A Moment

I'm thinking right now of my life as a parent of two. With my son wanting that little bit more of Independence every day, there is as much pride as there is pain in his words, "Mommy, I can do it." My heart swells when I walk into my daughter's room as she wakes and her face lights up at a mere glimpse of me. I know the days I have of this are few because all too soon she, too, will yearn to do it on her own.

To be blessed enough to see the two interacting is bliss. Kamila squirms with delight every time Steven is near. Steven shines something fierce as he regularly proclaims that HE is her big brother. I could not have asked for a more instant, solid bond between two people so small. They are synchronized. They are united. They share a love that I can appreciate.
So, my dear babies, hold tight to each other over all that Life is going to lead you through. Know that whatever squabbles will come to spice up the days must be quickly forgiven and even more quickly forgotten. Hold close, hug tight, and love deep.

Cars that Crash

Oh yes they do. Hubby was out picking up dinner when the donkey driving the car ahead of him popped it into reverse and CHONK! A crash split the bumper. No one was hurt and I know that is really all that matters. But shit, you see now, this car has a history. It's a red thing.
Simple as that.

Hum Drum Kinda Day

We woke happy today. Kamila was singing in her crib. Steven cracked open his eyes and smiled. I stretched out and then hit the ground running. No coffee. No Starbucks. No tea.
As the day winds down, my efforts over it look invisible. I put together a couple small photo albums of each of the kidlets. I completed a scrapbook layout. I framed a very special beautiful amazing image of my great-aunt who passed away last fall. I sorted out a few orders that I need to place. I finally made it to the bottom of the disastrous sock basket. I picked up items that have been circling the shopping list because they were finally in stock. I did some banking. I need some serious ideas. Where can I get a great bookshelf? Not the normal three-shelf brown, black, or white. But something funky and chic.
Very slowly I am modernizing our home. It's time. I'm putting together my list of wants. I'm becoming drained with all the mish mash thrown together furniture that doesn't go together more than it does. I bought a set of long royal purple drapes. I took down the ancient beige short drapes in Kamila's room. POW! The room changed in an instant and the light bulb above my head lit right up. I didn't think it modernizing or personalizing or whatever it's called was so simple.
Bottom's up to kick off a stellar weekend. I can feel it! Let's roll...

London Fog

Let's take a ride on a milk foam cloud to place were we'd like to be. Not caught up in the chaos of everyday but rather indulging in free spirited creativity. Music playing songs that energize and songs that soothe all in one. Tranquility at our fingertips ready for the taking.
Fill me up with sweet Earl Grey and all its wonders. Spark the flame and unleash the wildfire within. Walk alongside and have conversations of silence.
Taste the hint of vanilla. Understand its contribution. Know its peace.
So many revelations awakened in one simple sip.

It's Your Day

Happy Birthday to you, sweet Sister!

Here's a snippet of a conversation with my son just last night:

Me: It's Zia Lisa's birthday tomorrow
Steven: So Mommy, are we going to Beep Lake? (Note: He said the actual place name which for misc. reasons I cannot share)
Me: I'm sorry, we can't. It's simply too far away
Steven: Ummm, what about Zia's cake? She can't have a birthday without cake
Me: We can have one for her
Steven: With candles?
Me: For sure
Steven: Do I get to blow them out?
Me: Of course
Steven: I love my Zia Lisa
Me: Me, too

The conversation ended and I was a bubbling mess needing way more than just tissue.
Tonight, we are baking rainbow cupcakes for Zia.

Boxes of Wonder

Just yesterday, I received a dropload of boxes from my parents. Like a kid at Christmas, I couldn't wait to tear through them. Here's the visual: I grab Box 1, prop myself on the floor in the living room against the couch, rip open the first lid (the boxes are old school cardboard), and...........find bags over bags sorted by grade of my school papers. Projects, report cards, miscellaneous papers, etc.
I spent the better part of the evening rifling through to find bits and pieces of days gone by. The dropload was reduced to a mere shoebox of memories of which some day I'm sure will find the same fate. Many papers and buckets of dust are now sitting in the driveway waiting for garbage day.
Such is life. Oh so simple.

On my mind

There have been a bunch of things swirling around my mind lately. In no particular order:

1. Coziness
2. Ladybugs
3. Butterflies
4. Monkeys
5. Cages
6. Books
7. Bridges
8. Distance
9. Pictures
10. Letters
11. Structures
12. Numbers
13. Names
14. Planning
15. Creativity

Donkey

That's exactly what I feel like right this moment. I could swear that today was Tuesday and not Wednesday. I swear this because Tuesday evenings around this time, I sit down to do my quiz online for one of the courses I'm taking. Imagine the look on my face when next week's quiz came up. Micro panic moment while talking to my sister. WTF! In trying to roll along this simple path for 2009, I'm concluding a few things. First, I need to do some serious ass busting to assure 100% on the next couple quizzes to make up for this lost one. Second, I need to realign my mind (read: pull head out of ass) and get on top of Time. Third, I need to reprioritize...again!
Simple, Simple, Simple. Say it with me now...

Skipping on the Ice

Tonight a parenting moment hit me and stopped time. The decision to hold on or simply let go. Our son started skating lessons. I stood by, camera snapping as quickly as the point and shoot can, as Mike got Steven all suited up. Skates, check! Elbow pads, check! Helmet, check! Let's glide...Together we helped him walk to the ice. His instructor took over. We watched in awe as he would fall and stand right back up. We saw the excitement on his face as he would take an extra step or two on his skates, "Look guys, I'm skating." At one point he came off the ice to have his mitt fixed. I took his hand to help him back on the ice. WHAMO! The moment caught me.

I knew I had to let go. But my hand was stuck. My fingers went tingly. He was pulling away and all I could do was let him go. It was time. He was confident. He knew I was there. I knew he was ready. As I type this, my hand is tingly again.

Not moments later, he came back. There was something funky with his other mitt. This time it was Mike's turn.

The Letter W

Trevor Brucki, a sensational winnipeg photographer, is running a neat promo on his blog right now. Check it out. I know this girl sure could use a boost in the Starbucks budget :)
When I read the posts, it was a flashback to my childhood where Sesame Street ruled. They featured letters, numbers, and words on each episode and that made things cool.