Fish Dreams

This Moment

2012-01-27T16:50:00.001-06:00

A Friday ritual. A single photo or photos- no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(soulemama)

::today::

2012-01-24T19:19:00.000-06:00

today was a sunny day

the little one had a great day at school

then played outside

this evening a dinner of fish, mac&cheese

and little oranges that are so

juicy, sweet and yummy!

after dinner she sat in my lap

and we sang songs

shared our days

talked about bubbie

and had a special time of connecting.

after she jams

we are off to the library!

This Moment

2012-01-22T16:52:00.000-06:00

This Moment

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(chores)

on my mind

2012-01-18T14:24:00.007-06:00

The past few days have been both difficult and an answer to prayer.

My son started an accelerated high-school National Guard program.

That's probably sugar coating it, but overall this is what it is.

He will be away from all of us till this summer

and it is safe to say he will be facing some of the hardest challenges of his life.

It was very hard to leave him. He was brave and seemed determined.

He is ready to do some personal chiseling.

I was unbelievably proud and inspired by his courage.

I wish I could say I was as strong but my blubbering in the corner showed my weakness.

How do you let go?

I never realized how hard it is to let go.

When I look at him I see my little guy with the bowl cut.

The one who snuggled next to me in bed till he was a big kid.

The one I grew up with . Who comforted me just as much as I did him.

He is now the age I was when I had him.

That blows my mind.

He is my best friend.

I have told him this for years and I still feel the same...

if he wasn't my son I would want him to be my friend.

He is one of the most awesome people I know.

This has been such a damn hard past few years.

The death of my confidante and father.

B and I going our separate ways

and ALL that happens after that.

My son and daughter have carried their own personal trials and stories from this decision

but it has been two years now and life goes on and we are all figuring it out.

There has been a lot of GOOD too.

A lot of time to reflect, learn, grow and even blossom.

Pollywog is doing amazing and is happy, stable and adjusted.

CJ I think took the brunt of it all.

The middle of the teenage years is never a good time to weather storms.

He has scars...both emotionally and physical.

The physical having survived a major car accident not even a year ago.

His graduation is almost a year to the date of this accident.

I feel the guidance of all that is happening.

At night my dad comes to me.

During the day God speaks to me in whispers, in the sky, in my heart

and I know that we are on the path we are suppose to be on.

A mother wants to extract all the pain, sadness and hurt their children carry

and inject it into themselves and bare it.

but we can't.

we have to let them learn, fight for their dreams, and figure out who they are.

My arms will always be waiting to hold him

my love will never waver

and I will always be here when he needs me.

The biggest blessing I have found with being a mom is watching the love my kids have for one another.

Despite the age gap, the love is strong.

Pollywog will always have a protector in her bubbie

and he
will always have someone who believes he is a super hero!

make that two people who think that!

- slide show

who needs a t.v.?

2012-01-14T17:16:00.001-06:00

A new member joined our home today!

pollywog has been counting down the seconds waiting for this moment

such a sweet and simple pleasure

a quiet, contemplative water abode

i could sit a watch for hours

and it seems i am not the only one

the peaceful bubbling water

the beautiful water ballet

and a special little girl who has brought a sense of stillness to my life

that i am so grateful for

she is reflective, curious, calm and imaginative

and i am better for knowing her

who needs a tele?

(a princess watching a princess)

this moment

2012-01-13T14:15:00.000-06:00

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(soulemama)

moments that made up our day

2012-01-12T21:37:00.000-06:00

WOW

2012-01-07T14:01:00.000-06:00

PLEASE CLICK HERE

WATCH THIS

PLEASE

SIGN ME UP

This Moment

2012-01-06T10:18:00.000-06:00

This Moment

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(thankful for inheriting bubbie's legos)

you are my sunshine

2012-01-05T18:11:00.002-06:00

one of my favorite times of the day

are morning breakfast with pollywog

thankfully it has been sunny round here.

this morning i opened all the blinds

and as we sat and chatted

the sun slowly began to burst into our home

making everything glow

each morning
as we eat our breakfast and i sip my coffee

we laugh

chat about what she will do at school

what we will do after school

we discuss things she is curious about

plans for our garden

dreams of our farm

(she wants 2 farm cats, one dog, a duck and fish on our future plot)

i treasure these mornings with her

having quiet mornings that move slowly, peacefully, and lovingly

is something i strive for

it seems to set the tone for the day

the art of a good brew

2012-01-05T09:45:00.001-06:00

life has begun a new pace

i am a woman/artist of cycles

not the obvious one

but rather i go through phases where my mind and body crave

solitude and quiet- a time to reflect, journal, just be.

i find myself in a place where i feel uncomfortable because

i seem to be lacking motivation (this is one i am currently in)

i find myself often sitting and reading, jotting notes, devouring documentaries online,

and mentally marinating in an abundance of information, ideas, images, etc.

this time is often followed by a time where my energy/motivation increases

slightly so, and all the jumble and mess in my overflowing brain

gets a douse of clarity and organization.

a time i begin to untangle it all and form clear ideas.

this doesn't just apply to my art, it applies to all aspects of my life.

plans and goals for the future, new arrangements in the house, recipes, activities with pollywog,

fitness regimes...

this time is usually and hopefully followed by productivity.

a burst of projects scattered and worked on in every corner.

many proverbial balls above me.

there is a flurry, a "what might seem to the outsider" craziness and even a chaotic energy

but to me it is a purging of weeks, sometimes months, even years of ideas and plans

that have been stewing inside me.

drifting in and out of my dreams.

keeping me awake at night...

and the best part

these ideas, goals,gnawing thoughts, concepts- were- passing thoughts that were captured,

brewed, and slowly and magically began to connect and become reality.

doors start opening, people enter our lives, and synchronistically all that's suppose to occur

seems to come together.

::flow::

that is the word i would describe it all.

a constant

::flow::

in any case i have been stewing in the "collecting phase" for weeks now and reminding

myself, when i feel unproductive or lazy,

that its all my process and it doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

that everything is coming together.

paintings are forming, new art projects are breaking through,

crafts and learning opportunities to do with the little one are mentally being planned-

the plans i have dreamed for my life are continuing in a forward motion

doors are opening and i am walking through them just the way i should

not running as i did in my youth

but walking and trusting.

::i change::

2012-01-01T22:46:00.007-06:00

i am excited to shed 2011

it was a difficult year for our family

however some of the most beautiful moments of my life occurred.

parts of myself have emerged that i had thought were gone forever.

i have a contentedness about me now that i have not experienced before.

it was a quiet and patient process

one i did not rush

i allowed myself to feel sad

mad

and happy

the latter sometimes the most difficult one to do.

i feel as though i was in a cocoon developing

and I'm slowly evolving into the woman i have always longed to be.

the lessons of the past year have been heavy

but in them i learned how to be light

free

to give myself and others

grace.

to love my fellow man through the knowledge that we all

have our stories, our reasons

and we all deserve to be able to be who we are

without judgement.

the biggest lesson i have learned that i will always keep with me

is to

let go.

for it is in the letting go

the stepping away

the giving to God

where we see the true beauty of one another

and ourselves.

resolutions:

- i will speak gentle even when angered
conducting myself in a peaceful manner with my children and others is very important to me.
when i am in the presence of gentleness it captures my attention more than when someone speaks
loudly. pollywog listens more intently when i speak softly with her
and take the time to listen and discuss matters.

- my words will be encouraging to others
- i will provide more times of quiet and peace in the home.
without television this has already occurred.
this evening pollywog was coloring and i was reading and she remarked
on how quiet the home was...peaceful.
she said "im glad we don't have the television anymore bc we do more things.

- i will not speak disparaging about myself

- i will eat more raw fruits and veggies

- i will spend more time outdoors with my little one and alone

- i will be more active and let my body do what it was made to do: move

- i will be more active with my arts and crafts

- i will continue learning the skills to live the life i have longed for.
one based on the values of simplicity, quality, and time spent in value.

i.e: baking all of our bread, learning how to raise chickens,
sewing, knitting, photography, home-made foods

for self-sufficiency, gardening, etc.

- i will make our mental and physical health a priority via what we eat, how we spend our time,

being active, thankful, and nurturing.

- i will be more thoughtful about consumption and consumerism by not being wasteful.

reducing-reusing-recycling

composting, not buying brand new items but rather thrifted items (if needed), using what we have or doing

without. not using papertowels, finding new ways to use old items, getting rid of what we don't use or need.

- we will accomplish hikes in this area i have put off, taking the little one canoeing and camping.

- travel to craft fairs this summer to sale our wares.

- a big goal i have for 2012 is to travel with pollywog to hawaii to visit.

now for one of these resolutions i began today:

bread baking.

i plan to make all of our breads.

its cost efficient, healthier, makes the home feel cozy, and is a therapeutic process.

Soulemama has a great suggestion for storing home-made bread that I would like to do as well.

i will conclude this with a kiss.
pollywog made me a special gift tonight
she calls it the "kiss sender"
she posed me and photographed me sending kisses

the eve of 2012

2012-01-01T16:23:00.000-06:00

we had a sweet, quiet, new years eve

most of the day was spent outside

(my garlic and onions)

(pollywogs working on a stick fence for her small garden)

in the evening we had a lovely, simple, candle-lit dinner of bruschetta, pizza and salad.

followed by chocolate, fudge brownies.

we shared our resolutions

(pollywog's is to learn to ride her bike sans training wheels this spring)

and watched an old movie.

she didn't quite make it to midnight, i barely did

but luckily i caught the fireworks in the sky as 2012 began.

::happy new year::

::sunshine::

2011-12-31T11:46:00.001-06:00

the weather has been unseasonably warm and sunny.

today for example its sunny and in the 60's.

we'll take it.

yesterday my sister and i took the kids for a hike.

we had such a wonderful time.

pollywog loves to be outside

she craves it as do i

and she loves to be with her cousins

im thinking my sis enjoyed the fresh air too

i know i did

after a nice dinner we spent a quiet evening at home

reading and drawing

its so nice not having a tele anymore

we spend our time being present

we listen to music more, create more, connect more and the energy in the house

is more peaceful and positive

(im working on a new painting!)

we ended the night drinking wine and playing boggle with my sis and her hubby!

listening to music and laughing our arses off

while the little one slumbered.

wonderful pre-pre- new year!

today we plan to enjoy the beautiful day

make a fire

and have a quiet, but special dinner.

pollywog and i are going to make a special chocolate cake too.

::enjoy your day::

see ya in 2012

click on this

2011-12-30T10:18:00.002-06:00

inspiring

winter break thus far

2011-12-29T13:41:00.001-06:00

we are enjoying our winter break

yesterday while mommy busily cleaned the house

and refreshed it with a new configuration

pollywog did some "bike repairs"

and rode back and forth.

today while the sun warmed and illuminated the casa

and with new toys displayed and old ones

placed in new spots the little one

busied herself

its amazing how wonderful a clean and de-cluttered

house feels!

next on the list bread baking.

::cozy::

the kitchen

2011-12-29T13:35:00.000-06:00

::comfort and joy::

2011-12-24T00:04:00.000-06:00

::silly cousins::

these girls are so sweet together.

cousin B made a heart out of construction paper

and cut it in half.

she wears one half and pollywog the other.

um...precious

::holiday baking::

::family dinner::

complete with grandma, uncle and aunt, cousins and the bubbie

::early gift::

she asked santa for a kitchen and he delivered

many yummy meals will be created here

right in eyes view of mommy's kitchen.

::JOY::

christmas program

2011-12-22T10:37:00.000-06:00

pollywog had her debut yesterday

she played the little old lady in the "gingerbread man"

then they sang lovely songs

my "2's" class also participated

it was such a wonderful and sweet performance.

all that i have dreamed of for this little girl

all the hopes i carried while she twisted and kicked in my womb

unfold each and every day before my eyes

my children are the reason for this season

::happy holidays::

waking up 5

2011-12-20T17:46:00.000-06:00

since the big -5-

the little or should i say, not so little one, has felt different.

the day after her party we decided to brave the chill and go on an exploration walk

(with her princess balloon of course)

and fill her basket

with treasures.

by the time we returned home the basket was over flowing.

her first day back to school since reaching this milestone was special.

she made sure to wear her new hair accents and messenger bag.

she proudly told her teachers upon arrival,

"I am taller today because I am 5"

::precious::

this way of life

2011-12-18T11:24:00.001-06:00

this film touched me.

reminding me of the own stirrings of my heart.

best birthday weekend ever

2011-12-17T18:37:00.001-06:00

::5::

i planned to post a nice, sappy letter to her

but i will keep that private.

it truly was a special and emotional weekend for me.

last year pollywog wasn't with us on her birthday.

so to have her in my arms this year and be

able to give her the "little girl party" i have always dreamed of

was literally a prayer answered.

over the weekend i have wiped away happy tears

as i think about the joy of having this angel in my life.

reflecting on the journey we have been on.

words truly are not enough.

ballet recital

2011-12-15T20:38:00.004-06:00

today was a busy and very special day

at school pollywog's class celebrated her birthday

complete with rainbow cupcakes, not one but TWO treasure box picks

and the honor of LINE LEADER all day!

She was beaming each time I passed her in the hallway.

then this evening she performed in her first ever ballet recital!

Although shy, she did wonderful and it was mommy's turn to beam!

She was given a special diploma and her teacher even sang happy birthday to her.

Our friends/family came to honor pollywog's special day!

what a special day for such a special little one

and her birthday isn't even till tomorrow.

with a full heart and a sleepy body this little one is off to bed

to rest up for a weekend celebrating

her life and beautiful presence in all of our lives.

tis'

2011-12-12T22:16:00.000-06:00

custom made wrapping paper

late season apple sauce upon her request

mmmmmmm

a bubbie styled little one

a new holiday dress

that spins just right

this moment

2011-12-09T09:22:00.001-06:00

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
(Soulemama)

the sickies

2011-12-09T09:12:00.002-06:00

the good ol stomach bug made its way into our home this week.

this is only the second time pollywog has ever had this, last time she was much younger.

she was a trooper though and with a bedside stocked full of sprite, ice-chips, saltines, wet washcloths, books, and "the bowl" we made it through the one day ordeal.

in between being upchucked on twice, doing five loads of laundry and running back and forth to make sure the little one was comfortable i managed to make several of these for each little girl attending her birthday party.

and my model in better feeling times

and this here is a birthday banner she has been busily working on!

as we plan this special and important milestone i have been

careful to make sure this is her party.

meaning she helps with decorating, planning, and hosting.

i dont want to take over and exclude her from any of this process.

currently she is working on a triangle banner to hang.

and now i must get off of here and get to work on the pile of christmas

gifts that need finishing touches, or beginnings altogether.

her space

2011-12-09T08:53:00.002-06:00

the other day while the little one was at school
i was putting laundry up in her room i began to look around the little world she has created.

i love her room.

during the day it is full of sunshine and has such a peaceful energy.

what i love most are the little touches of pollywog in the nooks and crannies.

i like to go and lay on her bed and see all that she sees.

(this "Drawing Book of Faces" pollywog has loved!)

her creative splashes here and there.

buckets full of craft supplies, and all the items that hold importance to her.

there are stuffed animals tucked into beds with scraps of fabric as blankets.

dolls perched on makeshift chairs having a grand ol time

costumes hanging on hooks by jewelery, hats and shoes, waiting to be danced in

and baby dolls dressed and bundled by their little mom.

this is a space for pollywog to grow, imagine and rest.

and it seems she is doing all of that right here.

hehehehe, she keeps me laughing

2011-12-05T00:06:00.001-06:00

we can often be found dancing around here.

i couldn't resist filming pollywog getting her groove on today...the ending is especially funny!

::weekend::

2011-12-04T23:55:00.001-06:00

::joyful::busy::thankful::

creating gifts for loved ones-baking-singing carols- creating a new tradition of turning off all the lights and reading a bedtime christmas story in front of the tree- overflowing with appreciation for my little one's jubilant smiles, hugs, and palpable joy as we celebrate this season together.

bringing out our christmas albums and holiday books

pollywog had a friend over for ornament making

i set up stations for them and pre-cut ornaments and designs.

they glued, glittered and decorated and made wonderful memories together.

let the countdown begin

secret gifts being made by the cutest of elves

lots of baking being done

i must admit, i'm not ready for monday...

hustle and bustle

2011-11-30T20:22:00.002-06:00

we have been pleasantly busy around here.

too busy to write, upload photos or reflect on each passing day.

forced to be present and keep up, and feeling blessed each and every moment.

we had a wonderful thanksgiving holiday.

we spent it with loved ones, surrounded by an abundance of yummy goodness.

there were many games played, much food eaten,
lots of wine passed around, children running in and out of the house, and all surrounded by love.

after the holidays pollywog was anxious to get the tree up and decorate the house.

last Christmas came and went without much acknowledgement,
so i was thrilled to re-install the traditions in my little ones life. these memories are precious.

the house was filled with christmas music as we erected the tree,
decorated it and began placing new and old christmas decor around the home.

our house is now glowing with the seasons cheer and i
am reminded of my own childhood memories of playing with the nativity scene,
entering the small snow covered villages on the shelves,
and re-visiting special moments with each uncovered ornament.

it was a truly wonderful time the little one and i shared.

with this season comes much hustle and bustle as pollywog prepares and practices
for her Christmas program at school, her Christmas ballet recital,
and the gifts and cards we are busily crafting.

as each year passes it becomes more of a realization to me
how important it is to keep the spirit of this season alive and thriving at home.

i detest the long, pushing lines in the shops.
the stress of purchasing and having enough money,
and the overall spirit of consumerism as a way of "giving" to those we love and cherish.

in order to encourage the meaning of giving,
we take the time to create something special for those we love.

we have been looking at craft books and discussing gifts that she would like to make.

i too am trying to find quiet moments throughout each busy day
to stitch, paint, crochet and "what not" for the large list of those
i want to honor and show my love and appreciation.

oh, and did i mention amongst all of this
we are busy planning a party for a special someone
who is turning 5-
but i am not stressing over this as we are celebrating this
in a simple way the little one has planned out.

i am oh so excited about all we are doing
and feeling so blessed to have these moments.

we are so surrounded by love this holiday season
...so much love...
and to me this is the reason for the season.

::love::

i believe 2012 is going to be a wonderful year...
but for now we are truly enjoying the end of this year.

craft it up...

2011-11-22T22:05:00.001-06:00

we have had a busy week (and its only tuesday).

at school this week she has

brought many thanksgiving projects home, learned some new words in spanish

and at the pre-school today, we all had a thanksgiving meal together!

at home
we have been busy making crafts and goodies to acknowledge the spirit of holidays.

pollywog is always collecting rocks, pine cones and lately gumballs.

so we decided to roll them in glitter and display them in a wooden bowl.

a bowl full of the prickly balls covered in glitter were quite nice.

she often watches me crochet and has been wanting to learn, so i showed

her how to finger crochet a chain

she caught on rather quickly

yesterday we decided to make a special thanksgiving package for bubbie.

we made cookies

and cut out different shapes

luckily i have a professional taste tester

then she made this special turkey and we wrote all the things she loves about her bubbie on the feathers

she was one proud little girl.

she loves that bubbie!

what a sweet girl

now for mommy to take a soak and read a book

all this crafting and baking and chasing after preschoolers makes this mommy thankful for bedtime.

playing doctor

2011-11-22T21:42:00.000-06:00

she keeps this mommy smiling

::princess birthday parties::

2011-11-20T12:05:00.001-06:00

pollywog was invited to a classmates birthday celebration.

a "princess spa birthday" to be exact.

she got to work making her friend a beautiful, sparkly card!

then we set out the perfect princess outfit...have ya ever seen so much pink :)

the party was so sweet. the girls soaked their feet and then got toes and fingers painted by the birthday girl's older sisters.

they had it set up like a real salon, complete with children's magazines to look at while drying.

then she had her hair curled. *notice the princess holding her crown while getting her "hair did"*

she was in glitter, pink, princess heaven!

a few of the princesses

she had such a lovely time!

now pollywog is fully consumed with the plannings of her birthday.

in just a month she will have her first, real birthday party.

we have themes, colors and games decided upon and one very excited girl.

and this...ah, the sweetness of this.

my little one brought this home from school.

a placemat for her thanksgiving meal- complete with that which she is thankful for.

my heart was warmed to see that her home is a place that means so much to her.

and of course that upcoming birthday party :)

friday:::create

2011-11-18T19:41:00.001-06:00

although it was chilly the sun drew us out and we spent quite a bit of the day creating on the sunporch.

i worked on my new art series while pollywog busied herself digging in dirt, playing pretend and later i helped the little one make a lantern.

then princess sophia (pollywog's pink hamster),baby sally, puppy paulie, and rapunzel needed a warm home for the winter

(please ignore my dirty appearance... ive been in painting mode)

fireplace and shelves of course

happy weekend

ballet tuesday

2011-11-15T20:07:00.000-06:00

monday funday...and catch up

2011-11-14T22:14:00.004-06:00

we have been busy.

too busy to stop and write here.

busy meeting up with friends. pollywog had a play-date with a classmate on friday and then a golden friend of hers came over on sunday.

while the girls played, us moms snacked on this and had fun catching up.

aside from our special times with friends, cookies were made, work was done on our popsicle stick house, and christmas decor was purchased.

we are excited about christmas this year!

we plan to do it up BIG!

lots of hand-made ornaments, baked goods, christmas carols on the record player and stories under the tree.

pollywog is getting excited.

we peeked at the christmas box and she is counting down the days till we set up the tree and the house.

her school is going wonderful. i am so happy i found this wonderful place.

pollywog has started spanish there and has been invited to a spa/princess bday this weekend.

wow! wish my friends had bdays like this :)

mondays are usually reserved for our library day...however i was feeling cabin fever. we were needing some fresh air, lots of space to run, and lights to illuminate our night-time adventure.

living in the city university campus suits these needs.

so we headed to explore and run.

the grounds were beautiful...colorful trees shown brightly under the lights.

the bells chimed with the changing hours...athletes were running around the track and there were lots of walkways and stones for the little one to practice her tight-rope walking skills.

we went into the music and art building so i could show her mommy's ol stomping grounds and came upon a free percussion concert.

we quickly grabbed seats and enjoyed the sounds of the vibes, bongos, mariambas and many more interesting instruments.

i love spontaneous moments that happen when one is open to experiences.

pollywog truly enjoyed this impromptu adventre and was drumming along with the musicians.

once home, after a couple stories, she quickly fell asleep.

who says mondays are not fun?

::this moment::

2011-11-11T10:31:00.000-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(Amanda Blake Soule)

:::5th of saturday:::6th of sunday:::november:::lets eat:::

2011-11-10T16:23:00.002-06:00

this past weekend was cold and rainy...and on days such as these us gals have one thing on our minds- food!

so i opened up my new cookbook and pollywog and i made a turkish feast fit for the queens we are.

we made turkish flat bread and sprinkled it with anise seeds...this was some yummy bread!

pollywog loves to help mommy in the kitchen and she is pretty much next to me chopping, stirring, kneading or assisting for dinner each evening.
i love this time we spend together.

the meal we shared was delicious. home-made hummus (on left), home-made babaganoush, falafel with cucumbers, tomatoes, and greens, kalamata olives and the turkish flat bread to scoup and dip with. pollywog and i had full bellys and thankful hearts!

on sunday we tried another new recipe that was perfect for the rainy, cold, grey day: baked ziti!

this was a rich, creamy delight!!!
when cooking, while the little one waits for oven timers to go off or breads to rise,
she usually occupies herself around my feet in the kitchen.

arranging the alphabet magnets on the fridge or, like this night, playing with mommy's tea canisters pretending they are people, or maybe "canister people"...not sure but she was fully engrossed.

in any case the kitchen truly is the heart of the home and a place where memories are sure to be.

::friday::november::fourth::

2011-11-09T21:18:00.001-06:00

friday is a day of no school and no work at the preschool... and a day we declared our "nature day"!

it was a sun shiny day so we took the day to do some work on the property. closing down some of the garden beds and transplanting some Rose of Sharon saplings.

we also planted some seeds for our own garden and experiment in "winter gardening".

i took the opportunity to strike up a dialouge with pollywog regarding growing ones own food versus having to purchase all of it.

she loves talking about things such as this and learning.

she was interested in other things we can do on our own. we talked about maybe someday owning chickens and getting our eggs fresh each day in our very own yard.

she carefully and expertly helped me plant the saplings and sifted through the rich soil to find temporary pet worms. this gal loves her worms.

and well what gal can resists piles of leaves???

we ended the gorgeous day where we began it...outside!

i lit a fire in the pit and brought the drum out to play along with World Beat on NPR.

pollywog loves music and has some serious rhythm.

now for the weekend

the quality of time

2011-11-02T22:22:00.003-05:00

between school, ballet class, library days, visits with cousins, play dates, and activities and routines-
one on one moments can get lost..
.nose to nose time pushed to the background

moments of connected play (like "tickle bug") might get forgotten for days

taking the time to sit and listen to the thoughts your children have
their ideas, stories, newly written songs
may get pushed aside for a calendar event

or an accomplishment goes unnoticed, that deserves a cheer and an acknowledgement.

this creating together and making something as a team (like a house out of popsicle sticks)
needs to be marked on the calendar with extra stars around it.

coloring together replacing a household chore.

this quality of time can get jumbled in the "dailys".
when i feel this sorta of thing happening i try and stop and find the moment...
grab it..
.hold onto it...
absorb it...
for it is so precious and so fleeting.

this time we take means mountains to our children
validating them, doing something they enjoy, having face time with mom or dad

our children grow so quickly

nights of them slipping off to dreamland while lying next to you

and being able to carry them to bed are numbered

moments i have had with my son as a little guy are treasures to me!

being a part of his creating, learning and growing a gift!

my son is a man now

these moments (the one above a dear memory)

are forever my dearest companions

knowing first hand how quickly they grow and how much life can change
being present is not an option for me, its a must!
these moments build, decorate, deepen and nourish our relationships

these moments are wonven into fabric of our lives

i love:you CJ I love you Pollywog

mommy

say cheese

2011-11-02T21:30:00.000-05:00

this morning before school pollywog practiced her smile for school pictures

cant wait to see which pose she chose

sweet ballerina

2011-11-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

today was pollywog's first day of ballet...or bal-la-let, as she pronounces it.

it was seriously the cutest thing i have ever seen.

a room full of little gals in leotards spinning and plie-ing...

they started learning the dances they will perform for the christmas recital.

after class the girls curtsied for the teacher and recieved a chocolate treat.

pollywog is beyond excited about wearing a costume and dancing on stage.

when we got home she practieced some of thse newly learned moves

and on the different positions...position one

whats the best way for a ballerina to end the night?

well apple slices, a snuggle in mommy's bed and a good story.

:::halloween:::

2011-10-31T21:47:00.000-05:00

ol' hallows bustle

2011-10-31T16:06:00.001-05:00

if you were to enter our home today you would first be greeted by this

and if you didn't run away in a fright the smell of a hearty veggie stew simmering in the crockpot would pull you in.

i kept the little one home with me today to nurture the end of a weekend cold and rest up before our festivites this evening.

in between green smoothies and snacks of fruit

scary picture drawing, snuggles under warm blankets

and impromptu dance sessions

we baked and decorated cookies

now we rest up for this evening when we meet up with friends and the kids entertain us with a parade then trick o treating!!!

:::happy halloween:::

saturday: my lil climber-my lil helper- and my latest crochet

2011-10-31T10:56:00.000-05:00

fri*day: warm soup and fall bulb planting

2011-10-31T10:45:00.000-05:00

wednesday:::bedtime snuggles and sillys

2011-10-26T21:14:00.000-05:00

tues*day & night

2011-10-26T19:31:00.000-05:00

sun*day

2011-10-23T21:00:00.010-05:00

saturday

2011-10-23T19:04:00.009-05:00

accomplishments and simple days

2011-10-21T22:15:00.011-05:00

Another week in October has flown by. It was Fire Safety week at the preschool so I taught about such things, and pollywog learned to "stop, drop and roll", all things letter "F", and the exits in our home. We did make time for an evening of "hair salon" (my hairdo was sahweet, sadly no pics) and some serious puzzle work...she did this entirely on her own and was very proud! This week a cold front moved in and the house was closed up and the heater turned on. I am not a big fan of closing up the home and turning on air conditioners or heaters,( although I am greatful for ability to have both). The air becomes so dry and I long for a fresh breeze. Even my sweet pollywog was happy today when the temperatures allowed for open windows and a fresh breeze, "Ah" she said,"fresh air". With winter well on its way I washed all our mittens, hats, gloves and scarves and the little one and I did some autumnal cleaning. Washing the shower curtain, bath mat...all the rugs that can be washed. Cleaning the floors, and putting pollywog's bed back into her room. The latter is one we are both excited about. I have done quite a bit of thinking on this. I wanted to wait until she was feeling secure and safe. This has taken some time...just loving and nurturing her and letting her know that she is home and isn't going anywhere. Now that I feel she is in a good place I knew it was important for her to take the step to sleep in her own room and create a space that is just for her. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this will instill confidence in her as well as security. Pollywog and I spent the afternoon arranging and setting up her special room, again. :) She was so happy! Princess outfits were put on to commerate and old toys felt like new ones again. After her bath this evening we fit in a couple games of go fish and two chapters in "The Littles" (our new chapter book we read dilligently at night) I am lying next to her as she drifts off to sleep. I have a feeling I will not sleep much tonight. Not because she will be up, but I will be checking on her every hour or so...ah, transitions take time. Tomorrow we are off to a farm to pick out pumpkins, go on hayrides, get lost in corn mazes, and sip hot apple cider. :::goodnight and good weekend:::

:::library day:::

2011-10-17T20:56:00.009-05:00

With a cold front slowly moving in, pollywog and i decided to walk to the library amongst the dancing leaves and under the colorful sky. While heading out we spotted a package in the mail for pollywog from her grandparents. She was tickled pink to open up and peer into an envelope full of skittles, a teeshirt, sweet card and her favorite- a sparkly necklace. I love taking walks with pollywog. She makes sure we stop and "smell the roses" ...this girl can spot the tiniest flowers, the most brilliant leaves, a creeping bug. I make sure I let her stop to observe, explore and collect and not rush her. Honestly I enjoy doing the same. She found me this beautiful leaf. We thought it looked like tie-dye...I added it to the necklace she had placed around my neck and now it's my new favorite necklace. We walked home in the dark and enjoyed our adventure! Pollywog's books: A crochet flower I made for my sweet baby girl that she proudly wore to school today! :::happy monday:::

*****fun things to think about

2011-10-17T10:24:00.004-05:00

- I am in desperate need of a good pair of kicks - a craft for pollywog and I to do together - ideas for pollywog's room: this and this tipi - need to do this maybe a variation - i want a couple of these for my sunporch - pollywog wants this and this for her birthday and christmas - i havent purchased clothes in quite some time...but if i could some of the wardrobe choices would look like this this this this this this this this, some grungy overalls, tights, and maybe a gray peacoat... to name a few...:) -and for the girl: this this these soooo cute , and a variation of pants like this

up to...

2011-10-15T09:43:00.016-05:00

Thursday evening my sister and her family came over for dinner. We had such a lovely time.

I set up a lovely table,complete with candles, on the sunporch for the kids. We had a baked potato bar, and I made a new crispy, baked chicken recipe (for everyone but me, the lone veg-head).

We sipped on white wine and played a game I made asking one another questions like: "where do you see yourself in 5 years?", "what is an injustice you feel most passionate about", "favorite childhood memory"...etc It was so wonderful to learn more about my sister. I was surprised to know that there were some tid-bits about her I did not know. I gave the kids a box, tape, cotton balls, scissors and papertowel rolls and they all created together. It's amazing how fun a box can be. Pollywog actually spent alot of time in this said box before our guests arrived. I kept going in her room to check on her but she was content and having fun sitting in a box. Go figure...

My niece made me this

OMG I love it sooo much!!!! Friday was our "day home together" we slept in a bit and after breakfast headed out in search of yard sales. I was on a mission to find an old desk to add to pollwogs room. I am going to be making some changes to her room. She crafts so much that she really needs a creative space to explore and go wild in. Also, she is still sleeping with mommy. In her own bed, but in my room. As an avid co-sleeper, transitioning to solo sleeping has always been an issue for me. My son slept in my room till around the age of 10. To prevent that, I am designing a plan to transition her to her own room. It goes something like this...her and I decorate and make her room a place tailored to her, a place she feels cozy, can dream, play and grow. I want to make a canopy for her bed which I know will delight her, as well as a reading tipi ...currently her reading nook looks like this-

She has earned an aquarium with her responsibility chart, so we are in search for a new aquarium to illuminate her room at night and lull her to sleep. Then I plan to sleep next to her until she falls asleep till eventually it all seems normal to her and she is transitioned. (Hmmm, sounds perfect right :D ) It makes me so happy to see pollywog adjusting to the changes in her life and seeing her feel secure in her routines and trust that there will be no upheaval. That was something that worried her for awhile once arriving home. Often she would express how good it was to be home, be with her cousins, around her toys and friends and that she was worried she would have to leave or that things might change again. It took daily reassurance and alot of hugs and kisses but I feel that now, she feels secure. We plan for activities in the future. This is important for her, to build a life here and relax into it. Next week at school she has her Halloween party, in two weeks she starts ballet. In December she has a ballet recital and a Christmas program at school. As well as a birthday party my sister has been planning since pollywog got back home in August. (Its gonna be pretty special!!!!) For kindergarten next year she will be attending the school her cousins attend. This is something I am especially thrilled about. My sister and her kids LOVE this school. One of the directors is a leading advocate and speaker regarding literacy and has created a successful reading program for kids. For pollywog to be able to see her cousins each day, share activities, be in plays together, and grow in this environment throughout the years is a goal to accomplish. Whoa, I got off the subject- back to Friday...

We headed off to yard sales and some thrift stores. Pollywog has been asking for mommy to get her some, "harder puzzles". We found several puzzles that challenge her, and I also purchased this cool basket

I simple love it. I haven't decided its purpose yet, so for now it is hanging in the dining room storing pollywogs puzzles.

Pollywog also picked out some infant clothes for her growing brood.

Friday evening after taco salad and a yummy, cold Octoberfest beer (ahem, the little one had water), she spent the evening assembling puzzles while I worked on a little project for her.

You will have to wait to see what it is...

sentiments

2011-10-12T11:19:00.022-05:00

On this cloudy and rainy day I find myself feeling sentimental. Often times I go back and read and look at pictures on this journal and find myself crying at the images of my children growing up so fast.

Seeing how quickly life can change and become something completely different then it was before.

Almost unrecognizable really. Seeing images of myself juxtaposed to images of today Recognizing the sadness in my sons eyes today versus the innocent glee from just a couple years ago. I am able to see the "hits" life has given my family...subtleties only a mother or father could observe behind the smiles and captured moments of us "going on and moving forward" as best we can. Facing the choices I have made, B has made, that have had the greatest affects on our family. Acknowledging that some changes needed to be made, and others could have been made in a better way. All of us growing up, learning, figuring it out and trying to salve all the wounds with as much joy and continuance we can muster. Especially regarding my littlest one. It has become my mission to let her continue to have the fleeting blessing of innocence, daily joy and a sense of moving forward in life. Absent of the confusion and instability that has been present in her life this past year. I haven't been able to do this with my son. He at 16, is past the stage where I can shelter him, create diversions and distractions from all that is going on. He vividly sees the cracks in life and bares his own scars and resentments. Both literally and figuratively. Facing his own mortality in a car accident this year- his reminders are in the physical form, and the emotional ones he has kept to himself thus far. Although I can see they exist along with the ones of simply missing B. I feel in some ways we have failed him and I carry that with me into each day. However, I have refused to sit and wallow in all that has happened. I try to not allow guilt to consume me. I am choosing to continue to provide normalcy for pollywog as much as possible. To answer her questions as honestly and appropriately as possible. To continue sitting around the table for dinner, to continue to celebrate each day and each discovery. To provide a stable, warm, cozy home. To have regularity, routine, surround ourselves with family and friends. I in turn am rewarded with a happy, balanced, stable, secure little girl. A little one who fills the home with laughter. Whose smile literally lights up even the greyest days. A little girl who is learning, discovering, making friends, has fully acclimated and settled into a life I have worked hard to create. This morning as I drove her to school I watched her dancing in the backseat. Her face was gleaming, and her "pollywog" way of dancing made me smile so deep inside I thought I might burst. I suddenly had this overwhelming desire to take her home, hold her, protect her. Images of her as a baby and toddler flooded my mind. How fast it is all moving...but I walked her into class and watched her run to bead necklaces with her friends. I realized that letting her grow, learn, and trust herself, is protecting her. Letting her develop into herself and providing a soft place to fall when needed, and providing CONSTANT...constant love, constant guidance, constant listening, constant acceptance and constant security. I am so excited to watch this precious child grow. I am excited to see our relationship grow and change. When carrying her in my womb I would dream of traveling with her, going shopping together, giggling in bed talking about boys, having that special mother daughter relationship. Then I began to think of my boy. His smile, his creativity, his ideas that swept me up right along with him. His hugs, his laughter and humor...and how far away he feels from me. From his sister...how much I miss him...miss his smile and happiness. How much I miss watching my kids play together, hug, learn. I cannot begin to describe the pride and pure love I have felt watching my children interact together. So I prayed. I prayed for guidance, for protection for my kids, for a full circle moment when my son comes to me and puts his arms around me and tells me he loves me. A moment where I can hold him and begin to heal the broken heart he is carrying. A moment when he and I remember what a beautiful life we have shared together as mom and son and best friends. A moment when pollywog and him play, laugh and we are a family again. Maybe not the one we were, but a family just the same!

weekending

2011-10-10T20:21:00.010-05:00

our weekend flew past...

friday was circus night-saturday we went to my dear friend kunti's farm for a yummy meal, bonfire, music and an overall great time. the weather was unbelievable...the air was warm, the sky full of stars and the moon illuminated the children's play around the field as us grown-ups sat around the fire. pollywog fell asleep in my arms next to a cracklin fire... sunday we put a blanket in the backyard and snacked, dug in dirt and played harmonica. we relaxed watching cloud animals and leaves dancing their way down to the ground. after a busy day at the preschool we are now relaxing. pollywog is making a hamster cage and hamster out of a kleenex box, papertowel rolls, and cotton balls. she was inspired by the new hamster, pluto, in her classroom.

tomorrow is a full moon and we have plans for a fire of our own

:::cheers:::

to a new week

may it be full of treasured moments

Friday's moments

2011-10-07T10:51:00.012-05:00

i have had little time to visit here and reflect and document our days.

i am enjoying my new class of two year olds. their small absorbing selves.

i especially love that i pass by my little ones room often and get to peak into the window watching her play with her friends, work on projects and when she catches a glimpse of me gather all the kisses that are blown my way! i also love that there is no school on friday so pollywog and i get to enjoy a day of sleeping a bit later, moving a bit slower, tidying up the house, playing outside in this AMAZING weather, and spending some time crafting, reading and snuggling together. did i mention the weather is unbelievable. the sun has been shining, the breeze blowing, the temperatures cool in the morning and night and warm in the day. today we are enjoying this weather and shopping for a costume. here are moments we have shared thus far on this beautiful friday. yummy organic spinach waiting to fill our green smoothies

a growing school wall in pollywog's room displaying her favorite papers

sunporch playtime

strawberry milk break on the sunporch

our growing autumn wall

a breeze brought a wirlwind of falling golden leaves that a little girl couldn't resist dancing in...and a mommy too

were off to find the perfect mermaid costume and this evening pollywog is going to the circus!!!!! tomorrow my sweet friend and her daughter, pollywogs friend, invited us to a potluck/bonfire/campout at their farm. should be lots of fun! :::happy weekend:::

Saturday musings

2011-10-01T21:04:00.009-05:00

This week went by in a blur. I haven't had much time to write here with days that filled up with activities and a sleepy mommy at the end of them. Pollywog had a wonderful week at school making apple pies and apple pictures, practicing the letter "C", discussing patterns, playing with play-dough, beading and lots of playtime with her friends. Friday I made pollywog a fort outside and she/ "Sally the Circus girl" made dandelion pies and stone stew. Later we met her cousins and my sis at a school carnival.

We had so much fun. It was a crisp evening and the smell of bonfire filled the air. The kids bounced, did bean bag tosses, won prizes, wore balloon crowns, ate hot dogs and roasted smores. That night pollywog, her cousin Brenna and her cousin Camden had a slumber party at grandma's. I relaxed at home watching a movie in bed and today having some time to myself I spent a few blissful hours on the river. It was so peaceful...the water was still and golden leaves sprinkled over the water. Pollywog had a wonderful time at grandmas playing dress up and princess, staying up late snuggling in bed with grandma and her cousins, and making fruit faces on pancakes for breakfast.

Tonight she had fairys on the brain so I traced one for her to color then she got to work creating a home for fairys to visit Complete with leaves for beds and drawings for the fairys to see. Sleepiness eventually got the best of her and she is pleasantly snoring next to me as I type. Tomorrow we have a full day of bike riding and a festival sponsored by Well Fed to attend. So I am off to sip my mint tea and watch "Cheaper by the Dozen" (the original of course) and snuggle in bed.

Sunday- Monday - happy day (these days are ours)

2011-09-26T21:01:00.009-05:00

What goes better with newly rented books? Mommy's home-made chocolate chip cookies. This weeks finds: for pollywog -You See A Circus, I See (she is very much into the circus at the moment and can often be found being, "Sally the Circus Girl") - Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy (our second of the series) - Out and About at the Apple Ochard (seasonal enjoyment) - The Great Blue House - plus an Authur dvd, Eloise dvd and Care Bears dvd for mommy - Year Round Gardening - My Life in Orange (Im excited to get started on this book by Tim Guest) -Simplicity Parenting: Using the Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kids - Huggable crochet (crocheting animals) - plus the original "Cheaper by the Dozen" dvd and a couple foreign flicks. * It's nice to snuggle up on the cooler evenings and read or watch films. My landlord had provided us with full cable and after a week I unscrewed the box and gave it back. We havent had cable in years and I almost immediately noticed a negative energy permeate the house. So many images and words constantly pouring out and very few offer positive information or happy images. Without it peace and creativity has re-emerged!* ^ *Happy Monday*

:::merci:::

2011-09-26T16:39:00.007-05:00

i am thankful

I am thankful for the sunshine that special pockets of magic around my home. I am thankful for the cute pudgy cheeks that dimple when my little one smiles. I am thankful for her smiling face when I pick her up from school, the friendships she has made, the gentle kindness of her teachers, and special days like today when her class makes apple pie! I am thankful to be starting work at her preschool this week. The opportunity to nurture and teach precious little ones, be close to my little one and leave each day together hand and hand with adventures to share. I am thankful for my family. The special relationship my sister and I share that only sisters understand My mom's humor and innocence that brings joy to all those around her. My son's heart that I can see under the pile of teenage agnst. My neice and nephew and their unique personalities that I get to see grow and flourish. (***My nephew being old enough to join the adults at "Taboo" during my sisters party was special to watch and filled me with pride***) Pollywogs imagination, her love for snuggling and her sense of humor. My dad's legacy and the laughter he still provides us. I am thankful for the time I took today to go to spin class. Exercising makes me feel strong both physically and mentally- and - I need to feel strong. I am thankful that organically Monday evenings have become "library day", Wednesdays "swim day" and Fridays "nature adventures". This rhythm is important to Pollywog and therefore me. Also that I have stayed on my weekly dinner meal plan for three weeks now and it has cut down on my grocery budget and made evenings flow nicely. (***tonight is chicken strips (from Saveur magazine) and bake potatoes***) I am thankful for a renewed energy in my creative realm. Painting for my sister got the wheels spinning. I did a painting for my living room and I have big plans for starting my own etsy!!! I am thankful for the hope I have each day when I wake up. Hope that life will keep getting better. That my kids will be okay and happy. That the love, care, sacrifices and guidance I give them and have given them, mean something. Hope that time heals, love is the answer, humility is key, dreams do come true when you keep them in sight and work hard at them and that there is no one way to live so don't judge and don't compare.

I am thankful for the goals big and small I have each and every day. Because goals mean that you are living, moving forward, excited, willing and that there is a whole big world out there -waiting & happening- and that is pretty awesome!!!!

:::weekend:::

2011-09-26T16:03:00.002-05:00

:::this weekend was::: yard sale finds with saved change (my little one grabs every penny, nickle and dime she finds) South American wooden sculptures Bearstein Bear lamps Leap Frog fun and a large bin of big legos that Pollywog has been hoping for! -there has been lots of building of things this weekend-

home-made birthday cards and presents a painting for my sis birthday celebration

sunny sunday at the park collecting leaves playing hide&seek behind mighty oaks pushing babies in swings pulling babies in a wagon and carrying one in a sling

the flash went out in my camera so all photos are being altered to b&w

hump day

2011-09-21T20:08:00.004-05:00

My camera is not working very well so this post is absent of images from our day. Of course it seemed there were an abundance of, "picture worthy moments", and I often found myself reaching for my camera. Oh how I long for a nice camera, ah someday! It was another sunny day kissed with a hint of autumn. Pollwog was especially excited about this day of school because mommy was going to be there. I volunteer at her school and today was my day to assist with lunches and breaks. Once Pollywog caught a glimpse of me she and her friends began jumping up and down and waving. I too was excited to see her and sneak glimpses of her at play and learning thoughout the day. Later in the afternoon I visited with the director of this wonderful,sweet, small pre-school and we chatted about an employment opportunity for me. I felt tears well in my eyes as I listened to her describe a job I have literally being praying for. With my garden season slowing down Ive been hoping for an opportunity to get back to teaching and have hours around Pollywogs schedule. To be able to do this and it be where Pollywog attends, is a blessing I was overwhelmed by.

::giving thanks:: After school we relaxed and then sat in the sun. Well I sat and Pollywog transformed into "Sally the Circus Girl" and spun a disc and did tricks. This is a new character she has recently come up with. Sally is a circus girl who lives in a fort in the backyard and is allergic to people, although today she overcame this allergy. She performs amazing acts with a hoola hoop sort of disc and tightrope dances. We went out for mexican dinner and Sally and Pollywog took turns joining the meal. Gotta love her imagination!!! After dinner we played in the backyard. I got to work digging out my garden beds so Pollywog and I can start preparing the beds and planting some fall and winter goodies. Pollywog helped me pull and harvest the many tomato plants and found lots of grubs, rolly pollies and worms that she excitedly showed me each time. She was blissed out! I lit the firepit in the lower garden and when the sun set we snuggled by the fire. Me, Pollywog and Peanut all piled onto a lawnchair. Goodness the cute picture opportunities were constant. We decided tonight that we are going to groom Pnut and bring him into our home for the cold months, so Pollywog is gaining a dog. Pollywog LOVES to snuggle this furball and he seems to enjoy it to. Pollywog was in snuggle heaven. So sweet! Now we're cuddled on the couch watching "The Little Mermaid"...her first time seeing it. She has decided she wants to be a mermaid for Halloween so I thought it fitting. ..."Ive got gadgets and gizmos of plenty"...

the garden::part II

2011-09-20T18:22:00.010-05:00

Pollywog played hooky from preschool today to play in the garden with mommy! With such blissful weather and opportunities to learn it was an easy choice. She started the morning off with a special smoothie: Coconut milk, almond milk, a banana and a hint of chocolate...yummy.

then we headed out to the garden Pollywog was intrigued by the compost bin. We observed the micro-village inside and she was amazed that it was becoming dirt.

She helped mommy pull weeds and harvest all of the tomatoes (there were alot) and then got busy creating mud pies in the brick oven I made her.

I brought a blanket and a "garden bag" out filled with water, her sketchbook, markers, and her dishes and tea-set.

She spent hours playing,cooking, washing her dishes and even found some leaves that are currently being pressed out there.

It was wonderful being able to look up and see her sweet face and watch her enjoy the fresh air and playing with such joy.

I am loving my sun covered front porch! Right now I see a pink cape flapping behind a little girl, ahem I mean "super girl" I better get off this contraption.

the garden::part I

2011-09-20T17:27:00.016-05:00

Today was beautful. The sun burst through the weekend of clouds and cast its glow upon us. Garden work that has been put off was finally attended to. I have been building and tending an organic garden for a dear man who has employed me for the past three seasons. It started off slowly but this years harvest was bountiful and easily fed three families (including mine). I have learned so much over the years. From building a compost box that now houses rich and nutrient rich organic soil, to creating a design and building the garden with my own two hands. This is how I learned how to operate a skill saw. :D

Diggin for hours in the hot sun dripping with sweat, covered in dirt and blissfully passing out each night with aching muscles and blistered hands. (I am proud to say I now have hearty callouses)

Being lucky enough to watch the magic and journey that occurs in a garden. Planting seeds, eventually seeing sprouts poke out their little bodies, then sitting around a table full of the goodness the earth provided...with really little help from me...aside from alot of weeding and singing.

I have spent many mornings in that garden with a heavy heart only to be given the gift of watching a robin having a soak in one of the several bird baths,or out of nowhere being illuminated by a comforting sun, or have a friendly butterfly land on my knee, or pulling up an earthworm and thinking of Pollywog.

This garden has been a blessing in my life and opened up a passion in me I didn't know I had.

I am an amateur gardener with much to learn, but now I know its a path I hope to continue on. My intention is to be able to take permaculture classes,have the opportunity to work in other gardens, continue educating myself and maybe own a little plot all my own that Pollywog can flourish in as I have. We are creatures of nature who spend to much time away from which we came. Our bodies, spirit and mind revive when touching and working with the earth. Eating these fruits right out of the ground nourish us instinctually. I often envision a cozy home overlooking a couple acres filled with my gardens, chickens, ducks...a creek to paint and make pottery by, Pollywog and maybe some other babes running through meadows, catching lightening bugs, pulling carrots to snack on,AWWWWWW- but for now I am happy to tend this garden and begin working on the small beds in my own back yard. I just ordered several books on year round gardening and Pollywog and I are going to be working on our garden this weekend!

:::giving thanks:::

::earlier::later::now::

2011-09-19T21:44:00.010-05:00

::earlier::

::later::

::now::

the sweetness of a simple day

2011-09-18T19:51:00.012-05:00

The weekend flew by. My nephew is turning 9 and Saturday we went over to my sisters for cake and ice-cream. Earlier that day Pollywog put her heart and soul into making him a birthday card and finding a very special rock with a cool fossil to give him as a gift. She made her own wrapping paper and carefully wrapped the treasure.

It fills my heart to see her take such care and consideration in giving gifts. It is important to me to instill the true meaning of giving to others. It is so easy to grab a toy at a store and throw it in a bag for a gift...but to take the time to custom make a card or gift keeping the person's individualness in mind, is truly giving.

To take the time to create is important. I believe he truly appreciated the gift and pollywog felt a sense of pride in seeing her creation enjoyed. Today it has been rainy and gray most of the day. However the sky has been rotating through amazing glows and colors that have illuminated the house with a cozy glow. Crafting is always a good way to enjoy oneself on such days and today Pollywog tried a new craft that she LOVED!

I poured glue into different bowls and then mixed in food coloring. In the pink glue I added glitter to her delight and she made the coolest glue paintings. She titled this one "The Road"

and this one she called "Papa Bowling" due to the thunder that accompanied her creative time.

Tonight I tried implementing something new on her responsibility chart. Being pretty much like an only child (with a teenage brother) and with her personality she has always felt best when right up against mommy. Her feet barely touched the ground before age 2 as she loved being in the sling on mommy's bosom.. She loves to snuggle mommy and when playing she always wants me to play with her. I think this is a beautiful thing. Some might say she needs to be more independent or blame it on attachement parenting and extended breastfeeding, however I disagree. This is merely her individuality and I respect that. She likes to call herself a "mommy baby". I also think that with the changes that have occurred in her life this past year and being away from her mommy, has caused her to feel a bit insecure, needing me by her and to reassure her. I am giving her the space to heal and just loving her, offering her constant security and being patient. My only concern, if you can even call it that, is making sure that I am fostering imagination and the ability to play independently, creating games and make-believe. I don't see a sibling in the near future so I really think it is important that she learn to play on her own at times and enter the magical times of child-hood where one is lost in faraway lands, or teaching a class of stuffed animals, or pretending ones room is a castle. Television and constant stimuli for kids has stripped this once easy and natural ability. So on her chart I have added "alone time". A time for her to do the above mentioned as well as just have quiet time with herself. She doesn't have to go off into a room alone but rather think of something she would like to do or play and then I set a timer and she plays, reads, crafts whatever, on her own. When the timer is up she can stop or continue if she chooses. Once she fills up this section in her chart she has chosen to get two fish and a frog. I discussed this with her earlier in the day and we added it to the chart together. She let me know when she was ready to have her "alone time" and I set the timer. Apparently she had been thinking of what she would do at this time and quickly grabbed stickers, her two fairys and a bucket of hair ties and such and quickly became lost in song, princess voices and a world all her own for an hour. I was so proud and she was too as she added a circle to her chart. After dinner we snuggled on the couch to watch "Prince of Egypt" and in the middle of the movie I looked at her to see if she was enjoying it.

My sweet sweet baby...I still get tears in my eyes when I see her sleep. She is growing up so fast and yet she still seems like a little baby to me. Such a sweet perfectly simple day. (Pollywog is working on making a raisin :) )

grrreat grrray day

2011-09-17T11:11:00.012-05:00

No school today! We had planned on our nature walk and working in the garden but it was cold and gray out so we just enjoyed each others company. making bacon and pancakes with our home-made playdough

the ever growing art wall

cookies and almond milk dipping party

working on "homework"

we had to decorate a life size pollywog for her classroom

Later that day we took a trip to the pet store to look at fish and frogs that Pollywog is saving for. I am contemplating a puppy for Christmas! She has been begging and begging me. She has a name, collar and dog bowl already picked out! :) Then she got to pick a special toy from the store for having filled up her responsibility chart. She has been doing so well with it. She asks to set the table every evening and works hard to fill up the chart. She picked out a princess coloring book and two fairys. She named one Rose and the other Marigold.

It was Pizza Friday and we shared our meal together by candlelight discussing plans to build the fairys a home with blocks, rocks and acorns, which we did after dinner.

happy weekend!

i just stick out my chin, and grin...

2011-09-17T10:27:00.009-05:00

Pollywog woke up this morning excited about her afternoon playtime with her cousin and literally most favorite person in tbe world. I think she even trumps me. When I picked her up from school she was bubbling with tales from her day at school, "mommy we are getting a class hamster!", "mommy I have homework" (something she has been longing for since seeing her cousin do hers)..."mommy I learned I like nachos today", "mommy I picked out a ballet slipper notebook from the treasure box today!" What an exciting day. Once home she opted to postpone her afternoon snack till cousin B arrived. "were gonna have treats together mommy." and they did...and a whirlwind of pretend, laughter, singing performances (my neice is a born performer! and the girls love to sing Annie songs) crafting and hugging followed.

blowing the trumphet for the princess arrival princess pollywog making crafts for the art wall a card the girls made for me

one of their many performances- pollywog just dancing away in her own little world...so sweet

aujourd'hui

2011-09-14T20:49:00.011-05:00

Slow Roasted Tomato Pasta

2011-09-13T21:31:00.006-05:00

I started roasting the tomatoes this afternoon. Then when dinner time was approaching I put on flamenco music, poured a glass of Cabernet and got to work. Slow Roasted Tomato Pasta 3 pounds tomatoes cored and halved lengthwise 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided 12 ounces uncooked fettuccine 2 1/4 tsp kosher salt 3/4 cup shaved fresh Parm-Reggiano 1/4 tsp black pepper 3 TB torn fresh basil 6 whole garlic cloves Preheat oven to 225 Place tomatoes on baking sheet, sprinkle with 3/4 tsp salt, and black pepper. Bake for 4 hours. Heat large skillet over low heat. Add 2 TB oil and garlic, cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove garlic, and chop. Combine garlic, tomatoes, and red pepper in pan. Cook pasta in boiling water with 1 1/2 tsp salt for 8 minutes or until almost al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup cooking liquid. Increase heat to medium, and stir in reserved cooking liquid. Bring to boil. Cook 3 minutes. Add pasta; cook for 1 minute, tossing to combine. Remove from heat; sprinkle with cheese and basil. Serve

A is for Apple, Art, Appetite, and...

2011-09-13T20:54:00.014-05:00

wearing mommy's reading glasses and displaying work from school

Each morning I take Pollywog to school I always stay with her until she says, "Okay mommy, I'm comfortable" and then we hug and I wish her the bestest day ever. Sometimes she wants me to whisper to her how much I love her. I'll say, "higher than the..." and she whispers, "sky" "deeper than the..." she whispers, "ocean" and "and more than all the sand on the...", "beach" We smile and part ways for a few hours. I am so thankful for finding this wonderful preschool. Her teachers are so gentle and kind. The class is not like some we visited...full of noise and chaos. It is a peaceful class. The teachers are nurturing, focus on learning and individual growth and seem to have a heart for children. This is perfect for my little one who prefers quiet and structure to noise and high-energy. being silly before heading off to school an art wall for the little one's many creations I finally got around to setting up While Pollywog was busy at school, I took the day to catch up on my "to do" lists and work on my employee package for the preschool I am hoping to start working at soon. Currently I work in an organic garden and some clerical and assistant work for my boss, but with the season slowing down and my desire to teach again I am taking advantage of an opportunity and a chance to work with my sister too! I also caught up on the laundry, some cleaning and craft projects. It was nice to clear off my list a bit as I have a full day in the garden tomorrow! I have been wanting to make this sun catcher with the leaves Pollywog collected last Friday she liked it so much she was anxious to make her own After picking up Pollywog from school and hearing about her exciting day such as; how they had breakfast for lunch today, how she learned a new song, played a bean bag game, rode bikes on the playground, and the library lady came and read books to her class, it was snack and resting time. (newly picked out Popsicle) While she rested I got busy on dinner. I was excited to try out a new recipe from my weekly meal plan. "Slow Roasted Tomato Pasta" I'm going to share it on a separate post. It was very, very good and one I will repeat. After dinner we headed to the library to find books about Autumn and apple picking as I plan on taking her to do just that very soon. Happy Tuesday!

Just another manic Monday

2011-09-12T21:25:00.008-05:00

9/12/11 I guess when you declare a day a "lazy day" it only seems fitting that it be followed by a crazy, busy day where flexibility is needed. It seemed like from the moment I got up I was behind schedule. Where Pollywog and I are usually the first to arrive at pre-school and the first to leave. Today we were last on both counts. She however wasn't bothered by this as she proudly said "Mommy, today was the best day ever!" That was exactly what I needed to hear after frantically rushing to pick her up. I was so behind on getting household chores completed, including getting dinner ready, but my sweet little girl busied herself painting the title for our "Autumn wall" humming all the while. Finally I let go of my "schedule" and meal plan for the day and ordered us pizza! Bubbie walked in the door and you would've though Santa himself arrived as Pollywog beamed and got lots of snuggles and laughs I even got some snuggles in...he towers over me but he always gives his ol mom plenty of hugs! Whew...I am glad today is winding down. What will tomorrow bring?

lazy Sunday

2011-09-11T10:40:00.004-05:00

We have had a full and busy weekend.

Nature hikes, fires and family dinners, fall festivals and Kyoto drummers and lots of play time with cousins, grandma and bubbie. After waking up this morning with a bit of a chest cold I was ready to declare today a day of rest and relaxation. What better way to spend the day then go fish in bed perusing blogs, eating soup, sipping hot tea, catching up on stacks of books and snuggles with my little one. A day to play make-believe with dolls on the sun porch A day to create and make lists of craft ideas and adventures for the upcoming week. A day to listen to records and nap in sun patches.

Today I read an amazing story on a blog entitled Farmama. Its on my life left sidebar. Go to their story and read. It reminded me of shelved dreams. It reminded me that any endeavor you wish to create is possible but takes focus, hard-work, risk taking, and more hard-work. It reminded me just how important an intentional life is to me. One focused on sustainability, family, shared goals, and working on my own land, using my own two hands to build a life I have dreamed up. It reminded me to refocus on my dreams for the future and custom create them. For now though, I'm gonna just relax and watch my little one zoom around the room. ~Happy Sunday~

:::family:::fire:::fun:::

2011-09-10T09:24:00.012-05:00

On a early fall night, under a beautiful sky, surrounded by crickets, cicadas and a crisp air, around a fire, we gathered . Home-made pizzas were devoured, S'mores were roasted songs were sung, games were played, records were listened to laughter was sharedchildren played hide-n-seek under the moon, family connected and I was reminded how blessed we are to have family :::LOVE::: :::FAMILY:::

Friday:::Nature

2011-09-09T16:36:00.010-05:00

9 September Today was our first "Special Nature Day". I am planning on making this a weekly ritual. Although we spend alot of time outdoors tending garden, digging in the dirt, going for bike rides and visiting friends out in the country, I wanted to create a special day focused on connecting with nature. Pollywog doesn't have school on Fridays so this seemed the perfect time. The goal for this day is to be quiet and listen and watch all that is around us. Of course this isn't forced silence...we naturally quiet ourselves as we observe all that is going on around us. The breeze, the swaying trees, the singing birds, the scurrying squirrels, all bring a peaceful feeling and an opportunity to learn and reflect together. This also gives us a chance to collect small treasures that we can add to our Nature Table or put in Pollywogs Nature Book. Lastly, it is a great way to see the cycles of nature happen. The leaves changing colors and later becoming bare, animals gathering food to birds hatching in nests. Today we played a game where we took turns describing animals, their habitats, foods they eat, etc and had to guess the animal. Pollywog really enjoyed this! We observed many animals today: turtles, deer, squirrels, cardinals and robins, skinks, and fish. She found a special leaf she wants to press into her Nature Book. After our hike we headed home and Pollywog washed her new doll we acquired at a garage sale. What a sweetie! I gotta hop off this computer and get ready for our guests. My sister and her family are coming over for home-made pizza and a fire for the kids to make smores! Pollywog is bouncing up and down next to me waiting for her cousins! :::happy weekend:::

Thursday:::a girl and a dog

2011-09-09T16:28:00.003-05:00

Rhythm

2011-09-09T09:43:00.003-05:00

We have been so busy with the start of school and the pull of the outdoors. I have been working hard on creating a rhythm so that the days flow with flexibility and plenty of time to explore, create and be spontaneous. I have learned over the years that being organized and prepared allows for all of this. Creating a weekly meal plan has been one way I have gotten on top of my week. I write out meals for the following week as I come across interesting recipes, think of something I'd like to eat, or Pollywog comes up with a suggestion. I make a list of ingredients I will need and on Saturdays I do my shopping.

We have fish once a week, a crock-pot meal once a week, soup once a week, pizza on Saturdays, pasta once a week and then a fancier meal once a week. This rhythm has been helpful in meal planning and also dealing with activities that come up throughout the week so I can adjust meals accordingly. I also made a weekly flexible schedule for us to follow. This includes me getting up at the crack of dawn to work and get odds and ends done before Pollywog wakes. Eventually I hope to include me getting some fitness in at this time. This has helped our mornings to flow much nicer. After I take her to school I work a few more hours then in the afternoon we spend time together going for a walk, or playing outside. In the late afternoon I do one household chore such as laundry, or clean bathroom, mop kitchen, vacuum, etc...this assures my house stays clean. At 5 I start dinner and we usually eat by 6. After dinner when the kitchen is cleaned up we usually go for a bike ride. Then evenings we relax, play cards or color or watch a movie. Around 8 Pollywog sets out her clothes for school the next day. Then if its bath night she plays in the suds then read a bit before bed. This schedule has worked wonderfully! Fridays she doesn't have school so we have designated that Nature Day! We go for a hike and explore and we are starting a Nature Book for these days as well as collecting items for our nature table. It is nice to be able to be present in each moment rather than worrying what I need to get done or what activity we have that day. Pollywog is thriving and enjoying watching the seasons change.

First day of preschool

2011-09-09T09:30:00.006-05:00

We had been preparing the previous week for the start of preschool. It helped that her cousin and her best friend had started school the previous week, and she wanted to be "just like them". She picked out a backpack, and knew the outfit she wanted for the first day. The weather was crisp and reminded me of my first days of school. She had a wonderful day! Her class size is small and cozy and her teacher is so sweet. She attends a few hours 4 days a week. It's the perfect amount of time for us both. They are focused on nurturing, and learning. The latter is very important to Pollywog who loves to learn! They work on letters and numbers, beginning to recognize words, fine motor skills, encouraging imagination and friendships. This week the theme was "friends". My favorite time of the day is picking her up and giving her an afternoon snack and hearing about her day! My little one is growing up so fast! I am treasuring each and every moment!

4 September : sundays

2011-09-09T09:28:00.002-05:00

bubbie and pollywog

2011-09-09T09:24:00.003-05:00

Pollywog loves her bubbie so much! The minute he walks into a room she wants him to pick her up. She feels safe and loved in these arms. This normally rough and busy guy is gentle and patient when with his little sis. :::Love:::

9/2/11 :boogie crafts

2011-09-09T09:03:00.012-05:00

Pollywog has been eyeing the silks at the library. So we purchased some fabric and dyed the fabrics with Kool-aid.

We used rocks to hold the fabric under the dye

While we waited for the dye to set, we did some boogieing!

This gal has some fancy moves!

Finally our "silks" were ready! Pollywog had a vision for her new silks.

I believe I got the wrong fabric, or didn't use enough Kool-aid. The colors weren't as vibrant as we wanted so we we are gonna try this project again. She was happy though and we had a wonderful time making our craft.

best hugs evah!!!

2011-09-09T08:48:00.005-05:00

I will not play at tug o' war I'd rather play at hug o' war, Where everyone hugs Instead of tugs.... ~Shel Silverstein

Wednesday: puppets

2011-08-31T18:28:00.011-05:00

I am working on creating a flexible rhythm in the home. Especially with Pollywog starting preschool and ballet I don't want to have our days rushed and hectic, but rather flowing and full. She has so many activities she wants to do and there are many I want to introduce to her. I have been reading some inspiring books on creating rhythms for children and bringing nature back into the lives of our young ones. Two I am particularly enjoying are: "Peaceful Parents, Peaceful Kids" and "The Rhythm of Family" I am also making a schedule that can guide us. For example one day a week will be a day for us to do a special craft we have been wanting to do together. Another day will be for experimenting and cooking in the kitchen. We will have a nature exploration day too that I am excited to enact. I am getting Pollywog a nature journal and on these special days she can press a leaf or flower she deems interesting, or take a photograph of something that catches her eye, or paint a picture of something she saw. I did something similar with her bubbie during his schooling and we both enjoyed it. Another day of the week we will designate for the park, to picnic and run and play! I am still working on this so I will post our progress and activities as we go. Next Tuesday she starts her half a day preschool and on the same day ballet so we will give ourselves room to fall into a rhythm. Today we made puppets. She loves the puppets at the library so we tried our hand at creating our own. She named this one Sally and we had fun playing with her. I need to find some better patterns for puppets.

tuesday: triplets and teeth

2011-08-31T18:14:00.005-05:00

It's not easy being a mommy to triplets...you have to nurse one, and feed the other two while you are eating your own lunch...Maybe the "tail" gives you special energy. (yes, she is still wearing her red tail :) ) This mommy is so patient though, and so loving to her little ones. It was also Pollywogs first trip to the dentist. This is the dentist her bubbie goes to and has since he was a little guy. It was mainly just a familiarizing visit. Meaning they showed her what each instrument was and its purpose and let her touch them. She also met her dentist and he did a quick check to see how her teeth looked. Everything looked great! She was sent home with a goodie bag of floss, toothbrush and bubblegum toothpaste, which she couldn't wait to try out.

Monday: crafts, and tails and baby books

2011-08-29T20:06:00.009-05:00

This morning Pollywog quietly painted while I finally got to my housecleaning. For some reason she decided to wear a red string, ahem, I mean "tail" all day... and I do mean all day...even at the library after dinner. I have to admit I liked it, it made me smile throughout the day. Her imagination inspires me! She's been asking me for several days now if we can get her baby box out and go through it. I have one for her and bubbie filled with memories, old baby clothes, pictures they have made, poems I've written for them, their baby books and other items only a mom could treasure. I must admit, I got a bit teared up going through the boxes. There are so many memories, so much change, so much love and so much time that has flown by.

Last carefree days of summer: nuevo

2011-08-29T19:41:00.013-05:00

Sunday I had big plans for housecleaning. Yes, I know this day is suppose to be a day a rest, but we've been so busy around here I thought I'd get a jump on my week. Pollywog had other ideas though and soon I gave in to having a leisurely day of exploration, make believe and pure fun! I have finally realized how important it is to truly be in the moment and fully experience each day. My little one is growing up so fast and I don't want to miss a second! She had been wanting to build a fort all week so that was first on the list.

next we made a yummy summer pasta together for an evening picnic Pollywog loves to work with mommy in the kitchen :) yummy fresh basil from the garden then it was time for our evening picnic the warm summer breeze was perfect and when we got hot from playing ball we cooled off in the fountain

it was a magical day...and i gotta say, it beats cleaning house

Last carefree days of summer: ocho

2011-08-26T11:20:00.013-05:00

!!!Crafts crafts and more crafts!!! Pollywog and I love to create. I get so many wonderful ideas from other mama bloggers, craft books, and us just letting our imaginations carry us away. Pollywog filled up her responsibility chart so I took her to the craft store to pick out some special creations. She picked out beads and made herself a bracelet

we also got materials to make freezer paper stencils for some clothing

Other times Pollywog just simply likes to draw

Another craft we enjoyed this week was making sewing cards. Pollywog colored and cut

and then she sewed in her rocker, complete with her superhero cape

Last carefree days of summer: siete

2011-08-26T11:02:00.006-05:00

We can have some pretty full days around here when we feel autumn on our heels. Pollywog has lots of ideas of things that would be fun to do...and together we enjoy each activity she suggests amazing leaps over the sprinkler

getting her nails done is a favorite...especially with new stickers!

a new favorite activity and a day at Owlapalooza...a kid festival at a nearby elementary

Last carefree days of summer: cinco

2011-08-24T12:58:00.007-05:00

One of my dearest friends has a daughter just 6 months older than my little one.

It was wonderful to spend the day together. All us gals got to catch up. There was spontaneous singing during snacks

An ice-cream truck adventure ending in treatsand lots of imaginary play

another wonderful last days of summer activity!

Last carefree days of summer: cuatro

2011-08-24T12:52:00.009-05:00

Last carefree days of summer: tres

2011-08-20T15:48:00.015-05:00

Today was a very special day! Grandma hosted a princess tea party for the girls. Pollywog woke up saying, "I need to get dressed for the tea-party" Being that both of these girls LOVE all things princess they were pretty excited. Pollywog wanted to wear her Rapunzel dress, crown, sparkle shoes, a bit of makeup and of course have her hair curled.

putting on "her lips"

princesses still have to eat breakfast and play go fish while they wait for their carriage to arrive and be silly then the other princess arrives and more "lip applying is required" of course reflections are caught and the tea party awaits

Last carefree days of summer: dos

2011-08-20T15:32:00.011-05:00

Yesterday Pollywog and I met up with my sister and her kids and my mom for dinner.

These girls love each other so much. I cannot tell you how it touches my heart to see my sister's daughter and my daughter so close. I remember when me and my sister were little girls we would often talk about someday having babes of our own...and well They are almost the same age difference as my sister and I - and they often remind me of when we were little gals. It is a beautiful thing...this cycle of life. Then there is our matriarch, my mom. I often think about her being my age and thinking of her daughters have children someday. Her grandkids treasure her. Pollywogs favorite game with grandma is when grandma finds strawberries, skittles and ice cream on her cheeks and eats them off After dinner I took the kids to see Toy Story 3 at the outdoor park. Our community has many wonderful activities like this for families and kids. We all snuggled on a blanket under the stars, gorging on candy and making lasting memories... They kept me laughing all the way to the park. Needless to say the drive home was quieter as they all dozed off to sleep. On another note...here is the blanket my sis made for Pollywog. She picked out the material...think she likes it?

Last of the carefree days of summer: uno

2011-08-20T15:05:00.017-05:00

My little one is a busy girl. I love for her to get to be home and flow from activity to activity with no rushing around or deadlines to meet.

Next week preschool starts. Although she will only be going part-time this means that their will be schedules to follow, ballet classes to attend, soccer practice and early bedtimes. So as the summer winds up we are enjoying the last of the carefree... there are outdoor films to attend with cousins, a princess tea party planned with grandma and a day at the pool planned.

She is very into her responsibility chart and each morning works hard to add circles of achievements (I think we need a circle for silly faces...it would fill up quick) a game of hide~n~seek found you our many daily games of go fish setting the table so she can get a circle on her chart

then eating yummy pollywog foods: cheese quesadilla, avocados, apricots and almond milk

our nightly bike rides and explorations

and on the rarest of occasions, after a fun-filled day, she falls asleep in my arms and I can pretend she is my little baby still

Finding our Rhythm: Part three "they walk alike, they talk alike""

2011-08-16T15:17:00.012-05:00

Ask Pollywog what she wants to do and each time you will hear, "play with my cousins!"

She loves her cousins and boy do they love her! I am so thankful we live in the same town as them so they can all grow up together. Her cousin Brenna is probably her favorite person in the whole wide world. When Pollywog was in Oregon she would often talk to Brenna and both of them couldn't wait to finally be together again...and play, and play, and well...play some more. Today both of her cousins (Brenna and Camden) got to spend the day with us.

Playing doctor (for some reason the patient is listening to her heartbeat...;) )

and our favorite activity: crafts and snacks (the rain this morning brought a sweet breeze onto the sun-porch)

sugar and spice playing school (reminds me of my sister and I when we were little girls)

Finally an activity Camden wanted to do! Most of the day was "no boys allowed" I'm pretty sure he was fine with that. Brenna and I made up cheers on the sidelines!

Finding our rhythm: Part two "Princess Room"

2011-08-16T15:05:00.009-05:00

Mommy has worked hard to make a beautiful room for Pollywog. She requested pale blue walls and her aunt is making her a comforter...Pollywog picked out the fabric today! I bring you Pollywog's room:

Finding our rhythm: Part one "Routines of joy"

2011-08-16T14:27:00.016-05:00

We are finding our rhythm amidst all the new changes.

Pollywog is finally back home with mommy where she belongs!!! She has been visiting daddy in Oregon and has missed her home, cousins, brother, grandma, aunt and uncle, friends and especially her mommy. She has always had her mommy with her...practicing attachment parenting I have rarely left her side, so being separated as often as we have been lately, has been VERY DIFFICULT for the both of us! Only a mother could understand how painful and unnatural it is to be without your little ones. I made a choice when I found out I was pregnant that I wanted to be with her every day. Teaching her, nurturing her, and watching her grow. So having to be away from her has been traumatic. I can only imagine how much so for her. She has always slept next to me, she breastfed till age 3, and we spent all day, every day together going on nature walks, making crafts, singing, snuggling, and all the many activities I documented on this blog. Then suddenly she is without me...needless to say we are both healing and catching up. We both just stare at each other with love and hug as much as possible. Yesterday morning I was awaken by her announcing she was going to wake me up with 10 hugs and eleven kisses. Best alarm clock ever!!!! When the sun rises, we both open our eyes and smile blissfully that yes, mommy and Pollywog are together. As we move forward we are finding our rhythm again. The rhythm that provides security, growth and love that my little one thrives in.

showing mommy her ballet moves in her new sparkle shoes

how cool is this!?! She gets to help mommy at work. She sat next to me at her own little desk and played pbskid.org and colored (I brought her crafting basket)...then she helped mommy.

the simple pleasure of routines

crafting with mommy to make:

the entrance to her room!!! (all colored and cut by us!)

lots of art being made to decorate my walls mommy's famous green smoothie Popsicles!!! our favorite park to feed the geese and ducks! Its good to be together again!

as the snow melts

2011-02-17T11:48:00.004-06:00

Seasons turn

2011-02-17T11:02:00.014-06:00

I have not written in many moons. Although I frequently flip through this blog, reminiscing and smiling at a life we have lived, and the life we continue to live.

Joyful for change, new paths, daily lessons, and of course new memories!

Much has happened between this post and the last.

I am not ready to write about said changes, I might never be.

I have learned the importance of facing forward.

The past is always a part of us, but it is in the moving forward that keeps us present and in a constant state of awe.

So for today...here is my pollywog, now age 4.

She can usually be found singing or pretending to fly. Oh, how she wishes she could fly.

Thankfully, she loves to snuggle alot!

Create works of art!

She Loves to help mommy around the house with chores.

Unloading the dishwasher, vacuuming, dustings and her new favorite daily chore: watering our newly planted herbs.

She craves learning and jumps at the chance to count items, identify letters, play Memory (her current favorite games), trace words and have mommy read stacks of books.

She is a lovely balance of girly girl (something I never was and getting use to all the pink, crowns, jewlery and um, did I say pink) and thankfully loves soccer and getting dirty outside. Something I am much more familiar with.

She is my: present

She keeps me in the constant state of awe, that children are so gifted at.

her valentine morning

valentine creater

Our "spring is almost here" table

Dreamoals...

2011-01-23T15:36:00.001-06:00

I dream of traveling near warm seas, hot skin, fresh fruits, white fish. I dream of digging in soil making gardens, building, learning. I dream of creating a home amongst a community of love, land, learning, living

lately

2010-02-05T09:36:00.004-06:00

Fish Dreams

This Moment

::today::

This Moment

on my mind

who needs a t.v.?

this moment

moments that made up our day

WOW

This Moment

you are my sunshine

the art of a good brew

::i change::

the eve of 2012

::sunshine::

click on this

winter break thus far

the kitchen

::comfort and joy::

christmas program

waking up 5

this way of life

best birthday weekend ever

ballet recital

tis'

this moment

the sickies

her space

hehehehe, she keeps me laughing

::weekend::

hustle and bustle

craft it up...

playing doctor

::princess birthday parties::

friday:::create

ballet tuesday

monday funday...and catch up

::this moment::

:::5th of saturday:::6th of sunday:::november:::lets eat:::

::friday::november::fourth::

the quality of time

say cheese

sweet ballerina

:::halloween:::

ol' hallows bustle

sat*ur*day: my lil climber-my lil helper- and my latest crochet

fri*day: warm soup and fall bulb planting

wed*nes*day:::bedtime snuggles and sillys

tues*day & night

sun*day

sat*ur*day

accomplishments and simple days

:::library day:::

*****fun things to think about

up to...

sentiments

weekending

Friday's moments

Saturday musings

Sunday- Monday - happy day (these days are ours)

:::merci:::

:::weekend:::

hump day

the garden::part II

the garden::part I

::earlier::later::now::

the sweetness of a simple day

grrreat grrray day

i just stick out my chin, and grin...

aujourd'hui

Slow Roasted Tomato Pasta

A is for Apple, Art, Appetite, and...

Just another manic Monday

lazy Sunday

:::family:::fire:::fun:::

Friday:::Nature

Thursday:::a girl and a dog

Rhythm

First day of preschool

4 September : sundays

saturday: my lil climber-my lil helper- and my latest crochet

wednesday:::bedtime snuggles and sillys

saturday