Taking it easy.
Feeling exhausted lately, so I'm grateful that I'm able to give myself permission to rest when I need it.
Also, I'm grateful to have my wedding ring back. The diamond fell out a couple of months ago, maybe? (I'm terrible at keeping track of time.) It was kind of a miracle that I even found it, because when Miles got home and alerted my attention to the fact that on my left hand was a naked looking ring with busted up prongs & no diamond... well, we had to accept that it was gone for good. Miracle of miracles, I found it HOURS later on the floor of my closet?! How it got there I have no idea. But, today I got it back from the jeweler and it's clean, secure, sparkling and amazing.
Now, to go relax some more.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Summer Lovin: Day 13
Sweet things that Jude says:
Churches are "Castles". Especially the enormous Catholic convent that we drive by frequently. Lately, Jude says, "I've never been in that castle!" Yeah... we are not a religious family. But, they do look like castles.
"Letters" is an all encompassing term for lots of things represented with symbols; letters, numbers, and directions. When Jude asks, "What letter are you?" please tell him how old you are. This is too sweet for me to "correct". He'll adjust all of this in his own time, and I just love it right now. It breaks my heart a little bit when little kids are corrected or taught the "right" way, meaning that their way was "wrong". Most of the time, they figure it out eventually and it'll correct naturally, why rush them to follow our rules?? I just love *basking* in his world right now where he's creating his own meaning.
I use "right & left" when I'm talking to him when we're driving and walking around. So, he'll say, "What letter are we going now?" He means, will we turn right or left?
Blanket is still "banklet"
He blows me away daily with his explanations and descriptions. It's an opportunity for me to peer into his process of making meaning. It blows my mind & amazes me to no end. I really need to start a little journal where I can jot down all of these amazing discoveries. Some are too personal to blog about, like what he learns about his body.
3 is just fascinating. Fascinating.
My other child has kicked me probably 100 times already this morning. She is a feisty one, I think. Oh boy, here we go!
Churches are "Castles". Especially the enormous Catholic convent that we drive by frequently. Lately, Jude says, "I've never been in that castle!" Yeah... we are not a religious family. But, they do look like castles.
"Letters" is an all encompassing term for lots of things represented with symbols; letters, numbers, and directions. When Jude asks, "What letter are you?" please tell him how old you are. This is too sweet for me to "correct". He'll adjust all of this in his own time, and I just love it right now. It breaks my heart a little bit when little kids are corrected or taught the "right" way, meaning that their way was "wrong". Most of the time, they figure it out eventually and it'll correct naturally, why rush them to follow our rules?? I just love *basking* in his world right now where he's creating his own meaning.
I use "right & left" when I'm talking to him when we're driving and walking around. So, he'll say, "What letter are we going now?" He means, will we turn right or left?
Blanket is still "banklet"
He blows me away daily with his explanations and descriptions. It's an opportunity for me to peer into his process of making meaning. It blows my mind & amazes me to no end. I really need to start a little journal where I can jot down all of these amazing discoveries. Some are too personal to blog about, like what he learns about his body.
3 is just fascinating. Fascinating.
My other child has kicked me probably 100 times already this morning. She is a feisty one, I think. Oh boy, here we go!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Summer Lovin: Day 10
(yesterday)
It's gotta be the sky.
I'm pretty short, and I've usually got my gaze focused down towards the ground.
To make sure I'm not stepping in dog poop.
Jude and I took a long walk yesterday and where we live, the sky is HUGE!
There was something about it yesterday.
It just opened up my heart.
Made me feel small.
In a good way.
Then, driving home from yoga last night, I also took time to look up.
And appreciate.
The sky.
It's gotta be the sky.
I'm pretty short, and I've usually got my gaze focused down towards the ground.
To make sure I'm not stepping in dog poop.
Jude and I took a long walk yesterday and where we live, the sky is HUGE!
There was something about it yesterday.
It just opened up my heart.
Made me feel small.
In a good way.
Then, driving home from yoga last night, I also took time to look up.
And appreciate.
The sky.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Summer Lovin: Day 9
Yep, it has to be Dads today!
I have so much gratitude for the Dads in my life.
For Miles, who is outside digging in the dirt with our little boy right now. Our meatloaf dinner is almost done. A dad who cooks for us almost every single night, it's the least I can do to make him his favorite for Father's Day. Seriously, he's the best. It warms my heart to see how much Jude loves him. We're in this stage right now where I think Jude would prefer that I just disappear when Daddy's here. He wants him all to himself. I'm okay with that.
One of my favorite things is that Jude sleeps in Daddy Bear's "nook" every single night. And it's a cozy, cozy place to be.
I am so looking forward to watching Miles daddy it up with our daughter. I want her to be completely spoiled with love from her Daddy, and to KNOW that she is Daddy's princess. All that I want is for Miles to enjoy all the time he has with these two kiddos, and just by giving his time and attention they will be confident, safe, loved, secure, and able to take risks out there in the world.
Dads are extremely important. Some of us may have been given a "raw deal" when it comes to bio dads, but I don't want to get lost harping on that. My life is blessed. My "dad", BOB, came into my life and allowed me to develop any security and confidence that I may not have had from the get go. He's always there for me. He always has been. He loves me - and my siblings - so much it makes him cry. And that means the world to me.
So, THANK YOU to all the Dads. I'm grateful your children, your partners, your families have YOU. You make all the difference.
I have so much gratitude for the Dads in my life.
For Miles, who is outside digging in the dirt with our little boy right now. Our meatloaf dinner is almost done. A dad who cooks for us almost every single night, it's the least I can do to make him his favorite for Father's Day. Seriously, he's the best. It warms my heart to see how much Jude loves him. We're in this stage right now where I think Jude would prefer that I just disappear when Daddy's here. He wants him all to himself. I'm okay with that.
One of my favorite things is that Jude sleeps in Daddy Bear's "nook" every single night. And it's a cozy, cozy place to be.
I am so looking forward to watching Miles daddy it up with our daughter. I want her to be completely spoiled with love from her Daddy, and to KNOW that she is Daddy's princess. All that I want is for Miles to enjoy all the time he has with these two kiddos, and just by giving his time and attention they will be confident, safe, loved, secure, and able to take risks out there in the world.
Dads are extremely important. Some of us may have been given a "raw deal" when it comes to bio dads, but I don't want to get lost harping on that. My life is blessed. My "dad", BOB, came into my life and allowed me to develop any security and confidence that I may not have had from the get go. He's always there for me. He always has been. He loves me - and my siblings - so much it makes him cry. And that means the world to me.
So, THANK YOU to all the Dads. I'm grateful your children, your partners, your families have YOU. You make all the difference.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Summer Lovin: Day 8
The sun came back, hooray!
Kids are out of school, so summer has officially begun.
My nephew's kindergarten graduation: adorable.
Our 5 year wedding anniversary: a milestone.
Family.
Outside.
Jude picking strawberries from the garden.
Learning to use the pedals on his bike.
Jubie kicking in my belly. Feels a little bit like an alien inside of me.
But I love it.
It's the best feeling.
Happy Saturday, all.
Kids are out of school, so summer has officially begun.
My nephew's kindergarten graduation: adorable.
Our 5 year wedding anniversary: a milestone.
Family.
Outside.
Jude picking strawberries from the garden.
Learning to use the pedals on his bike.
Jubie kicking in my belly. Feels a little bit like an alien inside of me.
But I love it.
It's the best feeling.
Happy Saturday, all.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Summer Lovin: Day 5
Well, Oregon decided that weather-wise it's not summer anymore and we are experiencing a rain break. Honestly, I find it refreshing. I am a person who LOVES to be hot, hot, hot, but I am an Oregonian as well, and rain means I don't have to worry about watering the garden. ;)
Day 3: My gratitude belongs to my mama. I wrote out my feelings for her in a card, so I'll leave it at that. She is just the best Mom & Grandma.
Day 4: Yesterday. My gratitude would have to be towards my son & his 3-year-old independence. He is BLOWING me away with his growth, development and communication right now. I love having slow times with him, where I can just relax and go at his pace. So, yesterday he wanted to go to the zoo and I said, "sweet, let's do it!" It just so happened to be a very busy, crowded day at the zoo and I had to adapt my mindset to keep it relaxing and enjoyable. So, Jude and I had a conversation before we left the Jeep in the parking lot about how we were going to leave the (huge, cumbersome, but I love it so much jogger) stroller in the Jeep and how this means that he will need to walk the entire way, but he can do that because he's 3 now! (Mommy can't carry 30lbs of toddler for much longer than a few moments right now due to her growing belly.) He was super agreeable and completely on board.
We had a blast together. We rode the train for the first time since it opened this season! We shared a $7 corn dog meal, hid out in the bird-walk during a downpour, and saw all of the animals, of course. By the time we made it back to the Jeep, I think we both could have used a good 2 hour car nap.
"3" is just so awesome. I know it gets a bad rap, because there are unpleasantness's that go along with this age; whining, tantrums, meltdowns, power struggles, and the like, but it's so exciting to experience Jude really growing into his own. He's so proud of himself and each new thing he can do all by himself. He shows me each day how tall he is, how long his legs and arms are, and how he's theeees much closer to reaching the "wall" (read: ceiling). And he's absolutely right. He's growing right before my very eyes.
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Haven't uploaded pictures from yesterday yet, so here's a recent one of Me & the Bear up to our usual shenanigans.
Day 5: Would be today. I'm grateful for this moment: right now. We're recovering from expending a ton of energy yesterday and we had a "3 year old" morning full of whining and, "don't do that!" "no, not like that!" and the like. And now my Bear is sound asleep in bed next to me (it's 1:30 PM) and I've no intention of doing much more than I'm already doing right now.
*bask*
Day 3: My gratitude belongs to my mama. I wrote out my feelings for her in a card, so I'll leave it at that. She is just the best Mom & Grandma.
Day 4: Yesterday. My gratitude would have to be towards my son & his 3-year-old independence. He is BLOWING me away with his growth, development and communication right now. I love having slow times with him, where I can just relax and go at his pace. So, yesterday he wanted to go to the zoo and I said, "sweet, let's do it!" It just so happened to be a very busy, crowded day at the zoo and I had to adapt my mindset to keep it relaxing and enjoyable. So, Jude and I had a conversation before we left the Jeep in the parking lot about how we were going to leave the (huge, cumbersome, but I love it so much jogger) stroller in the Jeep and how this means that he will need to walk the entire way, but he can do that because he's 3 now! (Mommy can't carry 30lbs of toddler for much longer than a few moments right now due to her growing belly.) He was super agreeable and completely on board.
We had a blast together. We rode the train for the first time since it opened this season! We shared a $7 corn dog meal, hid out in the bird-walk during a downpour, and saw all of the animals, of course. By the time we made it back to the Jeep, I think we both could have used a good 2 hour car nap.
"3" is just so awesome. I know it gets a bad rap, because there are unpleasantness's that go along with this age; whining, tantrums, meltdowns, power struggles, and the like, but it's so exciting to experience Jude really growing into his own. He's so proud of himself and each new thing he can do all by himself. He shows me each day how tall he is, how long his legs and arms are, and how he's theeees much closer to reaching the "wall" (read: ceiling). And he's absolutely right. He's growing right before my very eyes.
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Day 5: Would be today. I'm grateful for this moment: right now. We're recovering from expending a ton of energy yesterday and we had a "3 year old" morning full of whining and, "don't do that!" "no, not like that!" and the like. And now my Bear is sound asleep in bed next to me (it's 1:30 PM) and I've no intention of doing much more than I'm already doing right now.
*bask*
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Summer Lovin' Day 2
Fresh strawberry Jam. And I mean FRESH. Like the prince of bel air.
Mmmmm.
Jude's eaten a cup of it - mostly off of the counter because I knocked a jar over.
Listening to Tool.
Washing berries, while Jude's learning about compost, recycling, and the fact that he's big enough to reach into the sink to rinse his own berries. On the smallest of stools.
Miles in an apron.
The boys ducking out the back door when they have to pee.
Jude's little butt butt.
More sunshine.
So much gratitude.
And it's not even 2 pm.
*bask*
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It's tempting to focus on what's NOT inspiring gratitude. Like, I woke up at 4am with a searing pain in my mid-back, one of my quad muscles wants to give out each time I walk up or down the stairs, and the calf on my other leg wants to do the same. So, I took an Epsom salt soak at 5, and slept in Jude's bed from 6:30 on... where no one would kick me in the face. It's frustrating not being able to do everything that I want to do... and my body is letting me know when I've done too much. But, I've got to focus on the positive - on the gratitude. That I've got a husband who will clean the bathrooms & just wants to make me happy. And he'll hold me and listen to me while I cry about my first world problems.
Gotta go play the Sax-O-Flute now... it can't wait.
Mmmmm.
Jude's eaten a cup of it - mostly off of the counter because I knocked a jar over.
Listening to Tool.
Washing berries, while Jude's learning about compost, recycling, and the fact that he's big enough to reach into the sink to rinse his own berries. On the smallest of stools.
Miles in an apron.
The boys ducking out the back door when they have to pee.
Jude's little butt butt.
More sunshine.
So much gratitude.
And it's not even 2 pm.
*bask*
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It's tempting to focus on what's NOT inspiring gratitude. Like, I woke up at 4am with a searing pain in my mid-back, one of my quad muscles wants to give out each time I walk up or down the stairs, and the calf on my other leg wants to do the same. So, I took an Epsom salt soak at 5, and slept in Jude's bed from 6:30 on... where no one would kick me in the face. It's frustrating not being able to do everything that I want to do... and my body is letting me know when I've done too much. But, I've got to focus on the positive - on the gratitude. That I've got a husband who will clean the bathrooms & just wants to make me happy. And he'll hold me and listen to me while I cry about my first world problems.
Gotta go play the Sax-O-Flute now... it can't wait.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
45 Days: Summer Gratitude
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"Last Child in the Woods"
the Bear on a hike through Cooper Mountain Nature Park
Inspired by:
1. My book club's recent "glamping" trip to L.L. Stewart "Stub" State Park, for which we read "The Last Child in the Woods" by, Richard Louv
and,
2. My favorite yoga instructor, Kimi Marin's blog post, about gratitude and being mindful of gratitude during these beautiful summer months
it seems a good time to *bask* in this gorgeous Oregon summer, and so I'll try to blog about what we're up to and what I'm grateful for. This is day one.
Ever since our glamping trip a week ago, I've been making a real effort to get outside daily. Jude LOVES it. He's such a nature boy, and he always has been. It's great for my mood and well being. I f*ing LOVE the sun and this gorgeous weather we've been having. Here's a little bit of a catch-up to show you some highlights of what we've been up to:
Here's the Bear on the morning of his 3rd birthday. 3 is SO much fun. I can't even stand it. He knows how far he's come & that he has much more independence than ever before. I'm so damn proud of him.
Our fearless leader, directing the way on our hike at Cooper Mountain. He's getting fast, and with Jubie in my belly, it can be a challenge to keep up with him. But, I haven't lost him yet.
This is the Bear's "before" shot, where he has his long, hippie hair. It was pretty much a bob, and he looks a lot like me with long hair & this cheezy grin.
The "after" shot! After my Amazingly talented sister, Megan, gave him his first real "little boy" haircut. *sniff* God, he looks gorgeous. And, now that you can see his face, he looks like his Daddy & not so much like me. :)
Oh, here's little ol' me, after my AMAZING sister, Megan, (did I mention her already?!?!) cut & styled my hair. Who knew I had curly hair??? I think it got curly after the Bear's pregnancy, and now it may get curlier after Jubie-Bear's current incubation.
G-ma Bear chasing Jude around the baseball diamond at Gabriel Park. I am so grateful that G-ma and G-pa live so close, we can pop in for impromptu lunch/park dates. *bask*
Here's Daddy Bear this morning in the middle of the strawberry fields at Smith's farm. We ended up picking 10 lbs. of strawberries. I am grateful that we are so close to all of this bounty, this farm was 10 minutes from our house. And we just had the BEST time together.
Jude Bear this morning, "showing" me the strawberries that he is eating. Talk about gratitude. Out of doors, sunshine, this kid, my son, delicious berries, sitting in the dirt, family: my love of this life is abundant.
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