us with the greatest blessings. Thank you for her tiny high pitched voice that says "Auntie". For her contagious giggle. For her sociable nature as she says "hi" to every stranger she sees at the grocery store. Thank you for her kisses, and for the way she puts her head down on your lap and says "nap" when she's tired. Thank you God for all that you have created her to be and for all that you are changing her to be. I pray that she will always be a reflection of Your beautiful image. Amen

- October 20, 2006

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY JULIA!!!

kissy kissy

It's a well known fact in my family that I am not a touchy feely kind of diva. Growing up, I never minded hugs so much, but kisses used to completely gross me out. I've gotten better over the years, but I have to admit I am a little obsessive compulsive when it comes to germs, especially when they are germs that belong to someone else. I used to always wonder who came up with the idea of deliberately exchanging germs in order to show affection. My family used to laugh at me when I was a kid and thought that my outright resistance to kisses was hilarious. They would often chase me around trying to give me kisses. When they got a hold of me, they'd purposely give me slobbery nasty wet kisses on my cheek, which was absolute torture. (and they wonder now, how I came to be such a looney tune:) I would usually make a big deal, wipe my cheek and run to the washroom to scrub the slobber off with soap and water. That being said, birthday's and Christmases were a germ nightmare for me.

As I've become an adult my family has learned to respect me and my personal germ space bubble and don't really kiss me at all. My grandpa, who although he never said it, was the same way when it came to kisses. He respected my dislike so much that he got to the point where he would affectionately shake my hand on the special occasions that called for a kiss. It sounds strange but really it’s all good. I really don’t need kisses to know that my family loves me. My Dad still teases me though and tells me that he can’t wait for my wedding day when the pastor will say to my new husband, “You may now shake the bride’s hand.” (I’ve never really explained to my Dad that boy kisses don’t fall into the “ewwww nasty kiss” category . . . meh, I say that what Daddy doesn’t know won’t kill him :)

This past year I have noticed that my feelings on wet slobbery kisses have drastically changed. It’s quite clear that being Auntie Diva has changed me in many ways, but never did I imagine that I would be asking for slobbery wet kisses from someone. If a stranger were to see me with Julia they would have a hard time believing that I have germ issues. Julia’s kisses are to me the best kisses in the world, and believe me they are the slobberiest, wettest kisses known to mankind. For a while she was like a little puppy and would lick my cheek when I asked for a kiss. Now she just lays it on, drool and all (the above photo shows Julia preparing to give Auntie a kiss:) She makes the cutest little “mmmmwa” noise when she gives a kiss too. It’s so sweet and extremely irresistible. Today, Jen laughed when I kept asking Julia for kisses. My sister can’t believe that I, the germaphobe freakazoid who once jumped in a lake fully clothed to avoid a kiss, was now begging for slobbery wet Julia kisses. Oh, Auntiehood, how it can change even the most un-touchy, un-feely germ freak of a Diva. :)

Lessons from Auntie Diva

(Julia decides that the king orangutan at the zoo is nice, but not the man for her:)

Diva Lesson #7
How to Choose the Right Man for You

No denying that a diva has many choices when it comes to love (after all we constantly have men falling at our feet begging for our affection:) however, we must learn to choose wisely, as he will very much reflect the kind of diva that we are ( when it comes down to it, it's really all about maintaining our perfect reputation.)

Tips on how to determine if he's the right man.
**Remember: It is always important to look your cutest so that even if he's a "no" you leave him pining away and longing for your love and affection (see above photo). ***

1. Observe from afar. Does he a) have an interest in life? Does he read, play, work, laugh, and think? Or does he b) sit around all day, scratch his head, and pick bugs off his friend's back and then eat them?

2. Get a little closer. Try to strike up a conversation. Does he a) respond to your questions with actual sentences; follow up by inquiring about you; make a few jokes, all the while looking you in the eyes and smiling while he's talking? Or does he b) sit there scratching his head, making the occasional high pitched "ooo eee ahh" noise, and continue to pick the bugs off his friend's back and eat them?

3. Get a little bit more intimate. Ask him out for dinner (or manipulate him to ask you). Does he a) have excellent table manners? Does he say please, thank you etc. Is he kind to your server? Or does he b) sit there scratching his head, slobbering as he eats, dropping food everywhere, and for dessert decide to pick the bugs off his friend's back and eat them?

By this point you should have a pretty good idea as to whether or not he is worthy of being your man. If you answer b) to any of the above and continue to pursue and throw yourself at him - Girl, you've got problems and aren't worthy to carry the "Diva" name :)

Cutie Pie

Julia can now wave "hi" and "bye bye".

To her it's "aaaaa"and "ba ba"

It's sooo adorable.

Those 2 little bottom teeth are way too cute.

Julia loves being photographed. She has somehow learned how to pose for the camera and honestly Auntie Diva had nothing to do with it. Must be a natural Diva reflex :).

This is my one of my favorite Julia photos.

Her teeny feet are so sweet and the baby chub on her arms and legs is just irresistible.

I never could have imagined how much I would enjoy being Auntie Diva. I just love Julia to pieces and so does our entire family. She's so much fun!! Her life is really quite simple yet we find so much joy in sharing in the little things . I'm honestly finding my parents to be just as amusing as Julia. They just can't get enough of their granddaughter and it's really cute. The other day my Mom and I were in the kitchen chatting away and out of nowhere and completely off topic she just blurted out excitedly "Isn't Julia so cute!!". And Daddy, well he's just so funny. Anytime he comes home from a visit with Julia he gives me the entire play by play of the action for the evening: " and then she sat. and then she clapped. and then she played. and then she walked. and then she ate peas. and then she yawned. and then she pooped. and then she said "Hi grandpa my name is Julia Andrea Pelitis and I am an extremely brilliant child who speaks in full sentences at the very young age of nine months." (Grandpa has a tendency to exaggerate a bit :)

Whenever I'm having a blah day, all it takes is a visit to see my petite protégé to put a smile on my face. I wish I could see her everyday. Julia is such a beautiful blessing.

JEN

MY BIG SISTER

One of my first role models.

One who taught me about generosity and genuine caring.

One who allowed me to learn from her mistakes.

One who allowed me to learn from her successes.

One who encouraged my creativity with hours of make believe.

One who encouraged me to live my dreams.

One who made me giggle enough to get the "If you two don't stop giggling, I'm gonna pull this car over at the side of the road " threat from Daddy:)

One who inspired my musicality at an early age by offering her leg as a pretend piano and guitar :)

One who kept me up at night talking or playing humzinger.

One who woke with me and reassured me when I had a nightmare.

One who forgave me for all the hair pulling, pinching, biting, pushing, name calling and dumping of pasta on her head :)

One who experienced the same joy, excitement, and embarrassment of my childhood days.

One who has shared the sorrow and the grief that I've experienced.

One who still sees and understands the little girl that lingers within, because she knew that girl better than anyone else.

One who is more than my sister, One who is my dearest friend.

My big sister - One whom I thank God for everyday.

Happy Birthday Jen, Love ya!!

Lessons from Auntie Diva

(Julia puts on her glam disguise for yesterday afternoon's diva walk)

Diva Lesson #6
The Art of Being Mysterious
Sometimes a diva must disguise herself in order to avoid constant interruptions by her adoring fans.

Tips on how to be mysteriously adorable
1. Pick sunglasses that flatter your cute little bone structure (see above photo)
2. Make certian that your hat matches your outfit because a diva must always look well put together (see above photo)
3. If a fan catches on that it is you, blow them a kiss then pose for the camera in true diva fashion. (see diva lesson #4 - Mastering the art of picture posing)

Lessons from Auntie Diva

(Julia practices her "puh-wease Daddy" look. Poor Achilles- no doubt he'll always be giving in to the Lil' Diva - how could anyone possibly say "no" to that adorable face? :)

Diva Lesson #5
Mastering the Art of always getting what you want.

A true Diva always gets whatever her little heart desires. Admittedly sometimes the diva must resort to trickery in order to convince others to let her have her way. The "Puh-wease Daddy" look is one trick that is guaranteed to never fail the diva no matter how unreasonable her plea may be.

Tips on how to master the "Puh-wease Daddy" look:

1. Begin by stepping away from the "unconvinced source"(in most cases Daddy) and mess up the hair a little (see above photo). Looking slightly disheveled causes the source to feel more sympathy for you in your sad state.

2. Tuck in the bottom lip in a pouting kind of way(see above photo). Of course you won't actually cry - but if the source thinks that there's any chance that you might they are more likely to give in a lot sooner.

3. Work those baby blues!! Widen the eyes and make them look a little glassed over with sadness, yet at the same time show how much you love your source (see above photo). Bottom line - Use those eyes to melt their hardened icy heart!!

4. Look as adorable as possible, which never proves to be difficult for the true Diva (see above photo) - Let's face it, no one can resist the cuteness that comes with the territory of divadom especially not Daddy:)

Follow these easy steps and you're sure to always get whatever your little heart desires.

Spring Chicken!!

"BAWK, BAWK, BAWK!"

Only 6 months old and Julia already has exquisite taste in music. She has taken an immediate liking to Bach . . . . . Okay she likes Bawk, as in chicken not Bach as in Johann Sebastian (one can dream though:). She has this Baby Einstein DVD where a little chicken puppet dances across the screen and sings Bach compositions, chicken style. I don't get it, but Julia laughs when she sees it. So Jen and I have taken it upon ourselves to cluck like chickens to make Julia smile. (It really is amazing what we will do to get a smile or a laugh from our little diva.)

I've been trying out some early childhood music techniques with Julia. It's so great to be able to apply the stuff to an actual baby. There's a lot of clapping, and moving and singing. If I were using proper early childhood methods I should be teaching easy sol fege songs like Mary had a little lamb but I've chosen to modify the methodology a little and teach Julia opera arias instead. For some reason she has really taken a liking to Carmen's Habenera (now that's great taste, even though it is a mezzo soprano aria:) Julia usually smiles when I sing it, but I can't really get a big huge giggle out of her. Last month after another viewing of Baby Bach, I started singing Carmen like a chicken, and Julia just couldn't stop laughing and giggling. It's sooo heart meltingly cute to watch her laugh like that!!! Even on my way out the door when I wasn't being a chicken she'd look at me and laugh. I know she's probably thinking, 'Auntie Diva you're a crazy lady, but your funny hee hee!!'.

Do the Chickens have large talons? :)

Coincidentally the other day I was doing a serious search on i-Tunes for a recording of Caro Nome when I accidentally came across the most amusing recording ever. I found a recording of the aria by a soprano named Orielle Smith. I opened up the file and listened to the sample expecting a lovely rendition of Verdi's classic aria from Rigoletto. I couldn't believe my ears! It appears as though Orielle Smith is a chicken. I died laughing. She has an entire CD called The World's Favorite Cluckoratura Arias. She does all the famous coloratura arias as a chicken. She even does Der Holle Rache (The Queen of the Night aria) chicken style!! It's absolutely Hilarious, especially since I can say from first hand experience that most coloratura sopranos tend to sound like chickens a lot of the time!!!

I just couldn't resist downloading that Queen of the Night aria, since it is my favorite diva role! Achilles can't believe that I paid 0.99 for the chicken version of it. Little does he know that I plan on downloading the entire CD for $6.75 as an Easter gift for Julia. I know she'll love it. It'll be Bawk all the time for Jen, Achilles & Julia. How cultured our little diva will be, tee hee!! :)

I have to be honest, I'm just relieved that I'm not the only diva who has resorted to singing opera "bawk style" to get a laugh. All I have to say is never underestimate the power of an opera singing chicken, cause not only do we have the vocal agility required to sing clukoratura soprano arias, but we also make great eggs :)

http://www.orrielsmith.com/index.htm