bubbles from the fish tank

OK, I'm done...

2011-06-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a long break from blogging. Hope you are all are enjoying yourselves!!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is special for me in so many ways. Jeff and I became a couple on Mother's Day. Annie, Kai and Kade are irreplaceable.

I am thankful. Happy.

Hopefully you are, too.

In case you are wondering...Lego Creationary is really fun!

I think lists are

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for those who can actually carve out the time to complete them.

Lists

2010-11-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

We are back home. Now we are really all overwhelmed with the amount of clutter we have here. Now, especially, since we are going to be getting Kai's kitten very soon.

So, I work better from a list. I don't need to do the whole list at once, but it helps me from going about things in that crazy dizzy spin that can happen to me. Now there are several lists to be made. One for crafts. One for things to do now. One for things that need to be done, but not necessarily now. One for Christmas gifts.

How many of you out there use lists? How often? All the time? Just wondering :)

Now, as far as Christmas goes. I love to give, so this is my favorite season. However, I need to be able to mail gifts easily from state to state. This year, especially, I will have to pair down my gift size and fragility to match what we can do in mailing.

That means the mini origami boxes are out. It also means the yarn ball ornaments are out. Maybe I'll have to do something completely different than what I had thought of at first! Time will tell. I think my friend Kat had something on her blog that would work very, very well...and so I will think more on it.

We are *home*. Wish we had Beth and Em here with us. Then it would be perfect. However, we are here. The place looks completely different now that the leaves are all gone and the clouds are here. I love rain. Now I just need to buy some rain gear for all of us so we can actually *live* in the rain! Also need some warm things knitted up. Which brings me back to the lists...

Next time I get a chance to be on here, I'll write about our experiences on the road for the two and a half weeks we traveled. We had so much fun!

The last few weeks

2010-10-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

K, so we have been pretty busy. Jeff took a contact job with the great guys who he met when were in TN. Now these guys have given him the opportunity to do some great work and write a bit in corporate speak. What that means for us is two fold (or more) : First, it means we get to be here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest as a *family* at home for a few more months without worry. Second, it means we got to go to San Diego with him and see our peeps down there. So this month has been jammin' with thoughts and work and ideas and activities.

Along the way, there was James to be heard! Thanks to our great friend, Mary Gold, I got to go see him in concert once again. This time we were able to attend a few of the concerts together with a few friends in tow. Shirts were made and worn, laughter was had, band members were talked to, and we were able to see each other and have a great time getting to know each other just a little bit more. Totally fun. The first concert we saw was in Portland. We then drove up to Seattle area to see the one there. After that we crashed at Ronnie's house and stayed a few days. Ronnie hosted an intro to unschooling panel, for which I sat on. I was honored to be there and we did have a good time. After that we headed home completely exhausted beyond what we had anticipated.

The next week found us with a Baba here! Kade and I stayed to play nerf wars in the park while Jeff and Kai went up to pick up Baba from the airport. Just before the visit, the boys were elated enough to change their sleep schedule by about 12 hours! The first full day we scoped out a couple of pumpkin patches online and ended up at the Muddy Creek Pumpkin Patch and corn maze. It was perfect! Couldn't have asked for better weather or for a better set up. The boys (and Baba) rode the cow train, we climbed on top of the hay stack, saw the cool hay structures they built (my favorite was the big pig!) and headed into the corn maze. We didn't find all the stations they had, but we did escape, albeit through the side of the maze rather then an true exit! It was a total blast. We then hopped on the tractor ride and scored some pumpkins. The boys chose theirs and we headed home. The next day found us relaxing at home and decorating our place with Baba. The third day of the visit we headed out to find Alsea Falls. We drove out to find that it was closed for maintenance. Not all was for lost, we found there are other falls just to the south. Green Peak Falls was just a bit of a hike and it was spectacular. Very much worth the effort of getting there! We finished the hike by going to a local cafe and enjoying some treats. Kade had decided to spend the time with his friend, Jasper, while we hiked. They had a blast, too, since it had been several weeks since they had one on one time together. Baba's visit was fabulous and the boys were very, very happy to have her with them for a few days. Kade and Jeff brought her back to the airport while Kai and I stayed home.

By the next day, Jeff and I had to really sit down and talk about what we were ready for. Trip with all or just trip with Jeff. After a few days discussion, we decided we would all go down with Jeff to San Diego and then...well, we would already be half way to Beth and Em in Albuquerque...so why not just go see them, too?!

We decided a nice larger vehicle would be good for our trip, since we would now be spending a few weeks in route to our friends and other attractions. So we ended up with this baby

We headed out to Hockey for Kade on Friday. After that, we picked up the Flex and headed home to pack in prep for an early morning departure for the south. We stopped in Montague to see my folks and pick up the annuals that I had been hoping to get for a bit. The boys had a good visit. I can't grasp how folks age. I am now thinking about how well I'll be doing when I'm in my mid to late 70s. How well will you do? It's an amazing journey, this life. Anyway, after some time with the dogs, the lovely cat and the chickens and a nice meal prepared and served by a woman who is boarding with my folks (she's working on a special program that places those looking for work in assistance programs and is working around the corner at the Hub) we left Siskiyou County (all the while enjoying the view of Mt. Shasta) and made it to Woodland for the night. The next morning we were off early and headed to Orange County. We checked into the hotel and headed out to visit with my lovely Aunt Mary. It's hard to express how cool she really, really is. We spent a few hours chatting, then headed back to the hotel to sleep a bit. We got up to go visit Mary and Sarah the next morning for a few hours. Around noon we headed out to San Diego so Jeff could get all organized for his conference call the next morning. After that, we headed out to Mandy's house for a bit of a visit. We missed the fun of the craft making, as we were so late, but totally enjoyed seeing many friends. That night we headed out to Flo's house. Flo and family were so gracious and housed us during our stay in the area. Tuesday found us at La Jolla Shores with the funschoolers group. Wednesday we saw our friends Zack, Zayden and Erika; Cameron, Ella and Gardenia; Kade went out with his friend Ryan while the rest of us chilled with Juliet, Camille, Flo and Marc. Thursday found us at Dos Picos Park and the kids got to play Warrior Cats (based on the novels) with the funschoolers. Time in San Diego flew by. We headed out Friday morning to Las Vegas, where we find ourselves today. Last night we hit the pool and the kids arcade and won some fun things. The boys went on the two 4D shows they offered, Sponge Bob and the Extreme Log Ride. We had dinner together in the hotel...we are staying at the Excalibur, and then made the journey to see the Pirate/Siren battle in front of the Treasure Island Hotel. After the show we headed back to the room for some much needed sleep! Today we didn't have to wake up to an alarm, so took advantage of that. The slow pace of waking found Kade and Jeff heading down to the kid arcade again and then they brought us up some breakfast. For the rest of the day we have ice skating, pool time and then the Tournament of Kings dinner show. Sound like fun? It has been. It's way too much for me, though I'm somehow hanging! It's a lot of movement, lights, and noise...along with the interesting vibe that comes with this city. The boys are in hog heaven, though, and are enjoying this experience completely. I'm so happy to be on this journey with them!

Up next : Grand Canyon and Flagstaff then Albuquerque.

Annie showing off her Birthday gift...

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and seems to be a happy woman!

Annie's been here!!!!

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And she was kind enough to hook me up with some color. Here's the new look!

New arrivals

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Meet Popcorn and Pochi, Kade's new to him gerbils!

Pochi

Popcorn

Kade is just beside himself with happiness. It's great to see him so into them.

Friday Fill-Ins

2010-10-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

1. My back or front as it seems...depends on when you stop me in my spin.

2. Autumn is wild.

3. Leaves are falling all around; I can't wait to jump in them.

4. I'm embracing forgetfulness.

5. Healing is natural.

6. Beading is what I've been up to lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with Annie, tomorrow my plans include visits from friends and Sunday, I want to walk with my good friend.

Cuties

2010-09-30T19:07:00.001-07:00

Yes...my kids are cute. Especially when they are enjoying themselves. This time, however, I'm talking about these boxes.

I have enjoyed making origami with Kade. He's made something similar, but this is my first time making these. It might have helped me fold if it was actual origami paper, too, instead of scrapbooking paper. But I somehow made do!

And for those waiting for cute...or at least news of what we are doing...here's just a moment.

Guatamalan worry dolls...

2010-09-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Kade found this craft on activity tv.

We didn't have the trash bag ties (can you say Ginger's too hippy?) but we did have pipe cleaners. This makes them a tad bigger than they were on the show...but still well worth the effort.

These two were made by Kade's hand. After he finished these, he was done and asked if I wouldn't finish his 'family' for him. He wanted two more. A girl and a Mama. Here's how they turned out.

I did a few for myself and hope to get back to them soon.

I also finished gifts for Annie...she is wearing the belt of bells, so I didn't manage to get a picture of that. I did, however, get to take a picture of her new hat! I made it out of cotton. The colors look weird on the camera - it really is raspberry and lime. Too cool. I may have to make one for me!

Annie is officially 21! I'm so happy for her!

Maybe it's a great time for those worry dolls, after all! Life is so big and full. The kids grow up so fast. Now it's time to meditate and try and keep up!

More on that food thing...

2010-09-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

As it turns out life just isn't the same without bread and things made with gluten. I like to eat bread type things. However, the gluten does play me a bit. This means I'm searching for ways to satisfy that craving in a manner less harmful to my body. Here is my latest baking using gluten free flour. I used the first one I grabbed, really, and can taste (very much, as it turns out) the garbanzo bean flour they added to it. Next time I will try a different flour. Still...it's hard to not like these!

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies.

BTW, if you want any next time - get there before Kai.

Inspired

2010-09-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Yes.

Inspired by Ronnie to eat more of those fabulous greens...here is my counter

Here was last nights dinner.

Included : Romaine, green onion, red bell pepper, snow peas, parsley, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes and

this great dressing that Jeff selected...

from this book.

Breakfast yesterday morning was a smoothie of strawberries, bananas, almond milk and romaine. I think I like kale better in smoothies. Can't wait to try this one!

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1. Family is what you make it to be.

2. Knitted rows go back and forth.

3. I love a good poke.

4. A smoothie makes a good meal.

5. I've got the groove!

6. You don't play Mario Kart? : wth!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to snuggles with my boys, tomorrow my plans include seeing good friends and Sunday, I want to squeeze on Annie and party at her new pad!

Just a thought on time...

2010-09-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

In 23 days, Annie will be the age I was when I met her.

Kade will be the age Annie was when she met Kai.

Kai will be the age Annie was when she met Kade.

Time is fleeting and precious. I love the changes it has brought and the people that these three are. It just seems to have gone by faster than I thought it would.

If you are looking for me...you can find me snuggling with one of them.

If I'm not here...

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then I'm working on my Etsy stuff, or playing with friends, or doin' stuff with Jeff and the boys.

Just know, I'll be back!

New interests

2010-07-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Kade is now fascinated with origami. This has lead to much folding. Here are some of the things we have all made...

What happens when you say 'yes'?

2010-07-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Yes...exercise your right to think for yourself. So true.

Fun ensues.

How's about a touch of Halloween in May?

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May you say? Well, here is what fun one can have in May!

Victor Borge with Auntie Mary.

2010-05-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

We went up to see Auntie Mary a few weekends ago. The boys generally like to go up there. She is always ready for us. There's popcorn made and drinks chilled. Kade and I went down to the pool for a bit while Kai and Auntie Mary talked. When we got back from the pool, she mentioned she had saved a few things for us to watch with her. Up comes Victor Borge. One of my all time favorites. The boys say they don't want to watch, at first. Then slowly they both come into the room and enjoy this show with us. Here is one of their favorite parts...and one that I would have to listen to it over and over to actually follow the whole story.

I love that they heard great music artistically interpreted.

Adventures...and ghost hunting.

2010-04-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

I know I have been absent. However, that is mostly because we have been busy. Aside from the trip back East to see our family and friends, we have been visiting friends here and also visiting places.

Today we went to the Whaley House in old town San Diego. We arrived a tad early and were able to see friends before we went into the museum itself. Part of the joy was bumping into the man behind the Old Town Ghost Tours and Secret Haunted Places, Mike Brown. He volunteered to take us into the cafe and use some of his equipment to interact with one of the ghosts there. Of course, we said, YES! John, the ghost, is apparently stuck in that room. He did come down and make the machine sound off. John stays near the ceiling, so that is where we looked first. It was amazing as well as a bit creepy. Definitely worth every second.

Then it came time to tour the museum. Bill, our incredible docent, and another wonderful young woman, were very helpful and informative. He told us all about the history of the house and answered Kade's questions with humor and respect. Kade, of course, wants to know if he makes money being a docent and if Kade can wear the costume.

It was a wonderful tour. The grounds are beautifully maintained as well. There is a lovely gazebo the boys enjoyed playing around. Kade said there was a ghost woman who was there. He said she liked watching them play. Too cool.

After the Whaley House, we headed down to the El Campo Santo Cemetery located two blocks south. The boys explored a bit. Kade was able to roam freely. Kai said he felt heavy and 'not well' while we were in the cemetery, itself. Once we were out, he was fine, though. One of the unusual things about the El Campo Santo Cemetery is part of the cemetery was taken over by the expanding town. There are markers, now, that show where grave sites are. Like the Roseline metal markers, these grave identifiers are numerous along the sidewalk and some are even in the street.

Overall a fun day with friends. We came home, made lunch and rice crispy treats. What could be better, I ask?

OH! Oh, oh. Forgot to mention. C saw Thomas Whaley on the upstairs balcony while we were listening to the docent up in the theatre. She thought it was just someone working at the museum until she came downstairs and was looking at the pictures in the country store. She gasped and said, "I saw this man, Thomas Whaley, upstairs!!!!" Too much fun.

I redid this slideshow and added a few pictures from our friend. Also, this one has music, so you may wish to pause the music on the side bar. Enjoy!

Whaley House and El Campo Santo Cemetery from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Beauty

2010-04-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

This morning I awoke to two precious eyes, recently returning from dreamland, looking into mine. I smiled and moved the hair away from his eyes. Looking deep in the depths of them, I told him he was beautiful. He stated, "I know, Mama" as he snuggled closer.

It filled my heart with warmth and happiness.

He knows.

He believes it.

Early on in my parenting journey I remembered hearing that a child sees himself/herself with the same eyes a parent sees them. If you see your child and notice all the things out of place: the smudges of food on his/her face, the shirt crumpled and on backwards or shoes on the wrong feet; your child will see themselves with "flaws".

I am one who has had to put that perfectionist away. I needed to remind myself, all the time at first, to see myself and them with eyes that truly loved...and saw beauty.

So the happiness I feel when they notice their beauty or are confident in themselves is truly a joy.

What a way to start the day...

I want to watch this happen in real life...

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And then I want to make some!

The silent monks sing...

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Part of our September fun

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was seeing Emma and Beth. Here is a mini clip of the bobsled ride!

September fun. Bobsledding...Sabo style :) from Beachbum on Vimeo.

As I was putting things on vimeo...

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I came across this one that was taken about a year ago. Hope it makes you giggle again!

Kade on the pillow case ride from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Fish!

2009-11-11T15:21:00.003-08:00

We finally took the plunge and got the fish we've been talking about for years...

Presenting:
L-R: John, George and Paul

George and John

Ringo (the black one, who is now called Ash, I guess) and Paul

Here is Ringo (Ash) up close.

They have survived a few days...so we are hoping for the best. The tank is still showing warmer than it should...even with the heater off and the lid open. Wish us luck.

Alzheimer's

2009-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

I'm posting this song...done by this artist...as part of my trying to deal with an old friend having Alzheimer's

I don't fear death. This year has been challenging for me to handle the people that I have been losing. I still have yet to really cry all my tears. But, to loose someone to Alzheimer's is like loosing them twice...and sometimes even many times over, as they flicker in and out of memories of their loved ones. While I don't have to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's, I have friends who are. Although not directly engulfed by the whole process, I still will miss Paul and the connection we had. And yet, he's still with us...

Birthing questions...

2009-11-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to keep this somewhere...and what better place than here on the blog.

I received this note from a friend's daughter:

Hello! I am doing a project for my women's studies class. The topic is, "putting the natural back into birth". I wanted to ask you a few questions for my research, about your experience with home births and hospital births if you have had any. If there are any questions you do not feel like answering that is fine or if you have anything else to add, any feedback is great! Also if you know any mothers who would feel comfortable answering a few of these questions who have had a home birth or two that would be excellent!

What are your experiences with birth? At home or at the hospital?
What was most effective for you?
Did you have good experiences with a midwife or midwives?
Do you stay in touch with your midwife?
How did you find out about home births?
How did you find your midwife?
Did you have support during your birth/births?
Would you change anything about your birth/births?
Why did you decide to have a home birth?

Thank you!
Take Care!
Natalie Crevola-Miller

--

In response, I sent this:

What are your experiences with birth? At home or at the hospital?
Our first, Kai, was born in the hospital. Mainly, it was there because we were in the Army when we got pregnant and Jeff was still in when it came time for the birth. We didn't look into options at the time because we thought it would be really expensive to homebirth and because Jeff was very much coming from the main stream thought on health care. However, we agreed on finding a OB/GYN that was a single practice guy and who would support our natural birth choices. What we learned when we had our second, Kade, is how my body carries and births. What we didn't know when we had Kai is that my water breaks and 12 hours later I start contractions. This long lapse was not welcomed in the hospital. Both of our babies stayed really high until the contractions started, even though I was dilated and effaced. In the hospital setting, this was cause for constant monitoring to make sure the baby wasn't stressed. Even when he didn't show any signs of being stressed, they still insisted on monitoring. When I asked to walk, they told me the cord would wrap around his neck and would cause a lot of complications. This effectively scared us into doing whatever they told us to do. My OB/GYN had assumed things were going well and didn't get there until 9am (8 hours after I arrived at the hospital and 9 hours or so after my water broke). He was questioning why we hadn't walked...to help with the labor. Then when I wanted to walk they decided it was too late and that it was necessary to induce. We went with Pitocin and the labor still didn't start. At the second dose, things really started happening. This is two fold. My body (and Kai) decided at that magic 12 hour mark to start working on the labor. This was also when the second dose of Pitocin kicked in. My contractions and Kai's stress started to rise. I was not able to combat the pain of the double/triple peaked contractions and asked for pain killer. After hours of labor, Kai was out in 2 contractions. A healthy beautiful boy!

Kade, our second, was born at home. It was like night and day - our experience with each. For Kai we did the whole technical pregnancy. We had several ultrasounds. We were poked and prodded. With Kade, we opted for the midwives. We had charted our cycle, so were pretty involved in the process. I had taken Jeff down so many paths to a more natural way of dealing with health. Stopping the vaccinations, cloth diapers, co-sleeping, making our own baby food are a few of the changes he adjusted to. When we finally chose the midwives, I emphasized how close the hospital was how much quicker we would be treated if we came in than if we were already in the hospital. I also made sure we talked about the experience we were getting with our midwives. I especially loved the fact that Claudia had, as part of her midwifery journey before she moved to CA, the extra experience that came with having Amish clients. I know Jeff was concerned about the whole process, and am thankful he trusted me to know what I needed. So, in contrast to Kai's many ultrasounds, Kade had none. We heard the heartbeat (Kai did, too, as he was there for all appointments) and trusted that everything was well. When the water broke, I was ok with it all. I spent the time walking and rocking in the kitchen (the only uncarpeted surface in our apartment at the time). We had the living room set up to accommidate the birthing tub. I was pretty sure I would want to have a water birth. It was totally the right decision. Contractions started in around that 12 hour magic mark. At 1pm or so, Claudia arrived to check on me. I requested the water. This led to a check and I was still only 3cm. I still wanted the tub, so the Claudia trusted it. Once in the tub, labor really began. Kade's shoulders got stuck, and that was the only painful moments I remember. He made it out, but wasn't breathing. The midwives were right there with us, prompting everything. We held Kade and talked to him while they got the oxygen. It turned out just fine. I don't remember being deeply aware of the seriousness of the situation as Jeff was. I do believe that if we had been a hospital, we would never have seen Kade...and I honestly don't know if he would have made it without the comfort of our voices, our touch and our warmth. After the birth, the midwives cleaned everything up and and made sure we were comfortable. They fixed our first meal with a candle to celebrate the birth. At that moment, I knew I could birth this way 1,000 times and be perfectly happy. The water birth was the best.

What was most effective for you?
I was far more comfortable at home than in the hospital. I think this is true for two reasons. First, it was our second birth and we had an idea of what to expect. Second, I wasn't going to let anyone else take charge of our birth. It was going to be me and the baby. I trusted that millions of women had done this before me and that my body knew exactly what to do and that it was in constant communication with our baby.

Did you have good experiences with a midwife or midwives?
I *love* my midwives. We had a team (Birthstream in Davis, CA) and it made us feel safe. At different times throughout the pregnancy we connected more with one of them. In the end, they were incredibly supportive and the birth of Kade was an experience that I'd repeat in a minute.

Do you stay in touch with your midwife?
I have one of them as a friend on facebook...and she is listed as part of my family. So, yes!

How did you find out about home births?
My step-daughter was home birthed. My mother and her siblings were home birthed. I don't enjoy the MD world, so have always searched for the alternatives. After Kai, I was far more motivated to find those alternatives. I found information on water birth from Waterbirth International (http://www.waterbirth.org/) and was a reader of Mothering Magazine.

How did you find your midwife?
Early on, we looked at a birthing center. We heard of Birthstream Midwifery via word of mouth. A woman from the park day I attended mentioned them. We researched a couple midwives, but in the end went with the one that was most comfortable. As a bonus, they were the closest and had great referrals.

Did you have support during your birth/births?
Jeff was with me the whole time during each birth. His support was paramount in it all. I have to admit, though, that I don't remember him really being there except for a few minutes throughout the birthing processes when we were home with Kade. I think this is partially due to me being so confident and certain my body and our baby knew exactly what we needed to do. With Kai, I remember Jeff being there the whole time. He was my focus and the one who got me through the whole ordeal. My mother was at Kai's birth, too. At the time it seemed right. Looking back, I was trying to keep up appearances (both with her and the hospital staff), which I feel helped make the hospital experience the not so perfect experience it became, even though nothing truly horrible happened. With Kade, there were four of us there : Jeff and both midwives. I felt their presence. My focus not on them, but instead was on birthing.

Would you change anything about your birth/births?
I would never go back to a hospital birth. I would have a ton of home births, though!

With Kai, I would have preferred to be more assertive in waiting for the natural process and not have given in to the hospital staff's recommendations. Things the staff mentioned and said were just not anything like I had wanted to do. One nurse was just plain rude. When my doctor did get there, he was asking why we had not done the things we had intended...and it was mostly because we were of the mindset that if the staff was despotic then we really had no choice. I would never have stayed in bed and been monitored all the time. I would never have induced labor. I would never have taken pain killers. I would have requested they let me hold him before they cut the cord and cleaned Kai. I would have asked to be nearer him when they did all the cleaning and tests. Jeff was able to be there, so that was good, but not my ideal. I would have left sooner. There are things we did right, though. I'm glad I chose to keep him with me when they wanted to take Kai away to 'let me sleep'. I'm very happy Jeff stayed in the room with me, too. I'm glad we had the doctor we did. For even though we didn't do everything we intended to do, he was still on our side for the most part. I'm glad Jeff wore the bunny ears all through the labor. I wouldn't have my mom with us...and didn't for Kade.

With Kade, I would have made more space for me to be comfortable with the fluids draining out...and that would have allowed me the space to walk more. I would have taken more pictures after the birth...I don't think we have any of us actually holding him right after he was born. I would have made a point to have Kai there and/or had him home earlier. The things we did right : had a wonderful trusted team and chose water birth.

Why did you decide to have a home birth?
I think I answered this in what I have mentioned before. I was looking for an alternative to the mechanized birthing process found in hospitals. I wanted a path that was more in tune with what I believed - that our bodies, as women, know exactly what they are doing. I didn't want 'what if's to govern my care, but instead wanted a more trust based experience. I looked for practitioners that made sense to me and with whom I felt comfortable. I found all these in the midwifery and water birth options.

------

Natalie, thanks for letting me be a part of your research. If you need more from me, let me know. If there are more details you need, ask for those, too.

Hope you are well.

Slideshow of our trip to NM...

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Trip to NM - October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Here is the video of Kai on his bungie ride. Sorry it's sideways...try not to get a strain in your neck.

Bungie ride at NM Ballon Fiesta 2009 - Kai from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Videos of the White Sands sledding, too!

White Sands with Alaina - Kade sledding October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

White Sands sledding October 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Much we have done...

2009-10-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

So, by now I don't know where to start! For this moment, I'm going to list the happenings...

Sept. 5th, friends Emma and Beth arrive at our house and stay the majority of September...

Sept 7th : we celebrated Kade's birthday with friends.

Sept 10th : Unschooling Conference in San Diego

Rest of September : go with Em and Beth to Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Birch Aquarium, movies and the beach.

October : first few weeks - chillin'.

2nd and 3rd week of October :
head out to NM for the Balloon Fiesta
visit with Nona and the 'kids' who play 'tag'
visit with Alaina, my niece, in Alamagordo
slide on the sand dunes at White Sands National Park
go up to Sunspot and see the cool telescopes where Alaina does her magic
back to Albuquerque to play with friends
drive up to Mora (northeastern NM mountains) to visit Nina at the cabin
meet Nacho, Rocky and Copper as well as the 4 chickens with cool names
stay in the mountains!
drove down the road a mile to the Alpaca Ranch and fed the alpacas and got some yarn
back to Albuquerque for some Halloween fun

October 20th : head for CA. Stay in Needles and see some beautiful country.

October 27th : Halloween get together with our local community group.

October 30th : carve pumpkins.

October 31st : eye appointments for Jeff and Kai. Cookie making for Kade and Ginger. Trick or treating with us as a family.

There! I will get back and put the details up and the pictures. So this may change from time to time. Keep your eye out for the rest!

Fun. Pure fun.

2009-08-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

for all ages :)

Annie challenged Kai to a war.

Personally, I like the fact that Annie had a sniper in the candle.

Kai was winning, even still.

Knowing that learning is natural...

2009-08-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

for kids is a big thing for me. People who are unfamiliar with our chosen path to schooling ask me how I know they are 'learning'. I just smile and say, "I just have to look around me and see it. It's everywhere, all the time". Take this, for example:

Yes, you are seeing it right. Here is a closer look.

I found this on the counter a couple of weeks ago. It was left there sometime while I was busy doing something else. And I took a double take when I walked into the kitchen.

Now, you could say that it is just a quirk and that kids do strange things. Well, yes. Sometimes kids do quirky things. But I see it differently. First, one of them (and I am not sure who did it) had to think of trying to put the can on it's edge. Then, they had to find the right volume of liquid needed to balance. There must have been some trial and error before they go it just right. There must have also been some awareness of mass, weight, shape, angle and so forth.

Who says science has to be anything but a soda can, some water and a brain?

I am amazed by the thoughts of my children...

Gotta love big Sisters!

2009-08-26T03:42:00.000-07:00

Especially when they eat you.

Yes...it may be true.

2009-08-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

This happened this morning. There were no pauses in the conversation, just a rapid exchange of words.

Kade: Good morning, Mama.
Me: Hey, Baby.
Kade: You know what's amazing?
Me: What's that?
Kade: When I get up I'm really awake.
Me: Yes, that's true for you. You've always been that way. The rest of us, not so much.
Kade: I think it's because I'm a kid.
Me: But Kai's a kid, too.
Kade: No, Kai's an alien.

Are you ready?

2009-08-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Coming to San Diego September 10th - 13th

My Auntie has given me a task.

2009-07-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

Chet and Dorrie Shelden. Taken sometime in the mid 1980s.

The memories of these fine people who I miss so terribly makes it bittersweet. What an honor it is to have known them, been loved by them and be a part of a family who is so loving - in part because of them.

The task is to recreate the pattern for these :

It will be great to actually make some stockings in this pattern to help keep them in our hearts and minds. Now if I could just stop crying long enough to actually see the stitches...

Watch out...and get ready

2009-07-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

Learn Nothing Day is happening on the 24th...not much time to prepare...

Today

2009-07-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

Well, we are rarely just sitting around...as you may already know. Those days are few and far between...at least in the summer. Now it's time to *do* things.

This morning was a slow start (as many of us stay up till the wee hours of the morning...)(as I type it is 1:00 am and both boys are still playing together)...so we started today around noon. Jeff and Kade went on a bit of a shopping spree. Kade is really into his tie up shoes and they are getting a wee tight. Today he came home with a snazzy new pair of Nikes. Jeff was on the prowl for new work clothes. He nicely bought shirts that are 'iron free'. (Can you see me dance a happy dance?) and was really stoked that Kade was truly helpful at the store. I think Kade was helping the salesman and maybe even another customer. Anyway, they were having a great time together. Meanwhile, Kai and I were hangin' together. Jumping from computer fun to tv fun as he tried to conquer and unlock all the characters in this one game.

Once Jeff and Kade returned, it was time for some Kai and Jeff time. Kai had asked for it since we are planning on going to see Harry Potter tomorrow with Annie while Jeff and Kade stay home.

Well, Kai asked to bike downtown to Jamba Juice. So after Jeff got some grub and changed into some comfy clothes, the bigger boys headed out on their adventure downtown. They ended up finding a great little market I'm supposed to check out. They also peeked into the used book store.

Meanwhile, this left Kade and I alone.

Naturally, we made cookies! Kade had taken the butter out last night, too late for cooking (the oven is right next to the room we sleep in, so would potentially keep Jeff awake) so today was the day.

He chose cookie press cookies. It's been forever since we've made this kind. Having only wheat flour can make cookies a bit thicker and a different color than white flour does. This is especially true for ours, today, since we also put in a bit of almond flour.

We melted some chocolate to put on top. Of course, this led to some wanting them to have faces...smiley ones at that. Here is what we came up with...

Kade's favorite.

My favorite.

After the cookies, we realized that the guys had forgotten to take the gate key with them. Kade suggested we gather a few blankets and head down to the gate to wait for them.

We gathered a few things and headed down. It was such a beautiful afternoon, too. Perfect. So we settled in and I started a henna design. Kade was having fun getting ready to hide once he saw them coming down the road...all the while talking with me without stopping to breathe...or so it seemed. I thoroughly enjoy his his banter as it lets me see a bit of what is going on in his mind. Anyway, the boys did arrive. Kade hid and was found. Then Jeff stayed a bit with Kade as Kade rode his turtle. So much fun was had!

The videos are still downloading on vimeo...so you'll have to come back to see them here... (tahdah)

Turtle fun July 2009 part 1 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Turtle fun July 2009 part 2 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Turtle fun July 2009 part 3 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Once the henna was done, this is what I ended up with. Happy Mama, I am.

Inside we chilled for about half an hour. Then the boys played more on the Mario game they are borrowing from friends. Jeff agreed to join in after Kai and he had a sock war.

Before we knew it, it was time for Jeff to head to snooze land. Kade stole a book reading or two with his Daddy. I got to tuck my love in and come out with the gang. Now it's been a few hours of catch up with the blogs I haven't been reading.

And I guess I'm ready to post my own things again!

Yesterday...or was it the day before?

2009-07-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

OK, well I can't keep the days straight. So you'll just have to hang with the general "later" or "before now" kinda thing. Either that or everything will have happened yesterday - which may, actually, be accurate!

Enough, you say? Well, alright.

Yesterday I tied over 100 water balloons. No joke. When Jeff came home, he tied a bunch more. Annie stepped out to the corner market and brought more balloons home with her. So, we have been on a water balloon high. Well, Kade, mostly. Here are some pics and a few videos of the fun!

Note the change of outfit? Well, he went through a couple of sets...5 I think.

Kade and the water balloons - July 2009 - Part 1 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

I couldn't get the camera out the door quick enough to get everything in this one...but you can still hear him.

Kade and the water balloons - July 2009 - Part 2 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

After awhile Kade started saying, "Clean-up on isle 2!" as a way of getting me to help out. It was a great way to get me to help for I was giggling all the way down the stairs!

Kade and the water balloons - July 2009 - Part 3 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

BTW, Kade can now tie his own.

Mt. Shasta

2009-07-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

Well, every once in a while I miss the area I grew up in. Really, I miss the feeling this area has. It's hard to explain. In an attempt to do so, I borrowed some photos a few friends have taken - and hope this conveys the feeling I feel.

The music I used is from the CD Kade bought at the market last Saturday. We enjoyed his music while Kade ate his ice cream. His name is Nathan Welden.

Mt Shasta in pictures from Beachbum on Vimeo.

We have been busy living life to it's fullest. I'll get back to blogging soon...maybe!

LIFE is Good 2009 Unschooling Conference

2009-06-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to figure out how to write about this experience. Words don't do it justice. And the pictures we took were few. So, with permission from others, I compiled a slide show. It gives the feel of the conference, at least a touch of it. The LIFE is Good Conference is far more - and more fun than should be allowed. The Vibrations and Amy Steinberg actually gave a concert...so having their music a part of the video is a must. Here we are:

LIFE is Good Unschooling Conference 2009 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Here is one that is more personal to our family and friends from home...it's a bit shorter, too... I've included some pictures from our stay with friends in Corvallis, OR. We were able to stay at the Gold's house for 5 days! We saw the Hessels, Cabatics, Golds, Lugos, Waynsforths (before they headed home to England!), Diana and Hayden and Scott, and the Holcombs (at the park before they went home to CO). Anyway, good times.

LIFE and our days in Corvallis from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Ha!

2009-06-16T00:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, granted it's now considered tomorrow...but still.

This made me laugh.

Thanks, Crystal, for the random comment that started the banter on facebook.

Thanks, Ronnie for posting the link!

Enjoy.

Yumm!

2009-06-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we were at Mandy's last week and we came home with some great peaches! This is what we did with ours - after seeing THIS! Great idea, friends!

Here is a short slideshow of our time at Mandy's as we helped her can some of those divine peaches.

Peaches and fun from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Somehow the picture of Juliet didn't get in the slideshow...so here it is. Juliet with her butterfly face :

Kade's art

2009-06-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I was painting, Kade was painting. Here is his work with the flowers he picked for me, too. Happy, happy Mama.

Well, here it is!

2009-06-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

I decided to paint flowers...as you can see. So it is now bright and happy for this bright and happy soul.

Meanwhile, Kade painted his own wood. When he finishes it, I'll ask him if I can take a picture of it.

I need some ideas

2009-06-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

I have a cd case that needs some decoration. It's a bright blue color. What should I put on it? Flowers? Dragonflies? Vines? Frogs? Peace signs? Spots?

Ideas, anyone?

Laughter

2009-06-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Right now there is laughter so true that it is making tears. I love it when Kade laughs. At first it is kinda loud. Then as he lets himself go it gets really quiet...and pretty soon there is a huge intake of breath and it's back to the almost silent laugh. Such great sounds to hear.

LIFE is Good

2009-05-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

At the talent show, Jeff joined a few of our friends and played bass. Here is Gloria.

Oh, we are home...and getting back into life here...so hang in there! I'll be posting more soon.

Mr. Lovejoy and our fabulous visit

2009-05-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ben arrived on Sunday - much to our delight! We were able to gather a few friends, by his request, and had a bit of a pool party. James Colburn and Jayne (Robyn was ill, sorry to say), Flo, Marc, Camille and Juliet were here, as were we five and Hannah. We had a great time talking and visiting and swimming and talking some more. We threw together some pizzas and headed down for some food and water sports. All in all, a great time. Ben had some checking in to do down in San Diego, but Jeff went down with him, so we knew we would see him that night as well. The kids love him. Kade still talks about the visit often.

Ben was actually here on business, so we missed him for a few days. We made up for the time, though, as we got to share some of the kid's favorite places with him on Thursday and Friday. Thursday we took him out to eat. It was, actually, part of the deal Kade made with him in order for him to have his shoe back the Sunday before (Kade was holding it hostage so Ben couldn't leave). Kade was promised a dinner at Hot Dog on a Stick. So, this is how we spent our evening! Kai, of course, loves Panda Express, so that's what he had. We were able to spend some quality time together as a group and it felt as if Ben was just part of our family. We feel so fortunate!

Here is proof he was here and that we wore him out completely!

These are from Friday night. We were able to have him over then, too. Heehee! It worked out perfectly. Jeff and Ben were to be at the airport early in the morning, so we were able to drive them down to catch their planes. Ben was on his way home. Jeff on his way to Scotland.

Thanks, Kelly and kids, for letting us steal your Ben. He certainly brightened our lives. We will ever be grateful for the Steven Lynch introduction. Thanks, Duncan, for the cool Naruto headbands. The boys were very happy you thought of them. They love 'em.

It's

2009-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

park day! We are just about ready. Need to eat a touch then we can go see some friends. Hopefully there will be some who will share this time...they may be on the road, though...

I have so much more to post about. I am feeling more like getting it down here...so will eventually.

Rainsticks and the car accident

2009-05-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

After we got home from our road trip, we slept! By Thursday we were ready for some friends and fun. So we headed out to Gardenia's to take a class. Gardenia is great at finding cool things to do...and to help her she has her brother, Luis. Luis is offering many classes on native american art forms. This particular Thursday we made rainsticks. The boys want the end product, but really aren't crafty if there are friends they can play with. I look at this as a great way for me to provide them with cool crafty things I truly enjoy making - and they truly enjoy playing with! Kai stayed and listened to Luis talk about the rainsticks and how they were used in different native groups, as did Kade. Kade started his then flew off to play. They turned out great, though. We made them out of cardboard tubes with pipe cleaners inside to break up the fall of some beads. Simple, easy and fun. We ended up decorating the outside with wooden beads and feathers. Too cool. Loads of friends and fun - a perfect mixture!

The next day, though, is what started my own personal spiral. Thursday night Hannah, Annie's friend and fellow cosmetologist, came to stay for an extended weekend. Having Hannah is great...and her birthday was this particular Friday, so we were in planning mode. The girls have class on Friday, so they headed out in Hannah's car. Annie loves to drive, so she was behind the wheel. Well, I got a call at 9:30 or so. It was Annie. The front left tire of the car had blown while they were in the fast lane. She was able to keep control of the car, signal and start to go to the left off the road to slow down and stop. While doing so, they were rammed by someone going about 85-90 mph. Not good. They had the police and a witness to the accident there. Reports were filed and the tow truck picked up the other car. Hannah's car seemed to be ok, so they let them drive it. In hind sight, I don't know if this was the best idea, but at least it turned out ok. Annie was calling from Starbucks because her phone had died and she didn't have enough charge to call without it being plugged in - and they needed a bit more time before getting back on the road to get home. Thankfully we were able to get them in to see the Dr. that same day. However, in between that 9:00 hit time and the 4:00 appointment time both girls were in some serious pain and were definitely stiff. Hannah seems to have been injured worse than Annie was, or at least Annie's body handled it better than Hannah's did. By Sunday, Hannah was in really, really bad shape. She had been to the emergency room already once (and went again before she was able to get home). The meds she was given didn't go well with the meds she is already on, so she ended up sick to her stomach and spitting up blood. Not something any of us were comfortable with...and her folks are in Stockton. Once she got home on Wednesday, her personal Dr. was able to do a lot more for her. Come to find out her jaw was dislocated and so her pain went down tremendously once it was put back into place. She also got the right meds and seems to be back up and running.

Annie is doing fine now. She's back to wearing her back braise (something she's been working on getting off of for a long time), but the healing is happening. But the drama/trauma was entirely real for all of us.

Thankfully, it seems we are all doing better now!

LIFE is Good...

2009-05-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Countdown Clockgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Road trip

2009-05-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well, WAY back in April, we took a road trip. The plan was to leave here and stop in Phoenix to stay with our friends Shan and family for a few days. Then we would go on the road again to Albuquerque. We would stay with Beth and her fabulous family while there. All this was timed perfectly for when Baba and Grandpa Jon were touring New Mexico. While visiting Beth, we would get to spend a few hours with Baba and Jon. Then have a day with friends and head back to AZ for an overnight and then back home we would go.

However, plans changed. First, though, check out the pictures the boys took while we were on the road. They are awesome. It's a bit over 6 minutes, but worth it. The music helps (so remember to turn off the music on the side bar) speed things along. It's fun to see what they found worth taking a picture of.

Trip to Albuquerque to meet up with Baba from Beachbum on Vimeo.

While on the road, we saw the sign for the Gen. Patton Museum. In unison, the boys read the sign and both immediately said they wanted to go see it. So we stopped. It turned out to be full of information I was unfamiliar with. I knew Patton trained troops. What I didn't know is that he found and built this facility to train troops for battle in Africa. There was nothing there. He had to bring water in and set the whole thing up. This museum is where it used to be. They have a small building now set up with memorabilia and Kai sat through the entire 30 minute video presentation. Kade and I kept browsing through the exhibits and spent some time looking through the gift shop while Kai was watching. Afterwards we walked through the outside part of the museum and took a few pictures. Since most of the structures were tents (if I remember correctly) the only permanent structure was the chapel...which had no roof or walls. Now you can dedicate a bench or a brick, if you so desire. Anyway, it was worth the history lesson and was a welcomed break in our drive.

When we hit the road again, I called our Buckley friends only to hear they had been hit by a fever and were pretty sick. We weren't looking forward to starting our trip by getting whatever nasty thing they had to get over, so decided to stay on the road past Phoenix and finally landed in Flagstaff. Jeff was able to find a great hotel, Little America, and we loved our stay there. It is a great, family/kid friendly hotel with rooms that have plenty of space. It was just the perfect spot to rest. Pandi took time to explore with me as we went to get extra water for the night. The next morning found us ready to head out again. So, we jumped into the car and headed for Albuquerque. Being a day early meant we would be able to join the unschooling tribe there for a park day. We arrived late, but most everyone was there. It was wonderful seeing the boys seamlessly fit in and start playing as if they had known these kids forever. We all felt welcome and enjoyed ourselves much. We spent the next few days with the wonderful Fuller gang. It was so incredible for Kevin to squeak as much time with us as he did - it was wonderful. Beth and I have no trouble passing the time and often were looking at each other and asking where it had gone! Emma and Kade were great friends. Kai went along and played much as well as played on his DS. We enjoyed many a song on Rock Band. It was truly magical. The intensity of the boys can be much, so I'm thrilled everyone seamed to handle it well. How cool is it that this unschooling tribe is so active?! We were able to meet the crew at the zoo for some fun on the structures and around the polar bear exhibit. Kade and I took a gander at the seals, too, and they were cool. The next night we hung out at the pool for an hour with the kids. In there somewhere we were able to visit with Beth's mom, Nina, and made food I saw on the TV (a great bread salad and a needed to be altered, maybe cause I tried to make it by memory, stuffed mushroom appetizer).

(Proof we saw Baba and Jon!) We obviously brought the camera. Of course, in classic fashion we didn't take a single picture of all the fun times we had. We did get a few from Sylvia which I hope to scan and get up here at some point.

The next afternoon we got to spend a few hours with Baba and Jon - and ate at this really great restaurant, the Range, and enjoyed our time with the Grandfolks. We headed back to Beth's (or Emma's if you are asking Kade) and crashed...to get enough energy to head out back to the park. I was able to talk a bit more with some folk and the boys played. Saturday we headed back out of town toward Phoenix and Shan's house.

Of course, the travel was a bit fun. When we left for Phoenix there was a storm warning. I-40 was clear and dry all the way (except for a spitting of rain once). We were coming down past Flagstaff and it started to snow. We ended up going about 10 mph on the freeway. I found a great spot right behind a semi (so we could follow in his path) and ended up passing 6 accidents of other motorists who were traveling way too fast and spun out of control. We were also able to watch the snowplows work on the opposite side of the freeway...and saw the two working on our side exit off the freeway to head back northbound. Once we crossed over the pass, there was no threat of snow. I-10 was a breeze. We were glad to have made it to Shan's with so little trouble...but with nerves a bit frazzled.

By then the kids were all well. We had a wonderful time there, too. Shan and kids had dyed some eggs (using silk) and they turned out beautifully. We hid them in the park the night before Easter so when the kids were up and ready they could go on a hunt. All the kids awoke to baskets, too, which was a treat. Shan's folks had us over with the rest of the family for Easter morning food and egg hunt. By then Kade was truly tired and had some trouble with all the changes and had some expectations we weren't aware of...but we *still* had fun. Back to the house for an evening in the park and baseball in the grass. Out to diner at the golf course restaurant surrounded by beauty. We got to walk around a bit and see the pond and fish. Kade wanted to crash a reunion picture...but we managed to avoid the main shot...and made it back to the table in time to eat a delicious meal. After the dinner, Dave made a fire in the pit and we sat around and had s'mores and chatted a bit. A lovely time with great people.

We are thankful for our great friends. Kai was in hog heaven to be with older kids that enjoyed his interests. Kade was happy to be doing things with people every moment of the day. I was thrilled to see and talk with people I don't get near enough time with. It definitely filled us up with happiness.

That Monday we headed back for home. It was great to be able to see a happy face first thing! Annie had to have her car worked on, so we picked her up from the auto shop. Her bright face was a great gift. We made it home with just enough time to unload the car and unpack before I jumped back in to go get Jeff from work. I don't often have the chance to pick him up alone...so that was a gift, too!

What a trip. We saw things we had never seen. We got to further know people whom we enjoy. We had a ton of fun.

More later...as it's getting a bit late here...

I remember

2009-05-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

the very first time we did this. My brother sang, I think Beth did, too. Definitely McKee. What a great time and wonderful music we made a long time ago.

I'm getting here. Slowly.

2009-04-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

Jeff asked when I would be posting again. "Anytime soon?" and "Before I'm old...er?"

Well, see, I'm getting here.

It's been an emotional time for me lately. I don't post well then. I don't communicate well. I don't sleep. Put all those together and it's best that I spend my energy taking care of myself and the people in my life.

Silence means we are busy. And we have been very busy.

Peace to Carol. Hugs to her wonderful siblings and friends. Our thoughts are with you all.

We are home...

2009-04-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

but first: I came home and Jeff sent me to you tube.

OK.

Whatever.

Then I listened.

Listen from 1:36 to 4:25. I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.

Now Susan Boyle has changed my life. I have listened to this too many times to count. It inspires me to follow my dream. Talent like this that touches your soul. Silent to most of us for the 36 years she's been singing...

Go listen. Then come back. I may have stopped listening to her long enough to write about our awesome trip.

Dream you dreams.

Thanks, Susan, for sharing your incredible talent.

Listen HERE.

I found a place that let me embed it, so here it is. Once again, start from minute 1:36. And turn off the music on the side bar...

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
Uploaded by dwarthy

Trip planning

2009-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, planning trips in general hasn't been my forte. I love to go, though. Mainly, I like to see new places and do new things. I think that is the spirit in which we will venture out on our newest journey.

We have had fun with Gardenia and her crew. Gardenia's brother, Luis, is organizing and giving instruction on native people's art. He provides all the supplies, talks about the reason the native people made the items and then shows us how to do them. We missed the dream catcher making, for which I am sad. However, we have cool medicine bags now. So I guess that makes up for it. Now, I look forward to getting more supplies and making some myself.

Luis read a book about the medicine bags which was his favorite children's book about the medicine bags : called Coyote Medicine Bag. It was a bit long for the littlest of the group, but still a good story.

Both Kai and Kade have the bags now. I look forward to seeing what they put in them.

Next time we will make rain sticks.

While at Gardenia's, Kade was racing and his knee popped. He landed pretty hard on the floor, in pain. I don't know what exactly made it pop, but it was definitely sore. He finally managed to gimp around and stepped outside...right on a bee. He had been looking forward to playing with his friend Cameron so much and it was sad to see him experience things that made him ask to go home. He asked not to go to the doctor, so we waited. The next morning he was still gimping and was still in a bit of pain. I asked again and to the doctor we went. Thankfully, the x-rays turned up nothing, but he did hurt it. The Dr. advised him not to run until he can walk comfortably. He hasn't run yet, but is definitely getting closer.

I have found a good way to treat the bee stings! Lavender oil directly on the sting and Apis homeopathic treatment. It worked well incredibly fast. Yeah!

Birthday Celebration!

2009-03-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Kai's news

2009-03-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

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!

Getting smarter.

2009-03-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

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...

Lemonade

2009-03-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

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!

Our friend Jonas

2009-03-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Leno and #44

2009-03-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

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***

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

Jeff and Annie

2009-03-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

had a go on photo booth, too. We all ended up joining in on the fun!

Violet and Kai played on the photo booth...

2009-03-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

slideshow time

2009-03-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures Mandy took yesterday...

Fun at Mandy's 18Mar09 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

So Cute

2009-03-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

I just had to include this. See if it doesn't cheer you up a touch.

A Kite to fly by...

2009-03-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

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..,

Changes

2009-03-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

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...

We are playing

2009-03-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

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...

Unschooling Conference here in San Diego!!!

2009-03-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

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!

Text twist

2009-03-10T00:23:00.000-07:00

gets me tonight, friends. Go have some mindful mindless entertainment here...

We have been busy, just am too tired to write more now.

Kai quote of the week

2009-02-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Kai's quotes usually require a bit of introduction or at least some background information to be fully understood. This time, though, not so much...

Jeff and Kai were watching the UCONN Huskies basketball team on tv together this morning and Kai says to Jeff, out of the blue:

"I think I'm starting to come around on this Kade guy."

This is sweet. I laughed because Kai is so obviously fond of his brother. At least to us who see him interact with Kade on a daily basis. They don't always get along (who does?) but they do most of the time.

It shows, too, that Kade is getting older and is able to keep up better. Not physically, for Kade has always believed he can do what Kai does (and most times is right). But mentally, too. It is so cool to see their relationship change as they mature and grow. It's totally fascinating and heart warming.

Kai, the thinker, has spoken.

Kade's story

2009-02-25T23:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight Kade and Jeff read books together before Jeff went to sleep. When Kade came out, he wanted to write a story, too. He let me type it here for you to read too!

How I Found Pandy
by Kade

Pandy was walking along in the jungle. But then a tiger came. So Pandy ran as fast as he could. ZOOM! Pandy was scared. The tiger was right behind him. Then I swooped in and grabbed Pandy and took him home.

The end.

Pandy and Kade

Misc pictures I'm finding as I clean out my inbox...

2009-02-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

OK, so one of the things Jeff asked me is why I have over 200 messages still in my inbox. Well, I guess it's because I still wanted to keep them to respond to those...but it seems more likely that I wont get to them. In this new view of those looming messages...I am going through and figuring out what I truly want to save and what I don't. I found these pictures first off. A blast from the past year at the Live and Learn Conference and the LIFE is Good Conference.

I'm thankful to the wonderful women who sent them to me!

Live and Learn. Muddy Kade.

LIFE is Good! Kai and friends.

A better picture from Flo...

2009-02-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a better view of the face work I did for the Mardi Gras party. Thanks, Flo!!!

Acts of service

2009-02-25T13:32:00.000-08:00

How I love my man. More than just for his acts of service. Yesterday he was working from home and working on our home. We came back from our Mardi Gras party and found the house in complete order and taken care of in a way that it desperately needed, but that hadn't happened for a bit. I am so thankful and appreciative.

It is more than just the gift of a clean home. It is the gift that allowed me to sleep in and not feel I 'had' to get things done. It has allowed me to play here on the computer. It has allowed me the ease of cooking for the boys. It definitely filled my 'love' tank. I am so thankful.

So, thanks, Jeff. Thanks for your acts of service day. Thanks for the gift you have given, and continue to give. I certainly do love you!

More Tinkering.

2009-02-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

I gave the computer to Kade before I could get everything down...so here is the video that goes with the pictures from the last post! I love how they build these structures and then find ways in which to interact with them! As you may already know, Jeff is wonderful at modeling the 'anything goes' attitude!

Tinker Toy creation from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Where to start?

2009-02-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I will start with today and work backwards...

Mardi Gras. Well, for us, it hasn't been a part of our lives so far. However, we have friends who enjoy this celebration. So, off to the internet to do some researching about it and talking about what we are going to dress up as. Well, to the boys, they just love being what they love to be. Kai was a ninja and Kade was Luke Skywalker ***correction: BlackOut Skywalker***. I was, well, me - but a bit on the 'out there' side of me. I did enlist Annie's help. She had a nice couple of shirts that I wore. I had some striped tights (blue and green) (don't ask why) that worked for the funk factor. I also used Kade's face paints to set myself up with a painted design. As an aside: when at park day someone says the pink does stain the face, not only believe them, but remember! So, this is what we looked like on our way to the party.

We had a wonderful time! The boys love playing with their friends. I didn't realize it until we got home and I was taking our things out of the car that Kade had made his own mask. I was happily surprised by this. He is so creative, but when there are friends to play with it can be tough to stay still long enough to design things. What made this one even more special for me is he says I can keep it! ****Kade has now decided Jeff can have the mask. At least I know it's going to a good home!****

Forgot to mention. The party had several homeschoolers there. One woman asked me questions about what we do, how we do it, and how we make it work. I answered the best I could. It's a tough thing to describe to someone who doesn't really want to trust themselves or their kids *that* much. She mentioned she has a hard time getting her and her daughter enough physical activity. I don't know what to say to people when this comes up. First, I haven't been physically active for a long time, but hope to get back to that now that my foot is again pain free. Second, I couldn't force my kids to be still if I tried. Now, they don't really do anything that I can always categorize...except for Kai's karate. Sometimes we go swimming or something like that. However, I find we just end up doing things. For example, today Kade found the flashlight and started playing with it. There are so many options for these. The other day we played flashlight tag (note: it's better outside than in...and probably better for the neighbors if you start playing before 9:30pm). Today, however, he brought it to me and asked that I move it around and not let him 'catch' it. We used to play with our puppy this way. Cats love to do it. It's been seen on Family Guy. Chasing a light can, at least to Kade, be incredibly fun. So fun that you spend thirty minutes playing it. Yes. 30. How can I explain this to someone who thinks things need to be planned, coordinated and or committed (P, C and C) to? Granted, there may be times when my kids will want things that are P, C and or C'd, but they seem to be creative enough to find ways to be active, without me having to ever pressure them.

It was pretty funny watching Kade.

=====
Food. Well, you may know I have been trying to celebrate food. For many this is an easy task. I have one friend in particular of whom I just love to watch interact with what she eats. I normally don't enjoy watching people eat. And, I really don't like watching her, either. What I do like is how much she expresses her joy of the food. You can see it in her eyes. She dabbles in everything individually first. Then starts mixing an matching. She savors the tastes and simply enjoys food.

This is such a paradox to me. My body needs food just like every other being. Yet I do struggle to enjoy it. So, watching my friend really helps me. It proves that I can love food and the flavors it brings. I can enjoy the smell, texture and flavors. It is possible. Yet, I don't always. I am sensitive to textures. I love flavor, but it has to be a certain flavor at a certain time. I have no delusion that I'll ever enjoy food the way she does. I do hope I can at least gain an appreciation for the sustenance I do intake. See? I even write about it clinically! What I truly want is to appreciate food so that I get full nourishment from it and actually get to the point where I remember to eat and look forward to it. To help get me there, I have been taking pictures of food that I like. My tastes are crazy, but I'm willing to work from where I am!

Kai picked up a sweet potato and asked for us to buy it so he could taste it. OK, no problem. We brought it home and I cooked it. He didn't like the taste, but I do. I worked at a restaurant a long time ago that had a sweet potato pancake that was so tasty. I looked on the internet and found a recipe that I thought would make something similar to what I remember. It did! Yum is what it is! Here is a picture (just to be true to my word).

=====

Cool creations is what I think of when I see this:

Now, they boys immediately thought of getting the fan out and seeing if it would actually move...so there is a video coming.

Well, that's it for now. I'm going to go dye some clothes and play with my family.

I lied, I have more to post. Just not this second.

I'm a Mom meme from Ronnie

2009-02-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

I loved this as Ronnie had it on her blog!

1. What is something your mom always says to you?
Kai: I love you
Kade: I love you

2. What makes your mom happy?
Kai: Getting hugs
Kade: Me

3. What makes your mom sad?
Kai: Having to clean up everything
Kade: Yelling

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Kai: She tells jokes
Kade: she nibbles my ears

5. What did your mom like to do when she was a child?
Kai: Working on the farm
Kade: running races

6. How old is your mom?
Kai: 39 - almost 40
Kade: 39

7. How tall is your mom?
Kai: I don't know.
Kade: 50 feet tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Kai: knit
Kade: knit

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Kai: knit
Kade: knit

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Kai: knitting
Kade: us

11. What is your mom really good at?
Kai: knitting
Kade: knitting

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Kai: guitar
Kade: lifting stuff

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Kai: nothing
Kade: she does not have a job

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Kai: tacos
Kade: burritos

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Kai: she's lovable
Kade: she 'be's herself.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Kai: Frankie from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends
Kade: Padame from Star Wars the Clone Wars

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Kai: watch movies.
Kade: swim, play and a lot of other stuff

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Kai: We have the same ears
Kade: we have the same eyes - not the color, though.

19. How are you and your mom different?
Kai: I like Chinese food, she doesn't
Kade: I'm a boy she's a girl and my hair is shorter.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Kai: She says it every day
Kade: she kisses me a lot

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Kai: He's lovable
Kade: probably the hair

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Kai: She stays home
Kade: The knitting store

Follow-up on sleep over

2009-02-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

Well, the thing with Kade is he doesn't talk about the past much. He is all about talking with you if you want to talk about what is happening now. I think he sees it like he's wasting the present to talk about the past. I don't mind this, as long as I'm with him. When he goes off on adventures, though, this is tough.

So, off he went. Picked up by friends around noon thirty. Gone. His fun had begun!

Around 10:30, we got the call. Now both Jeff and I were surprised. Even though it's only his second sleep over, this didn't seem like Kade. Jeff jumped in the car and drove to get him. It's about a 40 minute drive, but well worth it if your babe is asking for you. By the time they got home, Kade was definitely sick. The head cold had come in quick and hit him hard. Looking back on it, I think he listened to his body and just knew. I don't think he thought of it in those terms, but still, he just knew he wanted to be home.

I have no doubt we wont be hearing from him the next time he chooses to sleep over. He'll be having too much fun.

When I asked him about what he did, he responded : "Mama, I was having fun!"

He did come home with the "Guess who" game. We have been enjoying it entirely too much.

Baby is gone...

2009-02-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

...and what's a Mama to do? It's easier with the oldest one, now 19, but still tough. The 9 year old doesn't enjoy sleeping over at someone else's house. But the 7 year old? Well, he's enjoying himself. Spreading his wings. Having new experiences and finding his way in this world.

This is, truly, what I want. I want him to soar and experience life and find his way.

It would be nice if I didn't have to say good-bye first. Then request a love before you go? He gives me love with gusto, but doesn't look back. No hesitancy. No trepidation. No thought of anything but bliss.

How cool.

My heart does miss his little patter around the house. And his giggle. I miss getting milk 17 times an hour, or so it seems. I'll miss how he burrows his head into my arm when he's getting tired.

I know he's in good hands. I have no concerns there. They are awesome parents.

Just is hard on a Mama's heart.

I am happy for him. He's going to try and sleep in the hammock swing! How cool is that?!

From Jeff's Blog : Conference Fears?

2009-02-15T23:53:00.000-08:00

I lifted this directly from Jeff's blog...

"Well, I am beginning to get amazingly excited about the first of our two unschooling conferences this year, Life is Good, held in Vancouver, WA on May 21-24. I absolutely LOVE conferences; they are ways to connect with old friends, meet new ones, relax, and celebrate all that is good and wonderful in our lives.

Have you ever been to a conference? Are you uncertain about going? Is your husband or partner resistant? I know what that's like, and it can be scary as hell - but so incredibly rewarding. Read on.

Every time another conference approaches, it reminds me of how I felt in the months leading up to my first one, Live and Learn in Albuquerque in 2006. When Ginger told me she wanted to go, I was pretty unsure - a conference? I mean REALLY? I've been to a ton of conferences in my professional life, and they are so - - well - - boring and formal. I mean, Conferences are places where we all wear name badges, and sit around at tables forcing conversation with people we don't know. Conferences are where we pick up 37 pounds of printed flyers and brochures that we'll never read again. They're places where we fight to stay awake all day so we can earn the right to go back to our rooms and watch TV. I mean, unschooling sounded okay - - I was even kinda enjoying it. Why the hell did I need to fly across the country to bore myself?

As the conference got closer, my concerns took a new turn. No longer was I worried abbout being bored; I was worried about being overwhelmed and unaccepted. What if everyone there already knew each other? What if I wasn't cool enough, or funny enough, or smart enough, or - - God forbid - - unschooly enough? I had serious visions that someone would approach Ginger a few days into the conference, point at me, and say "He doesn't belong here - - I think you should reconsider this unschooling thing."

When we were flying there, I began to feel better, but still had one nagging concern; all of these Dads were probably so cool, and they probably had neat non-traditional careers that allowed them to stay home and be with their kids all of the time, and how could I possibly compete with that? Did I even deserve to be here? What the hell would I do when I got to the hotel and the whole thing started?

And then we got there, and the rest of my life began. The entire weekend was a dream: I learned, I laughed, I cried, I relaxed, I played, I created, I asked, I answered, I dug deep, I slept, I stayed up all night, I followed my kids around everywhere they wanted me to and left them alone when they wanted that, I was challenged, I challenged, I made amazing friends from 6 months old to 70, and I came to one essential understanding of my life: happiness is king and rules all. My happiness, Ginger's Kai's, Kade's, and everyone else that we had a chance to interact with.

So here's what I did at my first conference, and why I think you should go:

I went to main presentations: the ones from Ren Allen and Ben Lovejoy stood out, primarily because they made me think about the love I have for my children and how much it can still deepen.

I went to circle chats and smaller meetings. My first circle chat was with Barbara Chase, and while way too many brain cells have left the building to remember the exact topic, I do recall feeling energized and excited by one critical thing: not everyone there was an "expert" or "radical", and they were all learning and growing, just like me - even the folks who have been doing it for years.

I went to SSUDS meetings. The Secret Society of Unschooling Dads is really just a cool acronym; there's nothing secret about it. My first SSUDS meeting was just dads and grandads and such, with lots of no-holds barred Q&A about being a Dad and unschooling. I asked tons of questions, and was challenged all along the way. It was rough for me, because many of the answers I got were strange and new - but the people who answered me did it from the heart, with no other goal than to make me a better unschooling dad. And then after the meeting and all through the weekend, they each sought me out to talk one-on-one.

I ran a fun shop. What a great way to meet people! Fun shops are just that; fun, fun, fun. We decided to make tissue paper kites ,and brought tissue paper, string, decorations, markers, glue sticks, etc. Kids and their parents just flowed in for the whole hour, and we found ourselves scrambling just to catch up and keep them all supplied! But we met so many cool people and cool kids, and that helped us make connections that led to deeper conversations over that weekend - and over the years since.

I participated in the raffle and instant gratification table. I got a chance to buy raffle tickets and bid on all sorts of exciting gift baskets and other cool stuff. The kids got to participate, too. Another fantastic way to meet people and experience new things.

I actually got on stage during the talent show. A bunch of the younger set got on stage and sang "Another Brick in the Wall", and I just couldn't resist! Subsequent years have seen me up dancing to "The Time Warp" and "Thriller", among other silly stuff.

I walked to a coffee shop every day; just to escape for a little while and get some "me" time.

I watched Cartoon Network for the first time. Before the conference, we didn't have cable at all; never had! But since that very first episode of "Courage the Cowardly Dog" I realized that TV is not an instrument of the Devil; it is another wonderful way to connect with my kids.

I let go. I let go of almost everything: bed times, TV control, the need to be right, the need to be on-time, the need to know where my kids were and with whom, the need to be in control - and most of all, my precon ceived notions that had defined unschooling ina rigid, formulaic fashion.

And most importantly, I learned. Without even trying, or wanting to, or planning to, or even knowing it was happening. While I learned things about unschooling, to be sure, I mostly learned about myself, my life, my family, my goals, my fears, and my passions.

A conference can be all of this, and more. All it takes for you to have a similar, wonderful, life-changing experience is to come and let it happen. Look for the people who look peaceful and are smiling; they're the ones who know and are there to help you make the same journey.

Hope to see you in May!"

****I want to add that if we don't see you in May, maybe we will see you in September at the Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference in San Diego!

A new photo shop movie

2009-02-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I was able to cobble together this new video. At then end, there are some videos of Kade and Kai exploring the photo booth options and learning. I really enjoyed watching the boys do these. I also found some adults who joined in the fun! Enjoy it!

Photo booth part 2 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Kade's new favorite music video

2009-02-15T02:17:00.000-08:00

Just had to share. He very much likes this one!

In fact, he just came over to see : "Who was playing my video." He especially likes the rockin' part close to the end.

I have been graced by this:

2009-02-15T00:34:00.000-08:00

Laura gave me an award!

These are the rules to accept the award:
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.
4.The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. To show these rules

Madeline is an amazing woman I so hope to get to know better in this lifetime.

Gail who shares my knowledge of what it is like to be letting her children walk a new path on their own. A woman who is gentle and kind and who is shy and observes far more than I do.

Frank I just love. His blog is witty and he has me looking words up! I love his passion for life. I love his ability to rant and still make sense.

Pink Prickly Pear is just a hoot! I make a note of *not* having food or drink in my mouth when I read her blog. This has been learned through experience of loosing it and almost bathing the computer in the goods! Go check her out.

Stark Raving Mom hasn't written enough to satisfy my daily blog reading needs...and I would love to see her write more. Since I know her in real life, I know how much she can and does add to my life.

Hooked on your blog...

2009-02-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

A new friend (met via blogging) has given me another opportunity to express some happiness. Jean has given me this:

It is referred as the "Hooked On Your Blog/What Makes You Happy/6 Random Things" meme.

I am going to express 6 things that I didn't last time - especially since I can now have 6 more to express!

1. Nature.
The ocean is so beautiful. But, I so enjoy the mountains and the trees. Here are a few pictures I have that I just love.

Here is Kai sitting on a cropped tree in the middle of the woods on Redwood Croft. We had great fun wandering around the paths and finding these cool spots to rest and watch. The sound of the ocean breeze coming through the tree tops was incredible. Very soothing.

These are the dogwood that bloomed in mass on our property in Tennessee. I love the way the red barn in back makes the white pop out and look so beautiful. I love the texture of the dogwood blooms. I loved having them right outside my window. I remember growing up with them, too. In the mountain pass going from Redding to Mt. Shasta the forest was full of both the white blooms and pink blooms of the dogwoods there. I always enjoyed the 'Easter Holiday' trips down south to visit family. Mostly because we would pass these blooms and we would get to see Castle Crags. So much of that country up there speaks to me. I remember one early morning when my Dad and I were driving together and we were able to see the sun rise on Mt. Shasta as we traveled toward the southern pass. That feeling - I still feel when I just think of the beauty of it. Nature speaks to my soul, I do believe.

The creatures that come to visit the flowers are pretty fascinating, too. I have been stung more times than I care to count. And yet, I'd get a butterfly bush in a flash! I really enjoy watching them buzz from spot to spot. This busy gal was on the flowers here in our area. Great to see them be able to feast during the winter, too. Not something one gets to see in other parts of the world.

I guess I am going to mention the boys here! I love to watch the sunset. Several times the boys have been willing just to go down and watch it. I enjoy watching them interact with their preferred nature inter-actives.

2. Music.
Music makes me happy inside. It's the counterpart, for me, to nature. Even Jeff will notice if I haven't been listening to enough of it, he will nudge me to do so. I guess you can see/hear how varied my sounds can be on the play list. Even that isn't as ecclectic as I actively listen to. I love listening to it. I love making it. I love watching people make it! Bring it on.

3. Friends.
I really have made some really good friends. I value them. I value what they bring to my life.

4. Tin Whistle.
Some of you may already know how much I love the tin whistle. I hope to some day (soon?) have a low D. :) My favorite artist has to be Joannie Madden. If you haven't heard her yet, listen to her here...

5. Craftiness.
No, not that form of the verb. I am not clever with people or putting said people in certain situations. I am talking about the other crafty - the working with materials to make cool stuff kind of crafty. I have just done my first decoupage glass lanterns for some special people in my life. This makes me happy.

6. Authenticity.
I welcome it. It makes life real and allows us to feel everything we want and need to. It allows us to build relationships. It allows our children to be authentic and exactly who they are supposed to be.

Now, I will share this with 6 more bloggers. I am going to share with a few of the people whose blogs I read regularly.

1. Kat craft fever

2. Hummingbird Haven

3. Second to the Right

4. Warts and All

5. The Wonderful Happens

6. Blog of the Zombie Princess

Thanks, Jean!

How do you spell fun?

2009-02-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well, there are many fun things in the world. Thanks to our friend, Beth Fuller, we have a new way to spell it. S.T.R.A.W.

Now, go get one that has a bendy end.

Put one end under a naked armpit.

Put the other end in your mouth and blow.

Kade truly enjoyed this adventure for quite some time. It makes one of his favorite noises. Don't know what noise it makes? Well, you'll just have to go get a straw and find out!

The longest post ever, continued.

2009-02-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

I can't say enough how much I truly appreciate Prana. He has helped me so much along this healing journey. If you are looking for someone who can use essential oils, massage and cranio sacral work, he's truly amazing. Shazia is a wonderful woman, as well. I am grateful to have them in my life!

As an aside, they are looking for someone to buy their storefront. They are still going to provide the healing services (both restorative yoga and Prana's list of healing arts) and wish to sell the store part of their business to allow them to focus more on the afore mentioned healing arts.

****

There is a discussion about love and understanding going around with a few friends of mine. It brings up an interesting point. Are we ever truly understood? We were talking about this statement someone made :

"No one will ever understand you. Realizing this is freedom. No one will ever understand you—not once, not ever. Even at our most understanding, we can only understand our story of who you are. There's no understanding here except your own. If you don't love another person, it hurts, because love is your very self."

We progressed and a friend said :

"I was thinking that so many people's ideas of marriage includes feeling "understood." However, what if this idea is an illusion? What if we are working with a false dynamic?....What about love? Love, for me, goes beyond pheromones, lust, parental attachment, shared interests or even mutual respect. I have always believed that love was a choice, actually a series of choices made each and every day. As each day is filled with more gratitude, awe and joy-- I find it more and more difficult not to love. Love no longer feels like a decision, more than it is a daily certainty."

Heavy stuff. But important to think on once in a while. I wanted to put here what I wrote. More to explain how I operate and to show where I am on this journey through life. Here is what I responded :

"Two things on this.
First, I don't think we understand anything. For me it is about accepting and allowing a fluid-ness to that accepting. Understanding isn't a part of what I do, I guess. I can see progressions of things and see how someone got from point A to point B, but I don't understand it. Does that make sense?
Secondly, for me, love is just a part of me. It doesn't come from loving myself. It doesn't even come from my choices (for I can and do sometimes hurt those I love without even knowing/intending it). Sometimes my acts of 'love' are not good for other people. I don't feel like I choose to love. I do choose to follow it, or not.
Loving people has always been an amazing phenomenon to me. As I said, I can't control *if* I love, I can only control how I respond to it. How much I allow my thoughts to concentrate on it. How I interact with it. I have always loved everyone I see, first thing. I don't *understand* why. I just have accepted that it is. Sometimes I see that someone is unhealthy for me to be with, or who's choices I can't accept. My love is still there - it just is in a holding pattern, so to speak.
Maybe this is connected with my 'cup is half full' - usually more than half full personality? Don't know.
What it has meant in my interactions with others is varied. Many disbelieve I actually love them, that I am truly this happy a person, and sometimes they react in fear. Some have said they see it as a 'glow' or as just happiness showing through. I'm sure some see me as the 'princess' of insufficient light.
Thankfully, Jeff sees it as a good thing!

No matter how you see love, it is real. Understanding can be varied in so many ways. We all see things from our own perspectives. This allows for so many versions of the same thing. Emotions are real. How we describe emotions will be as varied as those who are asked to describe them.

****

Jeff and I were talking about my blog a bit back. I have been meaning to write down here how I feel about our discussion. Jeff was saying he expected this blog to be more about unschooling.

I have purposely left out the 'definition' of unschooling simply because I feel there are many others out there who have defined it. For more in-depth information one can look through Joyce's page or Sandra's page. They have spent years collecting unschooling information.

I haven't felt the need to define it here on my blog. But I consider my blog to be about unschooling. I talk about our passions, our pastimes and about how we live or lives. I show how involved we are in each other, how happily we support each other in our pursuit of what we love to do and I feel as if I have shown how following my own passions help my family members see that it is an important thing to do. I read in front of my kids, I knit in front of my kids, I blog in front of my kids, I henna in front of my kids. My kids follow their passions in front of me. Annie even dyed my hair! We are all a fluid part of each others' lives and we get involved in the excitement and joy of each other. Is that not what unschooling is truly about? For me it is. I can see the world get bigger for my kids every day. I see more of the world through their eyes. We each learn something everyday. Our life brings never ending possibilities.

So, in essence, this (to me) is very much an unschooling blog.

****

We need to see Auntie Mary. It has been far too long. Kai was saying this week how it just is not good for us to go this long without a visit. We miss her so much! So...the calendar will just have to clear enough so we can go!

****

Jeff has to go out of town on business every once in a while. We miss him much when he goes, but also know it's just part of the corporate game we play right now. Jeff and I are different in so many ways. I have a love/hate relationship for how he prepares/packs for things. He is a last minute packer. I am not. So I have a tough time when we pack as a family to go places. When he is traveling alone, I truly love to watch him buzz around packing at the last minute. I find it quite precious that he has me clean his glasses for him and how he needs to get the tiny screwdriver out to tighten the glasses hinges before he leaves for the trip. These are endearing things.

Mainly I love counting down, with the kids, the hours until we get to see him again. Kai started the hour count when we had 9 hours left. The minute count started 3 hours before. I'm sure he would have included seconds if there was a clock that showed those readily!

It's nice to have everyone under our roof now.

I have been known to say that even if Jeff was home 24/7 it still wouldn't be enough time for me. Crazy in love still after all this time.

****

Kai went to a karate seminar this week. I love his passion for this. He came home saying it was the best seminar he has *ever* been to. How cool is that?! I didn't take the camera, but saw Sensei Michelle with one. As soon as they post pictures on their site, I'll see about getting some for here, too.

These seminars are a great way for Kai to learn more about his art. He is loving every moment of his learning. So cool.

There will be another seminar in March. I'll be sure to take the camera to that one!

****

I have started knitting again...watch out!

****

Annie has now passed all her tests for completing core! She is a happy girl. I was able to go down and sit and be her 'test subject'. We were both worried that my hair (although nice) is very thin. However, she has played with it before, so seemed to have no trouble dealing with it during the test. She started out with the dying testing. They were given shaving cream to demonstrate the application of dye. She did great on the parting and the actual application. After showing she knew how to do four types of tinting/dying, she went on to rolling for perms. She mentioned afterwards that she was glad I had a straight cut, because there were only the wispy parts of my hair to deal with and not layers, too. Plus, since I don't have a ton of hair, she ended up not needing all the rollers! How cool is that?! Anyway, after the "perming" I was treated to a hair washing/massaging and then, was gifted to a blow dry and curling session. All in all, it went from 9:30 to 1:50. It was a long time to test, and it was only the hands on testing that she had to do. Yesterday they tested the written stuff. So far, she seems to be happy with the results. And I'm proud of how well she did.

****

I wanted to post a follow-up mehndi picture. Here is the last design I did a full week after application. I am so pleased with how well the stain stayed. I am getting comfortable with how I like to mix it and what I like to add. Hopefully it wont change a lot when I get another bag of henna powder. I am liking how well the sifted henna applies. No lumps!

Lots happening. This may be the longest post ever.

2009-02-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

Well, as you may assume, we are doing things. The play-doh has been worked well. Games have been played. Kai read a book in one day. Kade drew pictures and even arranged his pokemon cards to make a 'boy'. The boys have wrestled and played. The boys have also been playing Stickicide 3 where they have been enjoying watching the stick figure get mangled in many ways. Basically suicide for stick figures (if it wasn't clear). Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a boy game! The boys have also found the big jugs we get water in and have been using them for drums, as a bazooka, and as a chair (only Kade can do this and he loves to try and balance.) Annie has been going to school, hanging out with friends old and new, and she dyed my hair for me. I have put on some mehndi. We have taken Annie to the chiropractor and dentist. We have gone to park day. I have spent lots of time on Facebook - especially since finding my brother, Andy, and my good friend, Beth Winslow, there.

There are many, many thoughts I want to put down in this blog post, so it's going to be all over the place!

Oh, before I forget. Here is Kade's boy made from his pokemon cards...note the pokemon comic book on the couch that Kade had been "looking at" (reading really, but he wont call it that).

****

We have been doing something similar to Ronnie (see her #5) and have been shutting off the computers when not in use. Since we have been home so much, it is mostly at night. Anyway, the boys really enjoy being responsible for the whole 'shut down' routine.

The other night as we headed into bed, Kade pauses at the door and says, "Mama, wouldn't it be funny if tomorrow when we turn on the computer it tells us to, 'Shut up'?"

****

You know when this normally preferring to be neat person has been busy following many pastimes (her own and helping facilitate others') when the laundry space looks like this:

There are as many clothes on the top of the washer/dryer as there are in the dirty basket and there is a load both in the washing machine and the dryer. Notice the pile of things on the floor? One pile is bedding and in the other pile are the socks that go in the basket by the door. The clothes hanging either need to stay as wrinkle free as possible (nice that they are slammed on that tiny hook!) or need to be ironed for Jeff's work. Ideally, I like to do a load of laundry a day. Fold it and put it away. If I do this, then we all have clothes to wear...in our cubbies. Otherwise...it's to the piles. I have to admit something here...I waited to take this picture until *after* I folded all the clothes. Before, we had been weeding through the absolutely huge pile of clean clothes on the floor in front of the dryer. So huge, in fact, that we had to push it aside to open the door to the bedroom then had to move it back to get to the bathroom! Yikes, you say? Yes.

Another sign is when you fill the dishwasher 3 minutes after you unloaded it. There may even still be dishes left to hand wash because they simply didn't fit in the dishwasher with the rest. There may even be enough to hand wash that when cleaning them you wind up not having enough room in the dish drainer!

****

Happy news for my Bro, Andy. He and his family will be reunited in less than 3 days! This is indeed incredible news. Their house sold in northern California and Diane, Mads and Nick are headed to VI to be a together family! Andy is very much enjoying his new job with benefits...and I can't wait to go see them!

****

There is this baby meme going around on Facebook. I thought I'd take Ronnie's lead and post mine here on the blog. I have included some pictures, just to make it a bit more personable and us.

In honor of Beth...

WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes.
WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? No. Had fun finding the wedding dress while 8 months pregnant...knowing full well I wasn't the first woman - nor will I be the last - to get married with bun-in.
WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Pure joy.
HOW OLD WERE YOU? 29

Kai bun-in for about 6 months.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Had missed two menses. We found a cartoon with a stone age couple choosing the name of their child by putting papers with letters on them on the wall and throwing darts, blindfolded, at the wall. What ever letters they hit, they were writing down. "Drup" was what they came up with. So, Kai was Drup until we found out his sex through the ultrasound.
WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Jeff
DUE DATE? April 1st.
ACTUAL DATE BABY WAS BORN? March 29th. We found out he was going to be a boy and thought it would be the best April Fools joke if he came out a girl. Maybe this is why he chose to join us earlier?!
DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? One week, but just the nausea.
WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Bean Burritos.
WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Microwave pop corn. I still have a reaction to walking in that aisle of grocery stores. Also, Target was a nightmare to go in.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? Boy. I remember the day we found out. Jeff was stricken. He vowed to start the emergency fund for hospital visits that very day. :) Oddly enough, Kai isn't the one who hurts himself in his daring things. Kade is more likely to.

Our precious boy.

DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? Nope!
HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? A whoppin' 50!
DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes, friends at work held one for me. Diane organized one up in Yreka for friends and family.
WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? They told me when and where...
DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Spotted in the third month. Was in the Army at the time. I went in on a Saturday, very concerned. The Dr. on duty told me I was "just aborting" and that I should come in on Monday to fully complete the job. Nice weekend it turned out to be. I was distraught the whole weekend. I went to the OB/GYN on Monday and he said I was fine.
WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? Water broke 12 hours before contractions even started. So, I was induced. Didn't want to be, though.
WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Jeff.
WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Jeff and my Mom, Dr. Walker and the nurses.
WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Vaginal.
DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Yes. I waited a long time, though. The pitocin was more than I could handle on my own.
HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 7 lbs. 4 oz.
WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? 7:04pm. The night the UCONN Huskies won the NCAA.
WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Kai Sebastian
HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 9

Dr. Walker argued with Jeff about whether he would take this picture with Jeff wearing the ears. Jeff wore them throughout the whole labor. It was a great reminder to smile and breathe. I couldn't ask for a better man.

In honor of Beth...and because I wanted to include my second birth.

WAS YOUR Second PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes. We charted and planned very closely.
WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes.
WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Elation
HOW OLD WERE YOU? 32

The day Kai heard Kade's heartbeat.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Since we charted, we knew when my temps didn't go down. We had to wait for the tests to work. Was difficult to wait!
WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? The man waiting at the door of the bathroom...Jeff
DUE DATE? August 30th
ACTUAL DATE BABY WAS BORN? September 7th. The midwife didn't tell me that the birth would naturally be delayed if there was still a nursling. It wouldn't have changed how we did things, just would have been good to know. I tandem nursed them for over 2 years. Best decision I made - fit very well with our family.
DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? I couldn't cook *and* eat what I made. So, the first months, Kai and I went out for breakfast. Jeff did the cooking from then on out so that I didn't have to cook dinner. I did get to the point of being able to fix breakfast for myself, though....eventually.

In disguise...

WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Had bacon every day for the first few months. When I could fix myself food I had a sandwich made of toast with cream cheese and a fried egg with spicy mustard. This I craved every day. Chocolate, too, but I'm not sure that was related to the pregnancy! Especially since I still have that craving. (Are you reading Jon?)
WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Microwave pop corn. I still have a reaction to walking in that isle of grocery stores. Also, Target was a nightmare to go in. Cooking meat.
WHAT WAS YOUR Second CHILD'S SEX? Boy. By this time Jeff was pleased with it. We had our girl in Annie!
DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? I knew they were who I was intended to have, so no.
HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? A whoppin' 50 again! I was thinner straight on than when I turned sideways.

Ready at 8 plus months.

DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes, friends held one for me. In hind sight, though, I would have just had the party without having friends gift. It was very sweet of them, though, and we did appreciate it very much.
WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? They included me in the plans, somewhat.
DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? We were blessed to have a complication free pregnancy.
WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? We welcomed Kade into our lives in our living room. I would do a water birth again. Right now!
HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? Water broke 12 hours before contractions even started. This time I wasn't worried and trusted my body to take care of things. I had an awesome Midwife team in Tosi and Claudia of Birthstream Midwifery. I went from 3 cm to birthing in 3 hours. I didn't really start laboring until I let go...which is when I stepped into the warm water. Things moved quickly after that.
WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? They arrived with the trough (yes you read right) around noon.
WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Jeff, Claudia and Tosi.
WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Water birth and vaginal.
DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? No. I didn't feel pain until his shoulders got stuck. Then, for only a few minutes.
HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 7 lbs. 2 oz.
WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? 4:00 in the afternoon.
WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Kade Nathaniel
HOW OLD IS YOUR Second BORN TODAY? 7

A sweet kiss from Kai to Kade.

****

After much time, we rented Love Actually. I so enjoyed this show! Jeff was good enough to watch it with me the second time, and he seemed to genuinely enjoy it. We are still laughing at some of the scenes. It's been a great conversation piece! We especially liked the deleted scenes. So, if you haven't seen those, I recommend them. I especially like the deleted scene of Liam Neesen and Thomas Sangster.

This is a movie I will enjoy sharing with others. There is something to be said for watching other people laugh and enjoy something.

****

Gratitude is something I try and express at least once a day and trying to make it last as long in the day as I can. I find this makes life so much more enjoyable! I don't know, often, what the day will bring. Gratitude helps me weave in and out of the projects and responsibilities I come in contact with on a regular basis. So why am I writing about it now? Because I feel so much joy at having these wonderful kids that challenge me, I am grateful for the friends in my life that spice things up and nudge me to see a bigger world, and I am grateful I have a soul mate who loves me and wants to be with me. Yes, gratitude is good.

Along these lines, I try and feel the gratitude for other, simpler things. Somewhere in my blog following I came across a post that talked about having a window they enjoyed sitting by when the sun was warming the spot. I have a window like this. It's in the kitchen, and I love to sit here in the afternoons. I'm including the picture for you. Soon it may become my little garden window.

I'm going to publish this now, even though there is more to say. If I don't I may never get something posted!!

February 6, 1999

2009-02-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

Cast of characters:
Bob (best man and good friend of Jeff), Diane (Ginger's sister-in-law) holding Mads, Rich (good friend of Jeff), Andy (Ginger's brother), Barbara (Jeff's mom), Jeff, Annie, Ginger, Laura (maid of honor and good friend of Ginger), Dora (Ginger's mom), Jon (Jeff's step-dad), Auntie Mary (Ginger's paternal Aunt), Uncle Bruce (Mary's man), Chet (Ginger's dad) and Lori (friend of Ginger)

I have listed this because I didn't label any of the pictures in the slideshow below so as to keep it under 5 years long! This way you can pause and see the names of some of the crowd. Also, remember to pause the music on the side bar, for the slideshow does have music.

It was an incredible day. Rich brought the lei's with him from Hawaii. We were blessed that so many traveled so far to be there.

I especially love the 3 pictures where Annie has balloons tied to her hair. Also seeing Anne and Paul Benton; Annie's mom, Jan; Dorothea and Kirk (who mean more than they could ever realize); Jim and Jeannette, and so many more. We had the ceremony and the reception in a restaurant I had worked in called Tarpy's Roadhouse. The rehearsal dinner was at Stoke's Adobe (which Kirk and Dorothea own) and was incredible. If you ever are in Monterey, CA, go there! What a spectacular day...one I still savor; bask in the warmth of emotion. I may write more later. I just want to say how much I love our friends and family!

And how grateful I am to have found Jeff.

Jeff and Ginger on their wedding day February 6, 1999 from Beachbum on Vimeo.

10 years

2009-02-06T00:14:00.000-08:00

of marriage and still happy he is my man! Thank you, sweetie, for all the fun times. We make a great gypsy couple!

I think I'll add this photo...heehee

Tonight we have weather

2009-02-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

Special weather statement came through : damaging winds, possible hail, heavy rain, lightning strikes to the ground. So where is my husband? Well, he is out on the patio, waiting to see it all. How strange it is to see this man who is usually so safe, be fascinated by strong weather.

Now, when I met him, he didn't enjoy walking in the rain. We then lived in Monterey. Although it doesn't rain a ton, it does rain during the winter months. I kept saying : I don't melt. Finally he stopped asking if I really wanted to go out. Now...somehow this means he can and should be in weather.

When in TN, he used to love sitting on the porch swing and just watch it pour down. There is nothing like that.

Tonight he was outside. Very fascinated and was almost disappointed we didn't get the hail. We did see the interstate on a mandatory slow down - with highway patrol setting the pace. At least we know they have systems in place to help keep the drivers safe.

Proof of rain today...

Tonight I finally got a chance to work some Mendhi magic. I am interested in researching the 5 petal rose...it's supposed to have mother earth goddess symbolism attached to it. Shall research it more. Here is my version.

in keeping with my promise to myself

2009-02-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to be able to wear these right now.

Yesterday I wore these:

Today I'm wearing these:

I think I'll alternate each day... Now I just have to make a change in my wardrobe to fit with the shoes. I'm having fun.

kids of all ages

2009-02-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

play with these fractiles. They are cool!

Kai joins the blue belts!

2009-02-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, Kai took his belt test. He was excited about the opportunity - and it was the much needed fresh air being blown into his karate sails. So....he actually was given his blue belt today. Jeff was kind enough to take pictures.

Park day

2009-02-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

These days are like a rejuvination of spirit. It's hard to explain. They are fun and it's great to see friends and talk and play. But we have also charged our positive emotions and see life with more enthusiasm and enjoyment. Crazy, huh?

Well, Kai and Kade had a blast. Kade managed to play inside a car. Kai managed to play with friends and run and have quite time with those he wished. We missed some of our regulars (you know who you are) but really had fun with those we did spend time with...

Which leads me to this : I have been blessed, yet again, to put henna on a baby belly! Thanks, Jen!! Here are all the pictures she so nicely took...

Anne was at the park with her 3 plus Soren (6 days old)!!!

Learning happens

2009-02-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Here is Kai's fun. Finding new things to play with is the name of the game. Kade found the photo booth first, but I have yet to process through his 100+ pictures he has taken so far. Kade is amazed by the mirror effect and has been experimenting a lot. I think he might be a director someday...

Kai is much tamer in his expressions and picture taking. Here are his.

***I don't know why it's playing so fast. If you click play again, it will play at normal speed.

Kai finds photo booth on the computer from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Jane

2009-02-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

I think of my cousin, Jane, every time I see these birds of paradise. So, in honor of Jane, here is her favorite flower.

I took many pictures of them...as well as a few other flowers around our place. Flo had posted something that showed a beautiful bloom. Being close to nature is very important to me. Thought I'd share it with those of you who may wish to see...

***I don't know why it's playing so fast. If you click play again, it will play at normal speed.

A touch of nature from Beachbum on Vimeo.