Jane and The Two Lions

Celebration and more

2010-08-03T00:58:00.000-07:00

Jane and the Lion

Happy Birthday, Maxx!

2010-07-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here!!!

The count down

2010-07-23T21:49:00.001-07:00

The count down

this moment

2010-07-23T21:46:00.001-07:00

this moment

2010-07-17T01:00:00.001-07:00

Here!

Gratitiude

2010-07-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Check it out Here!

Blog Moving....Last post Here.

2010-07-14T02:29:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of changes...the biggest in the space, is I am moving blogs.

I will be sharing my adventures with Maxx at Jane and the Lion, come by and say Hi!

PDX+Local Chocolate=Moon "Stroke"

2010-07-10T02:21:00.000-07:00

Maxx calls it Moon "Stroke".
I have never corrected him 'cuz I think it fits... way better.
We sell these little overloads at work on a teeny tiny... teeny tiny scale...so I took Maxx to investigate and experience this proud local chocolate in its fullness.

Holy chocolate cows!!!

How do you choose?

Strawberry!!!! Maxx's favorite dessert is chocolate covered strawberries...so a strawberry chocolate clown fish truffle...EASY!

...and a chocolate float to share.

Now, chocolate threw a straw with bubbles is just insane!!!!

...nada left. :)

Gratitude

2010-07-10T01:49:00.000-07:00

What beauty!
What a life!
What a place to live!

What a beautiful celebration!
I am thankful to be here, today, right now!

this moment X2

2010-07-09T01:24:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

I missed last week.

So here is my moment from last week.

and here is this week!

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratitiude Friday

2010-06-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

What I am thankful for this week.

Maxx's sense of humor and free spirit
Uplifting note from my friend... it just made everything that hurt vanish
The sunshine
Local strawberries and farmer's markets
Volunteering and physical hard work
Passionate people

So grateful!!!

this moment

2010-06-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Balance

2010-06-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

The other day Maxx and I were at the park and I saw this lady ride up to some trees with her bike and pull out this yellow "rope". She began wrapping it around one tree and then another. Testing...making it tight enough to stand on.
She paused.
Then up she went. Balance.
Walk, whoa.
Balance.
She then got to where she was going across very smoothly back and forth.
It was really beautiful.

I thought...this is where I am at. Getting up on that rope. I have not shared in this space, that Kurt and I are separated...it has been work, working, not worked out. Peace now and soon to be all alright. Learned from my therapist, I am not so great at talking about me, and myself my stuff...working through it all...wanting to hold back. I want to make everyone happy, after 33 years learning I can not, I have to be happy first.

I want it all to be okay and live happily ever after. ...and I am, I will, we are, we will.

Mean while...Balance...single mom school rhythm, whoa school is out for summer...balance. Busy schedule...whoa...work, home made ice cream gift...new babysitter, ...parties back to back...missed bed times ... WHOA... quick meals...Fun, fun! whoa ... work... balance...lost debit card, whoa...laundrymat closed...balance...homemade meals...no vegetables, whoa...Life!

It is beautiful!!!!

Working on my balance!
...will be back at my blogging regularly soon.

Happy Summer!
What a beautiful summer it will be!

this moment

2010-06-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratitude Friday

2010-06-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

What I am thankful for this week...

Last days of school = First days of summer break fun!

Evenings with friends and good food

The smell of roses everywhere

Fresh Watermelon and Cherries

Eating in an old school bus and making funny faces in the mirror

this moment

2010-06-11T22:51:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Super Hero Weekend!

2010-06-07T01:42:00.001-07:00

We had an action packed super hero weekend!

Now on to our last week of school adventure!

this moment

2010-06-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Morning Tree Climber

2010-06-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

This morning Maxx had to show his Dad that he can climb the willow tree in the school yard.

Kurt took this with his iphone...it is sooo beautiful!

Thank you Kurt. What a great surprise to find in my inbox!

We are blessed to have such an incredible little boy.

Beauty!!!

Wednesday Joy Explosion

2010-06-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

I love thrifting and the thrill of the hunt.

Possibilities!

... it is so inspiring and uplifting. It really gets my creative juices flowing.

When we first moved to Portland, I found a great treasure hunting place and scored! Pillow covers...with the most magical *POP!* of color I have ever seen!! Like, if my joy could explode, like a firecracker, it would look like these belles.

So for the past few months, since I found these two beauties, I have washed them by hand and had them waiting on the sidelines. Wanting them to only be filled with beautiful, cushy, natural, pillows. The kind that swallow you up when you get fresh with them. Oh Yeah!

Soooo exciting!

And here they are ...for their blog debut.

It is so great to walk in and be greeted by these two...they just make me smile!

Happy Wednesday!

May's Grand Finale

2010-05-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

What a full 3 day weekend.
I can not remember the last time I took a 3 day weekend and just let what "may"...(especailly on a holiday...)
Maxx and I had a few things we had planned and the rest was just part of our weekly rhythm. Full and abundant.

Here are some photos...

School Work Day

Our weekly trip to the Farmer's Market

We watched the last bits of Joey's Game...Maxx's "BIG" friend and then supper with them.

On the most beautiful day yet...Headed out to the farm to pick strawberries with Gus.

As soon as we were home...muddy shoes were kicked off and time to wash and savor!

May's Grand Finale.

Welcome June!

Gratitude Friday

2010-05-28T23:55:00.001-07:00

What I am grateful for this week....

High FIVES!!!
Friends who say I'll do it! I can help! If you need me let me know!
care.com and a fun new Maxx sitter
PAY DAYS!!!
Parents with unconditional love
Space and a peaceful exit
Listeners
Busy weekends (3 days off in a row!!!)
Fresh Cherries

What are you grateful for this week?

this moment

2010-05-28T23:19:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

PDX Cronstruction Site on Burnside

2010-05-27T00:32:00.001-07:00

Okay all my fellow NE PDX-ers...you know the lying of the new Trimet track construction on MLK and the couplet project on Burnside...

There is action and excitment for our almost 6 year old... these big yellow monsters in motion, moving and changing the way the streets and this part of the city looks.

Here is Maxx's version....I love it so.

Loads of action!!! Light rail tracks being laid, cranes, bulldozers, flashing lights...earth under that asphalt, and bright blue skys!!! Just beautiful!!!

Showers and a Chance of a Scooter Ride

2010-05-24T21:20:00.002-07:00

After laundry yesterday, Maxx was adamant on a scooter ride.
He did not care that it was raining ...
He did not like any other activity ideas...
SCOOTER RIDE!!!

So the next break in the rain...

LET'S G.O. !!

...and here is the fun that was had...

scoot'n on this wet, wet, wet day.

When the rain just would not stop...puddles, REALLY BIG ONES!

Watch this!

AGAIN!!!

Puddles on the way home...

This morning...

The clothes were a fun reminder... and STILL wet.

this moment

2010-05-21T13:12:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

For Clean Energy

2010-05-20T00:44:00.000-07:00

in the words of President Obama, a "potentially unprecedented environmental disaster."

There are some amazing photos in this article:

Disaster unfolds...

and this one

“Again and again in history some people wake up. They have no ground in the crowd and they move to broader, deeper laws. They carry strange customs with them and demand room for bold and audacious action. The future speaks ruthlessly through them. They change the world.”

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Maxx and I came upon this group this past weekend. The magnitude of this oil spill I can not begin to comprehend. With this disaster and the war...we need to make personal changes, in order to stop the lose of life, the GREED and the need for oil.

We all vote with our $$$ and I am guilty of driving a car, that uses dirty energy. For the sake of future generations, I vow to ride my bike or walk at least twice a week to work, and begin to save for biodiesel or search for a personal solution...I am also going to stop buying plastic, where I have other options.
I'm not wanting to give anymore $ votes to this mess.

May Flowers

2010-05-19T09:58:00.001-07:00

Going through my May pictures...I see flowers everywhere. I really love Spring.

A Princess Party in Photos

2010-05-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Fraja!

We had so so much fun!

This Moment

2010-05-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratitude Friday

2010-05-14T23:40:00.000-07:00

What I am thankful for this week:

The amazing coffee in this town...my new love is Extracto Coffee...
The kindness and opened hearts of my work peers who helped a mother out!!!
Sewing and crafting a gift for a princess with Maxx
Laughter and being able to not take myself so seriously
New chapters in my life
Father sun showing off his rays this week!!! So BEAUTIFUL!!!

Have an amazing weekend!
What are you grateful for?

Wiggly toof

2010-05-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week Maxx discovered he had a "wiggly toof". It was very exciting!
Then yesterday it came out...
A few minutes later... Maxx discovered the one next to it is wiggly too.
He says, "I'm really getting big, now!"

Looks like the "toof" fairy will be making her first trip to our house this weekend.

Very exciting!

Very exciting, indeed!

On my mind

2010-05-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

I never have a moment when this little guy is not on my mind.

In dream land he is always with me.
When I wake up in the morning...I can't wait for the happy sleepy face to come around the corner.
Being present when we are together...and reminding myself to be present...everything else can wait.
When cooking how can he help...will this be balanced enough for him or what will he think.
Thinking of ways he can help and inviting him to help me with projects and chores.
When he is at school I often think about what he maybe singing, creating and how much fun he is having, playing and learning...my social little one.
When I'm at work I remember I'm Maxx's mom, and wanting the best for him and I.
When at work I focus finding joy in the hardest tasks and laugh...my growth and experiences...will be wisdom I will share with him later.
When I'm at work I share Maxx stories, pictures, sweet and funny moments.
When I have not seen him in hours I am thrilled when the time apart is over.
After time apart and I see him... I get so excited it takes my breath away!
His hugs can make any major big problem seem so tiny...sometimes silly.
When I get frustrated and stressed...I see him giving me a thumbs up...and things get a lot easier.
In class...learning more about Waldorf education and knowing how Maxx will enjoy the grade school and high school...seeing him in the lessons and in my art.
Out with friends...conversations about him
Planning out the week and what he and I will do

I try to be aware to what I am doing and saying knowing I am his mother and his most influential teacher.

...ALWAYS there!!!
I love you, Maxx!

I'm One Lucky Mommy!!!

2010-05-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

All I can say is that my heart is soooo full, and I am so rich!
My mother's day had five helpings...

1st helping:
A sweet Mother's day tea at Maxx's kindergarten.
Served camomile tea, delicious sandwiches and cookies.
Presented a beautiful pin cushion thought through and made by his sweet little hands...he pointed out that he added a red button... "your favorite color!"

2nd helping:
Sweet handmade heart cookies from a friend.
With a reminder to take extra time.

3rd helping
A sweet breakfast by my two lions.
Presented with roses and a card...can you see Maxx drew himself dancing and blowing kisses. *gush*

4th helping
Many sweet texts and emails from friends and family here and there.

5th helping
Maxx and I made a phone call to my mother with lots of news and a surprise chat with my grandmother.

Happy Mother's Day to all you beautiful women out there, may your heart be filled with love every day!

Gift Bag Sewing Project

2010-05-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

We have an invitation to a birthday party!

In my desire to live more simply...

I want to stop buying a gift bag or wrapping paper...so how about a beautiful hand made bag that can be reused for so many other things...

We went to this really beautiful fabric store here in our neighborhood The Whole 9 Yards and Maxx picked out the cutest "tweet tweet" fabric, and we had 1 yard of pink ribbon cut for our birthday bag project.

...and today he learned to thread a bobbin. Of course the best part was pushing the pedal at FULL BLAST watching the bobbin fill with thread! I really like that too! ;)

While I continued the sewing...with some pedal pushing help
He worked on the Birthday card and drew a "dancing flower".

I totally see it, dancing!

Once finished we pulled out our scrap papers and crafting odds and ends. Together we worked on making the envelope special too.

...then filled the bag with the birthday surprise.

I just loved how it turned out.

What a special way to give a gift.

Happy fifth birthday, Rachel!

This Moment

2010-05-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratitude Friday

2010-05-07T23:05:00.000-07:00

This spring has been so amazing!!!

What I am so grateful for this week...

May Faire, what a beautiful celebration!
Schools that see how important it is to surround a child in beauty and teach through art
Cute spring fabric!!! ...we have turned it into a sweet bag to wrap a birthday surprise for a soon to be five year old
Invitations to birthday celebrations
Sewing a gift with Maxx
"Watch this Mom!!!"... "tricks" on his bike (with the training wheels still on... my daredevil :))
Having a very special dinner out with some of my new girlfriends...with sake and sustainable sushi
Dad's wisdom ...and for the moment he takes to sometimes repeat...and help me work through what I already know.

Have a very special weekend!!!

Block Crayon Drawing...peek into my journey

2010-05-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying my Waldorf teacher training. This is my third month on this new journey.

During this block...Art (Drawing, block crayon, watercolor)

Last week learning what lines feel like, to a child (1st-3rd grades),
What does a straight like feel like? Curvy? Movement of lines across the page all connected. Patterns, compliments...line on paper...
How art is connected to each of us and especially to children...and how drawing can calm a rowdy class or wake up a sleepy one...

This week learning techniques in block crayon drawing. How to draw with and use block crayons in the lower grades (Early Childhood, and 1st-5th)

Here is a peek of two of the techniques and two of my pictures, from tonight, using our block crayons. By no means are they finished...due to needing to move on to the next technique.

The first...
Using the block crayons and adding a rainbow to the page very lightly (like above photo row 3 top drawing)...learning how to move the crayon across the page...inhale, exhale...
Then adding movement to your rainbow (like above photo row 3 bottom drawing)moving color and directions with the crayons on top of the rainbow.
Looking at the movement what do you begin to see? Let your creative soul be your guide...
Here is what I was beginning to see in mine:

The second.
Randomly add color to the page. No rhyme or reason.
Once the page is filled with color...turn it upside down...
What do you see? Begin to bring out what your imagination sees. Here is what I was beginning to see in mine:

I wish I could have taken a photo of everyone in the classes pictures...amazing how beautiful and connected they all felt...and how so much of ourselves come out in our art. The colors were incredible. Some of the words used to describe how we felt after looking at all of them...blissful, dream like...emotional...
With each drawing we took them out to the hall and laid them on the floor and just experienced them. To be able to see what others see... Very moving!

I will keep working on my pictures and will post what they look like when I have had some time to really bring them to life.

Happy Coloring!!!!

Spring Fever!!!

2010-05-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

We are nursing a fever. Maxx has come down with a cold and has had a fever for the past few days. I feel so powerless...and amazed while leaning on the power of healing.

Maxx is so alive all the time and to see him just want to stay in PJs and lie in the bed...it is soooooo quiet around here. Too quiet. Alot less spunky!

We have missed two days of school which he so looks forward too. His said today, "I miss my 'mates!"

Selfishly I admit that I am enjoying the warm need for extra lov'in...and cuddling while telling stories, dreaming about the summer, and reading some of his books.

I know he is strong and this will be short lived and the spunk will be back, and things will be lively again. To a speedy recovery!

May Faire

2010-05-03T01:17:00.000-07:00

See our Maypole filled with flowers,
From above, the blossoms tower,
Fragrance rich, and perfume rare,
Pretty scents that fill the air.
Violets blue and daisies white,
You are here for our delight;
Daffodils and roses, too,
Pretty flow'rs for me and you!
Tell us what the flowers say,
As we sing and dance and play.
Tell us what the flowers say,
On this special day!
This is what the flowers say,
As we sing and dance and play.
This is what the flowers say:
It is bright May day!

********************

What a beautiful day!
What a beautiful time!

Making flower crowns, dancing, playing, singing, picnicking...

What a celebration!
Happy May, every one!!!

Sunday: Laundry

2010-05-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine asked about our weekly rhythm, and how I break down my week. So I thought I would share in this space...here is our weekly rhythm.

Since I am a full time working momma...and in my work, my schedule is never the same from week to week. One of my goals is to live more simply. To make it all work I feel strongly on having set days that we do each big chore, for many reasons. The biggest is to help my little one with predictability and security in this BIG busy abstract world.

Our first day of the week, Sunday, is "Laundry Day".

"this is the way we wash our clothes, wash our clothes, wash our clothes...soo early in the morning!"

We live in an urban setting so our "Laundry Day" works best at the laundromat.

Now that I have gotten this down...I don't think I want to do it at home ever again...

What I have discovered while knocking this big ole chore out each week, I consume less, YES!!!

...it is a time saver, less waste for the environment, better for our clothes, and cost effective.

To be able to do this once a week, the one thing you need to know is how much you need for the week. (clothes, undies, socks, towels, etc...) This was the hardest thing for me to get at first...but it did not take long...going down to the basement in the middle of the week to start a load...then go back to put in the dryer and then go back to get it out and bring up to fold...a motivator to perfect this task just once a week.

How we do Laundry Once a Week...

We each have a set wardrobe, each a towel and wash cloth set, a set amount of cloth napkins, cloth place mats, and cloth towels (I use instead of paper towels), and our sheet sets

Two laundry baskets and a hamper

I can get 7 loads of laundry washed to folded in 1 1/2 hours

$15 in quarters for wash and dry

5 loads of colors in a "Big Loader" and 2 loads of whites in a "double loader"

Front loaders are easier on clothes, they use less water than top loaders = Front loaders need less soap (save money and waste), they Spin... Really... spin the water out...so less time in the dryer. (When I pull the sheets out of the wash they feel almost dry.)

Maxx and I stand at our machines, and put our quarters in at the same time as quick as we can... for fun to get them to start at the same time.
Machine Hissing...
... and the water begins to spray I set my alarm for 30 min

...dry our clothes, dry our clothes, dry our clothes...

30 min flat...Maxx and I each get a rolling basket, and we unload our washers and head straight for the dryers #16, #17 and #18. I get my dryer going, then help Maxx and that gives us a little break so I can fold the first...and Maxx brings the rest.

We love to people watch...this couple has their systems down as well...they were so sweet working together!

foldy, fold, fold, fold...

"this is the way we fold our clothes, fold our clothes, fold our clothes...so early in the morn..ing"

1 1/2 hours later...and we are finished until next Sunday.

Gratitude Friday

2010-04-30T21:27:00.001-07:00

Happy May Day, eve!!!

I am grateful for:

The spring garden that is growing on our walls!
Finding new parks
Time apart...
Talking to my Dad
Seeing an email from my sister in my "inbox"

This Moment

2010-04-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratitude Friday

2010-04-23T22:56:00.001-07:00

This week I am so so so sooo thankful for:

Appreciation weeks at work...
"Zen meetings" with my co-workers
3 days off in a row!
Picking Maxx up from school
The paper sale at the art store
The many pictures drawn for me...with such beauty and thought of our everyday adventures, they are so special
The quiet sunsets in my kitchen

This Moment

2010-04-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

some Unplugged Play today

2010-04-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

"When we allow our children space for their imaginations to flourish, they do." -D. Holzman

Here is Maxx after school at the park. It was a little misty, the park all to himself...and Maxx wanted me to check and see if I had anything that could dry off the slides...in the Momma bag...
I had a cloth grocery bag...Maxx-"THAT'S PERFECT, MOM!!!"
So here is his grocery bag play.

Maxx driving a fast race car

The bunny

Mailman on his route

Baby in the "baby swing"

Giving baby an "UNDER DOG!"

Potato sack race

At the end of our play at the park...a landscaper showed up with a lawn mower...the grass was like white and yellow polka dots on green...before the lawn was manicured...Maxx saved these flowers and made me a boutique...

What fun...so beautiful!!!

Cool article on open ended play... (sorry for all the marketing that surrounds this one)
One on TV Free

TV Free Week

2010-04-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

The start of TV Free week is today and what a perfect week during Earth Week.

Time to slow down get out and hug those trees and get Spring dirty knees.

We are TV Free. We do not own one and it has been years now since we did. It is a big beef for me...I could go on...how it has molded our society and distracting us from what is really going on.

This week I am going to post some really cool articles and some findings from around our TV-Free Home. Everyone when they find out we don't have a TV..."What? What do you DOo? and I all of a sudden the way they look at me... you would think I have 4 heads and 17 purple eyes or something...lol It is really easy, REALLY!

Join in this TV Free Week and see what you do, what you find, start new weekly traditions as a family...who knows where this may lead you. It is BEAUTIFUL!! Conserve energy this week as we celebrate Mother Earth...and enjoy the quiet and one less electric flashing light!!!

I dare you!

This is our nature corner. We find natural treasures everyday, and here is the place they land and we reflect on our Spring 2010 so far. I love how Maxx has added some of his toys and crafts in, to tell the story.

As I flip through our Spring photos and find this one...how much Maxx really loves and expresses his time with nature. Beautiful!

TV Free Article

Dreamy Spring Day

2010-04-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

We had an action packed fun in the sun day...it could have not turned out more perfect if I had planned it.

Maxx picked Alberta Park to be "where it's at" today. We sent a spontaneous invite to "Vitamin L & G" to join us for a picnic. It was so nice. We watched some hula hooping, not so tight, tight rope walkers, and other fun things through out the park as we soaked in the vitamin D and ate our lunch.

We threw the ball for "Vitamin S" for a bit, then it was time for them to head home.

We were off to play in the park and you know Maxx never meets a stranger... to meet another 5 year old (he's not 5 and a half yet, Mom)...who had watched Maxx hop across these pods like a frog on lily pads...and fast. Our new friend was a little afraid to try...so Maxx just started helping and holding and then, praising his new friend on a job well done. "See there you did it! Great job!" *gush*

I was so proud...at how much Maxx's heart is open and how he jumped in with out any guidance to help his fellow in play.

Our new friend had cars!!! I can only imagine what they are saying in this picture...then

Who is to have which car and which one will win... to the SLIDE!!!

Orange, Blue, then green came in last place.
After alot of races on all the slides and taking turns so well with the fastest car... our friend had to go. It was one of those awesome play moments and I wish I had gotten the mother's number or email...I need to get calling cards. I would love to meet them again to play. Who knows maybe we will.

Then a bit of patience was practiced...we did "the dance" right as we were next...just in time!

Within a minute Maxx had made friends with two others and..

We were chasing BUBBLES!!!

Playing Hide and Go Seek...tag, chase...

I actually heard..."Mom, I'm ready to go home now."

Then home we went for some one on one time, making bread for the week.

What a dreamy spring day!!!

This Moment

2010-04-17T00:42:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratitude Friday

2010-04-17T00:38:00.001-07:00

Quick Gratitude Before I rest my eyes and call it a day (even though it is already tomorrow)...

Hearing my friends tell stories of Maxx
In our hectic-nest...had a nice coffee conversation with Kurt
Hair cuts
Riding my bike to work
Beautiful Spring Weather

It has been a long week looking forward to my weekend of rest and a little play.

This moment

2010-04-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratiude Friday...on Saturday Due to an Action Packed Friday

2010-04-10T08:24:00.001-07:00

We fit in two playdates yesterday with two new friends...and here I am today filled with much thankfulness.

For the beautiful women that are in my life...sharing common threads
Spring puddles and muddy boys
For having moments to open our life window and share with someone and to see into their's
Cooking with Maxx
Spur of the moment playdate to fly remote controlled airplanes
Beautiful wet and sunny spring days
Time and space to practice
Exploring and little critters coming close to say, "Hi!"
Dessert with Maxx

Gratitude Friday

2010-04-02T23:04:00.001-07:00

Each week is such a gift.

Here are some of the presents I am thankful for this week.

Signs that speak volumes
Kicking this cold together with Maxx, and still making and taking time to be in every moment
Exploration
Laughter
Being inspired by the creative-sustainable heart in the commuinty we live
Amazing foods, remedies, potions, and teas that were shared by friends in their experiences and wisdom to heal
A son that is so full of joy
Some extra time to rest and play
Some extra hard work that physically reminds me I am alive
Blogger's that inspire me to be better
An amazing sunset after a stormy day

What are you thankful for?

This Moment

2010-04-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Welcome April With a Sight to Behold

2010-04-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Great things are done when men and mountains meet. This is not done by jostling in the street. ~William Blake

Today Maxx was on 10 with jokes...he found spiders in my hair, a horse in the bathroom and put legos down the drain...after every silly thing I heard "APRIL FOOLS!!!" and we cracked up laughing.

Maxx is on spring break for two weeks and we are resting to get over this cold while exploring our new home.

Check out this amazing space we explored today...AhhhMAZing!!!!!!!

We met Wakeenah Falls

...we met Larch Mountain and the serious Multnomah Falls

This is the second tallest year round water fall in the nation. It drops 620 feet.

This bridge was built in 1915 and the mist was so refreshing and powerful we stood on that bridge for at least 15 minutes just soaking in the power of this water.

Welcome April!

One Small Change Update and Farewell March

2010-03-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

On this last day of March I think back through so many memories and there are a lot that come from our One Small Change.

I really focused on slowing down, planning and thinking ahead so my family may eat more whole foods in our ONE SMALL CHANGE rather than those quick fixes in flash that are so easy for this on the go Momma to grab.

Our Small change list

We make all our own bread now. I found this Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day and am hooked...it is really that easy and I just found out that they have a new cookbook Healthy Bread in Five...on my wish list. We started with the basic recipe to get the rhythm, now we are using the Whole Wheat recipe soo good!
The Farmer's Market opened, so we have an abundance of local produce and have plans to get there every Saturday morning. There is also a neighborhood market on Wednesdays we caught today.
We have created a weekly meal rhythm that has helped me plan and prepare. It has also helped with stocking of the pantry and fridge...
All veggie trimmings are saved for stock
New rule...all left overs are to be eaten...I try and come up with creative ways to use them up...now with how much care we put into our food, we want zero to go to waste.
Pizza night (Sat.) all from scratch. this moment

I think getting organized was the most difficult, but have made some small changes and am having fun making connections with the farmers' weekly at the market. A big change is we are eating less meat at our table. We are meat eaters and have only been consumers of grass fed beef and organic poultry for some time ...my last stage of the change will be to buy our meat from Afton Field Farm. We did buy an organic pasture chicken from a different local farm at the market week before last and I have made 4 meals from that one bird, and have two gallons of chicken stock in the freezer for more to come.

Maxx and I have been feeling under the weather and the other night after our bike ride we made chicken noodle soup and had tea. It was such a joy to both work on this project and sit down and enjoy the comfort. Maxx said very excited that he, "...L-O-V-E s peas and noodles" -the bonus of making our own...we get to add in extra :)

I am really loving living more simply and am looking forward to April's small change.

In Training

2010-03-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

It is official Maxx is in training.

Our first ride was to the grocery store to pick up some missing ingredients for soup. Success. He is a natural.

This Moment

2010-03-26T21:57:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...

This is a sweet weekly tradition in my blogging rhythm inspired byAmanda of SouleMama

Gratitude Friday

2010-03-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

It is Friday, again? ...Already!?!

What a fantastic week! It started with a *:BANG:* and it is going to end with some needed rest.

What I am thankful for this week:

Spending a beautiful day with and getting to know my new friend Lisa
Being inspired by so many things
Maxx's sense of humor
My friend's near and far who have beautiful animals... they have created so many memories for us
Friends who want to play and share their time with Maxx
Cooking and enjoying all the fresh food from the Farmer's Market ALLL week
My new school journey...how much I have gained in just four weeks
This beautiful new Spring season!!!

What are you grateful for?

The New Season!

2010-03-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

It was a BIG day!!!

The first farmer's market of the SEASON!!!
We packed a lot in and are going to sleep good Tooo-night!

Beautiful tarts, sweets and brownies!!!

Rhubarb and Strawberry Jam

He made Maxx a lion

Pasture Free Range Organic Eggs... colorful... beauties!

Bountiful ...OH nooo!!! We dropped our sample.

Energy booster. Montreal style bagels with dill cream cheese.

Red POPPIES!!!

And we left... Happy Campers!!!

This Moment

2010-03-19T13:14:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...Amanda

Gratitude Friday

2010-03-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Whew!

It has been one great bundle of days!!!

Here are some things I am thankful for this week:

Fun spring traditions that involve green and little leprechauns
The beeeau-ti-FUL weather
Making fresh bread three times this week at home
Cooking with fresh whole foods is so rewarding Pizza with crust Maxx and I made, and the sauce we made two days before, grating cheese is a blast..."snowing cheese!!!"
Red wine and tahini dressing
Laughing with my peers after work over frito pie and spirits
A clean car and house even if it is for just today
Having breakfast with Maxx
For constructive criticism and the growth
I have the day off to enjoy the first farmer's market of the season!

I gotta run so I can get outside!!!

What are you grateful for?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a rainbow For sunlight after showers

Miles and miles of Irish smiles For golden happy hours

Shamrocks at your doorway For luck and laughter too,

And a host of friends that never ends Each day your whole life through!

(Olde Irish Wish)

Happy St. Paricks' Day!!!

This Moment

2010-03-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember...Amanda

Gratitude Friday

2010-03-12T22:07:00.000-08:00

This week has been so full and abundant!!!
My heart feels soooo good, and here are a few things to share.

For my beautiful boy who is so open to meet new people and welcome them into his heart.
A fun evening with some of the most amazing women I know. We have to make this a monthly thing!!!
Laughing and finding humor in the heat of frustration and a difficult situation. ;)jess
For the cherry blossom tree right outside our windows and all over town...oh that pink is delicious!
Finding new verses and songs to enhance our daily rhythm. We have a sweet new bed time song we now sing before Maxx sleeps with the angels.
For my life experiences, here in my early 30s, I feel so blessed by such a short period of time to be where I am.
For some amazingly talented people I work with and for...I learn from you every day.
For the Mothers blogging out there that I read daily or fall upon in a google search...the inspiration and raw wisdom is so powerful.
For the beautiful new community and friendships that we are building as a family. I am totally feeling the incarnate pull...we were meant to all be here now to meet and know each other.
For a husband who is willing to do what it takes to unplug a toilet and find humor in the O. M. G.!!!!! Task! lol!!!!

What a week!!!

What are you grateful for?

Personal Found World and Anticipation

2010-03-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

Funny!

I was looking through some pictures from the past, and came across some that were right at 3 years ago (Spring 2007)...WOW!!! It is amazing how we as people change. I look through my "MySpace" posts and realized how much of a different person I was then, than I am now. My values are the same, but my tone is different.

Maturity? I would say, for sure.

In the picture above the young me as a new parent, Maxx is a 2 year old and we had, had a looong day at a festival.

I look in the mirror today and I have 6 inch roots!

Yes...that blonde is from a different me. That Jane could not even leave the house without makeup...lots of black eyeliner...smoky shadows on my eyes...a new hair color every month or if not a new color, my roots touched up (the photo above I had 3 shades of color black, red, and blond in the back), lots of time in front of a mirror with a blow dryer and styling products...shop shop shop...closet full of clothes, bags, and just stuff! I had outfits. Loads of jewelry, and killer creeper shoes to match whatever my costume was for the day. Yes, I had many many colors and shapes of those heavy sole shoes. lol I need to find more pictures...I am always the one behind the camera, so I am in so few.

I have morphed into another person. I seem to have shed my skin and now see a new world. Really it was a choice and I chose to make a change. Take my activism to a new level. I can create change and control what we do as a family...less preachy and more of a personal and daily fight. I turned "it" (mainstream media) off and closed the door. No msn, no cnn, no news paper, no magazines, and T.V. was torched out of our life a while back before this faze.

So if you ask me who the new celebrities are, anything about pop culture pre 2008 or what is "in" or what the latest block buster is...I will have a blank stare, because I choose not to know.

I decided in '08 the only way I would hear or see the world was through other Mothers' blogs or word of mouth. If there is a cool movie and they post about it...I may check it out, or someone tells me about an inspiring book or a product or a news event, then I would know.

Really. I don't know what the news is blah-ing about... the latest scandal or even the weather unless I heard it from someone.

*inhale*

It is so so so so nice. Freeing!

I want to see the world unsolicited...without an agenda...to sell me something, to distract me, to create fear. There is enough stress and distraction in daily life, that the mainstream stuff just seemed to add to my pile and distract me from finding out more about who I am as a person, as a mother, and where I want to be.

Now we eat at home (except on Fridays), cook with whole foods, always have something soaking, put my hair in a pony tail sometimes wet, and head out the door with or without a touch of makeup, I play with Maxx, we make handmade gifts and cards. My closet now: 4 shirts and 2 pairs of pants with clogs is what I have and wear.

Doing this what have I learned? The world through Mothers' eyes is hopeful, beautiful, sweet, proud, powerful, amazing, funny, creative, inventive, personal and inspiring simplicity. I love the world I see.

Looking through the pictures each year in the "spring" folders their is one familiar event I notice, and the only change this year will be to go more often. Each spring I have photos of us at the Farmer's Market. This is something we look so forward to every year! Seeing the rows of greens, vegetables, flowers, fruits, fresh baked goods, some crafts and art, canned salsas and preserves, local honey, cheese, farm fresh eggs and meats.

AWWW! My sweet little punk by the rocks. Here is a sweet one of Maxx eating some blueberries he picked out at the Chicago Farmer's Market the same year as the photo above.

The Farmer's market on this scale is one thing we really missed while we lived in Houston. Portland's market opens next week!!! We are full of anticipation!!

Silent Sunday

2010-03-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

Maxx at play, this street.

Silly Saturday!

2010-03-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

We had a puppy visitor today. Puppy had been on a long adventure... He was hunnGRY and thIIRsty! ...and he only drank his water with a crazy straw. Good boy!

Gratitude Friday

2010-03-05T22:55:00.001-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for.
This week here are some things where the volume is really loud in my heart.

Dancing with with Maxx to the beat of tribal drumming outside of the school.
Raw vegan chocolate ice cream on a challenging day and fresh lemon in my water glass.
An unexpected and needed late night online chat.
Beginning a new personal journey into Waldorf teaching.
The beauty of consistency. How it can really show you who someone is.
New friendships that are blossoming and the spontaneous lunch breaks with them.
The walks to and from work on these beautiful days.
Feeling proud of who I am.

Off to bed. Excited for a day off from work tomorrow.

What are you grateful for?

One Small Change for March

2010-03-03T21:17:00.001-08:00

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

For our first One Small Change and in March, we are going to cook with whole foods and work on eating more seasonal and local produce for the month. I am so inspired by the others who have joined in and are making their small changes along with my friends and peers who teach and inspire me daily. Personally I have been making changes over time, but never dedicated a month to making that change, publicly posting it and having a follow up. (Thanks Cindy for the link!)

As a working mother, I find it easy to grab a frozen pizza and a salad kit on a hectic day...make macaroni and cheese from a box, vege bouillon cubes, and my favorite quick food is boxed (bagged) cereal for breakfast. I am not saying this may not happen, but I am aiming for it to be far less. In time with practice, the right tools and being comfortable I am aiming for "once in a blue moon", to quote Maxx.

This month will be about purging out the processed and welcoming in beautiful grains, legumes, local seasonal fruit and vegetables. This is going be about new habits and taking time to plan on my part, then working the plan.

I am reading the cookbook Feeding The Whole Family Cooking with Whole Foods (Thank you Lisa for bringing it in.)

I have a strong sense of cooking and a culinary degree, so it may seem to those who know me well... this book is very basic and simple. *smile* ...My goal. Living more simple and bringing wholeness and connection onto our table for our soul, our health, and yearly rhythm of the seasons. I also feel blessed and lucky to have a child that does not have food allergies and just follows me to the next culinary adventure. I want to lead, teach, and take advantage by nourishing him, so he, and his, may be able to enjoy the beauty in so many different foods also. My maternal instinct says cut out the processed and factory foods. We have been eating natural and organic foods for some time now, so this just seems like the natural progression and the right thing.

Another great thing about this book for me personally... is the handy dandy appendix meal planner...and recipes to help give just the jump start I need. Working through the recipes I will gain the knowledge and wisdom I need through this journey of change.

We have already incorporated and tested some of the recipes, so I have a little head start...little did I know about this blog that is inspiring so many out there to make one small change. *glass up* To March and to your One Small Change.

The Little Postman and a Sweet Birthday Conversation

2010-03-01T20:50:00.001-08:00

Today is my Dad's birthday.

...we are late mailing our card...but we got it in the mail, just in time to be posted on the day of celebration.

Maxx loves the post office ritual...putting on the stamp, writing the address and return address, then venturing to the post office, the mail drop box, the mail trucks, the uniforms..."What are THOSE!?!" today the P.O. Boxes caught his attention... A very exciting job the postal workers have. Alot of magic goes on behind those walls.

Postal work is in his blood. My late grandfather retired from the U.S.P.S. after 35 years. (Is that right Mom?) So to me...it is really special when he plays postman.

We have a sweet golden book that Maxx loves to read about the secret that is sealed and is handled by "Seven Little Postman" it is written by Margaret Wise Brown. (I love to read anything by her.)

Many times I think about getting these or making something like it myself for Maxx:(check'em out->) Mail Bag; Post Office; Mail box... they are so cool...right?!!!

Then Maxx starts his open ended play with his playstand and it backs what Waldorf has taught me..., about how powerful the child's imagination is and how they need to be able to have free open ended play. Watching him play tonight those toys would not have added anything, in fact they would have taken his creativity away. I am floored and reminded...

"Jaaane ELIZABETH!!!! Get back on your personal ~~daily~~ hourly journey to live more simply."

Maxx playing postman while I'm making supper this evening.

Right before I set the table for supper, we called Pop-pah to wish him a Happy Birthday. He and Maxx talked for 29 minutes non stop. It was so sweet. My Dad sends Maxx a letter each week with find the "six differences". (like this one.<-do the faces freak you out as much as me...lol)

Back story: While we lived in Texas Pop-pah and Maxx would read the paper on Sunday and when they got to the comics they would try and find the "six differences" between the two pictures.

Since we moved to Oregon, my Dad has kept up that special weekly tradition. Each week Maxx gets a letter in the mailbox and if it is there...he can not hold or carry ANYthing he may have been. Then he proudly walks down the hall and up the stairs holding it with both hands, 'till we get into our apartment...he starts opening it as fast as he can, just beaming. Inside is a clipped "difference!" from the newspaper and a card. After a few mailings my Dad started adding a photo of different memories too. Maxx and I have put together a little photo album to hold it all in one place. Maxx looks at it every single day, it is so special to him. He has each letter memorized and loves to "read" them out loud to me.

This week Maxx has the opportunity to take something for show and tell at his school, and he wants to take his photo album and tell his schoolmates all about it.

Tonight on the phone he had a little practice by telling Pop-pah all about his album and he "read" each card, by heart, back to Pop-pah.

It was the sweetest conversation I have ever heard.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Silent Sunday

2010-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

Maxx in his castle.

Silly Saturday!

2010-02-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

Maxx showing us his muscles. ***Puh POW!!!...Whoa!***

Gratitude Friday

2010-02-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for.
This week here are some things where the volume is really loud in my heart.

The many drawings that are made just for me this week.
Finding small surprises and treasures at the park...like the best-est walking stick, ever! crazy big pine cones, and a gum smile on the tree:)
Enjoying the chaos at work and the growth in myself...thankful for a conversation with my husband as I work through my humanity.
The burst of pink outside my window on one beautiful tree and daffodils along the sidewalks.
Hearing about "stone soup" Wednesdays at Maxx's school...and who got the stone and got to make a wish this week...what a sweet weekly celebration.
Enjoying a new work relationship with a very talented and beautiful woman who wears the title of assistant...when really she is a Co-.
Maxx just added: he is thankful for oatmeal at school with honey, cinnamon, and butter...mmm

Now for an amazing weekend.

What are you grateful for?

Gratitude Friday

2010-02-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

This is an idea taken from a friend and a blog I love to follow.

I have so much to be thankful for.

This week here are some things where the volume is really loud in my heart.

The beautiful days here in Portland and the signs of Spring.
A sweet new babysitter, who is just getting to know us.
Kurt's new job...which has re-opened a door to something he loves to do.
Maxx's songs when he does not know anyone is listening.

My Spring Come Back!

2010-02-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

Oh my... how long has it been?

I am going to take some of the other Mama's ideas that I have seen in blog land and post some thoughts and or pictures at least 2 times per week. I can do this!!!

My blog come back!!!

A little update...moved across country again...

this time to the magical Portland, Oregon. We really really really really really really really really really love it here!

Personally I feel at home for once. More comfortable with me and who I am. I am okay with where I am at... and am soooo excited about my future. My senses have been so heightened since we have moved here...

Examples are:

Meeting someone I work with, who met their spouse at the very same place I met Kurt...and we both got married on the same day same year. We have lots of things in common...I must know her from another life. I feel very comfortable talking to her, like a sister.
I see a friend all over town from behind and walk up to see their face... it is not them, in fact they live in another state...to find out that they are looking to move her.
Some of my favorite blogs I have followed for a couple of years...these mothers live in Portland, other parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Some of my favorite artists like Nikki McClure are here in the Pacific Northwest.
Lots of things in common with lots of beautiful people here.

The Little Bad Wolf

2009-11-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

The costume this year...was back and forth.
This year he wanted to make the decision.
It was very hard for Maxx to decide...too many beasts and things he wanted to be.

I wanna be a squirrel with a biiiig nut.
I wanna be a fire truck, a police man, a bull dozer, a race car...
No, No, No the whale with the minnow Moma I wanna be the whale.
I was geared up to create an Orca Whale costume with a large minnow for him to carry.
...and then he changed his mind.

In circle at school they have been acting out The Three Little Pigs.
Maxx was inspired, and he finally decided to be...

The wolf.

"Little pig little pig let me come in!"
Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!"
"Then I'll HUFFF and I'll PUFFF and I'll blow your house innn!"
" So he HUFFED and he PUFFED..."

...and went Trick or Treating with friends.

Like always Mom and Dad joined in and were 2 of the 3 pigs (Maxx carried #3)

It was so much fun and Maxx worked hard to gather as much as possible for the baby pumpkins.
Maxx picked out a few favorite pieces and left the rest for the Pumpkin Fairy.
In the middle of the night, while we were all sleeping, her fairy magic came for all the candy treats that he had gathered. She left a reward for the job well done.
...and a glittery fairy note saying:

Maxx,

The baby pumpkins will be so thrilled to receive all of these sweet candy treats. You worked really hard and now they have everything to grow bigger and rounder for next year.

They will be the most spectacular pumpkins EVER, thanks to you.

See you next year!
Sincerely,
The Pumpkin Fairy

Our magical autumn tradition.

Autumn Harvest Festival

2009-11-03T09:13:00.001-08:00

Our harvest festival this year was at a beautiful persimmon orchard on some beautiful land. 10/16/2009

Fresh air, open space, play, itchy hay, buzzing bees, crazy red ants, dirt roads, hay ride, story and a little history, picnic, harvesting our own persimmons, swirly tire swings, dressing scare crows, yummy picnic with schoolmates and new friends, father sun's beaming rays, sun burn, beautiful trees, wonder, games, local pumpkins, natural fun!

A perfect autumn celebration!

If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun. -Katharine Hepburn

2009-10-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

We are taking the leap...and moving to Portland, OR. I got the job...now to prepare for the move.

Meeting Family

2009-10-08T00:00:00.001-07:00

Marcus, Faith, & Maxx, meet for the first time. It was so good to see a cousin I haven't seen in years! What joy to watch the fun. Crazy how the orange shirts were not planned.

Like we have know each other...we play.

We splash in the heat.

Needless to say it was a fun filled day with school and a play hard time at the park with new family.

Maxx was out like a light after bath.
Here's to Davie and the computer...to make it all happen.

Celebrating Autumn's Arrival

2009-10-02T00:04:00.001-07:00

It is so hard to believe that Autumn is here...everywhere we go we are greeted by beautiful pumpkins and apples. Oh my goodness another magical costume is in the brainstorming stage...

Here are a few photos from this past weekend heading to deep east TX to visit my parents and Maxx to stay the night while Mommy does inventory at work. This has become apart of our monthly rhythm and is so special to the both of us. A chance to have clean air, relax even for just one day, and enjoy the outdoors. Inhale....Ahhhhh...

First day of school!!! 9/09/09

2009-09-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten has begun.
New discoveries in the moment...go Maxxie go!

Pirate Pool Party

2009-08-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Our summer has been full and fun...
So much that I totally did not get to post in July.
Maxx turned 5. Kurt turned 41. We have hit alot of the "cool" spots here in our new city.
This past weekend we had off the pier races at Grommy and Pa Pa's lake, then ventured home to a pirate pool party.

Here are some great shots from our Pirate Pool Party.

The adult relay race on the pirate ships was hilarious!!!

What a great weekend.
Have a great week, matey!!

Black Berry Pickers

2009-06-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today Maxx, Kurt and I ventured to a little bit of the country to pick black berries. Oh what a treat it was.
Maxx took this picture...
There was a magical house elf or fairy? They were not home while we were in the patch.
Look at this lushness!!! Deep breath. Fresh. Clean. Beauty. A dream.

Yummmm!
Oh and when we got out of our car we heard a rooster...Maxx, "They have CHICKENS!?! Was that a rooster?" Feeding the chickens was a winner. Now we want some chickens.

Some of our loot.
Texas heat...whew! Maxx found a fan. "I really need to cool down!"

A scorcher. A great day.
Thanks for joining us Dad!

Maxx and Kitty Helping Around the House

2009-05-31T13:28:00.001-07:00

Maxx just loves to help around the house and I encourage it. Our soft furry friends always want to help out too... So Maxx wears them so they don't feel left out. Today was Kitty's day to help. Part of our daily rhythm is, we have a specific chore. Today is "vacuum day". Maxx showed me how strong he was to lend a hand on the other side of the table with his mighty pushes. Kitty helped Maxx get in all the corners and crevices with the vacuum hose. Maxx said, "Kitty smells a mouse in our house, he really does, Momma." I have not see any signs of a mouse, but I have heard that cats have an amazing sense of smell, and it could be possible.
After "vacuum day" the house just feels fresh.
Thanks Maxx and Kitty for all your sweet help.

Last Day of School Celebration

2009-05-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Here it is our last day, of our new school, for this school year. It seems like just yesterday we started. We are so thankful for this small beautiful school here in Houston. Our new friends have been so warm and welcoming.

Maxx and I have had a beautiful journey over the past several months, and Waldorf education has been one thing I have so much gratitude for. The biggest help to me as a parent in all of our major changes and adjustments was to focus and create daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally, and yearly rhythms. The rhythm works so well, and if we miss a beat or we get out of our rhythm...a roller coaster of a day or week it can be.

Have a beautiful summer our Shining Star friends!

Quick Holiday Post

2009-05-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Boy!
Happy pictures of pure fun in the sun!

Patience and Fortitude

2009-05-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Maxx can do it!
He is so patient, and takes one button at a time.
"I can do this Mom!", he says.

"Patience and fortitude conquer all things" -R.W.Emerson

Oh this happy day of May!

2009-05-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful way to start May.
What a joyous celebration.
What fun to meet new people and make new friends.
Oh, what spring will bring.
Happy May Day!

Now's the month of May

Time to run and play
Throw your cares away
Until another day

Now's the month of May
Time to run and play
Find your partner now
And with her take a bow

Now's the month of May
Time to run and play
Take a dear friend by the hand
And walk around our stand

Now's the month of May
Time to run and play
Time to take our Ribbons
And circle round our pole

Our beautiful May day celebration at the Shining Star Waldorf School.

Enjoying Rest, The Spring, and Some Time Off

2009-04-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Maxx and I are at the lake having some R&R time.
Today is a day off. We are enjoying this amazing weather... 70 and perfect at the lake. We love to just sit outside watch the wildlife, feel the breeze, and soak in the sun. We are 30 minutes away from small town and 2 1/2 hours from home and the city. We are so blessed to have Grommy and Popah's house as a small retreat into nature and recharge. Time is slower and so peaceful.

Maxx picked some wild flowers growing in the woods for Grommy and Mommy.

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~Ovid

Sliding on the First day of Spring... Belated

2009-03-24T00:11:00.001-07:00

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Yes, this seems to be how my life is going...everything is belated.

No matter how organized I feel I am ... there are never enough hours in the day...I have thank you cards half written, some even written & sealed...just missing part of an address. I have saved stuff and purchased stuff for craft projects...waiting on that great idea to become reality. My to do list is huge and getting bigger by the minute. I think I need a secretary. Hey, but it is Spring...

Fresh, clean, blank, new...one more time.

Maxx and I spent part of the first day of Spring last week outside. We had a great hour to have a picnic and get some playtime in at he "AWESOME Slide Park!" before we had to get in the car and dash to work and the babysitters. The park has 7 chutes of pure fun!!!

Best Happiness

2009-03-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Maxx and I spent most of our day outside today.

What a beautiful day here in Texas!

One of our many joys was "Lizard Watching".

"Ahhhh!"

"They jump!"

They were everywhere sunning themselves. As the sun would move and leave the lizard in the shade...they would move a few more inches and turn to bask in those rays. Some were bright green others were brown, we saw some change as they moved around.

Maxx tried his best to catch one...but "no cigar". It ran as fast as those little legs could run. "Whew!" Just fast enough to get to a group of potted plants and disappear like he was made to do. Then that pour thing probably had a heart attack.

So doing my nature research to have more lizard facts, I found out that they are Green Anole not Chameleons...good to know. The one in the photo below was the biggest one, King. We saw King do the "king tut dance neck move" and then he would flex his chin out and it was a pinkish red. "What in the wooorld!!! is he DOooing?"

We wondered what that was for...now I know, he was reminding the rest of the lizard mob that he was Boss, or he was trying to impress the ladies...I can just hear those lizardesses *wolf whistle* "Hot stuff right there. Mmmm Mmm! King is king in my book, baby!"

Another lizard story.

The second morning we were in our new place we woke up to a lizard in our bathroom and it kinda freaked us out. The day before we had, had our door open enjoying the day, and he must have made a wrong turn and got stuck inside. We put a paper bag down and told him to run in to the bag and we would take him out side to be free. Next thing we knew into the bag he went, like he understood what we said. We grabbed the bag and outside we went. It took the little green intruder no time after we sat that bag down for him to bolt. We wished him well and Maxx told him loud and clear ..." and stay out!"

“Precisely the least, the softest, lightest, a lizard's rustling, a breath, a flash, a moment - a little makes the way of the best happiness.” ~Friedrich Nietzsche

Spring is Here!!!

2009-03-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so 2 months have flown by...

Updates and random thoughts.

Maxx turned 4 1/2.

We had 2 Friday the 13ths...one was our 5th wedding anniversary.

As most know, Maxx and I are in Texas with family and starting a new life, while father lion is working on himself back in Chicago.

How I miss my friends!!!...and Maxx's school.

This winter opened many new doors.

How grateful I am for all the warmth and love Maxx and I received.

This has been a soul searching journey.

Yay for spring!

I am excited for the warm weather, Texas wild flowers, and being so close to family for a while. Year of the Ox...this has been a challenging and rewarding year already.

Maxx loves to play with legos and take showers in the morning.

We moved into our own place just a week ago and are still settling.

I plan to be on here more, now that father lion brought some of our things on a very good visit.

Have a beautiful morning.

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. " ~Charles Dickens

Hello..time is flying Merriment and Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

So I started a few blogs and they never got finished. For the holidays and for New Year's.
Happy New Year my friends. I can not believe it is 10 days old already.
Here are a few pictures from our days here in Texas. I love you all, Jane

Jordan and Maxx Fishing with Uncle Clay

Uncle Clay Teaching Maxx to Fish

Okay check out Maxx's first fish. About 1.5 pound fat black Bass. Uncle Clay put a round bobber on Maxx's line and Maxx being 4 began to play a game while sitting and being patient. "Get the bobber to sit on a leaf" So that minnow moving up and down while Maxx was playing his game drove that poor Bass crazy and away went the bobber and Uncle Clay grabbed the pole and reeled it in. It was a blast to watch all the cousins around oooo and ahhh over Maxx's first fish. Yay!

Maxx the Captain

Some Belated Christmas Cheer!

2008-12-29T23:32:00.000-08:00

Sing hey sing hey, for its Christmas day
twine mistletoe and holly
Where in winter snows
and friendships grow
...so lets all be jolly!

Here are some pictures to share what we have been doing for the past Month.

Song Arround the World..."Stand By Me" & "One Love"

2008-12-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

These are so beautiful.
...and very healing to hear.
...and so needed.

Jacky Frost in Texas!!!...can you belive it?

2008-12-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

It snowed here in East Texas. Man it was so beautiful!!!!

Jacky Frost-Laura E. Richards...I added Maxx into the fun

Jacky Frost, Jacky Frost,
Came in the night;
Left the meadows that he crossed
All gleaming white.
Painted with his silver brush
Every windowpane;
Kissed the leaves and made them blush
Blush and blush again.

Jacky Frost, Jacky Frost,
Crept around the house,
Sly as a silver fox,
Still as a mouse
Out little Maxxie came,
Blushing like a rose;
Up jumped Jacky Frost,
And pinched his little nose.