please, oh please

artwork by Sarah Jane 

This tiny card is hanging up in my little one's room.  It's the sweetest reminder of how quickly time is flying by and for me to cherish the little days because in the blink of an eye, they will be over.  It happens overnight as you sleep, you know.  The fast forward fairies will sneak into her room, sprinkle their magic fairy dust and I will wake up to a high schooler who is gearing up to get her driver's permit, going to dances and thinking about college.  I have proof.  They've already hit my house once.  I shant let it happen again.

Any suggestions on fairy traps? 

Calling in sick

I've been knocked out with some kind of sinus monster-cold the last couple days, so I decided to call in sick today.  Oh wait, I can't call in?   My mr's sick too?  How can this be?  Creative entertainment to the rescue!  Since my man was completely bedridden today with the gunk and I felt slightly perkier than yesterday (i.e. able to stay in a vertical position for more than ten minutes) I took the reins and we had ourselves some fun at home.  All day long.

After our morning on the couch with Cinderella, the little one and I played Monet and did some happy concrete artwork, followed by some solo sandplay (time for me to rest) then straight into the outdoor shower for a little rub-a-dub in the tub.  The little one LOVED bathing in the bucket, her only complaint..."I wish it was big enough for both of us".  Me too lovebug.  After lunch we had a round of naps and finished the day with a little pedicure.  Maya's first ever.  She was so excited about having pink toenails that she exclaimed "I feel like I'm a mom!"  I never knew being home sick could make me smile so much.

 As much fun as it was I'm looking forward to a healthier day tomorrow.

Beauty awaits

Earlier this week I was determined to get out for a hike in the mountains, but I felt like all the signs were saying STOP before the hike began.  We got out late, the sunscreen was a gooey mess of oil, and the little miss started the hike kicking and screaming....but then it happened.  We escaped into a world of beauty and wonder.  We stopped to admire the abundance of bright green clover whose delicate leaves were all shaped as hearts.  We marveled at the teeny-tiny pine cones that covered the earthy fragrance beneath our feet. We soaked in the sweet music of the forest.  The chirping of the birds, the rush of crystal clear waters, the clicking of life in the canopy of trees above....pure nature.

No matter what kind of day I'm having or what hellish mood I may be in, the outdoors holds a beauty that transforms my soul (and the spirits of my little one, too).  We walked and ran with curious eyes in awe of God's creation.  It blessed us beyond words.

Then I fell.  Going down hill.  With Maya on my back.  She came out of it unscathed (thank goodness) but my walk has been slightly altered since the crash.  It didn't ruin the hike, but certainly has made the last couple days seriously uncomfortable on my otherwise healthy body.  With a bum knee and a twisted ankle, I still say...nothing beats a walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Just be sure to watch your step.

Oh, and Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Waking up

to my new favorite:
Organic plain yogurt
Organic maple syrup
Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean paste

It's better than ice cream plus I get to have it for breakfast....wahoooooo!

Happy Saturday friends

Meet our new chef

Madame Bri will be cooking for us once a week to work on her culinary skills.  Last monday's menu was pesto chicken pasta and salad.  It was delish!  Since this was only her second time cooking a real meal from a recipe on her own I quickly realized that she's going to need a sous-chef for the first month or so to keep the family from eating raw meats or dining on each course in half hour increments.  I am so excited for this journey with my sweet young chef as we prepare food, dance around the kitchen and taste some fun recipes together. 

It's crazy to think how quickly she will be ready for life in the real world ~ without us by her side for every decision, every tear, every accomplishment.  Savoring the days for now.

Whirlwind

Last week I drove down for a night to meet my man in San Diego with the little miss.  It was fun walking around by the bay, meeting new people and visiting family.  I was so worn out from walking the whole day I thought my legs were going to collapse.  Loved the visit, but have to stay longer next time because this trip was really just a big fat tease. 

What's your favorite activity in San Diego or better yet where would you be willing to drive to for one night's stay?

Productivity...smile

I'm back in the driver's seat this week with some positive energy (even if the rain rolls in) and plans for change.  Don't know about you, but disorganization makes me cranky.  I don't think clearly, don't feel motivated and worst of all my mind is just cluttered.  So starting last night I'm being deliberate with how my time can be spent getting organized and decluttering my house, my life and my mind.

I have collected so many recipes over the years by friends and through the internet that have seen splatters, spills and general cooking abuse.  They've been randomly shoved into a folder and it always takes me way to much time to find what I'm looking for.  So to kick off my organizing marathon I decided to put them into sheet protectors in a binder and label the sections like a regular recipe book.  Had to draw a cute little cover  for it of course.  This may seem like common sense to most, but in my mish-mash brain it was a serious revelation.

Hope to be posting more of my decluttering excitement soon.  I'm sure you'll be waiting on the edge of your seat.

Happy March!

Monday blues

got a great view of dozens of dolphins this morning by the beach

you don't want to know how I took this photo. really.

 

the view of the hills near our house as the clouds rolled in.

I love the shades of blue we saw this morning. 
They reflect my mood over the past few days though...which I don't love. 
Cloudy with unexpected showers pretty much sums me up,
maybe even some thunder storms blowing through.
Praying for a sunny forecast tomorrow.
For everyone's sake.

Sending you love

from Napa, Californa.

Have a happy love day!

love notes

I recently ordered these little note cards from my friend Jenn over at Ambrosia Girl.  I just love the lace borders and vibrant colors.  She has some great stationery and fun prints in her etsy shop.  If we were ever graced with a little boy, I am certain the car print below would look awesome in his room. 

Have a lovely day!