We celebrated Kai's 10th birthday at Moonlight beach with our family and friends. Kai has 2 other close friends who turn 10 - Violet on the April 2nd and Robbie on April 1st. Well, we all decided it would be cool to celebrate together at the beach. And celebrate we did! We invited our families, a very small bunch of mutual friends and their family members and enjoyed the company. Jeff ended up being pounced upon by the lot of kids, they played in the sand, they played at the playground, they sang the birthday song and blew out some candles. We are definitely blessed. Here is a slideshow made from the pictures friends took (thanks!). The slideshow has music, so pause the music on the side bar and enjoy.
Celebration of #10 from Beachbum on Vimeo.
As an aside, there was another group at the park right next to us that had a few teens playing guitars and singing. Great sounds and fun to hear. Goes well with the music! And, it's just a tidbit I don't want to forget.
You can visit Mandy's blog to see her version of this special day for Violet...here. She talks about stuff I didn't mention.
We celebrated our family gift time on Saturday night. Auntie Mary was here, too, and that made it extra special. He got everything on his wish list and a few things that surprised him. He had asked for a game cube and 3 games and two sets of Grandparents made that happen. With his gift card he just ordered 2 more and a book. Kade gave him a set of board games, which Kai thought was cool. Annie got him a skate board with lessons. Jeff and I gave him a Japanese style bowl/cup/dipping sauce set (that Pete hand made). The bowls have notches for the chop sticks and the set is beautiful. Baba and Grandpa Jon also got him a zafu and now he has a great Japanese themed set.
Pretty much, he's a very contented boy. I'd include more pictures, but he chooses not to have them taken often. They'd show him with a contented smile.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Kai's news
Kai says to Jeff and me last night :
"I really want to enjoy these next few days. It is the last time I will live in single digits."
It took a while for my withered brain to understand this...but I eventually did. I don't ever remember thinking thoughts this profound...especially right before I turned 10!
"I really want to enjoy these next few days. It is the last time I will live in single digits."
It took a while for my withered brain to understand this...but I eventually did. I don't ever remember thinking thoughts this profound...especially right before I turned 10!
Getting smarter.
Kade comes into the kitchen and says,
"I'm getting smarter by the hour? No. More like by the minute. By the second. By the millisecond."
Little does he realize he is exactly right!
And from Kai:
"I've got your ticket, Mama. I know exactly how you work."
What's a Mama to do?
More later...
"I'm getting smarter by the hour? No. More like by the minute. By the second. By the millisecond."
Little does he realize he is exactly right!
And from Kai:
"I've got your ticket, Mama. I know exactly how you work."
What's a Mama to do?
More later...
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Lemonade
Lemons. How do you view them?
If you are Kai, you see them as something that smells good and goes well in some drinks.
If you are Kade, you see them as a tasty treat, something that makes good ice cubes when juiced, a fun item to manipulate and great for experiments.
I see them as one of the ingredients in an awesome raw cheesecake - preferable combined with a bit of pumpkin. Lemon also makes a great ice cream flavor.
Here, however, lemons make lemonade. And this lemonade comes with a booth. Better yet it is an acknowledgement. And, thanks to my friend, Jean, I get to post it here.
When I first saw this picture I thought of Lucy. It reminds me of her booth.
But, in a good way.
I'm definitely not Lucy. And there definitely isn't a charge to see my ramblings!
I'm glad my ramblings give a positive vibe.
Thanks, Jean, for this gift.
I'm changing the rules a bit. I'm going to privately acknowledge some blogs. Go ahead and privately or publically acknowledge some of the blogs that inspire you to see your life in a happier way and help ease your journey.
The original rules are these:
1) Put the logo on your blog or post. 2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude. 3) Link to your nominees within your post. 4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award.
The blogs I follow and the ones I have listed on the side bar are all gifts for me. There are others out there too that are just as influential. Thanks for the positive views on life, my friends!
If you are Kai, you see them as something that smells good and goes well in some drinks.
If you are Kade, you see them as a tasty treat, something that makes good ice cubes when juiced, a fun item to manipulate and great for experiments.
I see them as one of the ingredients in an awesome raw cheesecake - preferable combined with a bit of pumpkin. Lemon also makes a great ice cream flavor.
Here, however, lemons make lemonade. And this lemonade comes with a booth. Better yet it is an acknowledgement. And, thanks to my friend, Jean, I get to post it here.
When I first saw this picture I thought of Lucy. It reminds me of her booth.
But, in a good way.
I'm definitely not Lucy. And there definitely isn't a charge to see my ramblings!
I'm glad my ramblings give a positive vibe.
Thanks, Jean, for this gift.
I'm changing the rules a bit. I'm going to privately acknowledge some blogs. Go ahead and privately or publically acknowledge some of the blogs that inspire you to see your life in a happier way and help ease your journey.
The original rules are these:
1) Put the logo on your blog or post. 2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude. 3) Link to your nominees within your post. 4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. 5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award.
The blogs I follow and the ones I have listed on the side bar are all gifts for me. There are others out there too that are just as influential. Thanks for the positive views on life, my friends!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Our friend Jonas
I love this boy (and his siblings...and parents).
Jeff related this to me today and I just have to share it.
Jonas and Jeff are hanging out together. Jeff was sitting on the floor and Jonas, who is 3, was talking with him. Jonas, apparently was standing up at the time.
Jonas : You have a head.
Jeff : Yes, indeed I do.
Jonas : I don't have a head. I have hair.
Hee hee. Out of the mouths of babes. I love my bald headed man.
Jeff related this to me today and I just have to share it.
Jonas and Jeff are hanging out together. Jeff was sitting on the floor and Jonas, who is 3, was talking with him. Jonas, apparently was standing up at the time.
Jonas : You have a head.
Jeff : Yes, indeed I do.
Jonas : I don't have a head. I have hair.
Hee hee. Out of the mouths of babes. I love my bald headed man.
Leno and #44
I just pulled this from facebook. I am amazed at how relaxed, articulate and humorous Obama is. I know they say Reagan was an orator, but he was nothing compared to who we have now.
Grace. Respect.
Anyway, watch if you wish.
***The flack he got for one sentence in this is a bit much, in my honest opinion. Do they actually believe he has little respect for the special olympics? Was it a wise choice, probably not. Still. I think it is sad when we hold people to such a high standard that they never have a chance to be human and err. Just my $.02***
Grace. Respect.
Anyway, watch if you wish.
***The flack he got for one sentence in this is a bit much, in my honest opinion. Do they actually believe he has little respect for the special olympics? Was it a wise choice, probably not. Still. I think it is sad when we hold people to such a high standard that they never have a chance to be human and err. Just my $.02***
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A Kite to fly by...
So we went inland to Mandy's house today. We met Renee and her crew, too. These are the three about to be 10 kids...Violet, Kai and Robbi. We have a great time with our friends. We were talking about how they can play for hours and hours and still be going strong. It's tough for Kade to leave this home...and so we are making plans to spend more time there. We all like it there!
While there we talked a bit about the birthday things. We made a few of these cool kites, too(which we had to play with today!).
Materials:
8.5 x 11 paper (we love color, so use construction paper)
Pencil/pen
ruler
tape (we use box tape)
skewer (trimmed to 8". We have found pruners to work best for the trimming)
string (10 feet - more or less depending on space and the size of kids)
a plastic bag (cut in a circular long single piece. Put knots in the bag every foot or so. Measure out 6' for the tail.)
small piece of cardboard (we used a close pin)
hole punch
1. Fold the sheet of paper in half widthwise. Place fold to your left.
2. Keeping the paper folded, measure 1" in from fold and mark it (A). Measuring along the bottom of the folded sheet measure in 2 1/4" from right (the open edges side) and mark it (B).
3. Place the ruler so that it connects (A) and (B). Using the ruler to help guide the crease, fold the top piece of paper over. (This leaves one half unfolded and the folded part as an angle.)
4. Tape along this new fold, securing the fold and making a lip underneath.
5. Place the skewer perpendicular to the taped fold and connecting the two corners. Tape into place.
6. Tape plastic bag tail to the bottom of the kite.
7. Flip over the kite and fold the flap back and forth until it stands straight up.
8. Fold a piece of tape over the flap about 3" from the top of the kite. Punch a hole through the tape 1/4" from the folded edge.
9. Tie one end of the string through the hole.
10. To make the string winder, tie the other end of the string around the middle of the cardboard, securing it with a strip of tape. (We just tie it to the clothespin and wind it on there.)
Take it out for a spin!
Pictures to come..,
While there we talked a bit about the birthday things. We made a few of these cool kites, too(which we had to play with today!).
Materials:
8.5 x 11 paper (we love color, so use construction paper)
Pencil/pen
ruler
tape (we use box tape)
skewer (trimmed to 8". We have found pruners to work best for the trimming)
string (10 feet - more or less depending on space and the size of kids)
a plastic bag (cut in a circular long single piece. Put knots in the bag every foot or so. Measure out 6' for the tail.)
small piece of cardboard (we used a close pin)
hole punch
1. Fold the sheet of paper in half widthwise. Place fold to your left.
2. Keeping the paper folded, measure 1" in from fold and mark it (A). Measuring along the bottom of the folded sheet measure in 2 1/4" from right (the open edges side) and mark it (B).
3. Place the ruler so that it connects (A) and (B). Using the ruler to help guide the crease, fold the top piece of paper over. (This leaves one half unfolded and the folded part as an angle.)
4. Tape along this new fold, securing the fold and making a lip underneath.
5. Place the skewer perpendicular to the taped fold and connecting the two corners. Tape into place.
6. Tape plastic bag tail to the bottom of the kite.
7. Flip over the kite and fold the flap back and forth until it stands straight up.
8. Fold a piece of tape over the flap about 3" from the top of the kite. Punch a hole through the tape 1/4" from the folded edge.
9. Tie one end of the string through the hole.
10. To make the string winder, tie the other end of the string around the middle of the cardboard, securing it with a strip of tape. (We just tie it to the clothespin and wind it on there.)
Take it out for a spin!
Pictures to come..,
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Changes
Well, this one is personal, so if you aren't into that kind of thing...skip to the cool post about the Original Egg Game or the one about the San Diego Conference.
For a few years I have been noticing things changing in my body. It started with the hot flashes and night sweats. Not every day/night, but enough for me to say - WAIT! Now, I'm not sure if the weight gain is from not being able to exercise forever or if it is due to this process my body is now going through. I have noticed other signs as well, that are probably too much for the www, so I wont talk about those.
I am one who doesn't mind growing older. I welcome the wrinkles. I don't mind the grey (although you can't see it anyway, for which I am slightly bummed). This new stage of life isn't one that I dread or fear.
What I didn't expect, though, and don't particularly enjoy are the massive mood swings, the full blown weepy days and the hazardous absentmindedness that I definitely go through. I am not fond of being a hazard. I don't like being in the car and forgetting where I'm driving to and have to drive along hoping I remember before I get to the exit at which I'm supposed to get off. OK, so that may be a tad exaggeration, but not by much. I definitely forget what I'm saying in mid conversation. I definitely have to think about where I have put things. Not good. I also feel that the mood swings from elation and joy to rage are also huge. Sometimes I can even feel my face flush with the power of my emotion. So far, I have not focussed this on the kids or Jeff, and rush into the bathroom or outside to breathe a bit. However, my voice can still be heard by those precious ones and the tone is not very pleasant. I also find I'm not reacting to things well. This can be hurtful, too. Now, thankfully, it isn't often all day or even every week. But enough for me to take a good look at myself and say, girl you gotta get some help!
So, if you know me, you will know what a huge step this is. I did end up at a Naturopathic's office. Thankfully, Jeff is willing to go with me. This is grand because he has the outsiders view to offer. He also can remind me of things I meant to talk about (see afore mentioned absentmindedness of the previous paragraph!) and he can help me in my quest to do what Dr. Dunn suggests.
I have other things going on, but have found out they may be all interrelated a bit. I have lower body temperature, which implies thyroid stress. I know because of the RSD my body has been under a ton of stress and if my memory serves me right the adrenal glands are incredibly active during times of stress...as well as produce the bodies natural form of cortisone. So, my adrenals have been under massive usage for a long time. Now with hormonal changes, they are being asked to do even more...and they are not responding as well as they might.
All is better, now, though. There is a great little cream I'm using. I still go through times of major trouble keeping on task and staying focussed. But at least I am not all over the page as far as moods go.
This has caused me to not write here much. I am most sad of this for it means I don't have what we've been up to. For life truly doesn't stop because my body is going through some adjustments.
We have had friends over and we played as well as made a cool heart pizza. I have made more food than I can even talk about. The three kids and I have gone to park day and frozen our tuckies off. While there we played some games, chased some kids and did our best to stay warm. We have celebrated a birthday of a good friend and enjoyed the celebration with Cameron's big family. We have made experiments with everything imaginable. We have brought home yet more cool rocks. We have dressed up and pretended to be all sorts of crazy things. We have won the Lego City part of Lego Star Wars on the Wii. I was able to help do it! Then we made a new record of doing it...and are trying to get to under 30 minutes. We have played the DS, Wii and a couple of board games. We have colored and played with clay. We have spent some time together swimming and being a family. We have had Rus here to have fun with. We have had hair dying in our home and look awesome! And...Jeff and I went on another date. How cool is this? Very.
There are thoughts and plans to see family this weekend coming up. There's a trip to NM via a stop in AZ in April. There's a conference coming up in May. Let the busy travel time begin!
PLUS, who could forget that Kai is turning 10! We are going to celebrate on the beach with 2 other friends who are also turning 10.
Could life get any sweeter?! I don't think so...
For a few years I have been noticing things changing in my body. It started with the hot flashes and night sweats. Not every day/night, but enough for me to say - WAIT! Now, I'm not sure if the weight gain is from not being able to exercise forever or if it is due to this process my body is now going through. I have noticed other signs as well, that are probably too much for the www, so I wont talk about those.
I am one who doesn't mind growing older. I welcome the wrinkles. I don't mind the grey (although you can't see it anyway, for which I am slightly bummed). This new stage of life isn't one that I dread or fear.
What I didn't expect, though, and don't particularly enjoy are the massive mood swings, the full blown weepy days and the hazardous absentmindedness that I definitely go through. I am not fond of being a hazard. I don't like being in the car and forgetting where I'm driving to and have to drive along hoping I remember before I get to the exit at which I'm supposed to get off. OK, so that may be a tad exaggeration, but not by much. I definitely forget what I'm saying in mid conversation. I definitely have to think about where I have put things. Not good. I also feel that the mood swings from elation and joy to rage are also huge. Sometimes I can even feel my face flush with the power of my emotion. So far, I have not focussed this on the kids or Jeff, and rush into the bathroom or outside to breathe a bit. However, my voice can still be heard by those precious ones and the tone is not very pleasant. I also find I'm not reacting to things well. This can be hurtful, too. Now, thankfully, it isn't often all day or even every week. But enough for me to take a good look at myself and say, girl you gotta get some help!
So, if you know me, you will know what a huge step this is. I did end up at a Naturopathic's office. Thankfully, Jeff is willing to go with me. This is grand because he has the outsiders view to offer. He also can remind me of things I meant to talk about (see afore mentioned absentmindedness of the previous paragraph!) and he can help me in my quest to do what Dr. Dunn suggests.
I have other things going on, but have found out they may be all interrelated a bit. I have lower body temperature, which implies thyroid stress. I know because of the RSD my body has been under a ton of stress and if my memory serves me right the adrenal glands are incredibly active during times of stress...as well as produce the bodies natural form of cortisone. So, my adrenals have been under massive usage for a long time. Now with hormonal changes, they are being asked to do even more...and they are not responding as well as they might.
All is better, now, though. There is a great little cream I'm using. I still go through times of major trouble keeping on task and staying focussed. But at least I am not all over the page as far as moods go.
This has caused me to not write here much. I am most sad of this for it means I don't have what we've been up to. For life truly doesn't stop because my body is going through some adjustments.
We have had friends over and we played as well as made a cool heart pizza. I have made more food than I can even talk about. The three kids and I have gone to park day and frozen our tuckies off. While there we played some games, chased some kids and did our best to stay warm. We have celebrated a birthday of a good friend and enjoyed the celebration with Cameron's big family. We have made experiments with everything imaginable. We have brought home yet more cool rocks. We have dressed up and pretended to be all sorts of crazy things. We have won the Lego City part of Lego Star Wars on the Wii. I was able to help do it! Then we made a new record of doing it...and are trying to get to under 30 minutes. We have played the DS, Wii and a couple of board games. We have colored and played with clay. We have spent some time together swimming and being a family. We have had Rus here to have fun with. We have had hair dying in our home and look awesome! And...Jeff and I went on another date. How cool is this? Very.
There are thoughts and plans to see family this weekend coming up. There's a trip to NM via a stop in AZ in April. There's a conference coming up in May. Let the busy travel time begin!
PLUS, who could forget that Kai is turning 10! We are going to celebrate on the beach with 2 other friends who are also turning 10.
Could life get any sweeter?! I don't think so...
Saturday, March 14, 2009
We are playing
The Original Egg game. Now this is *way* too much fun. Check it out here and get you one!
These are pictures from his website...
These are pictures from his website...
Unschooling Conference here in San Diego!!!
Conference Diva, Flo, let us share this with any who wish to read. I honestly am thrilled and can't wait to see our friends here and share our slice of heaven.
***
Have you heard? There's an UNSCHOOLING Conference this Sept in San Diego!!
Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference
Sept 10-13, 2009
Doubletree Hotel near Del Mar
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS IN LESS THAN 6 WEEKS!!
Start a new tradition--Be here for our inauguration--Start making memories! Be a founding family of the Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference.
This is your opportunity to mix it up with other unschoolers in a swirl of trust, support and celebration! Our fabulous speakers are ready to inspire with radical thoughts, ideas to end resistance and wisdom to make your unschooling life the best that it can be. I can feel the energy and excitement already as I picture the day at the beach, the wildly entertaining talent show, the dancing, the funshops, round-table discussions, unschoolers happy and free, kids trusted and loved! It will be amazing! Did I mention the beach, lounging by the pool? And surfing lessons? Yeah, those, too.
All the exciting details are here: http://GoodVibrationsConference.com
I'm especially excited about Roya Sorooshian. She's a grown unschooler who will be one of our main presenters- an absolute delightful person who is living a joyful, productive and busy life! Come see what unschooling looks like when it's all grown up. :) And her mom, Pam Sorooshian will be speaking, too, sharing the wisdom she's gleaned through her many years of unschooling. Other speakers include Jeff Sabo, Miranda Demarest, Rain Fordyce, Beth Fuller, Erika B Perkins and Sandra Dodd, all ready to deliver positive, inspiring unschooling messages. You will be refreshed and renewed!
My favorite funshop? Hard to choose. Team Twilight? HSM Dance Party? Knitting? Oh, I know- International Candy Tasting!
This conference is where you'll pick up lots of good vibrations and lots of unschooling friends. We can never have enough, right?
So head on over today to join us in the sun and sand at the discounted rate: http://goodvibrationsconference.com/store.php
Oh, and don't forget to reserve your hotel room, too. And join the discussion group to get in on the chatter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goodvibrationsconference
Feel free to pass this message on to your lists and friends.
See you in September!
***
Have you heard? There's an UNSCHOOLING Conference this Sept in San Diego!!
Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference
Sept 10-13, 2009
Doubletree Hotel near Del Mar
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS IN LESS THAN 6 WEEKS!!
Start a new tradition--Be here for our inauguration--Start making memories! Be a founding family of the Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference.
This is your opportunity to mix it up with other unschoolers in a swirl of trust, support and celebration! Our fabulous speakers are ready to inspire with radical thoughts, ideas to end resistance and wisdom to make your unschooling life the best that it can be. I can feel the energy and excitement already as I picture the day at the beach, the wildly entertaining talent show, the dancing, the funshops, round-table discussions, unschoolers happy and free, kids trusted and loved! It will be amazing! Did I mention the beach, lounging by the pool? And surfing lessons? Yeah, those, too.
All the exciting details are here: http://GoodVibrationsConference.com
I'm especially excited about Roya Sorooshian. She's a grown unschooler who will be one of our main presenters- an absolute delightful person who is living a joyful, productive and busy life! Come see what unschooling looks like when it's all grown up. :) And her mom, Pam Sorooshian will be speaking, too, sharing the wisdom she's gleaned through her many years of unschooling. Other speakers include Jeff Sabo, Miranda Demarest, Rain Fordyce, Beth Fuller, Erika B Perkins and Sandra Dodd, all ready to deliver positive, inspiring unschooling messages. You will be refreshed and renewed!
My favorite funshop? Hard to choose. Team Twilight? HSM Dance Party? Knitting? Oh, I know- International Candy Tasting!
This conference is where you'll pick up lots of good vibrations and lots of unschooling friends. We can never have enough, right?
So head on over today to join us in the sun and sand at the discounted rate: http://goodvibrationsconference.com/store.php
Oh, and don't forget to reserve your hotel room, too. And join the discussion group to get in on the chatter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goodvibrationsconference
Feel free to pass this message on to your lists and friends.
See you in September!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Text twist
gets me tonight, friends. Go have some mindful mindless entertainment here...
We have been busy, just am too tired to write more now.
We have been busy, just am too tired to write more now.
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