Taste of Turkey

From Post Cards 2011

I think the Haya Sofia had to have been one of my favorites. Simple, yet rich in its history. The exact inverse of the Mezquita in Cordoba, Spain, the Haya Sofia was once a cathedral (largest until Seville's was finished) then converted into a mosque when the Ottoman Turks took over. It's now a museum. While Islamic symbols decorate the mosque, a fresco of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child remain in the nave. The best of the best when it comes to Byzantine architecture (hence the pillar pic); red, green, and yellow patterns permeate the building. One place of worship under one God. If only it were realistically that simple.

From Post Cards 2011

We then made our way to the Blue Mosque (named because of its blue tiles inside), or locally known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. We waited in the courtyard during prayer (Corey was able to slip in--guess I didn't blend quite like him); and then filed in afterward. Elsie had a short conversation with Corey and me:

Elsie: "Whas' dat mommy?"
Alisa: "Oh, it's the prayer call."
Corey, pointing to the minaret: "It comes from up there."
Elsie with big eyes and mouth wide-open: "Ooh..."
Needless to say, Elsie became so used to the prayer calls that at one point joined in. :)

From Post Cards 2011

I loved the preparation the men took in before prayer. They removed their coats and shoes; and washed their face, hands, and feet prior to entering the mosque. Quite symbolic I think. I also loved watching mothers and fathers take their children in for worship. There are lots of things I feel I can learn from the Muslim people--dedication is only one of them.
Hopefully I can stay on top of this Turkey trot and give you more than just this little taste!

It's Summer...

From Post Cards 2011

Did you know that summer actually started at least mid-April, if not earlier?! Kid you not, Elsie was out swimming with her neighbor friend, Grace the day before we left for our Easter Turkey Trip (no, it was not warmer there, by-the-way)!
Finally, the toys sleeping in the hutch woke from a long winter's nap to some gorgeous sunny days, and lived it up in the wild terrain.

Daffodil Picnic

From Post Cards 201

Just as spring was arriving here in England, fields of daffodils popped up through the grass--not just here and there, but everywhere! We were in heaven. So what did we do? We made a picnic or two out of it.

An Easter Hunt

Well, with this Post Service taking plenty of bank holidays for a last minute trip to Istanbul, a Royal Wedding, and good friend visits, we have quite a bit of catching up to do. :)

From Post Cards 2011

We'll kick it off with a fine Easter Hunt {which Elsie patiently waited for}.



Ready, "Steady" {as they say here}, Go!!

From Post Cards 2011

Can't go wrong with chocolate and jelly beans.

From Post Cards 2011

Spence scored pretty good with his couple of jelly beans and a grass salad.

From Post Cards 2011

Happy Easter everyone.

Sweeties

What do these have in common?

From CrowellPost2011

They are all wonderful things surrounding me on Mother's Day! It was so beautiful for Mother's Day here in the UK to land on General Conference Weekend. After listening to inspired leaders' messages I am always uplifted and feel empowered to be a better wife, mother, and daughter. I think Sister Steven's talk was one that hit me the most when she said children, "come to families as precious gifts with a divine nature and destiny." The pansies are pretty, licorice lovely, but my children are the sweetest, most precious gifts in my life.
I certainly have had moments where I want to blow through the roof with frustration, toss my hands up in the air, and give up; but, having an understanding that they are each Heavenly Father's children with "divine nature and destiny" helps me to reach beyond myself and help them become who they were meant to be. Our children and their humility, obedience, and trust really are "a key" to helping us become like our Heavenly Father. Thank you Sweeties, for helping me be a better person.

Sneaky Spence

Just like that, Spencer is 6 months old! How can he sneak up six months! I'm telling you, this kid is full of surprises.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

There's a song here in Woodbridge {which I thought was popular--guess only well-known to our group of library friends}: Zoom, zoom zoom, we're going to the moon. After you sing, "Zoom, zoom zoom; we'll get there very soon," you count down from 5 and lift up your little (or husky) babe, blasting him up to the moon like a rocket {at about "3" I prep myself for take-off}. This boy continues to eat and grow like a champion. This cute butter ball loves his toes and eats them whenever he can. Although he has two bottom teeth, I can never catch his smile on camera! One of these days..
Sixth months brought lots of hand-mouth coordination. This includes reaching for Elsie's hair whenever he has the chance {we see a tease in the making}.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Since the last few months have slipped by, we need some updates of Mr. Spencer. At five months, Spence was "blowing raspberries" and drooling like we've never seen. Not a huge fan of tummy time as it only lasted for about 5 minutes. He preferred sitting propped up with the Boppy and practically folding in half, reaching for his toes.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Besides discovering the back of his head and ears with his hands, four-months = need for real food for Spencer!

From Spencer Everett Crowell

He was more than ready.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Oh, Spencer.

Four-month Fancy

I love four months.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Sparkle in their eyes.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Connect and begin to take in the world {or their thumb}.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

You know they're smiling at you.

From Spencer Everett Crowell