Teeter Totter

The Old Oak Tree

Magnificent
Graceful
Powerful
Strong
Full of Life
Divine
Earthly
Oak Tree

 

Evening Swing

What better way to end an enchanting Spring evening than with a hike and a swing at the old oak tree?

Havana Ballerina- Part 4

Havana is still dancing! It's been two years since we started with Kids-N-Dance and while we have taken some breaks, Havana still enjoys going to her Friday class. Havana has changed so much since those days two years ago but she is still the same sweet, feminine little lady that loves to dress up and dance!

10/2012

2/2013

Fall 2013

Mother's Day

I am not the biggest fan of imposed holidays that 'force' us to give thanks to others. I much prefer when I/other's show gratitude when we feel guided to from our heart. But that said, I was very touched by how excited my gals were to make today extra special. From breakfast (in bed no less!), to sweet home made cards and a lovely gift  (a Pandora bracelet w/ a passport charm! my family knows me!!), they all made such an effort to make sure I felt loved. I took deep breaths and let their love settle in to every cell in my body.  We then topped off the morning bubble bath style! 

Now matter what the day, it was wonderful to be with my gals as well as their dad..

It's cliche that our children are our greatest gift but it so true. Amara and Havana have brought me immense joy, peace and healing. And for that there are no words nor material items that can match what they have brought to my life. Mother's and father's everywhere feel the same and it is that universal experience what makes this day a special one. 

Namaste to my family and to all the parents who are raising their children with love, gratitude and awareness.

The Hills Are Alive- Part 2

 I just can't help myself from photographing the hills and wildflower that are in abundance. They are such stunning examples of the vast creativity of creation/The Creator.  Havana has had enough though. When I pull over now and grab my camera she will say, "Pictures, again?!" "Yes." I tell her, "Seeing the flowers and taking photos helps me feel calmer and be a better mama. That usually quiets her!

The photos here are from the Alhambra Valley, Briones and Sobrante Ridge trail. I can't express it enough, just how much I love wildflower and this time of year!

View of the North Bay & Mt. Tam in the distance. El-Sobrante is in the Valley below.

Havana Beach Girl

Two Pals at the Beach

                           

Amara is growing up so quickly. In a months time my girl will be seven. Seven!! I can't believe it! And that has meant she has begun to go out with her friends without my being present. Twice recently she had play dates with her friends grandparents picking her up at school and off they went until it was time for me to come and get her.

I am left feeling bittersweet around this. I love having the older, more independent, more responsible little girl that is before me. But I also have a sadness in my heart where the memories of her littler years live. Oh how I cherished the days when she was a newborn, an infant, a tot.....But now, she is a big girl who is going on play dates without her mama. Whew!

Yet, I also rejoice for her. Amara is fiercely independent and so to have a no-mama-around play date with her best friend from school, well, that was just the bomb! Anaiya and Amara are thick as thieves at school and on their play date last hot Friday afternoon, Anaiya's grandmother took them to the beach in Pt. Richmond. Pick up time was after 6 p.m. so the whole family went to gather Big Sis. The photos below are what we came upon when we arrived at the beach.  Amara was not engrossed with her friend and her play that she barely noticed my arrival.

What a view of the Golden Gate!

Air borne Amara!