Robert, Tiff, and the Boys

2012-02-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

"Parenting means sacrifice. It seems that every couple of years some one comes out with a psychological or sociological study showing that parents have higher levels of anxiety and depression than those without children. I dont dispute those studies at all. The question, though, is, why is there such anxiety, such sadness, in the lives of parents?
I hope i dont succumb to the sin of anxiety or lack of trust in God. But i do worry about my sons.
I hope for the best for them. I felt conviction of sin when i snapped at someone, but i never felt the depression that comes with realizing that ive snapped at one of my sons. I feel sorry for a young man whos been rejected by the woman he thought was meant to be his wife, but ive never cried about it. I can imagine myself weeping behind closed doors, though, if it ever happened to my son.
Ive always loathed child molesters and raged against the way the courts and churches so often coddle them. But ive never had my blood pressure accelerate the way it does when a socially awkward, creepily friendly man kneels to talk to my kids.
Having a baby yanks one into a while new world of responsibility for shaping a life, a family, a future."

Russel Moore Adopted for Life

Choosing my battles

2012-01-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

As a mom of two boys; one who runs wild, and the other who will soon follow, Ive learned to just let some things go. For example. Its not actually a big deal if Forest wants to jump on the couch with excitement because his favorite song came on. Do i let him do this at some one else house? No. Definitely not. Or, if he feels the need to stand during a structured class environment, I totally let him. No big deal. Do i let him block the view for other children who are sitting? No.
He's a unique individual who needs to be allowed a bit of freedom to express himself. This in return, helps him to actually hear me and respond when i need to correct him. (um hopefully)
Its called choosing my battles. It provides a much more enjoyable day for me, and for the kids.
Some might call this obnoxious. Thats ok with me. If obnoxious means that my sons feel free to express themselves (happy or sad), be independent, learn from choices, play how they need to play, feel satisfied and secure...then i consider it a day well done.

This next part is a bit controversial. Please refrain from creepy comments. Its my blog dude.

There is something that i am very adamant about.
We are a non gun owning home. Including no fake play guns.
I have been told by a handful of moms that "boys will be boys and turn anything into a gun", or the occasional "its just naturally in them to play with guns no matter how hard you try".
In all honesty, i rarely lend half an ear to these comments. I can tell you, i havent tried hard at all. It has actually taken very little effort. Forest doesnt have a clue. And in my opinion, a 2 and 1/2 year old doesnt need to.
I have tried to make it known that our kids dont play with toy guns. But i have always quietly feared the day that they receive one as a gift from some one who isnt aware. How would i react? What would i do? Well, it happened. However, it was quite humorous because the gift giver was some one i least expected! Christmas was at its best, and our boys were being showered with so many presents. Forest was very excited to open his gift from my best friend. My friend that i have known since i was 16. She knows me so well! Of all the people in the world, it had to be her! How could this have happened?! hahaha
He looked puzzled as he opened his brand new dart gun. Not as puzzled as i looked!
As he got more excited and decided it was a "tool", i sat in silence with my startled bird face look going on. Part of me dying and trying not to cry, the other part wanting to burst out laughing because of the irony. I have to admit, a dart gun is not quite the same as other toy guns. However, this one happened to be a pretty major one. She had bought my son a top quality dart gun. I decided to let him play with it. It took him quite a while to get the hang of it. He didnt naturally know what to do with it. But then after a few weeks, HE GOT IT. We never told him it was a gun. We never talked about shooting. It was just darts to him.
A major pet peeve of mine, is little boys pretending to shoot their friends. I started to notice a new behavior unfold in Forest. Something that he doesnt naturally have. Aggression. Every time he pulled out the dart gun, he became crazy aggressive. One day when our friends were over, i was just finishing explaining this to my fellow mom friend. We both turned to see Forest shouting at his friend (her son) and holding his dart gun to his head. I shouted "Thats enough! That thing is gone!". And the dart gun has now been put away forever.....no matter how much fun i was secretly having with it.
I think little boys know how to pretend to shoot guns if they are told about them, shown how, have watched and been exposed. Forest didnt know how. Once he was handed a gun, he learned how. I hate guns. And i hate that its considered "cute" and "natural" for little boys to pretend shoot each other.

To my best friend: Please please dont hate me for writing about this! hahahaha

"Dont Carpe Diem"

2012-01-21T13:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a lovely article i read, titled "Dont Carpe Diem". Enjoy!

Every time I'm out with my kids -- this seems to happen:

An older woman stops us, puts her hand over her heart and says something like, "Oh, Enjoy every moment. This time goes by so fast."

Everywhere I go, someone is telling me to seize the moment, raise my awareness, be happy, enjoy every second, etc, etc, etc.

I know that this message is right and good. But, I have finally allowed myself to admit that it just doesn't work for me. It bugs me. This CARPE DIEM message makes me paranoid and panicky. Especially during this phase of my life - while I'm raising young kids. Being told, in a million different ways to CARPE DIEM makes me worry that if I'm not in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy, I'm doing something wrong.

I think parenting young children (and old ones, I've heard) is a little like climbing Mount Everest. Brave, adventurous souls try it because they've heard there's magic in the climb. They try because they believe that finishing, or even attempting the climb are impressive accomplishments. They try because during the climb, if they allow themselves to pause and lift their eyes and minds from the pain and drudgery, the views are breathtaking. They try because even though it hurts and it's hard, there are moments that make it worth the hard. These moments are so intense and unique that many people who reach the top start planning, almost immediately, to climb again. Even though any climber will tell you that most of the climb is treacherous, exhausting, killer. That they literally cried most of the way up.

And so I think that if there were people stationed, say, every thirty feet along Mount Everest yelling to the climbers -- "ARE YOU ENJOYING YOURSELF!? IF NOT, YOU SHOULD BE! ONE DAY YOU'LL BE SORRY YOU DIDN'T!" TRUST US!! IT'LL BE OVER TOO SOON! CARPE DIEM!" -- those well-meaning, nostalgic cheerleaders might be physically thrown from the mountain.

Now. I'm not suggesting that the sweet old ladies who tell me to ENJOY MYSELF be thrown from a mountain. These are wonderful ladies. Monkees, probably. But last week, a woman approached me in the Target line and said the following: "Sugar, I hope you are enjoying this. I loved every single second of parenting my two girls. Every single moment. These days go by so fast."

At that particular moment, Amma had arranged one of the new bras I was buying on top of her sweater and was sucking a lollipop that she must have found on the ground. She also had three shop-lifted clip-on neon feathers stuck in her hair. She looked exactly like a contestant from Toddlers and Tiaras. I couldn't find Chase anywhere, and Tish was grabbing the pen on the credit card swiper thing WHILE the woman in front of me was trying to use it. And so I just looked at the woman, smiled and said, "Thank you. Yes. Me too. I am enjoying every single moment. Especially this one. Yes. Thank you."

That's not exactly what I wanted to say, though.

There was a famous writer who, when asked if he loved writing, replied, "No. but I love having written." What I wanted to say to this sweet woman was, "Are you sure? Are you sure you don't mean you love having parented?"

I love having written. And I love having parented. My favorite part of each day is when the kids are put to sleep (to bed) and Craig and I sink into the couch to watch some quality TV, like Celebrity Wife Swap, and congratulate each other on a job well done. Or a job done, at least.

Every time I write a post like this, I get emails suggesting that I'm being negative. I have received this particular message four or five times -- G, if you can't handle the three you have, why do you want a fourth?

That one always stings, and I don't think it's quite fair. Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it's hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she's not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn't add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it's so hard means she IS doing it right...in her own way...and she happens to be honest.

Craig is a software salesman. It's a hard job in this economy. And he comes home each day and talks a little bit about how hard it is. And I don't ever feel the need to suggest that he's not doing it right, or that he's negative for noticing that it's hard, or that maybe he shouldn't even consider taking on more responsibility. And I doubt anybody comes by his office to make sure he's ENJOYING HIMSELF. I doubt his boss peeks in his office and says: "This career stuff...it goes by so fast...ARE YOU ENJOYING EVERY MOMENT IN THERE, CRAIG???? CARPE DIEM, CRAIG!"

My point is this. I used to worry that not only was I failing to do a good enough job at parenting, but that I wasn't enjoying it enough. Double failure. I felt guilty because I wasn't in parental ecstasy every hour of every day and I wasn't MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT like the mamas in the parenting magazines seemed to be doing. I felt guilty because honestly, I was tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often. And because I knew that one day, I'd wake up and the kids would be gone, and I'd be the old lady in the grocery store with my hand over my heart. Would I be able to say I enjoyed every moment? No.

But the fact remains that I will be that nostalgic lady. I just hope to be one with a clear memory. And here's what I hope to say to the younger mama gritting her teeth in line:

"It's helluva hard, isn't it? You're a good mom, I can tell. And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner. She's my favorite. Carry on, warrior. Six hours till bedtime." And hopefully, every once in a while, I'll add -- "Let me pick up that grocery bill for ya, sister. Go put those kids in the van and pull on up -- I'll have them bring your groceries out."

Anyway. Clearly, Carpe Diem doesn't work for me. I can't even carpe fifteen minutes in a row, so a whole diem is out of the question.

Here's what does work for me:

There are two different types of time. Chronos time is what we live in. It's regular time, it's one minute at a time, it's staring down the clock till bedtime time, it's ten excruciating minutes in the Target line time, it's four screaming minutes in time out time, it's two hours till daddy gets home time. Chronos is the hard, slow passing time we parents often live in.

Then there's Kairos time. Kairos is God's time. It's time outside of time. It's metaphysical time. It's those magical moments in which time stands still. I have a few of those moments each day. And I cherish them.

Like when I actually stop what I'm doing and really look at Tish. I notice how perfectly smooth and brownish her skin is. I notice the perfect curves of her teeny elf mouth and her asianish brown eyes, and I breathe in her soft Tishy smell. In these moments, I see that her mouth is moving but I can't hear her because all I can think is -- This is the first time I've really seen Tish all day, and my God -- she is so beautiful. Kairos.

Like when I'm stuck in chronos time in the grocery line and I'm haggard and annoyed and angry at the slow check-out clerk. And then I look at my cart and I'm transported out of chronos. And suddenly I notice the piles and piles of healthy food I'll feed my children to grow their bodies and minds and I remember that most of the world's mamas would kill for this opportunity. This chance to stand in a grocery line with enough money to pay. And I just stare at my cart. At the abundance. The bounty. Thank you, God. Kairos.

Or when I curl up in my cozy bed with Theo asleep at my feet and Craig asleep by my side and I listen to them both breathing. And for a moment, I think- how did a girl like me get so lucky? To go to bed each night surrounded by this breath, this love, this peace, this warmth? Kairos.

These kairos moments leave as fast as they come- but I mark them. I say the word kairos in my head each time I leave chronos. And at the end of the day, I don't remember exactly what my kairos moments were, but I remember I had them. And that makes the pain of the daily parenting climb worth it.

If I had a couple Kairos moments during the day, I call it a success.

Carpe a couple of Kairoses a day.

Good enough for me.

Blogging Break

2011-11-27T14:24:00.001-08:00

The blog has been on a break.
Completely unintentional. I didnt even notice until Robert told me last night that i should update the blog.

I do have a few things id probably like to sit down and mention on here. But, to be honest, my free time is limited these days and id rather spend it doing something other than blog.

I find it really difficult/awkward to put up endless pictures of Forest, when i also have another handsome little man that id love to be showing......but i cant. Id love to talk about mile stones being reached, progress being made, court dates that are special, how blue his eyes are, how incredibly handsome he is, how big he is getting, and all of his "firsts". The blog is so public and available to anyone on the internet. Which means, for now, nothing about our little guy can be mentioned.
I cannot wait for our adoption day! The pictures will be showing up by the dozens!

The Holidays are here, and so i will take a break from blogging and fully enjoy my family as we soak up Christmas and all that comes along with it.

my year

2011-10-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

2011 has been my year. Our year. Last November i knew it needed to be. In December i sensed it would be. In January i claimed it would be. (i also remember stating to my best friend "Tiff is back bitches!) This year has been exactly what my family has needed and more. I am constantly thankful for how blessed we are and for where our life is at.
I Know both sides of the coin. Ive lived both. I appreciate where we are in life more, because of it.

But ive gotta say....this has also been my year for aging. Yikes!!!!
Im turning 28 in a couple weeks. I really do love birthdays. Im not afraid of another number.
28 does sound pretty old. I find myself needing vitamins in order to feel my best. Extra yoga in order to feel strong.Getting excited about things like my new chair to rock the kids in.
And dun dun dunnnn.....i have wrinkles!! I guess 6 years of adventures with my husband, and two kids will do that to you?
Thanks to my sister, this has been my year of anti-aging night cream. Yes, really. Im not sure if its working, but im praying to God that it does. One morning my husband decided to tell me that i look "nicer" on the mornings that i have used the cream the night before.
Yes, he went there. So maybe there is hope! Or at least it will give me a couple extra years to save up for botox. I said it out loud. Id totally do botox. I already know where.

First tradition of the season is on its way!

2011-09-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

2 years ago we started going to a special pumpkin patch. I often tell Robert that the only good thing i have taken from our semi-brief time of living in Auburn, is this pumpkin patch. It was during a very difficult year that we were fortunate to find and begin this special tradition. This October will be our third time going, which officially does make it a tradition! This is exciting for me, because im all about traditions...especially when i am the one who created it! Every October, its my mission to carve out a two day slot of time in the day planner for our journey to the pumpkin patch. Its a few hours away, but its proven to be worth the mini trip every time. We do this with the Clark side of the family, who actually live pretty close to the patch. And we always spend the night with them after.

So many things about our tradition get me very excited about going. However, i have to admit that the wardrobe takes top priority. What will the boys wear? What will i wear? What are the celebrities wearing this Fall as they take their kids to the pumpkin patch? (Yes, i seriously google that every year). Nicole Ritchi was my inspiration two years ago. Last year was Tori Spelling. This year is still undecided. But i guarantee, no matter what, i will be showing up to the patch in complete identity crisis mode. And i will wear it well. Most people dont realize that i think this way. Which is so funny to me. But i totally care about this stuff...i care so much.

Its going to be so fun to see how much Forest enjoys himself now that hes older. And it will be wonderful to see N at his first pumpkin patch!

.

Staying ahead

2011-09-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today i was reminded that i need to be diligent when it comes to being prepped and ready for my day.

I was not ready for today.

Ive learned that its really important (more important than an extra hour of sleep) for me to be awake before the kids. I need this time to be completely alone and completely free to do whatever i choose. I need to know what our day is going to look like, so that im ready for it. I need to be pretty much dressed and able to leave the house before they wake up. So that i never have to figure out a chance for me to get myself ready...because lets face it, i might not ever get that chance! Bottom line, i need to stay ahead of the kids. Otherwise it takes me until half way through nap time to be caught up again.

In my ideal world, I have already planned what my day will be like the night before. I know my husbands work schedule. My coffee maker is already set to brew when i walk into the kitchen in the morning. I can sit in the brown chair at the window and read while i drink some coffee. I can quietly get myself dressed (EVEN MAKE UP!), and then they all start to wake up.

I feel incredible when i do this. Im one step ahead of the kids, which ive decided is a MUST in order to maintain a good mood all day and for my kids to feel satisfied.

Whenever i stick to this, it allows me time in the day to do extra things. Such as yoga during nap time or after they go to bed at night. Or a spur of the moment baking session with Forest. And it leaves no room for aimlessly roaming children who are waiting on their mom...which is something i cannot handle at all.

Wow, having two kids is a tremendous difference from having just one.

So, lesson learned. Ill try again tomorrow.

Side note:
I wrote this a few days ago but am just now posting it. I would like to say, today i woke up early, and therefore got to put on all my new make up, sweep the kitchen floor, pre-pack Forests beloved "snack pack" for the library, pre-pack my giant purse for N, and enjoy coffee alone!

Grasshopper

2011-09-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Meeting his coach

Warming up

Go Forest!!!!

Listening to his coach

Robert's dream...hes finally old enough for soccer!

Proud to be a Jr. Grasshopper

Yesterday Forest had his very first soccer practice!
He was completely into it...took it very seriously and played hard! I had no idea he would love it this much. I guess signing him up at age two was ok after all!
The soccer field is right next to the farmers market, so after we were done we all walked over to find some treats. This was such a fun way for all of us to spend out Saturday morning.

Bring on October!

2011-09-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

I can tell that Fall is just around the corner! I know because in the middle of the night i can finally open all the windows to let the cool air in. And the morning requires a second layer to be worn.
This is basically what i wait for all summer. If hell had an actual temperature, it would probably be called Redding, Ca, instead of a number. The summer here can be pretty awful.
October is my favorite month of the year. I often forget that September has to come first. It brings a new season, refreshing weather, beginning of holidays, fashion police give the ok for wearing plaid again, Pumpkin lattes at Starbucks, our annual trip to Bishop pumpkin patch, our wedding anniversary, and my birthday. Its always the busiest month of our year. Both fun and not so fun things. Some how it just always fills up right away. And i absolutely love it.

I didnt blog all summer. There is really no way to recap all that took place.
It was a whirlwind! A much needed Vegas vacation with Robert (no kids!). The birth of our precious baby N. Little man Forest turning two! Roberts birthday. Participating in my brothers beautiful wedding. And lots of visits with family and friends.

I feel like i have learned a lot this summer.
I realized that even though i have never lived too close to family, as i get older, i sometimes wish that i did. I learned that nothing is more important to me than my little family of 4. And i realized that i am even tougher than i thought. Abd of course, ive learned how to handle two kids!

With all this said......im ready for Fall! And can i just be honest and say that i really just cant wait for Fall wardrobe and those damn pumpkin lattes!

2011-09-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

"In the long run, much of what seems so pressing right now wont even matter. What we do with our children will matter forever."

Just a little clip of what ive been reading. I dont actually have much time for reading these days. And by night time, when i could be reading, there's no way in hell my brain would allow me.
However, ive been really getting into waking up early before the kids. Brush my teeth alone. Pour my coffee with Trader Joe's hazelnut creamer, alone. Sit in my brown stuffed chair by the window alone. Be silent and read. Sometimes this lasts 10 minutes, but sometimes 45!
I dont do this every morning. I usually decide the night before whether waking up early or sleeping extra will be more beneficial for that particular day. My reading at the moment, consists of the bible and a parenting book of choice. Currently, "The Five Love Languages of Children". I know what youre thinking....could i get any more mom-ish? But hey, i figure if i truly practice living life to the fullest, and for now my life is being a full time mom, then i might as well completely dive into raising my kids.

This book is pretty basic but a really great reminder of how we can love our kids on purpose.

2011-08-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

A slight case of writer's block happening over here.
Its probably because im also enduring a two year old and a 2 month old! Yep! Thats right! The baby is here! A precious little man!
Im not going to write his story on here or about the day he came home with us. Its very personal and special and not to be shared on the internet. He also needs to remain anonymous for now. So ill refer to him as "N".

We are all completely in love with N, and have been spending the last month and a half adjusting and enjoying this new life in our family. And its back to sleepless nights for me.

And now i hear both of the boys waking up at the same time.

2011-06-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

The bottom drawer on Forest's changing table/dresser, is almost empty. The only things in it are some new blankets and a special quilt that have been made for the new baby(whenever he arrives). I have shown Forest the blankets and i have told him who they are for. And now, i am always guaranteed to find him like this once a day. If the house has suddenly gotten just a little too quiet, and i havent seen the crazy blonde boy running by recently...you can bet it means he is curled up in the drawer. I should get mad at him because its actually very dangerous. At any moment the entire dresser could fall on him. But he is always so quiet and so cozy looking when i find him in there. He's usually just humming quietly to himself, and he likes to remind that the blankets are for the baby.

2011-06-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

The two blondies spying on the parrot

Best Friends

Forest and his best friends Chuck and Jack, went out to the Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
We have yearly passes, so we get to go pretty often and we love to take our friends with us.
It was drizzling all day, but we still ventured out to see the new mini parrot exhibit! The boys loved being in the parrot house. We were able to feed them and watch them for as long as we wanted. The parrots happened to love Chuck and Jack's yellow rain coats, so they had quite a few landing on them and hanging out on them.. Forest wasnt quite sure about the parrots landing on me or darting past his blond head, but he sure did have lots of fun being so close to them. I even got to leave the exhibit with a lovely souvenir.....yep, bird poop in my hair! Put all my hair up in a bun and our outing goes on.... nobody ever knows! hahaha
We are so thankful to have such special friends like Chuck and Jack and their mom Mandi.
Mandi is pregnant with a little girl! So pretty soon we will be adding a girl into our little gang of boys! I always figured she would have another boy and i would eventually be adopting a baby boy. Which would put us at a total of 5 BOYS! So adding her baby girl into the mix this Sept will be pretty fun and interesting.

2 doesnt need to be terrible

2011-05-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

Pancakes in the morning. The picture was taken this morning. And it was at this moment, that i looked at him stirring the pancake mix, he looked back at me, and he said "thank you". And it hit me that he is growing up. Lately all ive been able to notice are the awful meltdowns brought on by not being allowed to watch the Curious George movie for the 100th time, or by telling him he HAS to wear pants if he wants to go shopping with me. But i have to remind myself that this is actually a good thing. Its good because it means he is growing up. He is practicing his opinions and independence. I could do without the tantrums that are so intense that i lose my appetite for the day....but i guess thats part of it. I should actually be proud of him for how opinionated, confident, and expressive he is at such a young age.

Ive been trying to get a good picture to use for his bday invitations, but a photo shoot with an almost 2 year old is not very realistic. He never wants to smile when i need him to.

Though, he's pretty good at providing me with plenty of other animated looks.

Waiting to flip the pancakes (im a little scary at 8:30 am)

2011-05-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

"Bubble"
His latest word and latest favorite activity. Every time he blows a bubble, he has to say the word as loud as he can. My poor, yet understanding neighbors.

2011-05-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

Forest and i hit the road on Fri to head to the Bay Area to see our family. I kind of love these mini road trips just the two of us. We always start out with a stop at Starbucks for my coffee with cream and his mini scone and water. Once i have the caffeine greatness in the cup holder next to me, we are set to hit the road and begin our 2.5 hours drive. He usually passes out after he comes down from his sugar high and after we have had a van concert to our favorite songs. (songs will remain nameless in order to keep both our reputaions in the clear)
Once he's asleep, its a great alone time for me. Silence. Or talk radio. And hes usually waking up by the time we take the Livorna exit to my parents house. Thats my favorite moment. His favorite moment is when we pull into their driveway....he instantly starts calling out to the dogs and trying to free himself from the car seat. Going to my parent's, is like taking Forest on an overnight trip to a park...a park that has dogs! He is happy to explore the huge yard, go on the tire swing, run with the dogs, play hard with cousin Lil, and be barefoot and free. And i feel like im in heaven, because i get a slight break from watching him! A huge yard with a fence, what a concept!
Needless to say, we both have a great time and its always fun to hang out with family and see a couple of friends. We are usually exhausted by the time we get back home. Somehow, the drive back is never quite as fun. The concerts are minimal. The pre-hit the road coffee is more important then ever. And i look like a real gem by the time i walk up to our apartment door to be greeted by my lovely husband. What a treat for him.
The day after, Forest was in a horrible mood and so tired. It happened to be an extremely busy and scheduled day. He got very quiet while i was making his lunch. I came around the corner and found him tucked into the diaper box, in the living room, about to fall asleep. Poor guy.
I promptly grabbed my camera. I was very surprised that he actually wanted to eat his lunch, but he did! But he HAD to eat it from in the box. What a troll.

yogi in training

2011-05-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Forest watches every move i make these days. Ive been trying to fit in my exercise every morning before we are full force into our day. I have a much better day when i actually accomplish this. The other morning, i unrolled my yoga mat. Left the room. Came back, and this is what i found! Forest in full yoga practice. I was quite proud of him. And i like to think that maybe he felt nice and stretched out for the rest of his day!

"Downward facing dog"

"sun salutations"

concentration

2011-04-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Its been such great weather! Forest has been spending most of his days playing outside, and desparately trying to get a tan. haha or maybe thats just me. Last night he was extremely busy working on a tower of blocks and coffee containers. It ended up being as tall as him! He had no help in building this. He was really proud! Sometimes he concentrates so hard on his "projects" that i wonder if hes even having fun. I would never know by the look on his face. He can rarely crack a smile until the project is complete...in which he then lets out a loud a proud "TADA!" and a "OOOO YAAAAY". He definitely does not get this deep focus and concentration from me...his projects are causing me to fear the days when he needs home work help after school.

Easter

2011-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

The three of us had a very fun Easter at home.
A friend of mine calls Easter the "yearly pilgrimage". Meaning, its the one Sunday out of the whole year that people feel the need to step into a church. Knowing that i havent been able to go to church lately, and knowing that Robert was off work for Easter, i realized that it would be possibly to finally get to church if we wanted to. But then the words of my friend came into my head. I realized that if we went to church, we would actually be a part of the pilgrimage since we havent been to church for quite some time. We totally qualify to be in this category this year. So....I then heard the words of my mother from when i was a kid, "we are not going to church for Easter so that there will be extra seats available to people who havent been all year". Hmmmm.
After thinking about how miserable Forest would be in the chaotic and crowded Sunday school,
i was convinced to stay home. We even decided against inviting people over.
So it was declared a family day in our home!
And this is how it went......

Forest and I made cinnamon rolls in the morning.
He was a great helper

But he was very mad when they had to go into the oven.
He checked their progress every couple of minutes.
And finally, sobbing, climbed into his highchair and put on his bib,
and proceeded to wait.
Finally, they were done baking!
He helped with the frosting.

Already starting the sugar high
"back away from my cinnamon roll"

Our Easter breakfast

Spying on Dad while he hides the eggs

His fist Easter egg hunt!

He knew exactly what to do

"Did i find them all?"

The eggs were filled with mini frogs, stickers, and fruit snacks.

And due to the sugary cinnamon rolls followed by fruit snacks, he had a complete

emotional melt down 15 min after the hunt and went to bed for 3 hours!
I spent the afternoon baking a carrot cake.
Forest helped me frost it after his nap

He thought he was so cool helping

After a while he realized he could eat the frosting
(quite the sugary day)

The finished cake!

The 3 of us took some of the cake over to our friends and then came home to have a dinner prepared by Robert. We had a great day together. We missed being with some of our family that we knew were gathering together for the day, but we were so glad to spend the day doing the beginnings of our own family traditions.

The morning after.....all stickers that were once in the eggs, are now on our glass door.

Moles

2011-04-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

Two peas in a pod.

We soaked up a movie in bed night. Tues and Wed is our weekend. So we thought it would be fun to finish off the weekend snuggled up in bed like two moles. Forest is really into the movie Babe, and so of course thats the one we watched. Lucky for me, i happen to love it too!
FINALLY NOT BARNEY! He always gets very concerned about what is happening with the animals throughout the movie. Gasping, whispering some "uh oh's" and "oh no's" under his breath. It was a rainy day, so we enjoyed some hot apple/pear cider during our mole time.
He was livin it up...mom and dad's bed, night time showing of Babe, plus cider.

I love doing stuff like this, and lately ive been thinking of how in the near future, it will no longer be two moles in the bed...but three! (four if we let Robert participate). Another mole will be so fun (and maybe my use of the word "fun" proves that ive never had more than 1 child before).
But id like to imagine that ill jump right into being a mom of 2, just as i jumped into being a mom period. I hope Forest jumps into being a big brother too. For now, im totally enjoying the one on one time with Forest and soaking it up, because i know it will be different one day.
We have what my mom likes to call a "mystery due date", so i dont know when it will happen.
I do know however, that we have at least the next month and a half before i have to be ready.
I never want to feel like i missed out on special time alone with Forest, so for the next month and a a half, plus however long it takes, ill be taking advantage of being two peas in a pod.

2011-04-11T13:53:00.001-07:00

Sometimes its just not necessary to mention every opinion.

This is something that im currently learning. And im learning it on both sides.
Im an opinionated person. Sometimes its intimidating. I know this. Therefor, i rarely allow myself or feel the need to, publicly verbalize it. If im with people and i hear something i dont agree with, im usually not the one who speaks up to argue why i disagree. Its not necessary. Silence speaks for its self in those circumstances. Its something im constantly learning.

Im feeling like people should speak more when they agree, and speak less when they disagree.

I dont care to hear about why someone disagrees with a personal preference that i have decided to share. Its a personal preference...no one needs to tell me if they disagree, because it has nothing to do with them. And quite honestly, i dont really care.
This also means, that i shouldnt be doing this to others as well.
Its something im constantly learning.

Chiming in to mention why i DO agree, can often be encouraging. And i too, am encouraged when others chime in to agree with me. And THAT my friends, is worth mentioning.
Its something im constantly learning.

A visit with Grandparents!

2011-04-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Dan and Grandma came for a weekend visit!
And with them, came many of our favorite treats! Once i noticed the Ikeda's bag that entered my house with them, i knew we were about to be very spoiled. Ikeda's is an Auburn favorite of ours. In my personal opinion, and i will share it because this is my blog, there isnt much to say about Auburn CA. Except two things: we have family there, and we love Ikeda's.
The bag was filled with Ikeda's raspberry whole wheat bars, Apricot whole wheat bars, a tub of black licorice medley (my personal fav), a tub of star cookies, bag of sesame sticks, and lets not forget to mention the huge fresh apple pie! Wow.
Forest was extremely spoiled with some new clothes and a trip to Target to pick out his four-wheeler! He cannot get enough of this thing...its the first thing he does in the morning, and the last thing he does at night. Needless to say, it was a great visit with Dan and Thelma and im sure Forest is already looking forward to the next time!

Showing Grandma his animals

Testing out his first set of wheels

Faster Grandpa!!!
Quite proud of himself
Come on Grandma, ill show you my front yard!

Luscious locks

2011-04-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

His hair is really getting long! Im lovin it!

Warming up!

2011-04-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

Enjoying the warm weather!
(please note how cool i am in the background)

nothing like poking the goldfish with sticks in the pond

A boy of constant movement!

Im happy to say that its been getting very warm outside. The past week has been in the high 70's.
We have been having a lot of fun remembering what its like to play outside. Walks, playing at the park, playing in the front yard, and side walk chalk with the neighbors.
Forest is obsessed with our down stairs neighbors. They are 2 1/2 and 1 1/2...i can see why he's so into them! I on the other hand, am not quite as into the parents. They are nice. And i should just top myself at that. Every time we go downstairs, he runs around the staircase and knocks on their door. He has temper tantrums on their door mat, if i tell him we are not sticking around the play.
Im sure they really appreciate this. (they have told me they dont mind at all). The kids usually come running out to play with him, but if they only open the door to tell us they cannot play, he darts right into their home and runs straight into the kid's bedroom to play with all their toys.
O my, how embarrassing. Sometimes, when we are playing out on our patio, the kids downstairs will go out on their patio below us, and shout up to Forest. So cute.
Sadly, they will be moving away in the next month. Lets hope another family moves in!

Finally, Sun!

2011-04-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks in a row of rain, hale, snow, wind, lightening and thunder, and 30 degrees...the sun decided to come out! Even though the sun came out, it was still pretty chilly, but that didnt stop us from finally playing outside!

"Ok, where are my friends?"

The gang finally gets to be outside again!

"Chuck, i think youre pretty cool"

He decided it got warm enough to ditch the froggy boots

Happy to get our very white skin out in the sun!

On a roll

2011-03-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Forest and I headed to the fabric store to pick up some new fabric for his floor pillow.
It usually sits under the huge living room window, but he seems to prefer the couch these days.
So the pillow is now recovered with some fabric that he approved, and it now sits in his reading corner of his bedroom.

2011-03-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

We finally got some work done in Forest's room. Its pretty cute, but lately its pretty boring to look at. Its been driving me crazy. Partially because ive never fully felt like i have accomplished the look ive always been going for, due to lack of money. And partially because as he gets older, stuff gets moved around, and the placement of things have started to look odd.
No more excuses. I am able to splurge a little financially, so nothing was holding me back from achieving "the look". I ordered an awesome owl on a branch to put on his wall. And a huge rabbit to add to the squirrel and bird he already has. When the rabbit arrived, it was much larger than i had realized. But i still managed to find just the right spot. I created a little reading/art area that he is totally into. The rabbit lays next to the book basket and looks pretty cool if you ask me!
So heres a look at the new improvements. Guess i should have took a pic of the entire room...maybe next time.

morning at gymnastics

2011-03-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

Recently, Forest began gymnastics. Every Friday we can go to "open gym", where he can use the entire gymnastics facility without having to take an actual structured class.
He takes this very seriously, and he has even been practicing at home! I have to remind him, multiple times a day, that our house is not padded like the gymnastic room. He's at such a fun age where he really enjoys different things. And im having tons of fun too!
Today, Robert was able to come with us and so i got to stand back and take some pictures of the little man in action! Enjoy.

TADA!

Let go Dad!
Here i come!
Running down the trampoline runway
Diving into the sponge pit!

Mom, are you watching?!

Faster Dad!

Little twirp

No more pictures mom

2011-03-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Ive been lacking in topics to blog about. I know this is mostly for my relatives and friends who dont live near us, to look at pictures of Forest...but ive gotta throw other things into the mix every once in a while.

We've been busy. Busy in a great way, not in the annoying way.

Im not interested in pointless"busy". Boring "busy". Pretend "busy". Or what i like to call "goodie goodie busy". Definition: Churchy activities. Running around like a nut and justifying it because its for the benefit of others, or because it has to do with church. Not even necessarily God, but mostly just church.

Ya, that one really bugs me. Sorry, im a hater, i guess.

Im mostly interested in the "important busy". Spending my time on things that matter to me.
Somtimes this cant always happen. But mostly, if i prioritize, it can and it does happen.

In my humble opinion, we would probably learn more about God by opting out of the multiple bible studies during the week. Probably share in life with others more, if we opt out of the organized "do good" functions. Probably learn more about our children by opting out of the numerous varieties of parenting functions, in which your children are dropped off at the nursery the entire time while you are supposed to be "learning" about them....etc....you get my point.

I really have no conclusion to that. My point was just supposed to be that ive been busy, but in a good way.

And so here are some pictures of what the boy has been up to lately. I just organized my pictures from my camera recently, and i have no idea how to find them now...so i dont have many to share this time!

First snow at an old enough age to enjoy it!

Loving it!

Hates walking in it! And there was still so much more
falling throughout the day!

Inside the old truck at the exploritorium!
(his new pose for the camera)

Saying hi to the fish

Observing the fish

The huge deck at the explortorium
on his way to visit with the animals
(he wishes it were ours)

Spent many days very sick. (as you can see, i was going crazy)

And recovered!

He's also been preparing himself for his future baby brother.
We have a drawer in his bedroom dresser that is filled with his old baby clothes, shoes, blankets, etc. He likes to open it up and take a look, and we talk about how its being saved for when his baby brother arrives. He takes it pretty seriously so far. haha.

2011-02-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend i had the opportunity to get away over night from Robert and Forest.
This was exactly what i needed! Even though, it was just to visit my family (rather than some awesome spa retreat). The 3 hour drive was actually wonderful...never though i would say that. But it was the perfect amount of alone time for me. And did i mention i was able to sleep 10 hours that night? O yes.
During my drive i thought about tons of things, made some phone calls, listened to a lot of music.
But i kept going over in my mind a quote that ive put on this blog before.

"Limiting the freedom of our children in order to teach them external controls, smallness, contraints, and fear of punishment is not a strategy that works in the long run. Instead, we must teach our kids what freedom looks like, feels like, and how to prosper in it."

The more i think about it, the more i believe it, agree with it, and act on it.
I will occasionally look at other people's blogs, and i remember reading something that another mom had written. It was in reference to how she disciplines her kids (she has 6).
It has always stood out to me, especially as i think about this quote that i love.
She said that when the family is at home, she will spend the day setting up "traps" for her kids.
She sets them up. She waits for them to fail the "test". When they do, she promptly deals out her form of discipline (which is besides the point, so i wont mention it). Anyways, this really bothers me. When training dogs, we are told not to set them up for failure just so we can punish them to teach them a lesson. I cant help but think, that we probably should take this tip to heart when it comes to raising kids as well. (duh).
This woman should really be embarrassed...i mean, some things just shouldnt be put on the internet for all to read.

My son might throw rocks, nibble his crayons, sit on the coffee table, enjoy extended amounts of time naked, cry when he's been in sunday school too long, express himself with loud noises (yes, even indoors *gasp*), and have the need to RUN most of the day(*gasp* no! a boy? really??)
But at the end of the day, what do any of those things matter when it comes to his future?
Children will face enough disappointment, discouragement, and failure, throughout their life.
They dont need us (their parents) to purposely set them up for it.

"When we keep our children from experiencing what its like to think for themselves, make their own decisions, and experience the consequences of those decisions, we either end up with compliant children who will be completely at sea when they leave home, or rebellious children who will wrestle freedom right out of our hands as soon as they find out we've been with holding it."

2011-01-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

Spending the week doing "mom stuff " with the Little Man.

Just another day!

2011-01-19T19:59:00.001-08:00

Just an average day at his favorite park, with his favorite pals, Jack and Chuck!

ditching the books and puppet shows

2011-01-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

Forest snuck out of "story time" and i found him quite comfortable in a corner of the library,playing with an electronic toy! O man. I cant believe i actually had my camera with me!
And i cant believe he is sneaking off to ditch the stories, to play with electronics instead!!! haha

unique character

2011-01-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

Laundry Day

Heading home after finishing laundry

I really enjoy doing things such as laundry, with Forest. He takes most things we do, very seriously. Whether it be laundry, shopping, talking with people, running errands, etc.
He gets into it. I feel like he's a pretty unique character. Sometimes i wonder if other kids are doing the things that he does. I like to think not...

side note: our apartment looks gross in this picture. The grass is currently sparse right outside our building. But know that the ENTIRE property is landscaped like a park and there is grass everywhere.

2011-01-10T08:52:00.001-08:00

"Limiting the freedom of our children in order to teach them external controls, smallness, constraints, and fear of punishment is not a strategy that works in the long run. Instead, we must teach our kids what freedom looks like, feels like, and how to prosper in it."

2011-01-04T09:43:00.001-08:00

Morning teeth brushing. Forest begs to brush every day.

Just one of the many benefits to having Robert working for a more mainstream company and putting in more 9-5 kind of hours....having more time with Forest.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T20:24:00.001-08:00

Celebrating the New Year by wrestling

Jack, Chuck, and Forest
(post wrestling match)
.....ok, the red eyes in this pic are horrible!

New Years Eve is slightly different when celebrating with toddlers.

Ive always been the type who would prefer to have a great dinner at home with my husband.
Snuggled on the couch watching a holiday movie, for the last time, until the next holiday season.
Perhaps share some wine and treats together too.
But now, we have..... "The Child".

Last night we shared a fun dinner with some friends of ours. We had a great time visiting, while the boys brought in the new year by wrestling! Forest loves his buddies.
By about 9:00, the boys decided the party was over, and everyone went home and all kids went to bed.

Robert and i got to enjoy the later part of New Years Eve together, just the two of us.
But unfortunately for me, by then, i was about to fall asleep too! I guess things are different now.
Perhaps I will be "normal" again by the time Forest (and all future kids) are grown and out of the house. Haha. Until then...im ok with going to bed early, because i know what i have to deal with the day after!

2010-12-28T16:27:00.001-08:00

Christmas was great. Our (almost) month long stay in the Bay Area was great.

Forest is a great little guy. He handled being away from home, staying in a hotel, staying at his grandparents, and lots of visits with friends, like a little man. He got to spend a lot of time with Nona and Grandpa's dogs....which he always considers to be a good time! And even ended up attempting to take a rest in the dog crate on Christmas. A true animal lover. He also enjoyed the large Koi fish in the indoor pond at the hotel. He enjoyed them so much, that one day he decided they needed to borrow his Crocs...so he pulled them off his feet and threw them in to the fish!

I got to enjoy spending time with some friends and family members that i dont get to see very often. I also got to "enjoy" the craziness of Bay Area Christmas shopping...and with that came getting massively schooled on how to do the proper Alamo Starbucks line up. To each their own, i suppose! Needless to say, i am very glad to be back home and going to "my" Starbucks where i know how the flow of the line works! haha.

We are very glad to be home and catching up on some rest. I didnt realize how tired i was getting, being away with an 18 month old, until we finally got home!

Blessed

2010-12-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

Like i mentioned in my last post, Forest has visiting with lots of people lately.

He had the privilege of spending an entire day with his "Uncle Paul".
Forest's "Uncle Paul" is a truly creative, intelligent, charismatic, and inspirational person.
I have never known anyone else in my life who is filled with more creativity and charisma than this man.
I consider it completely beautiful every time Forest gets to spend time with him.

The more time i spend here in the Bay Area on "vacation", the more i realize how blessed i am to have certain people in my life that my son is able to have a relationship with. The fact that he has so many people who love him, contributes so much to his life and his being so well rounded.
He is so fortunate, and i remind him constantly.

what a tiny man

2010-12-18T20:06:00.001-08:00

The Little Man has been living it up during our time of "hotel living".

He has gotten to visit with many people lately, and i was able to capture a truly precious moment the other day. A coffee and cookies date with his Great Grandparents. The picture of all three of them, might need to be framed in my house. What a blessing that Forest has the opportunity to have a relationship with his great grandparents. I have told him before, that this is rare and special. He soaks it up every time they are with him.

2010-12-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

This song speaks loudly. I dont like to push cheese onto my blog...but this song is loud.
Deeply touched this morning by the words.

2010-11-30T09:12:00.001-08:00

Collecting leaves for Thanksgiving dinner table decor

Found some great leaves!

It was freezing!

Our friends came with us for this bundled up freezing walk

Robert was beyond excited about the outcome of his
"free range, fresh, Trader Joe's turkey"

We had a very nice Thanksgiving, yet somehow, we failed to take pictures.
Robert, Forest, and I, started the day out with watching the Thanksgiving parade on the couch with our coffee in the morning.
Extended family. Hot cider. A lot of Cooking. Eating too much wonderful food.
And lots of enjoying eachother's company!

A week before Thanksgiving, Forest and I set out (in a bad mood) to find two matching table cloths for our table plus the added fold up table we would be adding to it.
Finding two matching table cloths had become my Thanksgiving goal. And finding them for a cheap price was my even bigger goal. It wasnt happening.
Anyways, we set out (like i said) for our last attempt. It was freezing and about to pour rain.
On my way from the car to the store, I noticed a family sitting on the curb asking for money.
I thought to myself, "they sure do know how to work the oldest scheme in the book. Using their kids on a freezing cold day". But as I went inside the store, I looked at Forest and knew what we had to do. Went outside, asked them if they would like to join us for lunch, and they said yes.
So Forest, a woman, one of her sons, and I, walked to get lunch together. She hesitated to bring her other two boys, since they were younger and would probably get more money for the family by staying. Im not a fool. I know ALL the tricks. ALL the stories. ALL the reasons. I also,out of respect, dont ever mess with their "system". If their system was using the little kids for gaining pity, then i wasnt going to stand in the way of stopping their money flow. So, even though i knew her little boys were freezing, I let her make the choice of leaving the two youngest with their dad. (dont worry, we brought back food for them)
When we said goodbye after lunch, I prayed to God that they wouldnt stay out much longer.
And i prayed that i wouldnt stay focused on the fake stories i heard, or how sick with addiction they were.I needed to purely stay focused on the fact that, regardless of why they need money or how they have gotten to this point, i need to offer love and help. And i want Forest to see and know that this is not something unusual to do. And that its definitely not something to be doing
just once a year during the holidays.

With that said, Forest and I lost on our table cloth goal. We no longer had money for a stupid table cloth after the lunch outing. I did however, still manage to create a lovely dinner table for Thanksgiving. And had we bought the table cloth, we would have missed out on sharing a little bit of life with the people that we met.

Screw the tablecloth.

Busy Little Man

2010-11-22T19:52:00.001-08:00

Quite proud of himself

Set this all up himself for a "jam session"

Ready to cook the Turkey

Typical Forest face

"AH! You caught me!"

Lawn mower needed repairs

Mowing the apartment

Hardly ever a boring moment at our place!
Forest got this awesome lawn mower from his Nona...or actually, he stole it from her house.
He prefers to use it at Nona's house, since its much larger than our apartment and allows him endless amounts of mowing time.
But for now, he has mastered maneuvering around the apartment...until he can bring it back to Nona's and push it with complete freedom and endless space!

Toilet fail

2010-11-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

It is said that joy comes in the morning....well all i got this morning was a bunch of shit.

Literally, shit.

My cranky child went back to bed after breakfast, leaving me extremely excited for some alone time. Get myself ready for church without a tiny guy following me around. And maybe even sneak in a little bit of a re-run of one of my guilty pleasure shows (remains nameless).

WRONG! Instead, my toilet decided to come alive and overflow EVERYWHERE.
While applying my makeup i noticed my toilet would not stop running. And just as I decided to wise up and pick up the area rug (just in case), it began to overflow non stop.
Needless to say, my bathroom was flooding. I was trying not to scream since Forest was asleep, and amongst cussing, almost crying, and laughing, I shut the door to the flooding and poo filled bathroom and tucked a towel underneath...it was seeping into the hallway carpet!

Of course this had to happen the morning that Robert goes back to work for the week.

Thankfully, there is a plus side to this. Since i live in an apartment, i have 24 hour maintenance help. So after a frantic phone call, within 20 min(which seemed like a life time), help was here!
(always need to add in my pro-apartment living plug whenever possible).

Apparently all is well with the toilet now. The flood is soaked up. The shit is no longer floating by. The bathroom is deep cleaned. I decided to still go to church. I got a huge soy latte on the way home. My child is now in the living room unloading my purse. And peace is back again.

And yes, you are correct...I cussed and went to church all in the same day. Wow, imagine that!

2010-11-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

Ive heard many things from my apartment windows, in the many places that I have lived.
But non have really compared to what Ive been hearing most recently.
And when i say hearing, i really mean, so loud, that my entire neighborhood is overtaken by it.
....sure beats hearing gun shots and crack addicts.......

Listen above

Walking with Forest through the park

2010-11-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

2010-11-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

"Bohemian Influence" now has beautiful 100% silk necklaces available!

Currently available in two colors.
deep copper or a great blend of Fall colors in one!
$22.00 each

Be unique;influence the world.

Bohemian Influence
By Tiffany Rose

for orders and questions BohemianInfluence@gmail.com

This one's for you

2010-10-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

To the cowardly "Anonymous" commenter.

If you hate what i say on my blog so much, why not STOP reading it? Pretty simple.
Obviously you are bored, since you keep coming back. Obviously you dont know me (at least not very well) since your making things up about me. And apparently you are old, since you called me a "young fool". Sounds like a great combo of a person...bored, attacks strangers, and old.
(How humorous though if im completely wrong!) hahaha.
But if my "judgmental" attitude, and supposedly "bad representation of Christ", and being a "young fool", entertains you...so be it. But at least stop being a coward by hiding behind anonymous the next time you decide to assume things about me and attack me.
And by the way, for some one that assumes and accuses me of being a "judgmental Christian", it seems that you are doing more than enough judging for all of us.

A rant on vampires and moms

2010-10-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

To fellow Moms:

What is the deal with the "Twilight" series?
Seriously, why is this all you talk about? Why does it seem like this is all you read?
How can a series about vampires really be this interesting? How are you finding the time as a mom, to read something so ridiculous? Why are you MAKING time to read something so ridiculous?
Are you really this bored? Is there really nothing else more interesting to read/do?
This is mortifying that people now associate moms with reading and watching Twilight.
Who the hell cares about which vampires will fall in love next?
Stop talking about it on Facebook.
I definitely have my guilty pleasures too, but you wont find me in a deep discussion about them, and saying how it was so intense that i started sobbing and couldnt go on! Give me a break. Besides, a Tori and Dean episode would never get that intense....hahahaha.
How about we try harder not to make ourselves look like complete brainless morons, for the sake of eachother? And you wonder why stay at home moms(even working moms!) get a bad name for themselves?
Are you seriously still wondering why?

ps. While searching for this pic, a handful of mom blogs popped up
on my google search. No joke.

2010-10-18T09:38:00.001-07:00

So excited to be celebrating our 5 year anniversary!

Cant believe its gone by so fast. So many things have happened since 5 years ago, that i cant even imagine what will happen over the next 5. Being married to Robert has brought such joy, adventure, love, friendship, and enhancement to my life. I dont know what i would do without him. I am so thankful for the little family that we are with our little Forest.
Love you Bert!

2010-10-17T21:54:00.001-07:00

Most precious boy in the whole world

2010-10-13T14:42:00.001-07:00

Moments of peace are important

Latest project

2010-10-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

"Bohemian Influence"

by Tiffany Rose

Be unique; influence the world

Hand made fabric necklaces with a beautiful bohemian touch!
Each unique necklace is created from specially chosen fabrics, and finished with knotted fringe, which is designed to hang at the waist.
Necklaces can be created in any color and styles can vary by request!

Also, Introducing the "Veda" collection! Start a trend for a great cause!

Proceeds from this collection go to my best friend Elise and her daughter Ella-Jean, while they live in Cambodia to love the orphaned and poor.

Veda necklaces are available in just one color at a time. (current color shown below). A new color for this collection will be available when the current color runs out.
Each Veda necklace is $12.00

Contact me at BohemianInfluence@gmail.com

-be sure to mention "Veda" if inquiring about the necklaces to support Elise and Ella-Jean!

Current Veda necklace (above) is a creative blend of deep purple, yellows, and browns.
And made from a very unique frayed fabric.

2010-09-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

"YES! My own sand box!"
Yesterday Forest woke up to Robert converting the kiddie pool into a sand box.

Immediately got to work!..in his pajamas

Thanks Dad!

The captive...spying on Robert from the balcony patio, while he brought up the sand bags

This is what prompted us to just make our own at home!
He totally loves sand, rocks, sticks, dirt, wood chips, and even trucks now.

By the way...once swim season is over, re-using the kiddie pool as a sand box is totally cheap and great! Now we have something to do outside, even when its raining! (our patio is covered).

Back on the mat

2010-09-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

I guess this has been the week of getting "back in action". For both me and Forest.
Perhaps my sister's blog prompted me...but its been a long time coming, so maybe it would have happened this week anyways.

For the first time in over a year, after way too much change and stress,I finally feel "normal" again.
I feel like im in a personal place of being ready to get back into things. Things that have been and still are a huge part of who I am.

So, last week I began a new yoga class. Every Thurs evening is now dedicated to MYSELF, and my practice of yoga. Yep, im back on the mat again!
I have already been very serious in my at home practices this whole summer, but its so encouraging and challenging to be back in a class as well. And a special bonus is that Forest has already been fed, bathed, and put to bed before i get home! yeeeeeeees.

Another exciting thing is that I met with the staff at the Redding Rescue Mission, and they are currently putting together an idea of something they want me to be doing with the women that are currently in their women's recovery program. Ill expand on this in the near future once all the details are worked out.

As for Forest....This morning he made his come back at the library's "Story Time".
After not attending all summer, he definitely went back in with a bang! My child was completely besides himself with excitement. He was "that kid"! He apparently felt the need to "help" the story teller with her stories and felt characters. He stood right next to her the entire time.
And when the puppet show started, he could no longer hold back...he had to stand the entire time while gasping, screaming, yelling, pointing, and rambling. The other children just stared at him. The other moms smiled...the sympathy smile. As if he was doing something wrong and they felt bad for me. Excuse me! He wasnt doing anything wrong...he was totally living it up at story time! When it came time to play, his little friends were not impressed and they quietly played. Well, still completely impressed by the puppet show, Forest was on a role and ran around with his plastic tools, scaring all of his boring little friends. He's not a bully at all. Hes not rude. He doesnt act mean towards other kids. He's sweet and kind, and full of life.
Yet, I received more sympathy smiles.

Why the sympathy??! My kid had a total blast! And i loved watching him!

If anyone has sympathy to give out, its me...because i feel bad for all the moms who were there with their boring kids...who are labeled "good" for being TOTALLY BORING and LIFELESS!
um, i'll stop there. Could go on about this for days....((holding myself back....holding myself back))

.......a child is "good" if he sits with his hands in his lap for 20 minutes? And "bad" if he needs to stand during that time? ummm....oooook

Watch out moms who are raising their kids to be "good", because this Little Man is coming back to Story Time every week!

Thanks Sarah for the Inspiration

2010-09-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

My sister recently posted a great blog entry. All about who we are as women aside from being mothers. We were (and still are) something other than a "mom" before the kids started coming around. She referred to the phrase "Yummy Mummy". EW?! WHAT?! Do people really refer to themselves as that? I thoroughly love raising Forest, but if some one asked me who i was, and all i could come up with was "I'm a Yummy Mummy"....i would have to die.
The kids cant be all there is to us. The constant wearing of velour jumpsuits, yoga pants, and t-shirts, cant be all there is to us. Neither can playing at the park, cleaning up crap, only showering when able to fit it in, the constantly preparing food, and play dates.
Gross. How does that even amount to"Yummy?" It sounds so gross an unattractive.

Ok. Enough.

She inspired me to do what she did; so, this is who I am.

I am Tiffany. A young woman who lives as a follower of Jesus. Passionate about seeing a change take place in inner city communities, and in the lives of the homeless and impoverished.
A loving wife. An aspiring "Yogi". A traveler. A proud vegetarian. A coffee consumer.
A mom to Forest....and a fun one too!

Always Leave Room to be a Goon

2010-09-07T09:54:00.001-07:00

Some times you just need to allow yourself to be a total and complete GOON

Last week Robert and I took Forest out to a park that we recently discovered.
The childrens area is much larger than the one we typically go to. And there is more shade too.
There is also a big water section. The ground is spongy and there are many big structures that have a constant spray of water coming out. In the middle is big volcano that errupts water ever 15 minutes. When this thing errupts, it makes a loud thunder type of sound and kids freak out screaming! This thing is intended to completely soak everyone...and it does!
Its not a spray...its a total dumping of water.
Forest was really into all the sprayers. He is too young to roam around alone, so i decided to go in with him. So, there i was, completely soaked, looking like a total goon, and my lovely (and dry) husband, just watched and laughed. Suddenly other kids came in and their moms all sat near Robert. Yes, this left me to be THAT mom....the total and complete GOON of a mom.
But ask everyone who they thought was having the most fun, and they would probably say it was ME!

Fall

2010-09-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

ITS BACK!

Fall is here. My absolute favorite time of the year. Specifically October...just a few weeks away!
All great things happen in Fall.

Weather changes to how i like it.
Leaves turn great colors.
Fall wardrobe!
Wearing layers
Cold nights
Cold mornings
Pumpkins
The HUGE Pumpkin Patch (new tradition started last year)
Forest can wear a beanie if weather permits
Day light savings changes....thank God
Our wedding anniversary
My birthday
Getting to feel cozy again
Cold enough outside to play at the park ANY time of the day

and.....

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is back for the season!

This tasty little seasonal treat is very expensive, and very sugary, and very intense.
Which means ordering just a "tall", usually does the trick. And honestly, i will probably just be ordering it once this year. And that will be the morning of the "HUGE pumpkin patch tradition".

The latte is a part of the tradition. Well, at least its part of how I do the tradition haha.
Cant wait to throw on a plaid flannel and take Forest out there! He is going to completely freak out with pure joy this year! Finally, hes at the age of really enjoying things. And this time it wont just be me freaking out with joy over the great petting zoo!

Nicole Richi also goes to pumpkin patches (just an fyi)

My parenting technique explained by some one else

2010-08-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

I copied and pasted this from a blog that i love reading on a regular basis.
Shes originally from Canada, but now lives in a different country, (maybe Ireland??)
so some words are unfamiliar. And please excuse some of her words she uses that i typically leave out of my blog though im thinking them while typing.
Enjoy...even though its very long.

***Disclaimer: I am not perfect. I do not have all the answers. I am not using this post to toot my own horn, inflate my ego or congratulate myself. I'm an ass as a mother regularly, have exceedingly limited patience and fuck up - these are just my musings and observations as of late***

I hope I can articulate myself properly...

I've been watching people interact with my daughter lately and their own children and children around them.

For instance at the GPs yesterday there was a nana and three boys. The youngest was being... a kid lol and annoyed the Nana. Her response was to get in his face, wag her finger and repeat "Bold!" 5 times. Then as she sat down she turned to another child about 8 and goes "Isn't he just the boldest boy?! So bold!" and sat down. The boy then proceeded to do something else that irritated his nan and she repeated this. Then he upset another child and she roared in his face "BOLD! Say SORRY!" and when the wee one went to hug the offended child, she goes "NO hugs for you! SAY SORRY!". And then roughly tied him in his buggy, thrust his blankey and bottle at him and strapped him down.

I REALLLLLY wanna be sarcastic about this, but I'll behave.

But first - what. the. fuck.

ok ok. Here goes.

A) How does the child know what was inappropriate if she doesn't explain it?

B) How does he know what he SHOULD be doing if she doesn't communicate or demonstrate it? What is his frame of reference in these two areas? All he had was a meaningless word connected with shame and negativity yelled in his face.

C) Why is saying sorry with a hug negative? What if that is his best way of communicating sorry?

D) How humiliating and betraying must it be to have your loved one yell at you and then mock you to an utter stranger? Shame, much?

E) How does physically restraining him teach him a better way? What does it communicate?

F) How will you now use that buggy for transportation when it has a negative associated with it? I wonder if she gets frustrated when he balks at going into it, when having used it as a punishment previously.

G) How does giving comforting objects after being yelled at affect a kid?

Here are my thoughts. Where is the respect and communication? This kid is pretty brand new to the world and doesn't innately know the rules of engagement. Give him something to WORK with. You can't punish someone for playing a guessing game and coming up wrong. I yell at my kid. I give out fiercely when angered, pushed, see unacceptable behavior, etc. But then (usually - even if it takes me awhile to calm down and re-engage) I explain things. Why the action was not ok, alternative actions, different options, ask how she would feel if someone did that to her if appropriate to the situation. The point is my goal is to inform her of the hows, whys and wherefores so she isn't flying blind next time and can actually understand what is expected of her. I don't always remember or get it right, but it's what I strive for pretty consistently. I occasionally using scathing sarcasm tho... >_<

The point is have some fucking empathy for the kid and put yourself in their shoes. Do you like respect? So do they. Do you like having things explained and communicated clearly to you in a way you can engage and grasp? SO DO THEY! It's not an adult thing, its a human thing and it has no age limit. I do not think one gains the privilege of respect and understanding and empathy once they hit a certain age or prove themselves worthy.

Or take today for example. We're at the stationary shop and the wee one spots a gorgeous journal with horses on it. It's 16.00 quid so I explain we can count her piggy bank and whatever she needs above that to make up the 16, she can work for. Yes, she's five. She grins and agrees and continues on lusting for the journal. Fair enough... Mummy understands this. However, it seemed to offend the cashier who took it upon herself to assist me in my parenting. "Those are for eight year olds! You have to be eight to get one - a big girl!". I stood there dumbfounded for a minute and at a total loss as to what to say. The wee one believed her and looked crushed. "So I can't get one Mumma?". I replied - I told you, you can - we just have to check your money and save up what you need babe." and let it at that.

First of all why the fuck would you LIE to my child. She wasn't whining, she wasn't being bold, she was asking a normal question, respected my reply and was simply admiring the object of her desire. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM!? Second of all I HATED the assumption that such a gorgeous diary can not be intended for a 5 year olds hands because we full well know it'll be full of scribbles. And? She's entitled to own something beautiful and well made just as much as anyone else is. The dismissal and lack of respect towards her really got under my skin even though I know she had only helpful intentions.

Do kids ruin stuff? Yeah. So you can either not buy em nice stuff, or start off teaching them the value of what they have and letting them feel the consequences if they do not take care of it properly. HOW ELSE ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO LEARN? Do kids do bold stuff, upset others or cross the line? All the time - it's part of growing up. But if you don't communicate, explain and guide HOW ELSE WILL THEY GRASP WHAT'S EXPECTED OF THEM?!

When I first started reading about attachment parenting and respecting children as individuals right from their birth I was epically skeptical. The gentle parenting movement even more so. I had visions of these saccharine gentle Mums who coddle their children and never raise their voice, etc. I started picking what I liked of it and leaving what didn't suit. The results are really amazing. When I came across unschooling and realized it was a across the board way of living in every aspect of life, I did the same thing and started taking parts of it onboard.

This stuff REALLY works. Respect for them as individuals, as much as you'd give an adult, simply makes perfect sense to me now. Yes you tailor things to age appropriate and yes you over ride when necessary and compromise and sometimes encounter battles... but in general, giving them age appropriate choices, communicating continuously, especially in discipline and really welcoming them into sharing life with you instead of just raising them to obey and follow directives? It makes for some really enjoyable parenting and fascinating, confident, strong, empowered kids.

Me likey.

The key has been, for me, paying attention to the different facets/motives at play in a given situation, empathy and communication. Bold behavior can sometimes be the child trying their damdest to do a good thing. Instead of scolding, praising the intent and offering a less another way makes a world of difference. "Aw thanks for trying to clean the _______ - it was really thoughtful. It's a big job though and next time you need to ask Mum for help and we can practise doing it together."

In my house? This occasionally looks like "Ah hun, what the hell?! Oh. You were trying to clean that for me? Ah but baby! *Sigh*. Thanks for trying hun, but this is a pretty big mess. I know you meant well but like... can you ask me for help next time? Mum'll help. You know that! No -I'm not mad at you - you tried hard... I just really hate cleaning is all."

I've also started off with OMG WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!? or BABY GET YOUR ARSE IN HERE AND CLEAN THIS UP! Yeah I know you're trying to help BUT COME ON!

I am not a shiney perfect example. But the THEORY holds. And works. Even when I lose my shit, I do go back and discuss it with her. Sometimes roughly, but usually calmly and we discuss and voila. USUALLY not an issue again. It's NEAT!

The empathy comes into play because kids have half the info we do, have to acclimatize to adult life a LOT and are expected to do so without question, input or any kind of shared authority, etc. That HAS to suck. Especially when their emotions can take a back seat. Ever have an epic shitty day and just need ________? As an adult we can fulfill that ourselves. Kids can't always and I think this is where empathy is important, even if it means compromising or changing plans.

Communication has been the biggest benefit to our relationship. But I am sick and it goes out the window regularly and that's when stuff goes to hell in a hand bag. But I love communication. I love empowering her. I love giving her the tools to express herself. I love seeing her grasp different aspects of life and expectations, etc. I love giving her space to voice whatever it is she needs to voice. Sometimes it profound and relevant. Sometimes it's utterly painful incoherent ramblings. I still give her the space for those too. The point is to establish she has valid input and there WILL be space for it, even if it isn't relevant as of yet because eventually it will be and then the precedent is set. Maybe not always right away but we'll come back to it. I purposely give her this space with others too, sometimes to their shock lol. If she says something to someone and they dismiss her, I suddenly grown balls I don't have for myself and say, Sorry but she just explained something to you and she means it. I love being there to back my kid up.

The neighbor was here and the wee one gave her son a gift. The neighbor insisted it was just a loan and the wee one was like no no, I want him to have it. She would. not. listen. She goes, we'll bring it back in a few days. I finally said, "Hey, seriously. She said it was a gift. It's ok, that's what she wants to do." Neighbor was at a loss. I mean, yeah my daughter might regret she gave it away later, but she's been respected in her voiced decision and will grasp the consequences later if she doesn't already. Where is the problem?

Then she said to the wee one, my son will bring back your socks tomorrow after we wash them. She looked at me pleading and I realized right away she didn't want to lose her special new socks for even a day so I said, sorry do you mind if we just take them now? They're special to her and she'd like them back. I wouldn't do that for myself but I do for her and I can tell she appreciates being validated.

Oh. my. god. I am rambling. I hope this post has made sense.

Basically I guess I want to advocate for respecting children instead of treating them... less than. It REALLY does make all the difference and this is coming from a woman who thought kids needed to be trained even if it meant breaking them. It's a frustrating journey to constantly retrain myself, remind myself, have patience, stop and re-assess, etc.... but it is genuinely making a huge difference. She's a contributing member of this family and her voice carries as much weight as anyones, even if it requires more guidance at times.

Also we're writing their internal processes with them at this age. If they feel voiceless, powerless and dismissed all their lives, how can we be surprised when they grow up either aggressively demanding their dues or carrying on powerless, voiceless and accepting of being treated like a doormat. I'd much rather instill you have value as does everyone else and always remember that. I'd rather her grasp her own power to compromise, her own power to establish boundaries, to say no, the humility to go back when you fuck up (as I do often), be able to admit when wrong, be ready to correct a wrong, etc, etc, etc.

Aaaand there you go. END OF RAMBLE!

Kudos if you got this far.

2010-08-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Starting off my week with a few thoughts;

Even though i was caught this morning.dumping water out of my child's kiddie pool over the side of my 2nd story apartment patio, I will still continue to do it multiple times throughout the week.

Even though Rachel Zoe technically makes it ok for flat chested women like myself (and her) to not wear a bra with some outfits, a lot of people disagree...thank you Rachel Zoe for agreeing with me!

Even though most people dont understand what its like to be 100% completely on my own and in charge of a child and everything else, from wake up time to bed time, most days. I call the shots. I make the decisions. And the pressure and lack of breaks and support that come with it.
I can still be nice to them.

Even though i cant stand watching "Housewives of New Jersey", I cant seem to get myself to
actually stop watching! I mean, seriously, the show NEEDS to end.

And even though i feel like i will pass out every time i get up today, i still have to face the entire day with my little twirp, until 10:15 pm hits, when my husband comes home.

Apartment dwellers

2010-08-11T14:39:00.001-07:00

Proof that it IS possible to live in an apartment AND have a kid

The grass is great, but the rocks, sticks and cement always appeal more to him

When we are inside, hes a non-stop cruiser with some sort of "job" to always do.
Every morning he takes this box around the house with a very serious look on his face.

(Please not the kiddie pool on the patio)
Every apartment dwelling kid needs one!
But he also loves the "big boy pool"

Nothing like ending the day, cuddled up in "his spot" with some books
under the living room window.

His spot is basically a big floor pillow that i set under the window. His books and a toy basket are nearby.
He often takes himself to his pillow when hes tired or just needs to take a moment.
He considers this his chill spot, and his place of comfort.
And perfect that its under the window, because
he loves to stand at the window (which is at his height) and spy on everyone below.

a few shots from daiy happenings

2010-08-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Loving the Farmer's Market

Soccer at the park with Robert

Working on his tan

evenings at the park

Chillin with Dad

1 car for now

2010-08-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Robert and I have not had two vehicles since 2007.
We have been a 1 car family for a few years. This was so convenient when we lived in San Francisco. We worked together, so no separate commutes. Paid for just one car each month to keep in the parking garage, rather than 2. We actually had NO commute, because we lived on-site.
And well duh, you basically just walk to most things you need in the city.

Now that we are living the suburban life for a while, we are forced to realize that 1 car is no longer practical. Robert now commutes. I now stay home with twirp boy. Roberts gone from 7 am until 10 pm...twirp boy and I are unable to do ANYTHING beyond our apartment complex.
Not realistic.

God provides...always. We do have a second car prospect. And Robert should be sitting in the drivers seat of it within the next couple of weeks. Leaving me with the glorious Honda van.

But, for now. Twirpo and I are missing out on our fun activities, days at the park, running errands, story time at the library, etc.

And while missing out on those things, Forest is soaking up "creative time" at home, swimming at the "big boy pool" with the tons of kids that live here, Watching "Little Bear" in our bed at night, loud and obnoxious bath times, learning to walk, doing his yoga moves, reading books, dancing to his favorite kinds of music, yelling, screaming, singing, and going on hunger strikes.
He is quite passionate about most things.

And im soaking up too much non-stop cleaning, lots of cooking, lots of "playing", lots of explaining things to Forest as he learns new things each day, projects in the apartment, pre-making all of Bert's meals for each day he is at work, lots of yoga, lots of "im ok, i can do this", and purely spending time with the precious little man. Not to mention being extremely thankful for my lovely bed at the end of each day.

Pics coming soon

Having a "moment"

2010-07-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Its an interesting thing to see 100 homeless people sing worship songs together.
Its an interesting thing to see numerous addicts sincerely sing to God.
Its an interesting thing to see the mentally used-up stretch their hands to heaven.
Its an interesting thing to see a man pray for healing, and then gain feeling throughout his body for the first time in years.
Even the ragged, despaired, stuck, and horrendously swallowed up, are aware that there is a higher power.
Beautiful.
For a moment my heart believes that a change can happen.
I want to always feel like a change can happen.
Lives can be renewed.
Addictions can be broken.
Minds can be set free.
Poverty can die and quality of life can begin.

Tonight I can tell myself to sleep.
For this moment my heart believes that a change can happen.

Found this in an old journal and also in an old blog entry from 2008.
2008...the year i turned 25 and the year that i had always claimed would be MY year.
It totally was. I always said i needed to be doing what i loved and was serious about by age 25. So i did. It happened. I was also pregnant on my 25th birthday. (Not planned, but incredible non the less). I had reached my "goal" of doing what im serious about. It lasted 2 years. Now im here with my 1 year old precious son, wondering what the heck am i supposed to be doing now? Thought i would be raising him in the ghetto of San Francisco, but im no longer in SF, and purely raising Forest. But im stuck asking myself..."what am i supposed to be doing and who am i supposed to be now?"
Perhaps an identity crisis of some sort? I was living amongst crack addicts, and now im hosting "play group" at my apartment. What is happening to me?
Im torn between two lives i think. Part of me desires to see the world and still be apart of something incredible, but the other part of me says, "i AM apart of something incredible;raising Forest. And i AM using my knowledge of the world and what it means to truly live out love...by teaching, showing, and just living it, with Forest.
God must have known that I NEEDED to accomplish my "age 25 goal", because HE only wanted it to last a short time. So incredibly grateful for God answering my prayer at age 17, sitting in the grass in Romania, "give me a passion that the world cannot explain".
Its true, ive never been able to explain it.
And forever thankful for getting to experience my "age 25 goal". Cant believe it actually happened by the exact age!
Without those two things, I would have never had the understanding of what it means to truly love and to truly live.

2010-07-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

3rd Book! Hellzzz yeah! hahaha

Guess I know what ill be getting from Bert for my bday this year!
3rd book, and 3rd bday in a row of getting her books.

2010-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

We have moved.....again! We are LOVING it!

Enjoying very hot summer days, swimming in the pool, also playing in kiddie patio pool, changing lots of poop filled "swim diapers", going on walks, playing in the grass, b.b.qing corn on the cob, enjoying being a family.

Catch up with pics soon!

p.s
Speaking of "swim diapers". Today while changing an explosive poop swim diaper, I had a flash back of a chapter in Tori Spelling's book "Mommywood". Tori, thanks for coaching me through this hideous moment!

Birthday Boy!

2010-06-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

We made it through the first year! hahaha

Typical happy Forest face (little bit like my twin)

Dad, show me what to do!

The Little Man has turned 1 year old!

We had a really fun time celebrating Forest's 1st birthday with family and friends this
past weekend. Its hard to believe a year has already gone by.
He is such a precious little man! I am so blessed to have him as my son.

He thoroughly enjoyed his party and ALL of his presents!
He couldnt wait to get up and play with them the next morning....once all of his cousins were
gone and he had the toys to himself! Yet, despite all of these great new things, he promptly went into the kitchen, opened the cabinet, pulled out the oatmeal container, grabbed a spatula, sat on the floor and started to drum. Typical.

Uninvited guests

2010-06-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of noobs in town for the summer season, decided to invite themselves over last night. I guess they thought all of Forest's cheerios on the ground looked pretty inviting!

Trapped by Robert! We are not friendly to visitors that arrive at bedtime!

And here he is in his lovely paper bag...

Awaiting his free ride outside!

Half hour later, his plump little friend came over to have a shower!
(i heard him climbing up the shower curtain while i was in bed)

Sorry little guy...next time use the guest bathroom!
Good skill and technique Berto! haha

HAHA! SUCKERS! (the plump little guys are now resting in our garbage can outside)

FYI: we have found their "secret" entrance, and it will be sealed!

A boy and his spoon

2010-06-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

The other morning Forest and I let Robert sleep in. However, Robert had left a bowl and spoon on the living room floor from the night before. The very first thing Forst did that morning (of course) was grab the spoon and use it to play "music" on the bowl.
I let him because it was cute...pretty sure Robert didnt sleep very well! The entire rest of the day, Forest would not put the spoon down. (minus nap time). If he left it somewhere, he would quickly realize and go back for it.

What we've been up to in May

2010-05-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Quiet mornings in his favorite spot with sippy cup

Lots of lunches and stroller cruising at the park

Organizing his clothes and getting ready to take old ones to baby consignment store
(if youre thinking he spends a lot of time without a diaper on, you are correct)

Playing in diaper boxes

Enjoying bath time

Walks at the park

Photo shoots

Had fun when Grandma and Grandpa Dan came to visit

Lots of days at the park

Drumming with Dad

Playing with cousins Andrew and Ashleigh during their visit

Spent time in San Francisco with great friends

Many nights of throwing his pacifier out of the crib, just to get me to go back in
and hand it to him.

The month of June is already almost here! Forest will be 1 year old on June 29, and i cant believe it! A year has gone by already. Just this past month, he has changed so much...such a little boy now. Not so much a "baby". I still wish we could just lounge in bed all day together, like when he was a newborn. But those days were precious and few! Now im chasing him around the house as he crawls from one destination to the next!
He's been busy this month. He wakes up early and eager to get around and play. He's constantly scanning the room looking for something to get into. He recently lost interest in most of his toys, and refuses to play with them most of the time. He would much rather go exploring. Except last night i brought the big blogs out and we were screaming non stop as we built towers just to knock them down. He's soooo into standing up. Loving his finger foods. Thinking he's incredibly cool drinking from his sippy cup and eating real snacks. He loves yelling at the top of his lungs, clapping, dancing (mostly to hip-hop), playing with his friends, going to the park, reading books, and of course still loves to cuddle up at the end of the day. I try to soak up every moment i get, because soon enough ill be taking pics of him on his first day of school.
With all that said, everything written above is not only what Forest has been up to, but its also everything that I have been up to! Sometimes I say that i just need a break and a day of being 19 again. Specifically 19. O yes, 19, the days when i didnt have to worry about finding the stupid wooden letter "O" to complete "Forest" on my sons bedroom wall. By the way, how many people could possibly be purchasing the letter "O"?? How could they always be out of it?
I used to be concerned with boys, then i was concerned with world issues, then i was concerned with urban communities, and now all im concerned about is how the heck will i find the stupid letter "O" for my sons wall?! haha...what has happened to me? I think ill get back to "normal" in the future, but for now, i try to stay focused on my family, while adding in small doses of the other aspects of who i am.

Enjoy the pics from May

Forest vs. Cheerios - Round 1

2010-05-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Mom's Day

2010-05-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

The past year of my life has been a very challenging one; full of adventures, disappointments, and eye opening experiences. By far the most amazing thing is a blessing from God in the form of a perfect wife and son. On most holidays I just sit back and enjoy the food and the good times seeing all my friends and family. This past weekend I have been home alone and staying up late wondering what my family is up to. This holiday (mother’s day) I don’t have any food or family to chill with. Instead I have my memories to entertain me. Of course my Mom came into my mind, but she has been in my mind every Mother’s day. This time things are different because my wife is now a Mom.

Tiffany is amazing. She is the best thing that could have ever happened to me and to Forest. Countless hours are spent that I don’t see taking care of Forest and his little personality. I get to come home on my breaks and enjoy hanging out with Forest as he cracks up because his Dad is home to play with him. But I start to think about what happens when I leave. What happens is a fussy boy who wants to play with his Dad that needs to be comforted by his Mom. Her patience grows every day with Forest as he learns more about his body and life around him. Recently it’s been taking Forest over 45 minutes to fall asleep because he is playing and trying new things. Tiffany gets to go constantly for 45 minutes and help Forest fall asleep. I can’t understand what it’s like to be her.

In my depression of being a bachelor this weekend I can only express how happy and proud I am of my wife the mother of Forest. That Mother’s day I am proud to be married to the best Mom in town who loves me to death. Tiffany, I love you so much and I’m so proud of the Mom that you are.

Happy Mother’s Day

Love Robert

change....again!

2010-05-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

A little less of this...

and a little more of this...

So...I came, I tried, and now im getting the heck outta here!
We planned to give living out here in the woods a try. Its just waaaay to difficult. Im completely fine with saying that this is absolutely not my scene; and im perfectly ok with that.
I have no problem admitting this and I have no problem admitting that I enjoy wearing cute flats, and big sun glasses. That doesnt flow out here. I am NOT ok with putting on "running" shoes to go outside. Ruins my outfit. I am not ok with sharing a house with creatures. I am definitely not ok with finding spiders the size of humans. Im not ok with being isolated. And im not ok with dragging my son 40 minutes in the car just so we can be a part of things...and we still have to leave a lot of things out. (Im also very much ok with admitting that im totally into a tv show because the fact that its based in Berkeley brings me so much comfort).
So, we are moving into town!!!! YAY! Currently apartment shopping. As far as suburban living goes, Redding is actually kind of neat. Im enjoying it. It will be much more realistic for us to be living there. It will be a bit of a sacrifice, but Robert and I agree that its worth it in the end.

In honor of moving into civilization soon, and also to promote my son to keep it real, Im taking him to San Francisco for the day while we are in the area next week. Cant wait. A stop at the coffee shop which provided me with carrot muffins and hazelnut flavored coffee while he was in the womb, is probably in order! Seems appropriate for Mothers Day.

New Book!

2010-04-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Robert and I are so excited to order this book! It's Shane Claiborne's new book "Follow Me to Freedom". We absolutely LOVED "Irresistible Revolution", as well as "Jesus For President".
We have had the opportunity to attend 2 of Shanes speaking events. It was his first book "Irresistible Revolution" along with hearing him speak and meeting and talking with him, that prompted us to lose some to gain MUCH and to LIVE out the concept of love, tolerance, compassion, and community, that we believe in. I have said before...if you have ever wondered what goes through my mind, just read that book. When i read his book, for the first time ever, I thought "wow, this book is saying everything that i feel and believe in". Finally some one had put it into words on paper. I cant wait to share these concepts with Forest as he grows and develops his own opinions.

a day in Forests life

2010-04-26T17:00:00.001-07:00

A picnic isnt complete without some hummus in the nude

He's focused and ready

Liz is loving this way too much!

He likes holding hands on the swing

Making some important calls while in the car

oops, forgot to rotate...little Trader Joes shopper

We had a very fun day at the park! Liz met us again and thankfully she was willing to go down the slide with Forest like a big goon! Im not sure who had more fun, Liz or Forest...by the looks of it, im going to say Liz! haha.

Media Outburst

2010-04-26T08:01:00.001-07:00

Just keepin it real....these have always been my two favorites and im not ashamed!
Nicole Richie and Mary-Kate Olsen

And, yes, today i will be dressing like them as i go to "play group"

Another snow day

2010-04-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

When im stuck inside for a second day in a row, due to a big snow storm, i have to remind myself of the things that im thankful for. We had to miss play group (which is also a moms group), grocery shopping, and various errands. These things keep me sane when for 4 days a week, i act as a semi-single parent...from 7 a.m until 8 p.m (robert isnt even home until 9:30 though). Living in the woods is really difficult on me some days. Everything i need to go and do takes a lot of planning because its so far away. Feeling like im part of a community takes a ton of energy and effort. Things like snow days happen (even though i could drive 10 min away and snow wont exist). Things like HUGE lizard creatures crawl on my deck when we play. Bugs are INSIDE the house!
Creatures roam everywhere, under my house, and on my deck. I like nature, but im a "fake nature" person. Meaning, when i want nature i would like to take Forest to a park or something, but then go back home when im done with it. Its beautiful out here, the goose pond is awesome, the fox that walk around are cute, Forest loves "his" Geese; but its a little bit scary for me to play outside for long periods of time.
So, on days like today, i have to remind myself of how thankful and blessed i actually am to be out here. God really has answered my prayers, he just chose to answer them along with putting me way out here! I prayed that we would get to move to a place that had carpeting before Forest started learning to roll everywhere and crawl; our place has carpet everywhere! Including our dining room where you can now find smashed beans, tofu, avocado, etc. thanks to Forest. He started becoming mobile a week after we moved!
I prayed that Forest would get to have his very own "baby room" set up and decorated how i always wanted, by at least his 1st birthday; he has his own room, and its almost decorated how i had planned even before he was born...his birthday is in two months! That might sound trivial, but to a first time mom, missing out on setting up a baby room is pretty crushing. And realizing that the house your bringing your baby home from the hospital to isnt yours at all, and the hospital provided more privacy that the home, really kills you inside. Missing out on those first special weeks alone with your baby is something that takes time to get over as well.
I prayed that I would get to start raising my son without other people living with us and get to enjoy some moments between just the two or three of us, that i missed out on when he was a newborn; God gave us our own place, which is very removed, which gives us plenty of family alone time. However, I still am drawn towards communal living if its done the right way. Which i have experienced before and still see major benefits to. (btw: what i referred to above was not when we lived communally. I was referring to when we HAD to live in some one else house.)
I prayed that my stress i felt for a long time would be able to leave; living out here has forced me to chill the hell out. (sorry, just keeping it real).
Robert and I both miss the faster paced lifestyle,(ive never felt more in my element and more contentment in all my life than when i lived in S.F) and we hope to return to it one day in the future, but we are embracing this time we have out here since we dont know how long it will last. Its been wonderful to get re-focused on us as a family, for me to try to get the hang of taking care of domestic things (haha, im even baking brownies today since Wednesdays are our Fridays), and for us to really notice the little (and huge) things we are thankful for.

The day before the snow hit, we had incredible weather! Forest and I like to meet up with my sister Liz after our Monday play group. So we met at the park for lunch and Forest got to try out a swing for his first time. We knew Robert would be upset to miss out on the big moment, so Liz took some pics for us. Here are a few!

Finally SUN!

2010-04-17T14:43:00.001-07:00

We had some fun in the sun for the first time in quite a while. Ive been wondering when the sun would finally come back! Lately we have had cloudy and cold days that include, rain, wind, hail, snow, and thunder. It gets pretty boring being stuck inside with Forest every day, so im hoping the sun will stick around for while!
We went for a little walk around the pond where all the geese like to roam, and had lunch out on our back deck. Because Robert and I arent quite used to all this nature, Robert decided to bring a mattress outside for all of us to sit on during our little picnic. Forest loved every moment of his little picnic and a little sunshine on his bright white skin was probably a good thing!

Picnic on the mattress!

Lovin his Dad at the goose pond

2010-04-15T10:36:00.001-07:00

(Mandy is going to kill me after seeing this, but i decided that its worth it.)

Our friend Mandy came for a visit last weekend. Forest has always been in love with Mandy from the very first time they met on his first day of his little life. We think he knew it was her that provided me with great food and lots of help while he was in the womb! Mandy, remember when you came to fold all of his little clothes and organize them in drawers when i was barely able to even sit up? OMG.
Anyways, Mandy is a wonderful friend of ours whom all three of us love very much.
See you in SF in a few weeks!

Forest is obsessed with cell phones and Mandy actually let him use hers as much as he wanted
bundled up to show Mandy his goose field

Some Video's of Forest

2010-04-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Non stop laughing with his Dad

Taking after Robert, I think Forest enjoys the new TV a little to much,
I'm doomed . . .

snowing this morning, so im on a roll

2010-03-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Lay aside immaturity and live,
and walk in the way of insight."
Prov. 9:6

(this post has potential for offending. Consider that your warning)

Ive been thinking a lot about this lately. My blog doesnt exist for me to use as a personal journal,(you should all be thanking God for that) but sometimes i feel like blogging about things that are going on in my journal. (a very mild and censored version of course).

I can come up with a few things from this passage. I have stated before (not on my blog) that this year im focusing on having a healthy family and home, building on existing meaningful relationships while making some new, and cleansing from the unhealthy ones. To me, "laying aside immaturity", plays into effect with this. I am learning more and more that its a waste of time to keep people around who arent necessarily encouraging, healthy, drama-free, or loving. Do you ever just wake up one day and finally realize, whats the point in knowing certain people anymore? Ok, enough, because this is not my journal.

Another thing that comes to mind from this passage is:
Physical health. I typically strive to be a healthy person, both physically and mentally.
I have always felt that self control and the desire to be healthy is a sign of maturity.
We are given new insight to healthful living as the years go on. I.E: people used to think white bread was amazing, but now we have the knowledge that white bread is actually just a "dead" food and we can now choose the many options of multi-grains that will put live nutrients into us.
In my own opinion, if im choosing to remain child-like in my decisions for personal health and well being, then im choosing to be immature. I was discussing with my mom the other week, that i often look to Buddhists, Hindus, and Yogi's for insight and inspiration of all around health.
I feel like they have a strong sense of self and a strong sense of how to treat their bodies right.
Im a follower of Jesus, but I do practice yoga for physical and mental well-being,and I strive to stock my pantry with groceries that a yogi would have. (say what you will). Dont get me wrong, i absolutely love the occasional nights of devouring pizza and brownies. But both of those items are pretty much dead, and I honestly do want live nutrients inside of me and my family.( I wont even put my pinky toe into the topic of me being a vegetarian in this blog entry)
And quite honestly, now that im thinking about it, the pizza and brownies are much like the pointless "friendships" that for some reason we just dont get rid of in order to cleanse, focus, love, and live more healthy.

"Lay aside immaturity and live,
and walk in the way of insight."
Prov. 9:6

We have been given insight on how to live...why not use it?

sunshine and blocks

2010-03-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

Serious about his blocks

When the weather is nice we try and spend most of our day outside. The other day was BEAUTIFUL, so Forest and I headed to the cafeteria to visit with the cook and ask for a banana.
We went just outside the cafeteria which has the most tailored looking lawn on the property, and we had ourselves a little banana picnic on our blanket in the sun. There is a lot of grassy options out here, but this specific grass area makes me feel more secure then the others which are a bit more rustic. Forest greeted the girls as they arrived for their lunch and a small dog ran up to tell us he didnt want us there. Because Forest loves dogs, he didnt realize that this one didnt like him. We spent over an hour out there before nap time! (good thing, because it snowed that night and next day).
The rest of our evening was spent playing with his set of squishy blocks. Forest thanks Nona very much for his set of blocks! And so do I, because it gives me a chance to do other things without him yelling at me! Every night when he goes to bed, I come in the living room and put them all back in their container so that he can feel like a big boy in the morning when he wakes up to take them out himself. (Thats his favorite part).

Fun at our banana picnic!

The bag the blocks go in, is the most fun to play with

SIDEWALKS ARE FOR PEOPLE

2010-03-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

ALL DAY / CITY-WIDE

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

PLAN SOMETHING FUN ON A SIDEWALK NEAR YOU
OR PARTICIPATE IN MULTIPLE GATHERINGS!

4:00PM: MEET FOR AN END-OF-THE-DAY CELEBRATION AT MARKET/CASTRO PLAZA

FIND EVENTS OR ADD YOUR OWN EVENT TO THE MAP

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors will soon be voting on a law that would make it illegal to sit or lie on any sidewalk in San Francisco. We think it’s a terrible idea to criminalize the act of sitting in public space and we are shocked that San Francisco may be on the verge of adopting the most draconian “sit/lie” law in the country.

You can help stop this law from passing, and you’ll need do nothing more than do what you love on your nearest sidewalk.

MARCH 27 will mark a fantastic, city-wide celebration of public space, San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant culture, and San Francisco’s history of tolerance and compassion.

On Saturday, March 27, people in every neighborhood will be doing what they love on the city’s sidewalks and they will be inviting family, friends, and neighbors to join them. Multiple events have already been planned and the list is growing by the day. More than one thousand people have already RSVP’d!

What can you do for Sidewalks are for People? Anything!

Just occupy a space on the sidewalk, perhaps with a table, lawn chair or carpet. Then, make music, barbecue, do yoga, create a lemonade stand, read, relax, make art, have an argument, talk, sun bathe, do your taxes, play chess, meditate, do tai chi, eat, knit, dance, paint, write, sit, lie down, play — Anything!

We will provide you with some basic materials to hand out to curious pedestrians, along with tools to support you in orchestrating this in the most effective way. Other than that, we leave it up to you to organize the best event that you can. You can do whatever you want, but please do something!

Be sure to document your event with photos and video.

MORE INFO TO COME!

CONTACT: info@StandAgainstSitLie.org to learn more about how to get involved and make your individual action cohesive with the hundreds of other people who will be participating.

The Weekend at Nona and Grandpa's

2010-03-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in Alamo visiting with the Fam. Sarah and Ben were partying it up in Vegas for his 30th, so cousin Lil was staying with "Nona and Grandpa". Forest loved having her around during his visit! Here are some pics from our fun weekend...Sarah, here is what your daughter was up to while you were away!

Lexi did not appreciate Forest on her mat

But he found a true friendship in Sophie!

Lily showing Forest how to feed "Bunny" the Rabbit

Playing hard with Sophie, the babysitter

Chill time with Grandpa

Oh, Lil this is so much fun!

Now let me have some of your Cliff Bar!

Lots of wagon rides, from Nona

Baby Bookworm

2010-03-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

This week Forest and I are attempting to make friends.
I had done a little research and planned out two outings. Starting with "Bbay Bookworm", this morning at the Redding library. I didnt know any details before arriving. I only knew that it was going to be for his age range...which I have learned is actually a bit challenging to find.
Im not into libraries...that probably sounds ignorant, so what I really mean to say is, I not into hanging out at libraries and the silence inside makes me feel odd. I felt this way upon arrival this morning, but just around the corner in the childrens area i could actually hear things getting ready to start! Forest and I joined a group of about 8 different sets of moms and kids. Forest was excited from the moment we entered. So many kids his exact age! He immediately tried greeting the kids who were sitting nearest to us...but they all knew what was coming, and didnt care about him!
I told him that he would be pro soon too and not to worry. He was pleasantly surprised when the program began with songs, dancing, and rhymes. The stories were great but he mostly loved the singing and dancing. After the program ended we all stayed to play with each other and share toys.
It was great to meet some other moms. I now and realizing that Redding moms are much more natural in their parenting then some other places I have lived; made me feel very comfortable.
A woman explained to me that she had been co-sleeping with her now 2 year old son, until just this week! My first thought was "wow they are very natural up here". But my second thought was "Damn! Your marriage must really suck by now!" (excuse me). As i sat on the floor with Forest and his new little friends, I kept finding it odd that all his new friends had such tiny pin heads...but I suddenly realized that I was wrong; Forest just has a GIGANTIC head and he was playing with kids who were of a more "normal" size!!!!! O my.
I guess we are popular, because we were even invited to 2 other play groups!
Tomorrow we are going to a "young mom's group" at a church that Robert and I are planning to try out! Hopefully we will have just as much fun!

Due to our morning at the library, here are some shots of the little "reader" himself

A Few Pics

2010-03-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Home Sweet Home

Forest enjoying the new couch

Warm by the fire with "Nona"

Our back deck after the a night of snow

Forest spent our journey to the new home, reading in the back seat.

Today

2010-03-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Last night I stupidly stayed up late. The rest of my night was spent not sleeping, due to working on some night time habits with a very angry Forest. He then decided to wake up for the day at 6:30.
Life just isnt fare. Oh well. I guzzled down some coffee while we played until his morning nap time. This brings me to the moment when I have an important decision to make...go back to bed or stay awake? I chose awake. I usually do, considering I have already been up for a couple hours drinking coffee. But dont worry, im not a fool...I often nap for survival during his afternoon nap. Actually, we like to nap together like two moles side by side in my bed. What kid doesnt love sleeping in mom and dad's bed?! I should be honest though and say, that Im currently blogging instead of afternoon napping. Today im making baby food instead of napping. If I do it while hes awake later, he will yell at me the entire time.
Back to this morning...
For the first time since moving, I looked around and realized that I have an entire house all to myself. There I stood; coffee mug in hand, hair in a messy bun, and looking like a crust (because i can). I looked out my huge living room windows and noticed the wild mustang grazing just out past my back deck. He prompted me to be productive...he was productive so early; why not me?
I put on some scandalous workout attire (because i finally live alone again and i can), and i did yoga for the first time in long time. It was such an encouraging and uplifting morning of sun salutations, prayer and worship. Some of you might be thinking that sun salutations and prayer contradict each other...but I obviously feel otherwise. If you want to talk about contradictions, lets talk about how after this lovely workout, I totally ate a high cholesterol breakfast! GROSS.
The serious "yogis" out there would have been pissed. By the time I finished, the child woke up and we got ready to go out. Its about 70 degrees today! We walked along the pond and checked out the scary geese on the "goose field" (i like to call it). Then we went to the girls cafeteria to visit with some people. We got back to the house with perfect timing because Robert was home on his break. Here I am, blogging and making baby food. This is my life today. Its a life I never experienced before...but today im enjoying it.

pics still coming i promise

After baby's in bed ramblings

2010-03-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

I always tell Robert that if we ever live in nature, I would like it to be beach nature, otherwise no thank you. We have always had a dream of owning a horse ranch and running a ministry for troubled youth through it...but we never know where we want it located because we dont want to be in the "middle of nowhere"....an ocean front ranch perhaps??
With that said, here I am! In the middle of the woods (middle of nowhere)! How did this happen?
Sometimes i feel that my life is spent eating my own words. But I like to call it, living life to the fullest! Sounds more exciting.
When I realized we were moving into the woods (seriously the woods), I freaked out and told Robert I couldnt do it. I was told we would probably have no working internet, no cell phone service and no ability to have cable tv. Then, I remembered that I was actually the one who found this job and location. Darn.
We live at a place called "Shepard's Ranch" and also known as the "Julian Youth Academy" which is a division of "Teen Rescue".
It feels like we live at a year-round summer camp. This is a safe place for kids who are having a difficult time at home (for various reasons). Robert spends 14 hours a day with them. From the second they wake up, until the second they turn the lights out at night...they see Robert. haha.
Anyways, God must have taken pity on me since He knew I was hoping to live in the city. Because, much to my surprise, we arrived to an awesome 3 bedroom house! As we went inside we were told that our house happened to be the ONLY house that is able to receive cable, internet, and cell coverage! Are you kidding me?! I am literally in the middle of nowhere and im able to blog!
Forest and I went outside for a walk today (on the 250 acres we live on). I walked through the snow out to the pond and found many different kinds of animal prints. One pair belonging to a bear!
Its true, we have tons of bears, deer, fox, raccoons, and bob cats. O, and i cant leave out the wild mustang horse that roams the land around my house.
Its pretty neat, its pretty rustic, its pretty different then what I was wanting, its pretty far from a Peets coffee or Starbucks...though, i feel that if i can just get myself to handle this, its going to be a very meaningful and impacting job and life style for Robert and I.

Pics coming soon

We're MOVING!

2010-03-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

"Watch out Auntie Lizzy; here I come!"

We are SO excited to move tomorrow! We are embarking on a whole new life style...living in NATURE! We are moving to Redding, California, where we will be living on lots of land with lots of wild animals, including bears (so ive heard).
Not too sure about this type of scene, so im just choosing to embrace it and see what happens! (dont worry, i plan to maintain my style sense through all of this). HAHA! Robert has been extremely blessed with a neat job in which he will be involved daily, in lives of troubled boys. We are trusting God with this one and we have already seen him being faithful to us and confirming things along the way.
So excited to finally get to create our own family life for ourselves and set up our own living environment! Forest is very excited to finally get his OWN ROOM! I told him yesterday and he screamed with his arms in the air! Uncle Eric better get started on the requested art for his new room! Forest is also excited to live very close to his Auntie Lizzy...the pic above is from the other week when we were visiting her. (Liz, get ready to babysit!) haha.

We will be without internet for quite some time, so check in MUCH later for pics of our new setting!
Here are some pics today when we spent some time saying bye to Papa and Grandma! Chillin with Papa at Forest's favorite coffee shop

"Great Grandma and Papa, you can come visit! Let me go!"

True Wealth

2010-03-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding. For her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called HAPPY.
Prov. 3:13-18

2010-02-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

A year and a half ago, a talented mural artist located in San Francisco, visited the school i taught at in the Tenderloin. She was preparing to create a beautiful mural just down the street from the school and City Impact. She asked the kids questions about their lives; things they see in the community every day. Things they wish they saw,and things they wish they did not have to see. She spent some time with other people other than our school, in order to gather plenty of information about the Tenderloin community. Though I feel like from what i have read, her deepest and most meaningful bits of information came from the many days she spent on the side walk, being engrossed in the daily happenings of the Tenderloin,while working on her mural. She was so deeply touched that you can even find specific "regulars" she became friends with during the year, in her mural.
I appreciate the beauty she brought to the Tenderloin through her mural, which she calls "Windows Into the Tenderloin".
After an entire year, Its finally complete! She will also be having a mural dedication on March 5th.
Check it out to read more about what she says about this project and to see the before and after pictures of the building she used as her canvas. www.monacaron.com

2010-02-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

This man is a complete and total Goon.
I am serious about my practice of yoga, but if i ever stand beside a redwood and feel the intense need to bust out "tree pose" beside it...i would hope that my husband, friend, or relative would pull me aside to tell me what a total freak i appear to be!
On the other hand, if you ever feel the need to take a breather in your day and enjoy a lovely, strength building,refocusing stretch, you may want to give Tree pose a try. I used to have my 1st and 2nd grade class practice tree pose after lunch/recess as a calming transition into getting back to their school work.
Give it a try and enjoy

2010-02-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Does anyone recall a blog post I wrote from about 1 year ago? It was about an enjoyable character that i know, who i could hear singing through the streets a certain 80's song...as i sat on my bed in the evening, scarfing a burrito.
It was basically my life in San Francisco in all of its glory.
Well, i was pleasantly surprised a few days ago while i was enjoying an afternoon at the dog park with Forest, Robert,Kim, and our niece and nephew. Robert was talking on his phone and when he sat next to me and handed me the phone, it turned out to be the "enjoyable character"! I understood maybe 2 words he said during the entire conversation, but it was great to talk non the less.
I hung up the phone feeling a bit emotional. Wish i could have just been talking with him in person. Wish Forest knew him...etc. blah.
But then as i sat there watching dogs run around, my child loving them, my niece having an "accident"; it occurred to me, that how bizarre, that I actually have some one such as this (for now nameless) character talking to me on the phone?!
I think its rare. I think its neat. I think im pretty fortunate.

Quiet time vs. Movement time

2010-02-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

My entire life I had various people tell me that its healthy to create a "quiet time" in my day. A time to be quiet and still, reflect, and ultimately commune with God.
I agree that this is a healthy practice and its proven to be true through out my life.
But what about putting our (or maybe just my) "quiet time" into motion?
Communing with God through movement. Taking how I feel and putting it into a posture. Working through thoughts, questions,the need for guidance and answers;while moving through a creative sequence that free flows.
Most of my greatest "AHA!" moments have come from these times. God speaks during these times.
It is good to be still. But what does "still" mean for you?

2010-02-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

Lovin his Valentine's Day

Yesterday was beautiful.

In the morning i was awakened by my husband and son, handing me a valentine they had made together. And might i add that they didnt wake me up until close to 9:00!...which made the valentine they gave me EVEN BETTER!
Valentine's Day is supposed to be about love. Well, its mostly about how much money can you spend on buying things for the one you love. Lots of men spend a lot of money of flowers that have been marked up in price for the "special day".
(btw: the flowers die pretty quickly)
Shouldnt we just do thoughtful things for the people we love throughout the entire year? Why wait for the month February? How about giving flowers to some one in September? How about saying "I love you" every day?
We spent Valentine's Day with our friend whom we love (and who Forest loves especially). We all spent the day in the woods and ended up along the American River. It was probably over 60 degrees! And i can probably count it as one of the most enjoyable Valentine's Days we have had.

Lets be compassionate humans...please

2010-02-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks Eric for the passion (and caffeine) induced blog.
Eric graciously gives us a reminder of what goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics.
And its not just this year and this location...its every time, and its true.

Check it out! ericstrong.blogspot.com

2010-02-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

Due to the fact that we live with my in-laws (very grateful), its a very rare thing that i would ever be home alone. The chances of this are very few and far between...but as i sat down to blog, one by one, every body said good bye and went out the door! And here i sit; twirp is napping, and im blogging. ALONE!
For now its just me and the cat staring from the other side of the sliding glass door.

So here are some very quick pics so that i can go enjoy my time! We took these over the weekend while we were in SF. We were able to visit some special friends who are expecting their first baby (a boy!) and enjoy some time at our favorite spots that we used to spend so much time in!

Good things/Great things

2010-01-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

Good things come to those who wait......WRONG! Good things (maybe even GREAT things) come from those who take appropriate action during the waiting time.
I pray to God that the daily action of job hunting will bring us not just the good, but the Great.
Waiting is "good" (definitely not great). It teaches much patience, self control,and the concept that its a choice to be happy each day or not. Most days i choose happy, for the sake of my lovely son and wonderful husband.
The twirp only has 7 months of life behind him. Though sometimes he looks at me as if hes older and wiser than I am. As if to say, "o mom, just give us all a break".
I cant allow my 7 month old to tell me that. Therefore, i choose happy...most days. Im going to always teach him to choose great over just good.
He doesnt realize that the 3 of us share a room (actually, he does and loves it). Or that things would be different if we lived in our own place. Or that if it were up to me we would NEVER be living in the mountains...
The mountains are good too (not great), for the exact reasons that waiting is good (not great).
Glad ive got my twirp. Glad ive got my best friend Bert, glad ive got coffee, and so glad that ive got my very own rocking chair.

This blog is officially back in action

Reality's a bitch

2009-10-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Im really just fooling myself by posting happy little pictures.
Most things suck right now. (except for my Tahoe vacation and seeing "Rent" on stage) but most things suck, so i often forget that i even got to do that.
Not gonna lie. Just reality.

4 years

2009-10-15T21:59:00.001-07:00

Engagement

Marriage

Honeymoon

Building our life

Beginning a Family

Us

This weekend my lovely Bert and I celebrate 4 years of marriage!