The pool is open!

We have been enjoying the pool at the club!  Trying to teach syd how to swim on her own.

Ava's graduation

She is ready for kindergarten!  And we all found out she wants to be a farmer when she grows up!

So proud of  our 5 1/2 year old!

Summer is almost here!

Enjoying the beautiful weather!

Painting with leaves

This Memorial Day the kids and I painted our canvas using leaves from the majestic cottenwood tree next door.  We made the abstract background together and then I used some pieces of grass to create abstract stems.  I painted the red poppies on and now we have a painting to liven up our master bedroom. 

Lately we have been talking about evolution a lot. Luke is really interested in science like his Mama. I reassure them that it is ok to paint whatever you feel and want... If you don't like, paint over it. It adds to the thickness and depth to the painting. What you finally end up with is an evolved painting.... 

Soccer

Luke had an amazing day at soccer.  Handling the ball just clicked with him.  He told me that all is did was listen to what the couch told him to do.  That is the skill we have been working on lately..... Focusing and listening.  Taking time with what are we doing so we can slow down, learn and concentrate.  I feel like in today's world, so much is "on demand." Nothing requires waiting and smelling the flowers while you wait.  It is my my job to teach the kids patience because life doesn't necessarily teach that anymore.  

The evolution of the Blog...

Just thinking about the fact that I have not added any thoughts or experiences to the blog lately.  This blog has changed over the past 3 1/2 years as we have all changed.  The kids are getting older now and I am able to discuss the thoughts I have with them in the present,  rather than [in the past] what would of been a blog entry for them to read in the future.

I have been living "in the moment" with them, myself and Steve so much that I have not spent very much time at my computer.  We have been playing outside, doing activities,  being creative and READING so much.  I am really enjoying reading "Grimm's Fairy Tales" with Luke.  Such great messages in those, despite how surprisingly awkward they can be, especially at the end.  I think that is what I like so much about them... they force you to think about the greater spiritual meaning.  And when I read them to Luke, I am forced to find SOMETHING he can get out of it.  They are not easy stories to understand for a 7 year old, as it is an adult book, but he does enjoy them and applies the lessons to his life as much as a 7 year old can.

The next chapter of our life is Homeschooling.  Something I never planned for but just stumbled into when all of the stars started to align in our life.  For me, learning and reading is fun because I apply it to my life holistically.  There is a reason for everything and finding the connection, whether sooner or later is the best part.  When every piece of knowledge is connected in some way, life is a lot more enjoyable.  I want to teach my children that.  I want them to learn by experiencing and doing and not just taking a textbook's word for it.  I want them to experience the world and see how math, science, nature, history, art, music, God, the environment, their health, their conscience....  how everything is related. I want them to be empowered and self directed to make their own decisions.  Most of all, I want them to experienced life and not just take my word for it.  Living is learning and if it is fun, their are no limits.  If Steve and I can continue to teach them character through Love, patience and example (which is an ongoing practice of spirituality for us), then they will flourish with self realization and live a fulfilling life.

We plan on following the "Waldorf" Curriculum. Which again is something I just stumbled upon and the more I learn about it, the more I see how it aligns with our lives.   It just seems to mesh.  :)

"Allow nature to teach you stillness"

"Allow nature to teach you stillness"
         -Eckhart Tolle

Row row row your boat

Beautiful golden gate park at Stowe lake.  

Sausalito and the Miur woods

We ate in Sausalito at the best seafood place called Scoma's.  Then we enjoyed salt water taffy and yummy ice cream while shopping.  We hopped on our convertible tour bus and took a ride in the mountains to the Miur Woods.  The trees are over a thousand years old.

Walking the Golden Gate Bridge

Nana, daddy, the kids I walked the bridge today!  Luke walked the whole way and the girls walked most of it.  

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth...

Luke lost both teeth the week of his birthday.  His beloved teacher, Mrs. speed actually pulled one out At school because it was bothering him so much!

The magic egg experiment...

Luke's science fair project!  He took a lot of time writing the titles for his display!

Allergy season

We are all having a rough time allergies. Luke is severely allergic to grass! 

Sweet moments...

Graycie loves Ava as much as Ava loves Graycie!  

Our first visit to flower world...

My friend Elesha took the girls and I to flower world today.  It is the most amazing nursery!  I have tons of images I still want to upload.  Ava and I really enjoyed watching the lambs and sheep. The peacock gave us a beautiful show of his feathers!  More photos to come!