Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Lady Bug Project
We have been having fun with metamorphosis this summer and the focus today was ladybugs! Who knew they were so complex?
*First we read the book we borrowed from the library the aptly named "Lady bugs" by Mia Posada
*Then we did a lady bug metamorphosis flow chart:Eggs,larva,molt,larva,molt,pupa,ladybug!
( coulda prepped that one a little better, the kids were a little bored while I cut out the shapes for them to glue)
*Made lady bug pins
*Went outside to find lady bugs (1 alive, 2 with ended lifespans)
*found a leaf that the eggs would of hatched on, a stone the pupa would attached itself to
*And made lady bug puppets with felt, my amateur sewing skills,and sticks. This was definitely the crowd pleaser!
Put it all together than found a couple of great you tube videos to watch when they got up after nap :)
It was a fun project and the kids really loved it, and best of all, we ALL thought it was interesting!
I am going to ask Jess to learn the lady bug song on the guitar :)
Monday, July 26, 2010
We are enough
Something has shifted for me in the past couple of months where I've realized that I don't want to always rush out to be part of the world outside. I had this idea of parenting and success that involved a lot of playdates, story hrs at the library with a billion kids, and organized classes like gymnastics, earning as much money as possible...we were doing it all and we were all completely over scheduled. My people are 2 and 4! They don't need to be worn out from all that business.
It was all stressful and anxiety provoking. My little people are so socialized naturally that that piece is not a problem for us. We are blessed to be part of a great community of people. So we have been spending a lot more time at home doing home like things together like weeding the garden, organizing our space, doing projects, using embroidery hoops, playing with water, hanging on the hammock, making iced mint tea and drinking gallons of it laughing with each other...
I have been embracing being at home in a whole different way. Now, this doesn't mean that I have completely stopped practicing Massage and Polarity,I am still working. I just shifted the amount of time and expectations I want to put into it. I can work full time later when my children are older, however, I can not enjoy their toddler years later. That is happening NOW.
And this also doesn't mean we aren't meeting with friends or getting out of the house. We are just ditching the stress.We are being less scheduled, more spontaneous. We are being more forgiving of ourselves.We go to the library when its a little more mellow. We limit playdates. We hang about and read to each other. I am learning to let go of what people want us to do or be a part of. I have given myself permission not to be available to everyone all the time. I have chosen to live a more present and conscious life.
I think its taking some sacrifices to make it happen. Working less means spending less. Also I have been working really hard to let go of the guilt. I feel a lot of pressure as to what I "should" be doing. I am part of an empowered generation that has the choice to work and/ or stay home. ( I understand, of course, that for some there is no choice.) But its a double edged sword. Work too much and I am not able to manage my home life and connect with my people. Work too little and it feels like I should be contributing more monetarily.
But you know what I have decided?
F that noise.
American culture is one that constantly wants more, works more, spends more, consumes more, needs more. I am sick to death of being part of that viscous cycle. We are turning into a nation who doesn't know how to be content with what we have. A nation who doesn't know how to experience being grateful.
And it is hard to stick to a budget in a culture like this. We are raised to equate happiness with material objects. I don't believe in that at all, yet I still find myself dreaming of a new car or an expensive vacation. "I will be happy when I have...." The problem with that kind of thinking is that there is always something else to want. So how could a person ever be happy?
I have found that I feel so much more connected to my kids, my husband and myself now that I am learning to let go of the status quo. I am pareing down the budget. We are being mindful of what we bring into our house. We are buying used and repairing what we have. We are making our own laundry soap for goodness sake! We are not focusing on what we don't have. We aren't focusing on what we should be. We are focusing on who we are and what we have. And you know what? By living consciously, it turns out we have EXTRA. I am am learning that I am enough, no matter what. And I will teach my children to know that about themselves. We are all enough!
It was all stressful and anxiety provoking. My little people are so socialized naturally that that piece is not a problem for us. We are blessed to be part of a great community of people. So we have been spending a lot more time at home doing home like things together like weeding the garden, organizing our space, doing projects, using embroidery hoops, playing with water, hanging on the hammock, making iced mint tea and drinking gallons of it laughing with each other...
I have been embracing being at home in a whole different way. Now, this doesn't mean that I have completely stopped practicing Massage and Polarity,I am still working. I just shifted the amount of time and expectations I want to put into it. I can work full time later when my children are older, however, I can not enjoy their toddler years later. That is happening NOW.
And this also doesn't mean we aren't meeting with friends or getting out of the house. We are just ditching the stress.We are being less scheduled, more spontaneous. We are being more forgiving of ourselves.We go to the library when its a little more mellow. We limit playdates. We hang about and read to each other. I am learning to let go of what people want us to do or be a part of. I have given myself permission not to be available to everyone all the time. I have chosen to live a more present and conscious life.
I think its taking some sacrifices to make it happen. Working less means spending less. Also I have been working really hard to let go of the guilt. I feel a lot of pressure as to what I "should" be doing. I am part of an empowered generation that has the choice to work and/ or stay home. ( I understand, of course, that for some there is no choice.) But its a double edged sword. Work too much and I am not able to manage my home life and connect with my people. Work too little and it feels like I should be contributing more monetarily.
But you know what I have decided?
F that noise.
American culture is one that constantly wants more, works more, spends more, consumes more, needs more. I am sick to death of being part of that viscous cycle. We are turning into a nation who doesn't know how to be content with what we have. A nation who doesn't know how to experience being grateful.
And it is hard to stick to a budget in a culture like this. We are raised to equate happiness with material objects. I don't believe in that at all, yet I still find myself dreaming of a new car or an expensive vacation. "I will be happy when I have...." The problem with that kind of thinking is that there is always something else to want. So how could a person ever be happy?
I have found that I feel so much more connected to my kids, my husband and myself now that I am learning to let go of the status quo. I am pareing down the budget. We are being mindful of what we bring into our house. We are buying used and repairing what we have. We are making our own laundry soap for goodness sake! We are not focusing on what we don't have. We aren't focusing on what we should be. We are focusing on who we are and what we have. And you know what? By living consciously, it turns out we have EXTRA. I am am learning that I am enough, no matter what. And I will teach my children to know that about themselves. We are all enough!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The hunt for the Heart of the Home
I have been looking for a new (to me) table since we moved two years ago. My beloved 1950's dinette set that worked so well in my old apartment just doesn't jive with the vibe of this house. It was the heart of our home and I hadn't found anything that even came close to filling its role.
You can see a corner of it in this pic of Vi
I had a very specific idea about what I wanted for this house:
* roundish.
* wooden.
* Inexpensive.
* Extends to fit a minimum of ten people.
* Sturdy enough to handle an rambunctious two year old and an avid 4yr old artist.
* Comfortable, durable chairs.
* Easy to clean surface that doesn't get that gross stickiness.
Soooo once I got really specific about what I wanted and put it out officially to the universe ( I am telling you, affirmations work!) We found it half a week later. and its perfect. My very favorite part about it is that it has a story!
My husband has lived in this town since he was 6 months old. His family knows everyone, and everyone knows them. A neighbor down the street used to babysit him as a young boy, and this table is the one he sat at while he spent time there. He actually remembers being taught to play "go fish" at this table!
The kind woman who owned this table passed away recently and the family had an estate sale that I am sure was very difficult for them. This table was for sale there and we scooped it right up. It met all of our requirements. And in being in a town where everyone knows everyone, I received an email from the woman's grand daughter whom I went to high school with. She wrote that she was so happy that "Grammies" table was going to a nearby and loving home. It brought tears to my eyes!
And on her birthday, I taught Violet to play go fish at our new table, and I look forward to gathering my family around it for years to come.
You can see a corner of it in this pic of Vi
I had a very specific idea about what I wanted for this house:
* roundish.
* wooden.
* Inexpensive.
* Extends to fit a minimum of ten people.
* Sturdy enough to handle an rambunctious two year old and an avid 4yr old artist.
* Comfortable, durable chairs.
* Easy to clean surface that doesn't get that gross stickiness.
Soooo once I got really specific about what I wanted and put it out officially to the universe ( I am telling you, affirmations work!) We found it half a week later. and its perfect. My very favorite part about it is that it has a story!
My husband has lived in this town since he was 6 months old. His family knows everyone, and everyone knows them. A neighbor down the street used to babysit him as a young boy, and this table is the one he sat at while he spent time there. He actually remembers being taught to play "go fish" at this table!
The kind woman who owned this table passed away recently and the family had an estate sale that I am sure was very difficult for them. This table was for sale there and we scooped it right up. It met all of our requirements. And in being in a town where everyone knows everyone, I received an email from the woman's grand daughter whom I went to high school with. She wrote that she was so happy that "Grammies" table was going to a nearby and loving home. It brought tears to my eyes!
And on her birthday, I taught Violet to play go fish at our new table, and I look forward to gathering my family around it for years to come.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The 4th and Four
Pin the Star on the Flag
The kids decorated their cupcakes
Blowing out the candles
Me explaining the embroidery hoop we got her
First Embroidery Project!
My daughter turned Four this July 4th and it feels like she is so big! The night before her birthday I was telling her the story of my labor and her birth at our home. I told her how I would put my hands on my belly and think about the type of child I hoped to have. Looking at her now, a great big 4 yr old, I see a girl who is kind and creative. Funny and silly and a great singer/dancer. I see the daughter who is exactly the type of person who I think will create change in the world just by being the light and bright compassionate being that she is. She is a girl who knows the power of the words she speaks, and often times already knows to think before she uses them.
I couldn't ask for a better daughter, or friend.
Happy Birthday, Big girl!
Violet Ray Greer 7lbs14oz 21 inches long born 11:56am July 4th 2006
The kids decorated their cupcakes
Blowing out the candles
Me explaining the embroidery hoop we got her
First Embroidery Project!
My daughter turned Four this July 4th and it feels like she is so big! The night before her birthday I was telling her the story of my labor and her birth at our home. I told her how I would put my hands on my belly and think about the type of child I hoped to have. Looking at her now, a great big 4 yr old, I see a girl who is kind and creative. Funny and silly and a great singer/dancer. I see the daughter who is exactly the type of person who I think will create change in the world just by being the light and bright compassionate being that she is. She is a girl who knows the power of the words she speaks, and often times already knows to think before she uses them.
I couldn't ask for a better daughter, or friend.
Happy Birthday, Big girl!
Violet Ray Greer 7lbs14oz 21 inches long born 11:56am July 4th 2006
Inspirations, Madisyn Taylor
I was reading Madisyn Taylor's book, Daily Om, and I came across this excerpt that I wanted to share.
From the chapter, Seasons of Beauty:
"Our early years tend to be about learning and experiencing as much as we possibly can. We move through the world like sponges, absorbing the ideas of other people an our surroundings. Like a tree in spring, we are waking up to the universe. In this youthful phase of life, our physical strength, freshness,and beauty help open doors and attract attention."
What a gorgeous and lovely way to describe the first part of life! I looked at my children after reading this and thought what amazing potential is growing in them, they are at the time in their lives where everything and anything is possible. What an amazing time to guide them through!
From the chapter, Seasons of Beauty:
"Our early years tend to be about learning and experiencing as much as we possibly can. We move through the world like sponges, absorbing the ideas of other people an our surroundings. Like a tree in spring, we are waking up to the universe. In this youthful phase of life, our physical strength, freshness,and beauty help open doors and attract attention."
What a gorgeous and lovely way to describe the first part of life! I looked at my children after reading this and thought what amazing potential is growing in them, they are at the time in their lives where everything and anything is possible. What an amazing time to guide them through!
5 years later
Our wedding day, June 25th, 2005
5yrs later, June 25th, 2010
I have been blessed in enormous ways in my life. Most of all to be married to my best friend and soul mate. We spent our 5 yr wedding anniversary at the wedding of our Best Man, and almost all of the guests who attended our ceremony were there!
After all the speeches and first dance, cake cutting and the like, Jess surprised me by taking up the microphone. There, in front of friends family and other guests, he spoke about how lucky we were to be so happy after 5 yrs of marriage, how blessed we were to be best friends. How wonderful it was to be raising a family together. He said all the things I felt in my heart and ended the speech with saying, "I love you,I love you, I love you."
Then he cued the music, " cheek to cheek" and we danced in the middle of the whole wedding reception! It was an amazing and thoughtful gift, and I am a lucky girl indeed. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with the man who will always have my heart.
5yrs later, June 25th, 2010
I have been blessed in enormous ways in my life. Most of all to be married to my best friend and soul mate. We spent our 5 yr wedding anniversary at the wedding of our Best Man, and almost all of the guests who attended our ceremony were there!
After all the speeches and first dance, cake cutting and the like, Jess surprised me by taking up the microphone. There, in front of friends family and other guests, he spoke about how lucky we were to be so happy after 5 yrs of marriage, how blessed we were to be best friends. How wonderful it was to be raising a family together. He said all the things I felt in my heart and ended the speech with saying, "I love you,I love you, I love you."
Then he cued the music, " cheek to cheek" and we danced in the middle of the whole wedding reception! It was an amazing and thoughtful gift, and I am a lucky girl indeed. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with the man who will always have my heart.
hats and a great party
Mandy showcasing the hat I made for her!
Mandy and Mandy- and here's how my hair came out
Some of the most rockin ladies I know!
So I did not bring my camera to the wedding*, but a friend gave me these pictures to share with you. There were a lot of folks who made great efforts with their hats and really everyone was dressed to the nines! What a pleasure to spend time with so many of my favorite people, all in one place! The funny thing is that you can't even see my hat in any of the pics because its pinned behind my victory rolls! Also, a lot of hats were taken off by the time these pic's were taken! Anyway, great time, good people and it was fun to get dressed up!!
Oh wait I did get one good** pic of a hat....
* No pics of the actual wedding, cause it ain't my place! :)
** back off ladies, he's taken!
Mandy and Mandy- and here's how my hair came out
Some of the most rockin ladies I know!
So I did not bring my camera to the wedding*, but a friend gave me these pictures to share with you. There were a lot of folks who made great efforts with their hats and really everyone was dressed to the nines! What a pleasure to spend time with so many of my favorite people, all in one place! The funny thing is that you can't even see my hat in any of the pics because its pinned behind my victory rolls! Also, a lot of hats were taken off by the time these pic's were taken! Anyway, great time, good people and it was fun to get dressed up!!
Oh wait I did get one good** pic of a hat....
* No pics of the actual wedding, cause it ain't my place! :)
** back off ladies, he's taken!
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