barefootOCmama

When it all just comes together

2012-02-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days. Things just worked out, not that there weren't obstacles, surprises and awkward moments, but solutions presented themselves and they were more than adequate and often even pleasant.

Even though our morning was hectic- what with all the cutting, stamping, stapling, stickering and such- picture a 2 year old with stickers, a 4 year old with stamps & a stapler and a 10 year old who keeps setting down her scissors withing reach of the 2 year old- the ensuing afternoon was sweet. The evening was eventful. I was a supermom who saved the day several times- but it sort of just happened. Things seemed to fall into place and the universe provided what we needed when we were ready to receive it.

Our homeschool group celebrated together- somehow all the photos I took were lost, but tonight G-pie shared some of her confections with me as she showed me her basket full of fun, unique, nifty and thrifty treasures- her favorite was the hand drawn one, she marveled at how much time it would have taken to do those for the whole group.

One of the great parts of having a 10 year old is that we are better prepared, more flexible and even experienced at these sorts of occasions: the social traditions and rituals of children and their mothers. A charming time of chit-chat, a plentiful potluck and happy children, sharing something sweet-and I am not referring to the lollies and kisses.

It was a splendid day- a chance to begin feeling the change that spring is bringing.

My beautiful boy

2012-02-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

My son wants to be a princess. His favorite outfit right now is a pink frock with tulle & sequins and a velvety bodice, with embroidered flowers. He insists on being the "hostess" at the tea parties we have. His big blue eyes and golden curly locks make him beautiful in the eye of any beholder.

Am I worried- not one bit. First of all why would I be, the fact that he enjoys and embraces the world he lives in (he does have 2 big sisters and a baby sister on the way) is fantastic! He loves to play with baby dolls and cleaning supplies and wears a Strawberry Shortcake apron (that his little big sister gave him), with pride. (Ok so the high heel dress up shoes scare me a bit, because inevitably one comes off an becomes a boomerang- and that boy has an arm on him)!

He enjoys being included equally in the girls' playtime. He loves his cars, and building blocks, and train set- and more recently he has grown incredibly fond of his tool kit. But these are the things he chooses to do on his own, when the sisters aren't available to play. Although sometimes J-cakes will join in the fun of the train set.

This boy of mine is strongly opinionated- he knows what he wants and he isn't afraid to throw himself into harms way or burst into sudden tantrums to get it. But once his desires are satisfied, he delicately stirs the tea and pours the creamer, making just the right sound effect, quietly saying "please" and "thank you" as he passes the sugar and asks for the honey.

He is different, but then my girls are fairly different from each other, as well- but as in most things, I am learning to celebrate the ways we are all alike and truly embrace ALL our unique traits. I strive to create a home where we practice acceptance and provide safety to examine all the amazing parts of being human. A harbor in the vastness of an incredibly varied ocean, where my little explorers can splash about in love infested waters.

More on this topic...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_role

http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/8/Gender-roles.html

http://www.trinity.edu/mkearl/gender.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWc1e3Nbc2g

What do you think?

That little tea set is one of my favorite things... and it IS Thursday, so linking up with Katherine's Corner for the

Starting early...

2012-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

We started making Valentines today. I figure if we make a couple, a few times a week it will save me from having to help crank out 30 on the 13th.

Love the idea I got from one of my past baby signing mamas- trace your little one's (or your own) hand, and glue down the two middle fingers to create the "I Love You" sign. Simple, sweet and a nice keepsake!

Followed up our morning time at the table with build your own parfaits-

My sweeties enjoy being able to customize their snack (even though they worked with the same ingredients)...

Tuesdays at the table time... trying to make it work weekly.

community, one of my favorite things...

2012-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Yoga has become a place for me to find my sanity. Time after time I find it laying right there on my mat- and I think, "ah just where I left you..."

How I keep losing my mind, I just don't know. Maybe I spend too much time in thinking and it gets heavy with stress and falls out when I bend over to pick up yet another toy I have stepped on. Or maybe I lose my marbles when I dash across the playground to save my fearless toddler from learning about gravity the hard way. Perhaps my inability to remain sane comes from sorting through the dramas of the 10 year old girl world. Maybe the baby in my belly is sucking out all my brains through the umbilical cord.

However it keeps escaping me, it seems to find its way quietly, calmly to the Yoga Stone and it slowly creeps back into my body as I lie in shavasana or hold fast to my inner warrior, my limbs stretching out in all the right angles, my breath drawing me through a practice that is always just what I needed.

Another entirely effective remedy I have recently discovered is delivered directly to my muscles by the skillful hands of a warm and welcoming woman who invites me to relax as she helps increase my "range of motion and flexibility... improving my blood lymph circulation and promoting healthy tissues and a more balanced immune system... massage is often used for relaxation, an important step in reducing the physical and emotional effects of stress."

The journey back to my me-ness begins when I see the tall lighted "community" sign as I travel down Brookhurst. The gated, arched entrance is as effective as a worry tree- and I leave all my stresses outside. I spend a moment connecting to the baby girl who is growing inside me as I glance over Rosie Posie Baby's sweet natural baby gear, and always peer in to envision RSSA Vintage's pink fridge leading to domestic bliss as I imagine it would if I could take it home... and I enter the long open area, adorned with prayer flags above, reminding me of the luck, happiness, longevity and prosperity I have been covered with. Twinkle lights, and other luminescent lanterns create a visual dance in the dusk and the live plants lining the tables covered in linen provide a connection to living, growing and green grounded-ness in such a simple way.

The huge windows showcasing the other shops' hand-made, unique, fashionable and often locally sourced goods and gifts (one of the aprons at the Nest is on my birthday wish list, in case you are curious) allow me to indulge in a little retail therapy to prepare my head for surrendering on my yoga mat for just one delightful hour. Afterwards I marvel at the art amidst the "zines, records, wears" of Ceremony, dream of dressing my post-pregnancy self up the trendy fashions of Switchroom, and have lately been wondering if I am adventurous enough to try out a little fiery & fun dancing at the newest of the shops- Naranjita Flamenco.

Last night (while the beats of the Zumba dance party at the Yoga Stone invigorated us) I had the wonderful experience of sitting in a planning meeting with these locally minded shopkeepers and hearing more about their vision for the community they are building. There is more to come on the hearts and heads behind this "destination for the design, environmental, and socially conscious consumer"... I will be featuring the young entrepreneurs who are creating a place that fuels "the continual exchange of knowledge and inspiration that goes on." Subscribe to my blog to learn more...

Of course the best way to experience the community is to join it (visit their Facebook page) or head on over the first Wednesday of any month (and I can tell you the Valentines plans these people are making will melt any heart)- so bring your sweetie and enjoy some good old fashioned social networking- the kind where friends make eye contact as often as they make witty comments, where you can see their smile and know that they Like your status update, and you connect to a wireless energy source that has nothing to do with the free WiFi you can also hook into while you are there- (so you can check in on Foursquare and let everyone know where they can find you!)

posted in conjunction with Favorite Things Thursday

which appropriately enough is being co-hosted by Etsy shop owner and blogger

Embellishments by SLR

What makes a kid want to write?

2012-01-13T23:21:00.000-08:00

My love of word wrangling was sparked by winning a writing contest in elementary school. I would love to see what sort of silliness I came up with that so impressed our principle (or was randomly pulled out of a stack of barely legible papers by 4th graders). Lately G-pie has been crafting tales of kitties and fireflies, guides of survival for big sisters and nighty-night novels for baby brothers.

Blogging allows me to write about what I love- my life as a homeschool mom, my growth as a yogini, my journey of self discovery through the connections in my community and things that occupy my mind. It has become a way for me to polish up my charming little life and capture it in words- share the beauty of being a family member, a friend and a follower of other language lovers.

Finding other bloggers who truly enjoy the craft, see loveliness in their lives and crave connection with the virtual universe is like joining together in a tapestry of threads that form an image of modern motherhood. Kindred spirits who spark the imaginations of their offspring, and model the behavior that those sweet little spirits ultimately emulate. Like my G-pie. She wants to be a writer. Or a scientist. Or a songwriter. Or an artist.

Whatever it is she decides to pursue as she goes out into the great big world, I am glad that right now she is inspired by me in some way, wanting to do what I do- and share in something I love. And I do love blogging.

Inspired by yet another blog hop...

It has become a quest of sorts...

2012-01-13T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well this baby girl that I am cooking up in my offspring oven seems to want more pig flesh. Such comfort food for a former Texas girl, and today I was in need of comfort. After twisting my ankle and busting my back on a tiny toy I have been alternating ice, heat and movement to see if I can regain mobility that is a little less wobbly, waddling and woeful! I searched Yelp and after a stop at a place I limped right out of... I brought home the bacon. Well, carnitas, actually...

Recently I have been scouring North Orange County for the yummiest carnitas (see today's review on Yelp!) after being accosted by the smell emanating from a tiny taqueria next door to the Cherry on Top where G-pie enjoy monthly mommy/daughter dates. She happily ate her cold colorful concoction, but I was not satisfied with the creamy chocolate in my cup. I went next door where the smell was originating and discovered deliciousness (see that review here). Unfortunately we found that they weren't very consistent in delivering that delightful dish. And so began my quest.

Since I can't literally hop right now... I will blog hop!

Teaching kids about money

2012-01-09T10:42:00.000-08:00

My kids are growing up in an environment of entrepreneurship, and from about 5 my oldest has been coming up with ideas to make her own money. She has had a bank account since she was 7 and has been encouraged to save by our own "matching" program. Whenever we shop, she has the job of comparing and contrasting for best value. If she saves us money on the shopping, she pockets it!

We also have a family currency which gets used in interesting ways as our family grows and learns... the fun of making your own money, really gets the discussions going on how to actually make money!!

We have always supported her ideas and helped her develop strategies for marketing, ways to save on production and advice for when to cut her losses!! For the past couple of years she has participated in a homeschool Kid$ Market, and that is a fabulous experience. Join us for the next one on February 15th (leave a comment and I will send you more info!).

This year Sugar Daddy is offering an Entrepreneurs Class at The Bellah CASA, an alternative education enrichment provider. We are excited to see what a little real world, hands on, life learning will produce among the kids who participate!

This blog post inspired by social moms writing prompt which I learned about via my twitter feed! Do you tweet? And how do you share your financial savvy with your offspring? Comments welcomed.

A few of my favorite things...

2012-01-05T14:47:00.000-08:00

Today the holidays are coming to a close at my house... we are un-decorating and as I place things in boxes to be stored until next year festive fun, I am reminded of how much the ornaments on our tree mean to me- they represent 15 years of sharing the season with Sugar Daddy.

Each of our children has added to the collection with their baby's first ornaments, salt dough creations and delicate handmade trinkets. One of my sisters-in-law has gotten them keepsakes to hang on our branches over the last decade and they will have a trove of treasures to start their own traditions. Certainly among my favorite things...

We are blessed to live in beautiful, sunny Southern California, and while I restore the simplicity of our household decor my littles are playing in the hose outside in their choice of bathing or birthday suit. Before they discovered this delight, they were driving me to distraction!! So many favorite things about this, I can't even list them all...

Lastly my new favorite actual thing (many thanks to my other sister-in-law) is my new teapot- pictured here with a few of my other favorite things.

I am blessed by an amazing family. In addition to the comfortable family unit I grew up with- my mom & dad and big brother- which has crafted my character, continually providing a place to explore the depths of human connection. My immediate family is a favorite, as well as my extended family: my thoughtful and huge-hearted mother-in-law, my husband's brother who is always making sure our families stay connected, my fatherly uncles-in-law, the aforementioned sisters I have added to my heart and the countless cousins who I am blessed to share seasonal celebrations with.

Family is one of my favorite "favorite things".

And don't even get me started on the fantastic friends who feel like family!

Today's post inspired by:

Simple Everyday Prenatal Radiance

2012-01-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

How do I stay so radiant? How to I maintain my sanity and keep chaos at bay? I have said it before and I must reiterate. Yoga. If it weren't for yoga, my children would need far more therapy in their future. =)

The practice of yoga goes beyond breathing and balance, stretching and strengthening - during pregnancy it provides a valuable time to connect with your hard working body, honoring it's miraculous transformation, holding space for the sweet little spirit within, connecting to your maternal instincts, building stamina- and so much more.

A new way of seeing yoga has been appearing to me, the psychological impact of focusing mentally on physical aspects is becoming symbolic of the work I am doing emotionally. (Not sure why I call it work, really it is just exercising my emotional "muscles"... playing with my ego, in a way.) When I explore the parts of my thinking that block, limit, or become uncomfortable- yoga gives me a way "do something", even if it is only a physical representation of an emotional growth. The spirit follows when the flesh is strong.

Sort of like having a baby. Waves of unexpected, unimaginable pain, coming out of nowhere, lasting for who knows how long. Life is like labor, and yoga, childbirth- breathing, focusing, and performing phenomenal physical feats. Once it is time to push, once I can "do something", I am a warrior- a proud warrior. And yoga prepares me for the big performance.

For those who have practiced yoga- Simple Everyday Prenatel Radiance is an excellect resource. If you are comfortable following a flowing routine and need a simple solution that you can access on the go and do almost anywhere, this ebook is essential! I downloaded it to my Incredible Android using the free Kindle app and the inviting instructions, paired with stunning images is inspiring, invigorating and stabilizing.

My hips love me (after doing it 3 1/2 times this past week) and the sweeties all agree that my mood is much improved on those days when I follow the beautiful blonde on my phone! Simple Everyday Prenatel Radiance by the always amazing, zen mama, Laura Jane makes a great way to say congratulations to the newly expecting and is equally suitable and even more useful for the about to burst!

Even if you don't get through all the poses as your offspring join you (invariably they do- because they want to do all the fun things their mama does- and besides I think I must look like some sort of slow moving jungle gym to them!) - anyway- DO the affirmations, even if you feel silly- words are powerful. Namaste.

Perfect for every pregnant woman you know- and it is on sale over at Amazon, where you can send it to anyone who has a digital portal of pretty much any sort.

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T14:27:00.001-08:00

Yesterday began a new family tradition which I discovered on Pinterest. Being the over-planner that I am, we started ours at noon: 12 envelopes of family fun! It did become a bit of a chore, and really illustrated to Sugar Daddy and I how quickly an hour passes when trying to do the simplest of things with toddlers in tow.

We also incorporated a fun little competition for a prize at the end of the evening, and we all enjoyed the ups and downs of the games that kept us guessing who might win. Basically we earned and received tickets throughout the day and they could be spent on treats, but the person with the most at the end of the night got $20.12! As it turned out- due to a lucky roll of the dice at midnight- G-pie and I tied!

We enjoyed a buffet of Mediterranean style appetizers (aka left overs and veggies with nuts & olives) which I had out all day and then a dinner of tea sandwiches and fruit at a kitchen floor picnic. This was probably my favorite part.

Our envelopes held the countdown announcement, a family focused question which we video taped the responses to, things like - your favorite Spring memory, your favorite field trip, etc. and a Star Wars trivia question to answer each hour- our theme for the day, we also watched the first 3 Episodes throughout the day. Each envelope also had an activity for the hour- watercolors, clean up blitz, Family Dance Party, dice throw for tickets, guessing games, and other "simple" activities.

All in all, it was super fun- although in the interests of full disclosure I must admit we stopped the activities at 8:00, just after the little went to bed!! We decided just get our hourly ticket, and roll the dice each time!! (And I actually fell asleep on the couch right after the 10:00 dice toss.) They woke me at 3 minutes until midnight, and we watched the ball drop- we counted our tickets, announced the winner(s) and off to bed I went! Next year with a little tweaking, I think we have a great plan- and I have taken notes on my Springpad, a wonderful tool for organizing menus, shopping lists, website links and notes for over-planners like me.

What sort of family New Years traditions does your family enjoy?

Sleepless in the OC

2011-12-31T04:59:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of 2011. 4:20 in the morning and I am once again sleepless.Why do all my pregnancies include insomnia? Lack of sleep makes mama do silly things, unthinking things, short tempered things.

How is a peaceful pregnant parent supposed to prepare when she is so sleepy? Well, I do have some tips... having done this a few times before!

#1 Do yoga daily- really it helps a lot. Need an inexpensive, easy to use resource? Simple Everyday Prenatal Radiance There now you have no excuse!

#2 Go to bed early, it's ok you won't miss anything really important. Sugar Daddy has made a few jokes about how out 10 year old stays up later than me- but really, they have enjoyed some special bonding.

#3 Watch what you eat. I'm one of those, "Hey I am pregnant- give me my banana split" type ladies- but with age (and apparently mine is an "advanced maternal age" this go around) comes wisdom.

#4 Give in and get up. Make yourself useful, it is quiet in these early pre-dawn hours, and I can get lots of writing, reading, or just gazing at the Christmas tree lights done without the usual gaggle of giggling wiggle-bots.

#5 Write a blog post- and try not to use it to sort through all the things you wish you hadn't said or done out of sheer exhaustion that week.

#6 Be kind to yourself- knowing your limitations and boundaries is what makes you a super mom, not being able to "do it all".

#7 Stay hydrated during the day, I wake up thirsty so often- and then if I quench that thirst I wake up to pee repeatedly, so I try to get my water in all day.

#8 "...think about that tomorrow." Embrace your southern belle and be like Scarlett, don't let your mental machinations make you mopey.

#9 Start your own "night night routine"- this is sorta silly but I believe the little child in all of us still wants a story, a little song and to be tucked in by someone who loves us.

#10 Remember that in no time at all these middle of the night moments will include a sweet little soul- make space in your heart for him or her with affirmations. (See #1, Simple Everyday Prenatal Radiance includes a great list, and right now it's on sale for about a buck- download to your PC, Kindle, Nook and do that yoga- your body will thank you!)

Well half an hour later- still before dawn, do I roll off the couch and do my asanas, go to the kitchen and grab a cookie, or try to crawl back in my bed without waking any of it's occupants? Guess I should practice what I preach... I can always have the cookie with my morning coffee. Yes I still drink a cup of coffee in the morning, I do have 3 other kids who need me whether I got any sleep or not.

Something Special

2011-12-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Family Table

2011-12-20T22:52:00.000-08:00

Eating around a table together, facing each other- emulating etiquette and talking about the day really is important. For my family it makes such a difference in the way that the rest of the evening unfolds.

Tonight J-cakes, my almost 4 year old, said "Milo, mommy" and I thought she meant she wanted to watch the classic movie that she and her sister love about the friendship of a cat and dog on a journey. A moment later I realized she was asking for "Hi Lo"- a tradition we started after seeing The Story of Us with Bruce Willis & Michelle Pfeiffer.

We all go around the table and share a high and a low from the day. J-cakes high today was when she cleaned her sister's room (on her own, just 'cause she wanted to). Her low was when her brother bit her. =( [suggestions now being taken for stopping that bit of nastiness that he has been sinking his teeth into lately]

G-pie shared that the entire day was a high and her only low was when she heard Sugar Daddy and I arguing, and we apologized, it wasn't even a real argument- just tensions running high (plans to be made while toddlers are competitively vying for the sound waves). I told her that we probably need to listen to each other more, so we won't have to raise our voices- hmmm, I am one wise mama, aren't I?

My high? Watching as C-dough my almost 2 year old discovered his shadow and tried to play with it for a good 3 or 4 minutes- on the wall, on the floor, trying to tickle it and looking all around when it would suddenly disappear. Such pure wonder, delight and amazement. These are the days...

(Weird video but great song!)

What is Art Club?

2011-12-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

The first rule of Art Club is that there is no Art Club. Just kidding, it shouldn't be a secret- and so it shall be no longer- a secret, that is.

A few weeks ago, my almost 10 year old starting talking about wanting to do more art. She also wanted to see her friends more. With my pregnancy, adjusting after the move and Sugar Daddy still on the hunt for gainful employment our schedule has been erratic and she just wasn't getting consistent friend time.

So we conceived of a weekly Art Club where we could use the materials we have (many boxes of disorganized and mismatched arts & crafts supplies) and create works of art together with some friends. I wanted to do it at home for several reasons- mostly the types of project she was interested in, the fact that it is easier for me to keep up with my littles and still get some socializing in myself- and I'd read a post by one of my favorite homeschoolers about how she had game afternoons at her house with a small group during the early years of homeschooling.

Since if was G-pie's idea, I allowed her to choose 5 friends, feeling that 6 girls was the most that would fit comfortably in the garage space we dedicated to this endeavor. With their siblings and moms this turned out to be 18 people and our house is not large.

We never meant to be "exclusive" but we could not, of course, be totally inclusive- having met so many wonderful and enriching new friends. There are people who I have especially felt the sting of "leaving out" of this little learning cooperative, but as it has developed, I am cherishing what we have the opportunity to provide for our children- and am astounded at the unexpected rewards.

Tonight I accidentally created the next meeting as a public event on Facebook, so I am sure many of our homeschool friends saw it- a few of you have already inboxed me. I decided to turn to my blog - just last week this issue came up when one of my tender, loyal friends voiced her fears that we may cause hurt feelings in the community. I thought about it a lot and talked to G-pie and we decided it felt right to continue to provide this excellent atmosphere for a smaller group of kids and hope that our other friends will understand the need we are meeting, as we choose our path along the journey of alternative education.

To ALL of our friends, please know that we would have loved to be able to include everyone, but it just isn't feasible. I would be more than happy to talk with you if you would like to know more about how we set things up and how it might work for you to create something similar based on your children's interests.

We have decided as a group to have structured art lessons and then free "creative time" afterwards. Being a collective of creative spirits -we have already had our ups and downs, the kids and moms have all grown in our group discussion skills and are learning a lot about the dynamic of a group-led effort. I have so deeply appreciated that they all honor our original intent- to create art together.

My hope is to be able to blog about this experience, because I do see it as a special one as we continue, always learning, barefoot.

Love to you all- brightest blessings in this happy season.

Cooking with kids.

2011-11-26T21:45:00.001-08:00

J-cakes is almost 4, and so helpful in the kitchen. She pulled leaves off a cabbage head, she skinned a carrot, she peeled garlic, she took scraps to the worm bin, she scooped and scraped when I needed an extra hand.

We made Curry Crockpot Cabbage Rolls, and her big sister gobbled it down- but her tiny toddler appetite appeared again tonight.

Just goes to show you can lead child to vegetables, but you can't make them eat.

Art Studio

2011-11-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

My new passion is our developing "Art Studio"- all my sweeties love to create, and having a place that allows some room for exploration, plus space to hang out together for inspiration and collaboration! I've been spurred on by so many great rooms while being incredibly productive Pinterest... you really should not click this link if you value your time on the internet http://pinterest.com/barefootin/family-style-learning/, but if you are already a Pinner, well then don't forget to open the link in a new tab so you'll find your way back here to finish my fascinating blog post.

We made Koolaid Playdoh recently, and it has been a popular little brother occupier, while I continue to sort and organize and the girls paint, cut, glue, glitter, bead & feather. G-pie has drawn many a cat picture and once C-dough had cut all the playdoh in little tiny pieces with his little Mickey Mouse knife, he learned to sponge paint, hold scissors (he is definitely a lefty)- oh yeah... and pour rubber cement out all over his sister's bedroom floor (one of the major factors in the rush job on the Art Studio, by dear sweet Sugar Daddy on Wednesday night)!

Last night we fit in a little family style creativity before bedtime with a really fun game, it was surprisingly easy and the 6 resulting pictures were funny - one actually turned out pretty good! http://familyfun.go.com/playtime/tag-team-drawings-844516/

There are so many studies on the benefits of art, I am blessed to have a family who is so talented and encourages me, the wordy one, to use more imagery and imagination when creating. We are lucky to have space dedicated to the messy business of creating.

And speaking of the messy business of creating, tomorrow I have an ultrasound scheduled, so the girls are doing an etching project discovered in the California Studies Weekly newsletter that we have been reading this year- it is fun, with crossword, trivia and interesting information delivered in a colorful, easy to digest format (and the state standards are covered for those using a charter school). Pics will be posted on Google+ and facebook soon...

Our house is haunted!

2011-10-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

The girls have spent the week sniffly and creating crafts to celebrate the spooky season- and making home made costumes...

Today these super easy, even for the tiniest tot, ghosts have been popping up all over the house.
All you need:

Two napkins
Plastic bread enclosing thingy (I compulsively save these, they make great race boats with a drop of liquid dish soap and a little engineering, but normal twist ties or a scrap of yarn would have worked great, too
Marker for faces

Ball up one napkin, open up the other. Put the ball in the center of the open one, wrap around to firm ghost. Twist the napkin at the "neck" and use pop on the neck band. Draw on face. These little spirits are even handy should a spill happen, amidst all the scary fun!

Here I am again, barefoot and ...

2011-09-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Maybe the moniker of "barefoot"OCmama was just too much of a temptation for universe, especially since I have been spending so much time in the kitchen (have you checked out my new foodie blog, eatingbarefoot.blogspot.com)...

How could this happen?

Let me take a moment to explain. About 6 weeks ago, after we had gotten ALL the children to sleep at a fairly decent hour and had been involved in what a happily married couple should be involved in more often than we are... suddenly- well I'll let Grease take it from here.

Kenickie: It broke!

Rizzo: How could it break?

Kenickie: I bought it when I was in the seventh grade.

Well we weren't in the 7th grade, but let's just say I have been nursing or pregnant for over 4 years- so we haven't needed to even consider birth control- but we have held on the Costco size box of condoms we got sometime in 2005.

It broke. Really. Right after the dog ate my Dr's note excusing me from participating in this test of the emergency broadcast system.

So about 4 weeks after my 40th birthday I am due to have my 4th child. Seems like there should be a 4th "4" there...

Aerial Arts Classes in Costa Mesa

2011-09-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

My oldest sweetie, G-pie, has been in gymnastics on an off since she was 18 mos old. She has the build for it, and enjoys having goals to work towards while allowing her to energetically practice things she is already good at. Tonight she took her first Aerial Arts class with Ruby Karen. (http://www.rubykaren.com) She liked aerial arts because it's "all bendable and I like climbing and hanging and spinning around, too."

We liked the little dance studio, Dance Asylum- it looks like they have some fun classes for all ages! Ruby Karen is a good teacher, a dynamic yet serious , encouraging yet challenging and it looked like quite the workout- the first half an hour was on the floor and looked almost Pilates like. I wasn't sure my 9 1/2 year old would appreciate how important that was to the work she did later on the hoop (which she says was actually pretty hard to balance)- but I was totally impressed!

She is eager to return- actually she wants to go twice a week! But we are thinking once a week is enough along with gymnastics and this weekend she is checking out a local theater program. More to come on that! But right now my little cloud loving*, paper folding, picture avoiding girl is eager to play Gin Rummy. Again.

*in case your kids (or you) are into clouds check out this cool link (http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Learning_About_Clouds.html)

Powerful Fullness

2011-09-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight- like most things is not at all what I expected or planned for. The moon is full and so were my hopes for an enlightening evening of mystical messages and metaphysical murmurings. Instead my daughter and I filled a bowl with water, sank a moonstone in it, lit a 3-wicked candle and blessed some of the herbs we had gathered. Simple, mundane tasks- although when shared with my newly interested offspring, it does make it just a little more special.

My dear friend, yoga teacher and future co-conspirator (http://ilaurajane.com/) wrote about sharing this evening with her daughter and my spirit played with them in the circle they drew. I inspired my own mother to begin a blog, she found something incredibly poignant and beautiful to share about her evening walk under the Full Moon tonight (http://magicalmymoments.blogspot.com/). I am thankful for both of their posts, their words so often fortify me in person, I am glad the rest of the world can share in discovering their special-ness.

Maybe for the new moon we will gather and peer into each other's mystical hearts...? My own Harmony Angel reading tonight again called my attention to an unknown Leo who I seem to be ignoring... let loose your roar, oh lion of the stars- what are you trying to tell me!? Something big is about to happen... I am grateful for what is, the universe is exactly as it should be.

I leave you with my favorite participant in the Full Moon Blog-abration. Sometimes that star off in the corner of the sky catches your attention, with it's particularly sparkly sparkle...
Via Facebook comment:

I'm missing the moon bloggin' cause of my game... but you'll be pleased to know there is a full moon in Victorian London as well! about an hour ago · · 1 person

Full Moon Blog-abration

2011-09-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I were going to get together to share some magical, mystical moments- but the stars didn't align this full moon. So everyone is invited to share in the celebration! Many of us use different types of divination tools- cards, crystals, candles, stones, herbs, etc.

Tonight I will be doing my own Angel Card reading/ full moon meditation and blessing. I will blog in full glorious detail about it, and ask any of you who feel moved to share something, connecting us to this blessed harvest moon and each other as we transition into fall.

Please enter your blog information below - if you are on Facebook we are also connecting our notes through the virtual event I set up. Like this post and I will be sure you get linked in!

Looking back

2011-09-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Our first few weeks of 4th grade have been an enlightenment phase. G-pie has rediscovered self reliant time management (ie, managing boredom) while Sugar Daddy and I have researched and pursued business endeavors hoping to provide a life for our children, the snack pack has wrestled with their huge emotions, their tiny bodies and their jealous need for mama.

My sweet family.

The goal this summer was to orient ourselves and become fully engaged in life, lay a stable family foundation for our childrens' (and our own) journeys of self discovery through community based education, and our socially productive pursuit of happiness. Albeit a migratory one in our case... this was move number 11 for us as a couple.

But this month Sugar Daddy has been doubling his efforts to find a job- the license/ lapse of consciousness issue still looms and with nothing good to report. But we cannot wait for the Department of Morons and Villains to make their assessment (especially since our medical "professional" will not fill out the stinking form!)... so he won't be looking at any outside sales jobs- but I diverge, and my blood pressure rises and I start to breath erratically....

The day I started this post was an archetypal lazy summer day- it was HOT. I stayed in my pajamas all day. J-cakes in her bathing suit, G-pie sequestered in her room, hibernating in the cool darkness of the shadiest room of the house. C-dough was on change number 5- and had just unplugged my power source calling to mind the reminder to schedule myself an eye appointment as the screen dimmed...

And here we are 4 days later on this somber Sunday. Thursday, we enjoyed perfect weather, dinner guests and vision building, Friday we met and played with our friends at the cool, shady park, Saturday we were awoken by a thunder storm, cleaned house and went out a date (I kid you not!), and here I am (Air Hockey Champion, thank you very much!) as I return to the pleasantries of capturing my own musings for the amusement of some.

We have been through a lot in the past 10 years since "the world went crazy"- that surreal day, I was pregnant with G-pie, planning for our future. I was filled with fantasy about family life and prepared to be a perfect parent. So much has happened in the world and in our life during this roller coaster decade.

It was hard to imagine bringing a child into a world filled with the horror I felt when terror struck- we sure didn't know what the reality of our future would be, but I am thankful that we had one- and I am sad as I think of all the lives lost, the children orphaned and parents who must mourn their progeny. Life is precious, it is never what we expect, it is miraculous and stunning and absurd and sometimes it just is- indefinable, without label and I find myself totally without understanding, so I breath in and out and it goes on.

Throughout I have been Learning Barefoot, alongside my children, about myself, about relationships- about how humans learn, how they fail, how they connect. About how I function in intentional tribes of mamas bound together by a desire to do some things a little differently. The "rules" are different, the technology is AWESOME, food is medicine (we are over medicated!) and media is EVERYWHERE.

Information age enlightenment, evolved social structures and tolerant living styles have been our environment, and we have indulgently explored family style learning (aka homeschooling). We have made so many friends, so many connections to other humans.

Humans are pretty spectacular specimens when you study them closely- and that is the subject matter for us moms- humanology. What makes a human, what should we feed it, teach or share with it, how should it sleep, how should it spend it's time, what makes it feel loved, accepted and supported? How does a human become an adult human and what will it need to adapt along that evolution?

Something big is about to happen- we have incredible opportunities, intriguing options, and inspiring offspring! My mind has been swimming with the things that I have learned about attentive, peaceful parenting- anecdotes and advice from our first 5 years of alternative education. Fun, creative ideas that I hope will inspire and inform many a new mama as they fantasize about the moments they will spend with their adorable, aware and always amazing adolescents. Courage building basics that will edify empowered parents as they enter the early years. It will all be in my book, and it is on it's way.

Memorials of tragedy and loss fill the airwaves today, and we humans reach out to share our stories of that day because we care about each other and we want to feel connected. We explained a little more to G-pie today, it helped me put things in perspective as we used terms an almost 10 year old could understand.

Raising humans is the coolest thing to do on this planet- except maybe making them. =)

Staging, Strewing & ideas for Vegan Stewing?

2011-08-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling, heck parenting as a whole, is so much about setting the stage ["and cleaning up the spills that occur" the madwoman inserts as she leaps out from underneath her laptop in an attempt to save the family calendar from the tiny toddler with a cup of water obtained from mysterious sources!]- something my new bosom friend and kindred spirit, Kate, calls "strewing".

As I was clearing the clutter and sorting the soiled from the scattered clothing in the littles room last night I was suddenly aware of the fact that "staging" is what I do for my small learning humans, often unconsciously- pulling out a book on a recently experienced discovery, like ladybugs, piling all the stuffed dogs on C-doughs bed because he like to use them to bark at the Barbies when G-pie is playing with her little sister, and putting the puzzles with numbers on top of the dresser since J-cakes is totally into counting right now.

Really it just stems from paying attention to what your child is into and being less impressed by your own ideas of what you think they should learn from you and more interested in their ideas of what they think you should play with them.

Yes, go back and read that last sentence again- it is a very important point. (I have to change a poopie diaper anyway so there is going to be a natural break in the flow of words pouring forth from my fingertips!)

So applying the same logic to my 9 year old- my job in her education is to create an environment and provide sustenance- till the soil and mix in some good compost for a fertile brain. Throw in some great companion plants, watch for weeds and pests - which if you choose the companion plants carefully, will be minimized, and water liberally. I mean that literally. My opinion is that water is an essential ingredient in a child's life. Drinking, playing in and with, visiting large bodies of, witnessing the changing forms of and very important- learning conservation. Lots of sunlight, a little pruning here and there- and then watch that little sprout thrive!

The most important things I can do for my children- provide a welcoming, accessible space to discover the things I "strew" about, pay attention to their interests and partner with them to find great resources so that they can pursue their passions, take them places that allow their imaginations to soar and give them lots of food that composts well!

Topping mamas list of skills to develop this fall- better, simpler, housekeeping tactics, everything there is to know about social media and continued growth as a yogini and fresh food fanatic! [again she leaps off the couch as the taller toddler gives herself away as the source of the mystery cup of water, bringing a freshly reFILLed cup to her thirsty brother!]

Doing the research to start filling my freezer with some delicious Vegan stews for the coming frenzied fall, suggestions welcome! Although I am following Gluten-free, Vegan recipes, I am still eating some chicken and fish, and beef jerky- and the occasional piece of Costco birthday cake, because really who can resist? It's called the barefootOCmama diet.

Here are some new favorite foodie blogs:

http://craftycookery.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/gluten-free-vegan-pita-bread/

http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/p/vegan-veg-index.html

http://www.wheatfreemeatfree.com/honeydew-granitas/

http://theveganstoner.blogspot.com/

Happy Sunday!! May your surroundings be pleasant, your thoughts full of light, your companions refreshing and your nourishment enriching to your body and soul.

Getting all political on you!

2011-08-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Those of you who (thank you!) regularly read my blog know that I don't often get into politics- life is stressful enough without trying to figure out which liberties (other than to a night of sleep) and what laws (other than those of gravity vs a toddler atop a play structure) are being violated and which are moving mankind forward.

This whole BART vs the tower of cell service issue has my panties in a bit of a wad. We as a society expect our government to act on any information they receive to keep us safe, but when they do something to inconvenience us in the process we suddenly call it a violation of our human rights. When did our digital extension of ourselves become entitled to an immediate gratification of any and all expressions?

The protesters who gathered in response to the decision to cut cell service- I mean really folks, that is all we are talking about, nobody in particular was silenced, a mouse could have nibbled the wires and caused the same effect- but those who gathered the next day obviously had ample time to go down and protest on the platforms- they kept families apart, made employees late, and interfered more in the general operations of this PUBLIC transportation system than the slight inconvenience caused by BART when they cut power to a cell tower. A cell tower that resides on their property and is leased by a private provider that charges the general public far too much to use...

And who is to say that a catastrophe was not averted? Two groups were planning a flash mob style protest, and when you get a bunch of youth together via instant message- well the rioting in London comes to mind. If I and my children were depending on public transportation and a group of passionate, masked, youth who had recently hacked and released personal information of 2000 innocent riders of the transit system were due to descend upon the platform we waited upon- I would say, shut my fucking iPhone off, man. (ok it's true I use an Android device, but iPhone just sounded better)...

Now once again, gentle readers, those of you who regularly read me know I am not one for profanity. But I, obviously the first to defend freedom of speech, my absolute favorite thing- am appalled at the sensationalistic tactics of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who the hell are they, anyway? (I must clearly state that next week it is totally possible that I will be promoting and defending them at all cost, because- I really don't know who the hell they are...)

People want to get all up in arms because they THINK they are being suppressed, because our pop culture media tells us so. Well in this case, I don't think so. But that is just my humble, and probably half informed opinion- because to be honest I only had moments to read about the FACTS- between diaper changes and discussions of why we have to wear panties in public, and questions about marine life seen at the CSULB Hall of Science today, where I was free to educate my child as I see fit.

All in all, I am pretty freaking disappointed in the government that I am aware of- but sometimes I wonder what truly important things I am being distracted from. It is a well known tactic of those in power to fuel a small fire in order to call attention away from a truly important discovery or idea. That is history. Fed to us by the victors.

Anyone still need an invite to Google+, apparently I have 142 left.... happy Tuesday to everyone from a mama who overdrafted her bank account today, hasn't washed her hair in 31 days, locked her keys in her car, saw that she gained 4 lbs, and is currently locked in her bedroom allowing her incredible, amazing, Sugar Daddy to put the little buggers to bed.

Yoga tomorrow morning? The universe is perfect.

Drishti. At mama yoga I often focus on this...

2011-08-10T11:20:00.001-07:00

Drishti. At mama yoga I often focus on this one particular leaf out the window of Laura Jane's sacred space. It is there week after week, on a vine growing out from her neighbors hedge or, is it any ivy covered wall- funny how the surrounding details are elusive.

The leaf itself - it draws my attention weekly. It's barely perceptible movement in the breeze, it's color distinction, it's shape and shiny surface. When I gaze at this leaf it helps me balance, or endure, or align, or breath, or center my thoughts. It's not that everything around me goes away, I see the curtain wafting in the breeze to my left, and feel my toddler leaning against my leg and hear the baby banging train parts on the hardwood floors, I sense the other mams and their energy surrounds me in support. My eyes invariably soften, my jaw relaxes, I feel my neck lengthen and my body stops fighting gravity (no I don't fall down!)- my muscles stop quivering in exertion and I become still, fully present in that moment.

My current path of personal & professional growth (beyond being barefootOCmama- oh yes, there is more to life than blogging) is challenging, I have to reach out of my comfort zone, practice perseverance, steadily move forward and confidently act out the vision I have for my life. I have big ideas. Huge.

What has happened so often in my past is that I diverge when I connect with someone and see their vision, too. More big ideas- and I think I need to change what I want to be when I grow up.

Now I have a focus, a drishti, my leaf in life- Bellah Bellah Ballyhoo. Ballyhoo allows me to balance, endure, align, breath and center - marriage, kids, housework, homeschool, friendships, family, volunteering, networking, planning, living- fully present in each moment.

And now it is ok to allow myself to "get distracted" by others' visions for their life, it is more than ok, it is my job to be able get caught up in the excitement of doing what they do!

bal·ly·hoo noun [bal-ee-hoo]
1. a clamorous and vigorous attempt to win customers or advance any cause 2. blatant advertising or publicity.

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Following-my-own-advice salad... a sliced...

2011-08-06T20:22:00.001-07:00

Following-my-own-advice salad... a sliced baby persian cucumber, half an organic navel orange, sections thirded, 1/2 yellow squash, sliced and quartered, quartered yellow cherry tomatoes, 5 fresh mint leaves from the garden; tightly packed into a 1 cup bowl with a lid, add half a diced avocado just before serving. So good it's weird.

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Wipers work for both!

2011-07-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug. Today I was splattered out all over the clear glass, still clinging for life as the winds whipped past. Life with small children is very nerve wracking for those of you who are beyond the blessed cycle of foggy brained forgetfulness that comes with bearing children.

"Human Jungle Gym" was my alter ego today while I tried to attend to the needs of my body and mind with some gentle style yoga ala the peaceful Laura Jane, who teaches far more than yoga to the mamas who want to practice radiantly living. Finally as C-dough whimpered and pulled at my shirt, I gave up and attended to the needs of my littles instead and took my yoga to go.

While trying to accept some sage and sassy advice having to do with a dark lord and the end of the world (not really, but if you insist I will tell you- it was... are you ready?

"don't compare your insides to their outsides..."

...so anyway the wiggly worms decided my clothing (and Laura Jane's dining area) needed some post modern hummus splatter and a collection of carrots in the corner...

Upon arriving back at the castle of ~~chaos~~, ahem calmness (I am learning to reframe my reality) my attention was undivided-ly given to Sugar Daddy who regaled me with tales of high adventures and dubious doctors. By the time C-dough awoke I was daydreaming about Calgon (or some cowboy) taking me away!!

So I whipped out my yoga mat, and I breathed in and I aligned and I posed and I breathed out and I planted and I balanced and paused at the top of the breath to feel the arch in my cat and at the bottom of it to let out my cow. Then I wondered if I had my breathing backwards- but I noticed that I (and my body) remembered more than last time I tried to do the practices at home. I was given a great image to work with- the windshield wipers wiping my mind.

So I will start tomorrow with a clean windshield, so at least if I am the bug I'll be able to see the happy family in the minivan clearly.

Day 10 of the no 'poo experiment- not liking the feeling of my hair, it isn't so much an itchiness or dirty feeling, just a general fuzziness. Thinking of trying an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse or perhaps doing more of the conditioner thing... (I have been using a little on the ends for smell and control) - BUT dreads are being seriously considered... and lots of cool hair wraps... and beads... and feathers! I'd look like a cool "Captain-ess Jack" - oops almost put the "ess" on the other word =)

Meditating Parent Project Update
For 4 out of 5 days I meditated specifically on listening to my inner voice for parenting, and voices around me have often brought out things I needed to consider. I had a productive discussion with Sugar Daddy on a specific difference of parental opinion- and I am eager to read, discuss and further enlighten myself as we both examine our conscious thought process. Wow that's wordy, huh?

What transformations are happening in your life, I would love to know that I am not alone in facing my imperfections and improving my fates!

Tiggerific Tuesdays!!

2011-07-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Consider yourself pounced upon!!

Day 4 of the Meditation/ Parenting connection experiment. Didn't meditate Day 3. It was apparent, I was short tempered and caught up in aches and pains and third world problems.

Day 9 of the no 'poo process. Last night as I combed my messy tresses, I considered my impact upon people who are meeting me for the first time (and these occasions abound this week- Star Children, Unity Next Generation, Homeschool Community at large)- my hair is a sorry sight, but I really believe in this and if not now, WHEN?

Truly it is just another cause for creativity. Although it cracks me up- the rooster feathers in my hair. It's like putting a vase of roses on a counter filled with dirty dishes! But I will find a way to make it work, I will wear a style that supports who I am and how I show up in the world- dirty haired trend follower that I am.

So bounce on over to some of the other blog hoppers- check out the current list here http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=70736

What blog rings do you follow?

Food, glorious food! My Top 10 Thoughts on Eating

2011-07-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

As of late, several dear women have sought my input on eating Vegan. Of course, I am far from an expert- I fall off the veggie wagon all the time (I especially regret when I land in a bag of Hershey's kisses!), but I can offer a few tried and true tips and tactics.

As Nature Intended- but bite size!
Sometimes simplest is best- fruit and veggies can be eaten plain- slice up a cucumber and dip it in soy/wasabi sauce, peel a carrot and keep using the peeler on it to create ribbons which are fun to snack on or throw in salads, pull out that Apple Peeler Corer Slicer you bought at the Pampered Chef party I made you go to years ago and use the darn thing- the peels mix in great with those carrot ribbons and a handful of raisins! (contact my friend, Jennifer if you need one of those nifty devices- www.pamperedchef.biz/jennifermasri)

Grow a little herb by the kitchen sink.
My garden usually contains, thyme, mint, basil, chives, tarragon, oregano and lots of interesting tomatoes and peppers (currently we have heirloom pinneapple cherry tomatoes and in the past we have enjoyed chocolate bell peppers). I find that keeping a small pot in the kitchen with my current favorite- you can get them at most grocery stores these days - helps remind me to use it, and the others! Then it goes into the garden or sometimes it just gets used up!

Follow flavor favorites
My tastes tend to vary a lot, but I find that I go through phases of favorite flavors- and it works for me to go ahead and eat it up! For example, I am totally into Spike right now- so I am trying it on everything! And if you are craving something- figure out which flavor you really want and try to create that, for example if I want a cheeseburger, I grill up a slice of squash, sprinkle it with Spike and sesame seeds, add avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard and onions wrap all that in a freshly warmed corn tortilla- not the same but oh so reminiscent!

Enjoy eating
Gather your family together at the table and pay attention to your presentation. You don't have to be fancy- one of my favorite ways to find a little festivity is to make it Mediterranean style platter with assorted veggies, olives, etc. I add some crackers, cheese and salami for the family- and a bowl of berries or sliced apples. We all gather round and chit chat like we are mingling at a party! Finger foods, family style, fast cleanup!

Leave off labelling yourself
Recently I have toyed with being Vegan, Vegetarian, Lacto-Vegetarian, Ovo-Vegetarian, Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian, Paleo and Gluten Free. While researching and trying the recipes I found (here are some links I enjoy http://blog.nativefoods.com/ www.vegweb.com, http://www.primalandgreenoc.blogspot.com/, http://paleodietlifestyle.com/) I realized that focusing on the vegetables satisfies almost ALL the eating styles out there- whether you choose wheat (vegan) or meat (paleo) I find that fruits make a great dessert, avocado is a sensational treat, and we should really avoid or limit eggs, dairy and processed anything.

Photo your food
This is a tactic that is a little silly, but if you have the ability to brag and show off what you are eating, it motivates you! I share with Facebook, post on my blog and have also played with other photos sites like http://365project.org/ and http://twitpic.com/) This also helps me remember that garnishes aren't just purty they usually enhance the flavor greatly, and I always want to add something special when my food is about to have it's picture took!

Break with Tradition

Broccoli for breakfast? Beautiful! Frozen treats for dinner? Fine! Liquid only lunches? Lovely! not the kind you shake not stir and garnish with 3 olives, ladies).

Find a fork you like
Another odd habit I have that I find makes me want to eat salad and other forkables- I really like this one particular fork I have. It doesn't match my flatware set, I don't even know where it came from, but it feels great in my hand, it provides perfect size bits and it looks great in my salad bowl!

Be an Iron Chef

When things get a little boring, send your hubby to the store and ask him to get all the things that he can remember you usually use, as well as anything he things you should try. Then go in the kitchen and see what you can make using 2 or 3 of the ingredients he brings home as the center of your meals.

Recipes are great and I would be happy to share some of my favorites, (I have them all over the place, but someday I will collect them into one central accessible e-location!) but being creative and cooking contentedly or preparing peacefully- these are the things that make all the difference in following a satisfying, healthy and stress free menu plan (oh I don't plan my menu, anymore, ever! It is too rigid and my choices are already so limited I hate being told what I am supposed to eat- even if it is by my past self who made a perfect plan!)

One more thing- do yoga. Yes, yoga. You will see what I mean.

PS Beets. Learn to love them.

This post linked to http://ohamanda.com/ for
(I know I wrote it on Monday, but it was really late, and besides I didn't know about Top 10 Tuesdays until today which is Tuesday so this is an after the fact, edited in link...)

crossroads for this mystic

2011-07-25T00:51:00.000-07:00

Day 7 of my no'poo attempt, day 2 of my commitment to meditation.

Wow the spirit really moves when you just get out of the way and let it.

My life is never dull (although my hair is right now)! I have been in negotiations with a local school of metaphysical teachings that could provide a new location for a little part of the S.C.H.O.O.L. I started building last spring.

On the flipside, the opportunities involved with the School of Multidimensional Healing Arts and Sciences have their own merit. Perhaps the living of a dream. To be involved in the ascension of the spirit, to connect others who can help each other. Establishing an educational option that is unique and cohesive yet rare and inclusive.

At Unity of Tustin I have found a sacred space. It calls to me, I am compelled to seek my future at this place.

This week includes many opportunities to experience spirit and engage in service to the greater good. I eagerly await the aha moments and synchronicities that will no doubt occur. From the Star Children meeting to the Next Generation Unity Visioning- I see so much potential.

Meditation experiment- day one.

2011-07-24T00:27:00.000-07:00

Ok so I must be frank with you gentle readers. Today began my journey into how meditation helps parenting. I have made a solemn vow to meditate at least 5 minutes a day, for the duration of my attention span for this experiment.

Today went beautifully, a cartoon morning with lots of amusing moments resulting from a lack of coffee and breakfast supplies. Then an afternoon of homesteading- hubby gathering provisions with 2/3 of the sweeties and I with the napping dough boy, catching up on the dishes that have been accumulating since Monday. Seriously.

A simple dinner of tuna fish and strawberry balsamic salad (made balsamic glazed sunflower seeds for the salad- yummy) and then Frisbee in the backyard.

The littles fell asleep, astonishingly easy. Hubby and I both had a nice "feet up the wall" meditation, and a prophetic Angel Card reading.

Then I ask Sugar Daddy offers to rub my back- after all the dish doing I did. Thirty seconds later, I realize I am already pretty melted. All those pesky tension inducers had been smoothed away and I felt in touch with myself and my deepest desires... suddenly this stress relieving massage turns sensual.

...well if day one is any indicator... meditation will improve my love life at least! Being comfortable in my own skin sure does make that skin comfy.

Living the Life

2011-07-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

Do you love the sounds a guitar string makes when it is perfectly plucked?

Do you like the feel of warm sand between your toes and a baby boy cuddled up sleeping on the towel next to you?

How do you feel about carne asada tacos, perfectly marinated, with cilantro, fresh corn tortillas, diced tomatoes and super spicy salsa?

How would you like to hear a tiny three your old voice, say "You're the best mama ever" as you carry her down to the waves for a splash in the cool Pacific waters?

If this sounds like a nice day- you'd like my life then. I do most days, too.

Notes to self:

Three hours is not enough time to run 3 errands in the OC on a sunny Friday afternoon- and Wal*Mart's garden center is apparently where everyone is headed to!
Salt Creek Beach has a lovely spot for weddings- the floors of the bathroom are, however, pretty gross... (barefootOCmama will not leave her flip flops behind next time she rushes off to take J-cakes to the potty)- but we should go to the beach more, it really is worth the work.
Northgate Market has marinated, ready-to-grill carne asada- and it is delicious.
My middle neice is 11 now. Time it does fly... take time to watch, even the flights of fancy.
Ask Sugar Daddy to play guitar more often.

Live from the Apple store

2011-07-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

So G-pie is having a great time playing with an iPad making a movie at Apple Camp- a free and FUN experience for us both.

Took some photos with my phone, which my lovely Incredible automatically uploaded to my Google+ page... Now the challenge is how to get them inserted here. Seriously do this many people want to buy a Mac today?

There are like 40 adults, 20 kids and- I am not exaggerating- 35 employees. But the guy next to me has now been waiting for almost 17 minutes, he is not playing with the very cool device he is presumably here to purchase... Merely impatiently leaning against the counter, gasp! with his back to the iPad!

Help has arrived, and now she has scurried off after mumbled apologies for the wait and he leans again- arms crossed this time. She is back and he purchases his $9 accessory... Was it worth the wait?

Now back to my photo retrieval ...

Making movies, making friends!

If you are interested in Apple's free summer "camps" be warned, they fill up fast-

and it is not a drop off thing, they expect parents to stay in the store.

Social Circles

2011-07-19T01:24:00.000-07:00

So the whole Facebook vs Google+ debate is in full scale heightened media frenzy- and they are neck&neck in shamelessly promoting- each other!

So here goes, randomly jumping betwixt the two, here's what I see...

On Facebook we are either Friends or not. And you have to accept my request to confirm that relationship.

With Google+ I can add people to circles and they don't have to add me back- I have created circles like "random", "Flavor of the Minute", "Inner Circle", "Music Appreciators", "My Main Mamas", "PCA's" etc... this way I can easily share the stuff that is effortlessly (automatically) uploaded from my Android device, like photos & videos. (*Pop Culture Addicts)

On Facebook I can update my status, upload photos, share links, videos (after a lengthy upload) and categorize my Friends, as well as comment on their status updates, see their latest pics and invite them to Events.

With Google+, sharing what's new... photos... links I like... and even my location is highly selective, enabling me to quickly share with my Inner Circle anytime the baby does something cute. While just as superfast-ly I can share something with the Public from my (Google) Docs, Calendar, Reader or searches. Or I can share pretty much anything with people who choose to still use that old fashioned communication method, (e-mail) -once they are in a Circle they are included where they Google+ or not- very cool!)

On Facebook I Like things- witty quips, funny photos & fascinating facts. I can also Like businesses and blogs and bands and other such organizations. Then they will Feed me with their Most Recent News.

With Google+ there is some sort of score being kept, and I get to add a +1 whenever something strikes my fancy [insert Vegas slot machine noises here]. A Stream of information appears from all my Circles or just the ones I click on. And in place of a bunch of awkward apps are some Sparks- information about my interests!

On Facebook... is where my Friends are, so there I shall stay. But every day my Circles grow!

With Google+, you should be. (Yoda says so apparently.)

Tonight's post is brought to you from...

2011-07-15T22:19:00.001-07:00

...my bed, where I must rest my weary self. Happy Friday, be well and sleep peacefully.

I'm IN!

2011-07-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Google Plus.

Who's in, who wants in, who cares?

Me! I must admit I find it thrilling to be in so early, but it feels a bit like Facebook did for the first 3-4 months when I joined, a year after it opened up for anyone with an email address. We all sorta saw something, but wondered what the heck the point was... and then there was a shift and suddenly I was addicted. What happened?

People I sorta new in real life became my Friends and suddenly I felt more connected to the social tapestry. Old high school buddies are certainly fun to reconnect with, but the magic of Facebook is it's ability to infiltrate actual, current social networks- their events, photos and thoughts are broadcast for all to see... and the rest of their world, too!

Google+ allows more control over what you broadcast to the world, allowing you to quickly and easily choose who sees, knows (and can comment on) what!

Plus it automatically loads my photos taken with my Android- now that is COOL!!! Now I am wondering if the calendar integrates easily for events to be shared, now that would be uber-fantastic!

So I guess I wait for everyone to come on over to Google+.

Will it eventually replace Facebook?

Or will I just be twice as distracted now?

The click and drag features are smooth. Nice.

What do you think of Google+, had you heard of it? Will (or have) you join(ed)?

Can anyone and everyone get in now?

Women are Fabulous Creatures

2011-07-14T01:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight I wanted to blog about something deep and mystic, something that would make you, my appreciated readers, think and wow and connect to me. But as I tried to narrow down the anecdotes from the day and glean the lesson learned from my travels- I kept thinking about these amazing souls I had connected with throughout my very long day

It all began with yoga- and I truly believe that is why it ends with blissful recollection.

A yogi (or is it yogini?) who pulls together friends and other ya-ya's to transcend time and space for 60-75 minutes weekly, whilst children scuttle in and out and slam doors at precisely the right moment to call your attention to the pain in your shin that says adjust, wise yogi, adjust that posture- and her calm voice validates that decision, intoning peace, a sacred space within a happy home.

The bloggy buddy D, who offers essential adjustment advice in the arrow pose and shares of herself and her struggles openly and honestly- a mom with small children who took the time to make a feast for the potluck, and breathed through her practice in a way that was musical and whimsical.

Musical mama, M, proud parent of a particularly gifted girl who inspired my own with song. G-pie kept humming a tune I didn't recognize, come to find out it is an original song, by my 9 year old's almost birthday twin.

Mother of 4, wholehearted and fully living- all hail K! for she is my hero, (not to be confused with the man in black who said "Flush me, J" - rent it. Will Smith is cool.) anyway, she seems to be fully invested, well balanced and openly accepting of any adventure that arrives- including fondue. So freaking cool!

Then there is E, who fascinates me- she is what I fancy myself to be: vivacious, witty, flirty and fun. She makes me want to laugh and linger- while she liltingly tells her tales- listening to her adventures and marveling at her lust for life.

Then this evening, H, who hosted humbly, my oh so honest friend who attributes her attitude to her Aspergers, but I admire as an old fashioned heart of gold. The guests at the gathering go a long way to show how her first year in the homeschool world have blessed us and brought us together.

A bosom best buddy who has been like a ship passing in the night as we have both experienced so many similar experiences in marriage, parenting, spiritual seeking, moving and making new friends... kittens, preschoolers... husbands on unemployment... LOL.

Then there is C: witty, wordy, wonderful and wise... the mother of the great instigator, the first domino to fall in the Warriors windstorm. Such a warm and whimsical woman, faithful, forthcoming and full of fun!

But then the journey asserts itself and I, counting to 143, while my struggling son surrenders into sweet slumber, marvel at the marvelous mamas I shared air with today. I am one lucky lady- look at all these loving, intelligent, assertive, imaginative, creative, sexy, gorgeous, generous, accepting and absolutely admirable mamas.

Am I really counted amongst their numbers, are these fabulous creatures my peers? Yes, yes they are.

Oh, there you are Perry.

Your topic is Paleo Diet- GO!

2011-07-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of it? Is is just a trend?

It's like the Zone Diet for Vegans who really miss meat. Like me. No grains, legumes, dairy (except butter) and no sugar- "basically if you can hunt it down or knock it off a tree or bush", said the startlingly beautiful, trim, but buxom, blond who I want to look just like. Ok tell me how you eat, lady!!

Not that my primary concern is image related, I am really more interested in being healthy and enjoying eating. I lost 45 pounds by eating Vegan, mostly raw foods, and NO FAT. I felt fine, I found things I super enjoyed (my salad making skills are to be envied- go ahead envy them!) But I did feel deprived... and often unprepared to eat the foods I felt I should be eating.

So today at a homeschool park day I chatted with some perfectly pleasant and down to earth women (literally since we sat on the grass!) and my spirit was refreshed. These very real, genuine, lovely and down to earth mamas were sharing with me about the Paleo Diet, among other things involving the care and feeding of ourselves and our offspring, and my interest is piqued... but at the same time tonight for dinner I had no idea what to feed my kids. So they ended up with green beans and Chef Boyardee lasagna because I spent a little too much time researching this Caveman Diet.

Google it. You know you want to. And since I have to turn my attention to the three delightful children squealing deliriously as daddy does the dishes, will you please let me know what you find?

Happy Monday!

Authenticity.

2011-07-11T01:58:00.000-07:00

"...whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

The power of positive thinking... "the Secret"... the Pollyana principle... new age philosophy... call it whatever you will, it means that humans NEED to see something beyond the (largely physical) first world problems that occupy our conscious minds.

When I was a Bible banger, Philippians was my favorite book of the new testament. Short, to the point, personal and REAL- Peter's letter even addressed an agelessly common problem, by calling out Euodia & Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

Women.

Why can't we all just get along? (Did you know that is not the actual Rodney King quote- just a Mean Girls interpretation?) What is it that causes us to personally battle each other on things that are not true, worthy of respect, just, pure, lovely.... blah, blah, blah- YKWIM, right?

The funny part is we all feel that way.

We don't want to disagree, we don't really think that our point of view is untrue, unworthy of respect, unjust, impure, unlovely- but we just can't see past our own shame, fear or pride to connect with the other woman's sense of self. Our own sense of self inflates our image, incites our ego and evokes impressive excuses as to why our POV is more rational, more excellent or more praiseworthy.

Today I visited a Christian based religious organization... yesterday I was entranced by a pagan homeschooling mama blog- can I even reconcile my own life with my belief system? Do I make any sense at all, if taken in my entirety or am I just a paradox of peculiar interests and interesting peculiarities?

Well, whatever... is true.

What's on my mind...

2011-07-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

So I have recently discovered baby cucumbers, slice them, sprinkle them with pepper and dip in soy/ wasabi sauce... so very delicious. Eating healthy sometimes means staying simple- today's lunch:, sliced snacking cucumbers, carrot sticks, apple wedges, a spoonful of peanut butter- AND a handful of Popchips, YUM!

Also, did you know- short hair is perfect for little girls in the summer- I am currently pondering if it good for mama, too? Speaking of mamas- the coolest site I wish I had more time for is www.swapmamas.com, so much stuff, so little time to photograph it... but so much waiting to be swapped for!

My recent yoga practice has expanded to include mudras- such a simple and effective way of coping with my first world problems. Also called hand postures, these surprisingly effective "exercises" are amazing, and if you would like to learn more about how you too can benefit from having your hands connect you to more than just the things they touch, you know what to do on the string of letters & numbers that follow this run on sentence http://thehealthylivinglounge.com/2007/11/06/hand-yoga-for-stressed-out-frantic-moms/.

Today I did one of my favorites mudras while watching the girls play at a local splash pad- Sigler Park.

Another sure fire cure for the doldrums of child rearing, take one of them out- just one (in our case the oldest) to a good movie- or a decent movie, anyway. Discount theaters are great- for less than the price of one ticket at a regular cinema, we all got to visit our beloved friend, Jack Sparrow. We (along with a packed theater of other budget minded Pirate lovers) were well entertained by vampire mermaids, softhearted scallywags and men of action clashing with passionate people of faith and fascinating figures of patrimony. For the fourth in a franchise this sequel didn't disappoint- but merely met muster. http://disney.go.com/pirates/

PS Need a little boost in the bedroom? I recently read that moms who read romance novels feel sexier and have more satisfying sex... http://sex.bitchbuzz.com/why-reading-romance-novels-can-improve-your-sex.html this made me think of this fabulous concept http://www.passionspath.com/, it is such a fun idea!

Now off to explore Google+ my high school buddy hooked me up and I am feeling like I won the lottery, well at least like I won another ticket with a $3 scratcher! Happy Saturday.

Settling in, belonging

2011-06-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

Homeschool support groups are so amazing!

They welcome you in, "Like" you, share their lives, beliefs, kittens, birthdays, food, homes, businesses, sweaters, experiences and sunny days. Since our move we have been to several new park days- we have made new friends, and met people we have "Like"d for years.

G-pie has made new friends: sweet, generous, accepting girls- who "appreciate" that she has changed her name recently! They have so heartily welcomed and included her, quickly and with a curious and genuine nature. C-dough and J-cakes have initially stayed close at the 4 new parks we have visited over the last couple of weeks- but have confidently ventured off in search of events as they sensed the comfort mama felt among like minded families and inviting environments.

Belonging is not the same as "fitting in"- we belong here, no need to try and fit in.

Cooking Couscous is Cool

2011-03-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Couscous is such an easy and foolproof side item for kids to cook. We find all sorts of ways of sprucing it up- the Kitchen Assistant added Curry, Clove, Nutmeg, Apples and Raisins tonight. While the spice was a little heavy handed- it had potential.

Before the spice bath...

Hub-ster made himself frozen chicken Teriyaki from Costco, and I made a baked head of cauliflower basted in curry, cumin, coriander and canola oil, with apples, onions and raisins nestled in the hollow created by cutting out the stem. As it turned out all three items, stirred together = fascinating flavor!

G-pie and I learned a lesson in the use of spice tonight, and as a whole the idea of experimenting with seasoning was explored thoroughly. We discussed how flavors are enhanced by others and agreed that cloves should be used VERY sparingly.

We also decided salad and couscous is the perfect base for a meal, add steamed asparagus, wok'd broccoli, cooked carrots or a hearty yam and yukon stew, with baby peas and peal onions and finish with fruit. Once grilling season hits, we'll have veggie kabobs, grilled eggplant and zesty zucchini.

Last night G-pie made a stellar salad from romaine, raddichio, herb mix, carrot coins & jicama chips chilled with 1/2 t each dill & ginger, chopped apples, a pinch of cinnamon sugar and northern italian dressing. She did a great job of chopping everything down to bite size or smaller and tossed it all together with the perfect amount of moisture. A promotion may be in store for the budding culinary apprentice...

Grab & Go Breakfast Logs

2011-03-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

Was trying to make cookies- my Kitchen Assistant suggested they were more like Breakfast Bites, and I reshaped the next batch into logs, I plan to keep these babies on hand! Throwing a few in the freezer today to see how they fare...

Basically I blended peeled, cored and sliced organic apples (3 gala and 2 granny smiths) with 1/2 c water from boiled beets and 1/4 cup honey, until it was smooth. Then I added 1/2 cup canola oil and blended with a whisk.

In another bowl I put 2 1/2 cups oats, 1/2 cup spelt flour, 1/4 cup whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup all purpose flour, along with vegan egg substitute (Ener-G Egg Replacer powder) and a few shakes of salt.

We combined the wet & dry ingredients then folded in 1/2 cup raisins and swirled in 1/4 cup peanut butter.

This recipe is VERY loosely based on Oatmeal Cookies from Rodale's Naturally Great Foods, a cookbook I have been reading- it has a lot of information and tons of recipes... but it isn't vegan- nor even vegetarian. Labels. schmabels, it has good eats!

We also experimented with drying beets again, my Kitchen Assistant thought we could try a salty-cinnamon-sugar, and it turned out surprisingly good. Still need to adjust something as they are a bit chewier than I would like. Mary Bell's Dehydrated foods suggested boiling first, maybe I didn't do it long enough- it was a big beet! The skin came off much easier after boiling.

Many of the things we did the recipe came from ideas inspired by the newly learned cooking terms my Kitchen Assistant has added to her vocabulary. G-pie totally wow'ed me with her already accumulated knowledge of cooking terms! (I am creating a soon-to-be-downloadable homeschool cooking course as we go- see tag KitchenAsstLP for posts with resources and materials).

We reviewed the 44 words on her word search - and she knew half of them! We also colored our Farmer's Market Veggies and arranged baskets of colorful vegetables- this turned into a great time for G-pie to teach J-cakes her colors and she ended up making a flashcard set to aid in her very-seriously undertaken duty.

Hmmm... I think we need a mentoring class at S.C.H.O.O.L. Session 3 Schedule is due to be published with our newly designed website by Sunday night- we have new classes for older kids (6th - 8th grade) and more options for Science and Drawing.

My lovely Mother In Law is bringing us a meal today, I have been blessed by the outpouring of love (and food) as I heal. Today we will be having a fabulous salad from Rutabagorz- yum!

Happy Friday!

My new Kitchen Assistant Starts today!!

2011-03-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

My first born and always eager 9 year old daughter wants to learn to cook. This came, just after I told her how I got paid an allowance to make dinner from the time I was about 11 on. She is ready to start her training. As Executive Chef of Chez Bellah, I have determined she should start as a kitchen assistant and start with prep work.

Being focused on natural and living foods, means that our kitchen processes LOTS of fruits and vegetables- one of the things that often slows me down is the peeling, seeding, chopping, slicing, dicing and storage of our fresh produce. We use our dehydrator some and have been known to freeze ahead for smoothies, soups and "personal packets" (easy to grab and reheat or thaw items pre-portioned for 1-2). We could do both more to ensure that we use all parts of our fresh produce before it goes bad. I also like the variety these items provide.

We are making aprons (well decorating ones I saved from various server jobs in restaurants over the years) and I think chef's hats would make it fun... and of course the three year old gets to join us for this activity. The girls are charged with finding any toys games or puzzles about food, and collecting all the toy food and cleaning the play kitchen today, as well.

Here are some resources I found to help me in lesson planning.

A fun word search for cooking terms and recipe terminology.
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=156

Free pdf downloads, although I would love the book just can't afford it right now!
http://www.brainchildpress.com/Teaching1.html

This one is college level, but has lots of useful info and can be scaled down easily- I like the flip book activity and the writing worksheet for creating a descriptive menu.
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/cooking-descriptive-language-designing-842.html?tab=1#tabs

From just these three sources there is plenty to cover a couple or weeks of daily activities, and I am sure I will be finding more!

Oats & Quinoa soaking overnight.

Wow- amazing what a delicious and nutritious breakfast does for you, huh? This morning I had Oats & Quinoa with dried fruits. Soaked both overnight then brought to a boil, simmered for 10 minutes, and added a splash of almond milk. Simple, satisfying and sweet!

Dried fruits awaiting re-hydration.

The quinoa adds a wonderful chewy "pop" and complements the re-hydrated cranberries perfectly. Next time I don't think I would use any raisins, maybe some dried mango instead?

This recipe is inspired by one in Vitality Foods for Health & Fitness by Pierre Jean Cousin & Kirsten Hartvig. I have also been perusing another favorite because I love the idea of having my own dried fruits on hand next time- and I do have a dehydrator after all!

I think I still want to be a vegan

2011-03-12T22:51:00.000-08:00

Food has become a big deal with me lately. I like food. Growing food, harvesting food, shopping for food, prepping food, crafting recipes from foods and pairing food with palate cleansing beverages aimed at making a meal match some sort of mood. Setting the stage for a drama of words inter-tangling with emotions, peppered with frankness and laughter.

Recently I've missed eating with my family. But now that I *can* again- I do NOT want to return to a SAD menu. I love acronyms- and none are more fitting that the Standard American Diet. While I was a vegan- I learned to love the taste of natural, herb infused, spice sprinkled, gourmet garden ingredients.

My kids ate a lot of what I was making myself- and I made a big deal of the things I liked especially- abundant salads, bold soups, classy wraps, decadent nut blends. But we ate cafeteria style- the baby's introduction to solid foods occurring over these same past six months. I have been eating a largely vegan diet for health reasons. I lost nearly 50 pounds. I started doing yoga.

The health risk has been removed- literally. And I may "resume a normal diet"- the question of course is do I want to? And shouldn't I continue to teach my kids about eating a menu filled with variety, tied to traditions and celebrating the life that connect us?

Which means the occasional cupcake. It was delicious.

My newest resource- http://vegweb.com/

The realization of a dream

2011-02-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

For several years now I have wanted to recreate the place Grace took classes- only better and in my own backyard. Yesterday I was there, hanging out, meeting interesting, accomplish people- connecting with amazing moms, observing excellent kids, and watching my husband inspire little artists.

Other mothers have supported me, my family has gotten by without me through countless meetings- I totally quit doing yoga for the past month- ack! But my "baby" is born and today I saw this review on our website-

"I'm impressed. I think it is a wonderful new addition to the homeschooling community and really appreciate the location and care and compassion of the owners."

It is so exciting to be a part of education reinvention- we have so many exciting activities to enjoy, so many wonderful instructors to share their talents and such an array of bright and colorful kids to fill up the canvas of our masterpiece. A learning center where every child is welcomed and walked alongside on their path of discovery. A community where parents can come and share part of their day in a comfortable setting with others who are like-minded and eagerly engaged in similar pursuits.

My job is to warmly facilitate this- it truly is my pleasure. Enchanting to meet you. www.schooloc.com

National School Choice Week

2011-01-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

Starting yesterday, groups around the nation are raising awareness about something I have long been passionate about. The choice to educate children in "untraditional" ways. I have also heard it referred to as "alternative" or "non-mainstream". None of these labels bother me in the least, but they don't exactly describe us either.

What is a tradition? Dictionary.com defines Tradition as "the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice". Hmmm... seems to fit the way we learn, perhaps even more so than the public school model. So maybe a family style education is traditional.

When you talk of "homeschooling", using a charter school is one of the many alternatives, so in that way what we do is considered alternative education. We are blessed to live in an area, where not only do we have MANY alternatives, we also have the support to back up all those options. I am proud that we are alternative educators.

As for whether it is mainstream or not, well the stream we find ourselves floating along is teeming with bright, independent, well-spoken and highly imaginative young people. "Homeschoolers" are the main people in our lives- and there are plenty of them to enjoy! We meet new friends all the time, and we share the path with families we have known since our children were barely babbling.

What it comes down to is choice. I am beyond grateful for the information that was available to me as I grappled with what would be the best for our children. It works for our family- but that isn't to say it is a better choice for anyone else's, only they will know that. My hope is that they would find it easy to compare and contrast the opportunities that every child has.

Learn more about National School Choice Week here. http://schoolchoiceweek.com/?no_splash=1

A home for SCHOOL?

2010-12-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I have been researching, surveying, meeting people, searching out options and moving forward with faith that the right steps will present themselves at the right time.

We, who are alternatively educating our children, share a common belief that our current education system is beyond reform (which is for prisoners, not children IMHO). We have already reinvented education. We are the pioneers of a new system that has been evolving for decades.

Many thanks to all of you who took our survey and helped refine the vision we have for:

S.C.H.O.O.L

Southern California Homeschoolers Options for Outsourced Learning

We have been working to make it something that is financially feasible for all parties- from the talented teachers, to passionate parents, always keeping in mind that this is for our inspiring offspring.

This year Santa brought me one of the tops things on my list- a location for SCHOOL. Yesterday I met with a very nice couple who lease a building with an empty floor in...

San Juan Capistrano!!

It has a large common area and 4 classrooms. It is a great location in many ways- a park that shares the same lot, plenty of parking, freeway close... it is very well suited to what we are trying to do. To be able to offer classes at an affordable rate for families, a co-op style arrangement has been settled on.

HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES!!

Non co-op members are welcome to register for and attend classes ...and use the lounge/ book nook during their class times and attend other events for a small fee.
Families are also invited to become members of the co-op for $15 a month and help guide the program. The monthly co-op contribution covers:
Lounge/ Book Nook
It will be open for at least 4 hours a day Mon- Fri. This area will have cards, board games, legos and other recreational (non structured) activities. The Book Nook will be available for swap (or purchase) of used books and curriculum. A tutor will be available during some of the Lounge hours.
Monthly events
Co-op members are invited to attend one free monthly event (per child). Choose from several options each week- story time, science fair, astronomy night, board game night, cultural events and seasonal celebrations. Attend more events for a small charge ($3-10 depending on event).
Room Usage
Co-op members are allowed to use a classroom for any of their own events (book clubs, girl scouts, 4H meetings, etc) for a very minimal (or no) charge.
Field Trips
Will be scheduled and organized frequently.

We are committed to maintaining our vision, mission and values- learn more about the culture we want to create here www.meetup.com/S-C-H-O-O-L. Our website will be live by the end of the week. All instructors are asked to provide references and be prepared to present a sample class to ensure that we are creating a quality program and not just filling our rooms. If you would like to recommend a teacher, we would love to talk to them.

Potential Teachers:

1 hour a week would be $25/ week
2 hours a week would be $45/ week
3 hours a week $60/ week

You will set your own class fees and track your own registrations. You can opt to use the SCHOOL Meetup for registration & scheduling (and be included in our marketing and advertising efforts) for an additional $30 a month. Contact me ASAP if you would like to commit to more than 3 classes a week.

We will work to get all instructors vendor approved with the charter schools ASAP. We will also be coordinating for summer camps very soon. There are a few opportunities to teach classes that are in demand.

Come check it out. Pass this on to anyone you think may be interested. Contact me for a private meeting if you are unable to attend our...

Meet & Greet Q&A

January 6th, 2011 2:00pm - 6:00pm

(RSVP on the Meetup for specific directions)

S.C.H.O.O.L. Open House

2010-12-27T23:58:00.000-08:00

Survey results are in! Come to our Open House on January 13th and learn more about S.C.H.O.O.L.

We are so excited to bring Southern California Homeschoolers Options for Outsourced Learning.

For the Spring semester of 2011 we will offer a few classes out of our temporary location while we search for a place to call home! Writing, Drawing, Science, PE, Theater and Arts & Crafts will be offered in blocks with themes that tie many of the classes together.

The drawing for a $100 gift card to Burke Williams will be held at the Open House and you can get extra entries for coming and checking us out. We will (of course) have activities for the kids.

http://www.meetup.com/S-C-H-O-O-L/

Looking forward to seeing you there!

OC Homeschoolers: 10 Questions

2010-12-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Please take a moment to answer some questions for me if you homeschool in Orange County. Pass this on to your friends, too! Some lucky homeschool mom is going to win a $100 gift card to Burke Williams- but for that to happen we need at least 500 responses.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Homeschoolers: you need to send your kids to SCHOOL

2010-12-04T00:37:00.000-08:00

Ok now that I have your attention-
SCHOOL: Southern California Homeschoolers Options for Outsourced Learning.

Coming to Mission Viejo, CA in the Spring of 2011

So many of my homeschool friends talk of how much time is spent transporting their children to their various classes and activities. A couple of years ago G-pie attended a program that housed many extra-curricular activities in one location.

Moms need something to do, too. How about Yoga while your child(ren) write(s)? Krav Maga while they learn basic drawing skills. Aikido for the older ones while the younger ones learn Sign Language. Basic PE classes for your little ones while your older kids practice guitar. Study hall for the students, while mom attend a Women's Self Defense Seminar.

And while we are at it, don't you wish there was a place to get rid of (and pick up) used curriculum? Rent a microscope, plan a co-op, host a bunco night, and attend a family dance party. Your wish will soon be granted!

Never underestimate the power of cardboard boxes

2010-11-18T23:34:00.000-08:00

As I did my usual sweep through the house tonight filling up my arms and dropping things off at their determined destinations about the domicile, I counted 4 cardboard box projects. My house is not large.

A 7-Up Robot that has gone the way of 3PO once Anakin gets a ride with Padme, sits with it's bright green colored shiny cardboard coating, waiting to be finished. On the ottoman perches a newly carved "pretend" rabbit cage, complete with fake food and droppings- a practice set to prove she can take care of a bunny. On top of the book shelf precariously balanced rests a Fairy House made with lots of glittery glue and scraps of fabric, ribbon... and a little pixie dust! Finally, my favorite- pulled out just before slumber from the evening of play in their room are two diaper boxes with large stuffed animals - a dog on one, a bear on the other- lashed to them to create ridable pets.

Last week I pulled out all the plastic parts and pieces- Pet Shop, Barbie, and Polly Pocket, alike. I sorted them into bins and packed them away in the garage. I announced ceremoniously that these toys could be played with but would be checked out and returned to their bin immediately after playing had ceased. This has worked quite well surprising us all in the process. They have only pulled each bin out once- and have been engaged in drawing, coloring, cooking and creating cardboard critters quite busily all week long.

Tonight I finally cleared the rest of the clutter from the dining table (yet again). We ate dinner together as a family. It is clean and awaiting our best laid plans for tomorrow.

All is well.

So this is what "doing what you love" means...

2010-10-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

Today as I was avoiding Facebook, I spent time training for my new position as an Instructor with the Signing Time Academy. The added benefit for me was that J-cakes is in toddler heaven. 17 repetitions of the Diaper Dance don't bother her a bit.

She spent the evening singing "Hi, hi it's nice to meet you" and all morning belting out "These are the kids I love" (she hasn't caught that it actually says "these are the pets I love"!) and she is super excited that we are all signing again.

As a middle child I worry that she gets sandwiched in, way too often. And making the decision to work outside the home, even just part time, had me worried that would make her slice even thinner, but I am pleasantly surprised to rediscover my little blond beauty- an almost 3 year old with lots to share.

With the constant commentary and curious criticisms streaming from my 8 year old all day, I thought J-cakes was going to have to fight to get a word in. Not only does, she but her words are bright, funny, smart and charming. She has her sister to thank for her sparkling communication skills.

G-pie helped to teach her baby sign language, while she herself was learning to read using the reference book to look up signs. J-cakes is a living testimony to the studies that have shown an increased vocabulary in children who have signed as infants.

Let's see... today is the 13th, so that means I have been Facebook free for 13 days. It doesn't feel so strange anymore. I don't feel disconnected. Honestly I feel more connected to my family and the path I am on.

Wasabi Nori Facebook Connection

2010-10-06T22:38:00.000-07:00

OK so why is it, that at 9:32 on Wednesday night as I am faced with surmountable tasks (updating my new website to reflect the fact that I am now a certified Instructor with Signing Time Academy, returning e-mails and posting checks for homeschool events and activities, uploading those pictures from Disneyland, learning how to make t-shirts cooler with plastic bags...) I am suddenly struck with the desire to update my status to inform Facebook at large that I am eating and immensely enjoying Wasabi Nori that I got at Mother's Market.

You may be asking yourself, now why didn't barefootOCmama feel the need to tell us when she ate the string cheese and pretzels for dinner? What is so cool about Wasabi Nori that it warrants it's own status update? Obviously I "Like" the fact that I am eating Wasabi Nori, and think that my Friends will "Like" it too, and may even Comment on it...

Today my father asked my why I was off Facebook... for just a beat, I wasn't sure I knew the answer. Why not? Because Facebook is HUGE and we all just nonchalantly go about our lives commenting and liking... (a whole 'nother query of mine: has Facebook made us more positive as we try to shine and polish the bits of our life into entertainment for others?). But the truth is..

It is a bit of a gimmick. I want attention. I am stepping out into a new venture, it is something I am excited about. I want to tell the world. I wanted to do something different- everybody Facebooks about their new business, I wanted to anti-Facebook mine.

Do you know and love a baby or toddler who you want to communicate with? I can help.

www.learningbarefoot.com

Now it is not that I am anti-Faceboook. My new web interface seems a bit one sided, I have much less feedback in the blog-o-sphere, than I did with in the safe confines of my "Friends" over at Facebook. Today I even considered that only blogging is a bit narcissistic. I am curious what everyone is up to...

Just like I used to be in college, when I should have been in my dorm room or the library studying and I was off in the commons checking out what everyone else was up to. Makes me really want to go see that movie!

Wipe-out!

2010-10-05T22:02:00.000-07:00

Oh that insipid Facebook!!

Like a true co-dependent, I am finding that I cannot truly be Facebook free! I went to a new site (JumpStart) for G-pie to play some math games on, and there was this long Registration Page, that would no doubt be auto-filled for me as I tabbed through the fields, but then- there at the bottom I saw a familiar blue button that said "Connect with Facebook". I did it.

Not actually breaking my own rule of logging in, just using Facebook to log in to another site. And that is how the justifications begin. It is so much better to surf the internet with Facebook.

Facebook is to the internet, as sex wax is to the long board.

But as a mother of three I just don't have the time for sex wax these days. I just want to paddle on out and hang ten! So I have been slipping & sliding around the internet since I have been (mostly) Facebook -free. One of my favorite new-ish developments is the multimedia content. I completed another lesson in my ASL class (www.signingonline.com) today. It amazes me that I can even take these classes on my Droid smart phone. So instead of checking Facebook from a park while waiting for G-pie at Ronni Rowland's writing class, I learned more ASL.

Another amazing and awesome thing about the internet is of course another fairly recent development: cloud computing. I personally love Google for pretty much everything (except pictures, Flickr is tried and true)- Docs, Mail, Calendar, maps. Everything I need can chill online, so I can get to it from anywhere. Totally tubular.

Google also has a very user friendly new toy- Google Sites, so I built a website. Wanna see it? www.learningbarefoot.com It was fun and easy, and soon everyone will be doing it. Toes on the noes, man, toes on the nose...

Almost 5 days Facebook free. All is well.

2010-10-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Just saw this...

And yesterday received this comment from a dear woman...

"You gotta do what you gotta do, Tiffany. I have considered dropping off the facebook universe many, many times. But each time, I come to the same conclusion: I need facebook like I need air. Like I need water. Like I need chocolate. I am not naturally social. For all of my pre-facebook adult life I struggled with depression and loneliness and a general feeling of disconnect from the world around me. I had no way to regularly keep up with my family who was scattered, literally, all over the planet. I didn't have any close friends because my kids kept me too busy for social visits, and I tallking on the phone makes me nervous. l would read friends' blogs, but even that left me unsatisfied. People tend to only blog the very interesting or impressive bits of their lives. I would view the photos of their perfect looking children and hear about their fabulous vacations and get even more depressed. Facebook has given me an insight into human nature that I never had before. Suddenly I was reading about real people dealing with the very same challenges I was on a daily basis. Their lives became less of a fantasy to me, and I started to really understand human nature in a new and exciting way. Yes, it can be a giant time-suck. But I find that the times when I am most desperately searching for someone to talk to are the times when I most need to reach out to people, not hide away like I used to. There are those who only present the best of themselves on here. It doesn't take long to see through it. But I find those people are even more fascinating to me, because every once in a while they let go of their perfectionist ways and post something that gives me a glimpse into all they have been trying to hide. They become more human to me, and make me realize that I'm not so different from them after all.
I'm not trying to dissuade you from giving up facebook. You know your needs and those of your family better than anyone else. But if you just can't do it, don't beat yourself up over it. Leaving facebook would be like moving away from a neighborhood where absolutely everyone knows your name. It's a hard thing to let of completely."

Facebook has certainly changed the social landscape, and we are all adjusting to relating to people as we never have before.

G-pie's team, oblivious to my Facebook strike, went on to lose their third game today. What a great bunch of girls- it is so amazing, to watch as my daughter grows through the seasons of her life.

I am proud of her in so many ways. Today she contributed to an out with a fantastic throw from third to home. I reached for my phone to update Facebook and then just smiled and sat back- and watched as C-dough laughed, the wind tickling his baby hair, and J-cake twirled under a shady tree near by...

All is well.

Facebook withdrawals

2010-10-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh, accidental login number 2 already- and this time I stared at the page for just a moment, Marc Petric is up to something... I thought well, I don't know how else to get a hold of moonmonkeymama so I'll just go to her page and post a quick excuse on the wall, Facebook is the only way I am connected to her...

NO!! Just not true, justifications!! Tempting me to read those reviews, notice the notes, flip through the photos, find them with foursquare (ooh can I still use foursquare during my hiatus? a question to ponder...)

Well, with just a moment of thought I realized her website, http://agnosticweddings.com/ would still be in my history. (I had visited it after seeing it on her Facebook Profile, score 1 point for Facebook: useful in providing interesting information on people we know casually). I can pull it up, find contact info and shoot off an e-mail...

OR, even better- if I am to use this hiatus to reconnect to human social skills as is my intent, I could just wait until Monday at the park and talk to her in person! But then she may not have time to fill the space I will be voiding... I will do both!

... and in taking a moment to think about communicating with a real, live, vibrant, whole person, I realize- I need to be totally, completely and with-no-regard-to-judgments-that-may-ensue - honest, about why I can't make it. Score 1 point for not using Facebook as a substitute for human interaction.

I have been Facebook free for less than 24 hours and I can't stop thinking about what I am missing!!

But during that time I did enjoy creating a cool field journal from recycled materials, helping my daughter build a fairy house, walking up and down Del Mar- just for fun... (we did try San Clemente Smoothie Yogurt Boba and our Pineapple Coconut Smoothie with Boba was good, although a little pricey-if you play foursquare and want to add it to your to-do list, click below)...

I also sketched a picture of a tree with colored pencils, juiced and blended a delicious concoction for the family- and I even cleaned the juicer, as a matter of fact I have a clear counter and shiny sink, Fly Lady would be proud.

All is well.

San Clemente Smoothie Yogurt Boba

Facebook on Hiatus

2010-10-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is barefootOCmama and I am a Facebook-aholic.

This morning I have decided that I need a break from the constant updates, witty comments and endless sharing going on over there. Not so long ago- before my life revolved around logging in and keeping up with "friends", from lurkers to likers, frenemies and family- I used to enjoy just blogging. Finding a way with words to expose my feeling, express my thoughts and (sometimes) enlighten my readers.

But who were those readers, I wondered. Who are you? Facebook tells me- my own little form or market research, I can look up the demographics of my target audience over there. I can find out so much about you- check out your photos, what links do you share, are in you in relationship, how many friends do you have?

And don't even get me started on the mafia wars and farming chores..

Today I begin anew. I will not log in to Facebook again until after Halloween. I am taking the App off my Droid and I am stopping the SMS messages. What will I find to do, how much more time will I have? Will I stop comparing myself to others as much? How will I know what the people I care about are up to? I am most curious to find the answers to these and many others questions.

My last "like" went to a mom who has always put her children and family first- or so it seems from her status updates!! Facebook Free for 1 minute and counting... check back if you want to find out how it feels!!

BTW if you keep a blog, please let me know!

100 Days of Holidays

2010-09-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

Catching up with our family tradition... today we delivered a Happy Fall Greeting to friends.

Our 100 Days of Holidays Book is a journal we have added to every year, this will be our third year. We watch our rituals change and develop and delight in seeing where we were last year at this point. Some days get skipped, some days have never been "observed", and we do sometimes play "catch up"...

For example we missed the day to decorate for fall (September 27) so we made it up today, utilizing the same leaf template for both our Fall Greeting and our home decor!! We also missed the day for Fall Fashion Weeding, so that will have to be made up ASAP!!

Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

My new Scrapblog

2009-12-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

G's poncho

2009-12-21T14:15:00.001-08:00

downsized_1221091325.jpg
Originally uploaded by barefootin

Just posted my progress on www.ravelry.com for this poncho I am crocheting for dd7G. I pretty much finished ds-2m?'s blanket, but I think it needs a border- my gauge was off, and it is just too small!

Crocheting time has become a necessity for my sanity lately, and I have really been enjoying it. Though for some silly reason I feel the pressure to learn to knit as well - it seems more ...hmm, how shall I say... respected? I dunno- anyway, I have decided I don't need to learn right now. What I really want to do is get better, and learn more stitches, and make more crocheted items.

Ravelry's site makes it so easy to track my projects and search for free patterns. It is really keeping me focused- I get inspired by other yarnies and all their finished work, and all the beautiful variations and touches that make a handmade item so special.

This poncho is a gift for dd7G's birthday (in just 2 1/2 weeks- must get those party invites out!!) and I will be making a matching one for dd2J for her birthday, which is 4 1/2 weeks. Then I'll finish off the edging on ds-2m?'s blanket and maybe this adorable kimono wrap (http://crochetme.com/patterns/baby-kimono-wrap) in the same color, just in time for his arrival about 4 weeks later.

I better get off the computer while dd2J naps and get busy! Happy Holidays!

A whopper of a wish...

2009-10-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Today is Wednesday, time for Wishcasting as suggested by Jamie Ridler Studios- today's topic: completion.

So out comes my laundry list of things I wish to finish... some are recently begun projects- others, not so recently!

There is a school house mural to complete
My autumn altar to assemble and display,
Cleaning out the closets- what a feat,
And to many kids clothes in the way!

I've got toy sorting & storing issues,
and The Road to Gandolfo to read;
I think of college & I need a tissue...
A coat of varnish is dining table's need.

There are plenty more, I could list all day
But my darling little children want to play!

My wishing well is full, and I wish you well!

Cheese Please

2009-09-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

When my hubby and I first got married, we loved having other couples over for dinner. I fancied myself a good cook, after summers spent with my grandmother learning the craft. Sometimes my brialliance shone, other times people were polite. Like the Sesame Turkey Ham incident.

But a favorite that I hit upon early which always pleased my husband (and even his funny friend who had to endure the Sesame Turkey Ham) was Cheesy Chili & Chicken Cornbread Casserole. Nearly 13 years later as fall starts to come on, the darling man starts asking for this hearty, heavy, heavenly hash.

2 packages refrigerated corn bread dough (it comes perforated to make cornbread sticks)
1 can Stag Chicken Chili
1 can Stag Green Pepper Chili
2 cups Colby Jack, Shredded
1 can Swanson Chicken Breast

In a round casserole dish (I use Pampered Chef's deep dish baker) arrange most of one package of cornbread strips to cover the bottom, pressing seams together. Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes, until just done. Meanwhile warm the cans of chili together in a saucepan. Sprinkle half a cup or so of the shredded cheese over cornbread, pour half the chili over that and then crumble the chicken meat on top of the chili.

Cover the chicken with about half a cup more of the shredded cheese and pour the rest of the chili over that, then- you guessed it- more shredded cheese! Use the second package of cornbread strips to create a latticed top. Bake 25- 30 minutes more. Serve with sour cream, diced onions and extra cheese.

That's the cheesiest post I could come up with.

Prompted by Sunday Scribblings, topic today: "Cheese".
If you are reading this on Facebook, click on "View Original Post" to see my blog's new fall makeover!

To my dear friend...

2009-09-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have not forsaken you. It may seem that we are like ships that pass in the night, and I rarely stay as long as I like when I do come to see you, often falling asleep the moment I arrive. I heap chores on you, my children climb all over you and bounce uncontrollably sometimes.

When you first came into my life, I was so grateful- you made me so comfortable, you opened yourself to my family and welcomed each addition. You were there when our second daughter decided she was ready to come out and greet the world (actually you were a big part of she and the new baby's conception), you have cradled me in sickness, snuggled me when I was sad- caught my tears and muffled my laughter.

I vow to visit you more, my dear bed, and I will try to keep the children from jumping.

[my creative catalyst for this short & sweet snippet was offered by Danette's Self Expression Springboard and if you like Haiku (like I do) you must also see Reality Insanity]

Wishcasting Wednesday: Luxury

2009-09-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Life's little luxuries have eluded me lately. Our budget is tight, and there is always too much month at the end of our money. So my mind dances around, daring to dream, hastily hoping. A luxurious longing... hmm?

Sleep is a luxury these days... lingering over dinner with daddy, uninterrupted showers, crocheting, crafting, Starbucks, chatting with friends- the simple details I used to take for granted.

But I want to wish wonderfully- so I stretch myself and really let the luxuriousness envelope me. I imagine feeling indulged, like a child getting their dearest desire...

I wish for a vacation.

Not a "staycation"- something stimulating, somewhere wonderful, with all my little someones, and some serious soul searching.

My wishing well is full, and I wish you well!

Web definitions for luxury

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

{Today's post prompt provided by Jamie Ridler Studios}

Sunday Scribblings

2009-09-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hungry!

I hunger for focus. I have always been filled with ideas, inspiration, start-ups, springboards- I am a beginner. I love the fresh sparks of something I have imagined can be. It thrills me to plan, propose my intent, fill pages with lists and snippets about the fabulous and original concept I have created.

Then the real work begins.

Something stalls me. Real life gets in the way and I find myself losing a grip on my purpose. It slips through my fingers like sands in the hourglass.

It's like being hungry and imagining a gourmet meal and what it will be like when I eat- the table setting, the mood lighting, the company I will have, the music that will play. I write the menu and the grocery list, I compare recipes, I tell all my friends and family about it. Then I start to have analysis paralysis as I try to choose a cuisine. I hop around, trying to adjust the setting, the lighting, and guest list- and I wear myself out.

Then on the way to the store, I am so hungry I swing through the drive-thru and pick up a cheeseburger with fries- because I simply must eat! All my visions fade as the kids clamor for their "happy" meals and I lose the momentum, the dinner party is delayed- sometimes repeatedly and finally it is lost amidst the adventures of living barefoot.

I hunger for focus- a single, sensational, clarifying, clear headed path to follow on my journey.

[prompted by http://sundayscribblings.blogspot.com/]

Newness

2009-09-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

What is is about new things that motivate? When I get new supplies for homeschooling I suddenly have the energy to tackle projects that have been left sitting for weeks! My dd7 and I are very anxious to get our 2nd grade mural started. We are painting a small schoolhouse onto a large piece of paper that will go above the craft table in the creative area of our homeschool room (aka half of the garage!) My intention is that she will be able to decorate it and it's front porch with seasonal add-ons, and the "mailbox" out front will have her "assignments" for the day. I am also toying with the idea of a worry tree to hang our worries on when it is time to create and learn.

Well we just got the last of the supplies I ordered through our charter school and we are ready to start.What a perfect weekend for new beginnings! It is a new moon today and in addition to the schoolhouse mural I will be making my first Full Moon Dreamboard (another inspiring idea by my new online mentor-ess, Jamie Ridler) and beginning a new book with her Book Blogging Group. I will be getting the book today and blogging about it at http://learningbarefoot.blogspot.com.

As I consider celebrating newness, I realize that it needn't be tied to new "things", there is always something new in the never ending natural cycle of creation and destruction. Yesterday I joined a new group of friends for a lovely autumn ritual circle. We gathered out in the wilderness (well as close as we could get- a regional park/ campgrounds!) under the old oak trees and shared music, magic and motherhood. Our children joined us, delightfully distracted by the natural urges of childhood to explore, play with friends and snack on earth's bounty. Seeds to start the new school year, planted in the seasonal cycle and already producing the blossoms of friendship.

Self Expression Springboards

2009-09-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Again a blog prompt found on Jamie Ridler Studios... although it hails from yet another blog.

The delightful Danette Relic, whom I interviewed for this week’s podcast, is launching a totally fun and inspiring weekly creative prompt activity: Self-Expression Springboards. Each week she will share a creative catalyst to inspire you. As Danette so beautifully puts it, “You are a work of art with infinite facets and only you can reveal them to the world.”

This week she invites us to share that song, that song that represents us at our most powerful, our amazing rock star selves. The song that would play as we make our big entrance.

Since I just love "Mr A-Z" for his amazing way with words and humble spirit I am choosing this one today (below), although "Where is the Love" by BEP is almost an equal choice, and then of course there is another Geek in the Pink favorite, Jason Mraz's Life is Wonderful. And so many more, music is such magic. (If you are reading this at my blog http://barefootOCmama.blogspot.com you will see the embedded video below- if you are reading the facebook note, you won't!)

No time for sharing the mental meanderings of my meager mind... Happy Thursday!

Wishing well...

2009-09-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Anne Morrow Lindbergh: “Eternally, woman spills herself away in driblets to the thirsty, seldom being allowed the quiet, the peace, to let the pitcher fill up to the brim.”

A wise and wonderful quote I stumbled upon on Facebook yesterday. Then as I trampled around the world wide web some more I came across Jamie Ridler Studios, as if in answer to the quest to fill my pitcher. A wishing well, as it were...

Creative ideas seep from my soul, spilling over into the gutters with nowhere to go- channel those droplets and use them, I will. Words form on my keyboard, images leap from my imagination, sparks are spread and magic is forged.

On this Wishcasting Wednesday I wish to to stretch my time. Realizing the moments that exist to replenish and refresh. Separating sacred space for my soul's sensing simplicity. I CAN do "it all", I CAN reach further, I CAN go longer, I CAN give more... I CAN find the time for myself to restore and reboot.

My husband and toddler are sick today. My 7 year old just got over it, and we have a full day- meeting with our ES from the charter school (is it greed that keeps me tied to this public school? a topic to re-visit), a girl scout field trip and of course the never-ending clutter clearing, learning adventures, smudgy finger print wiping, and sustenance supplying. (Alright already with all the alliteration!)

My wishing well is full and I wish you well!

Happy Cupcake Day

2009-08-18T15:21:00.001-07:00

We made spice cake & browned butter icing from scratch- got half a batch of cupcakes and a heart layer all done during the baby's nap. The cake came out better than the cupcakes because it is so incredibly moist.

Mix together in small bowl:

2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp ginger

In a medium bowl beat until fluffy:

1/4 c butter

1/4 c shortening

Add & beat until well combined:

1 1/2 c sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

Add, beating well after each one:

2 eggs

Add dry mixture to the medium bowl, alternately with

1 1/4 c buttermilk (we used sour milk - 1 TB lemon juice combined with 1 c milk for 5 min)

Beat just until combined after each addition.

Pour into floured pans and bake at 350 - 20 min for cupcakes, 30 minutes for layers.

Meanwhile prepare the icing.

Browned Butter Icing

Melt 1/2 cup butter in saucepan and keep over low heat until delicately brown. Remove from heat and pour into small bowl. Sift 4 cups (an entire box) of powdered sugar over the butter and add 2-3 TB milk, plus 1 tsp vanilla. Beat on low until smooth. Add milk as necessary to achieve consistency for spreading.

Happy Kool-Aid Days

2009-08-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Kool Aid Days Celebration kicks off today in Hastings, NE. check out how they will be feeling groovy this weekend. Kool Aid Days 2009

Kool Aid Play Dough
3 1/2 - 4 cups flour (or more)
1/2 cup salt
1 TB cream of tartar
2 pkg same flavor Kool Aid
3 TB oil
2 cups water

Boil water and add to Kool-Aid in a large bowl. Stir in oil and add remaining ingredients until a ball forms. Knead until smooth

I wanna be like Susan Sowerby

2009-07-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

My dd7 and I just finished reading my all-time favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden, by Frances Burnett Hodges. I had forgotten how much the power of positive affirmation and belief in the "magic" of transformation is explored by Colin's "Scientific Experiment".

When it comes to positive thinking I have been much like Mistress Mary (quite contrary) through many stages in my life. I have believed in positivity and professed that belief (without actions to support it), I have wanted to believe in it- but couldn't seem to figure out exactly how to practice it, and I have sarcastically scorned it, feeling that the I was being blocked by unseen forces out of my control. I have come full circle to a place where I believe in being positive and I know that I must tend to my "secret garden"- a place in my heart where I can weather (and wonder at) the cycles of creation, destruction and rebirth.

Such a timeless novel (it was written nearly a century ago) - it is filled with sage wisdom and simple rituals. The children are left to themselves in the outdoors, they learn and play and grow strong. Their own natural curiousity guides them to marvel at the mysteries that unfold as a wintery, seemingly dead garden blossoms and shows them how to believe in unseen workings of a powerful universe. They sing and meditate, they giggle and conspire, they laugh and love. Dickon, the eldest child in the trio of main characters, is the son of Susan Sowerby and sibling of 11. His connection to all things in nature and his constant big grin are simple and sincere. He is the essence of childhood delight.

We decided to try our own Scientific Experiment, and it couldn't come at a better time. My eyes have been opened to the idea that I have been overcome with doubt, fear, negativity and bitterness. I have faulty relationships because I empower those types of thoughts in others and attract the people who also are also bogged down by these "weeds" in their "secret gardens".

Today in my "secret garden" I am weeding & pruning- and I am planting pumpkins. It seems I have been in the habit of putting off weeding until it is too late, and I have lost plants that could have been saved with just a little pruning. The pumpkins signify my belief in the coming harvest of brightly colored, nourishing and useful growing things! My positive affirmation for the day "I am a child of light, I believe in the power of the planet- the nurturing nature of a wonderful world."

My husband tells me that the highest paid athlete on the planet is Tiger Woods. He made most of his money from endorsing Nike. Nike coined the phrase "just do it". The true power of positivity shines when that idea is applied.

So how do you "just do it"?

How do you keep your house clean?

2009-07-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Since I am in the throes of making a human in my womb, constantly chasing an almost terrible two and homeschooling an almost 8 year old I am overwhelmed with the smudges, waterspots, spills, splashes and crumbs that seem to spontaneously appear everywhere. Not to mention the piles of laundry, constant shortage of towels, clothes and flatware, feeding frenzies, chaotic calamaties, disappearing surfaces, towers of tomes toppling off the bookshelves and crayons & markers making their way to places they should never be allowed.

Our house in Temecula at least had a plethora of pets to be blamed for the mess and gave the place a zoo like feel that welcomed the wildness and weathered the war on clutter. Our new little casita is bright and beautiful and busting at the seams!!

Giving myself a break I must admit I did spend most of the weekend finalizing the details of our adventures in 2nd grade! My dd7 is thrilled to be teaching her baby sister shapes, colors and songs as part of her own curriculum, and we have an array of exciting clubs, groups and activities to participate in. The schedule is full, the stage is set and we still have an entire month to enjoy the hazy lazy(?!) days of summer.

What is your secret to a calm, clean and chaos-free cottage?

Baby Sign Language

2009-07-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know we have had great success using baby signing with our youngest. I became interested because I had taken ASL in college and had a friend at Starbucks when I worked there whose day job was as an aide for special needs and autistic adults- I never knew they use signs quite often because it helps when emotions can block words (haven't we all had that experience!). She started me on the path of refreshing my skills and I have continued on my own.

After having so many people stop me in public and ask if I knew where they could take baby signing classes in South Orange County, I searched and was only able to find one class in Fullerton at Belly Sprout. There are probably others, but I didn't find them easily and there is a definite interest in South OC, especially.

So I have decided to join MySmartHands as a teacher and I am in the process of signing up as a contract instructor with the city of San Juan Capistrano's Community Education Department. Baby Signing Level 1 is an 8 week course and parents and their offspring will learn over 100 signs. At this point I will only be offering baby signing- but I do plan to develop a homeschool course by next spring and get approved as a vendor with several charter schools.

There is a well respected homeschool class at the Sign Language Factory in Anaheim if anyone is interested in getting started right away. The instructor Bill Rennie is wonderful, so I hear. I hope to take some courses there myself as I delve deeper. For older children (and adults) usage & grammar, history & culture and other nuances are very important. With hearing babies it's a whole different ball of wax, but I do believe it is very important to use actual ASL signs!

While the location is being determined I am forming an interest list, if you know anyone who might be. Just send me an e-mail (barefootOCmama@gmail.com). I will also have gift certificates available for expecting and new moms- give the gift of communication!

Barefeet & busy hands make baby a happy bundle indeed!

2009-06-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Geocaching Adventure #14

In our own own little town, hidden away near a place we go frequently, we discovered our 14th treasure trove. It has been a while since we geocached, having babies, moving, car troubles- the stuff of life has intruded. Today's find took us a whopping 16 minutes total- we do plan to go back and explore the fountain more closely, but we had visitors looming!

From the looks of things over at the official geocaching google map we got or caches laid out for us!

Check it out in your area http://www.geocaching.com/. We also enjoy letterboxing, for more info visit http://www.atlasquest.com/ or http://www.letterboxing.org/

Increasing our sign-abulary

2009-06-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my 16 month old finally did something I have been waiting for. You know how you can't wait for them to start crawling and when they do you suddenly remembers that means they won't just hang out peacefully chillin on their boppy anymore?

Well in the Baby Signing process, I have now hit that mark. My little one has learned to ask what the sign for something is- and she wants to to know what everything in her big, exciting world is. Her little hands were fairly flying as she ran from the TV- barely pausing to flip her hands palms up and raise her little brows, before she scurried off to the kitchen.

At first I thought she was hungry, but after she signed "open", and I obliged, pulling open the cupboard she was standing under. She kept repeating "what?" insistently so I signed "where?" and she countered with "up". I lifted her and she pointed to the bag of pretzels she has been loving lately. I signed "eat?" to which she shook her head emphatically. Her tiny shoulders got involved with the "what?" sign and her big eyes begged me to give her the label for her beloved snack.

Faced with the decision to give it a general label she already knew (like "cracker") or run look it up- I opted for the easy way out, but she wasn't going for it. She shook her head so that her blonde curls were still bouncing when she stopped and very seriously signed "what" one last time. She knew they weren't crackers! I realized that as adorable and thrilling as this was, it means she is ready to learn more signs and my current lexicon is limited.

While I am looking forward to gathering a group together and coaching other moms and their little tykes- it is a bit daunting. There are so many words out there! The immersion and being able to practice with others will refresh my memory (I can't believe it has been 13 years since my ASL classes in college- and ya know what they say about not using it...) so for now I have bookmarked my favorite online ASL dictionary. http://www.lifeprint.com/dictionary.htm

Focus brings clarity

2009-06-14T19:31:00.001-07:00

A nice visit with an old homeschool buddy brought to light a new idea-it is called eHow. I love to write, but get weary of my blog being just a summary of what we do each day-those of you who follow my private blog, which I have been publishing for several years now, know that of which I speak!

Suzanne (Housewifeinhollywood) is my friend who has successful focused her writing into a content based website. She told me about eHow and it seems like a fit for my scattered scratchings. A collection of magazine style articles on "How to" do just about anything fill the pages, and the writers of these articles get paid (we'll see how that goes!) for the amount of traffic they drive to their articles. It costs the reader nothing and the writer is given a venue for sharing their wisdom and wit.

After publishing my first article today (How to choose a compost method for YOU) I am excited to get more involved and see where it leads. I have many more ideas in the works- how to... make homemade low sugar soda, ...start a compost pile, ...start a worm bin, ...start signing with your baby, ...control the clutter before it controls you, etc. It is thrilling to have "assignments" to finish.

On another note, Barefeet & Happy Hands, my beginning baby sign language classes are going to start in the fall, although I will be setting up a playgroup and an online group before then- keep your eyes peeled! I'll also be offering Backyard Composting as soon as I get a location sorted out with the Community Recreation department.

One of my greatest enjoyments in life is the growth that occurs as things change and I am happy with my new endeavors!

life2enV project

2009-05-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today begins the project... by capturing the moments of my life that I think make it especially wonderful, I hope to improve my own positive outlook and share the beauty of simple images taken on my enV2 personal communication device.

A seasonal shot of this birdhouse, I've taken one monthly since we moved in.

Filtered Water vs Bottled

2009-05-31T13:44:00.001-07:00

My hubby used to work for a company that leased Reverse Osmosis "pure water technology" to small businesses. He had access to a TDS (total dissolved solid) meter, and we tested the municipal water, as well as bottled water that is sold on the shelf and through delivery services.

Did you know that spring water is treated with chemicals at the source, brought down in big trucks, then processed for bottling? This means lots of water wasted, and the TDS measures higher than some tap water!

After testing every thing we could get our hands on we discovered that for taste and purity the RO unit won hands down. So we have been using the innards of a machine to filter city water. This cuts down on the cost, saves plastic bottles from being used, and gives us access whenever we need purified water.

The RO process wastes some water. We figured out that it takes 6 gallons of city water to get 1 gallon of purified water for use in our household. The other 5 gallons contain higher levels of solids- although it has been charcoal filtered so it is relatively free from chemicals. The "wasted" water is a by-product condensed from the gallon that is pure (it has something to do with the membrane that separates the solids from the water being unable to extract all the contaminates without water getting through).

We use those extra 5 gallons for maintaining our compost pile, washing our car, mopping the floors and watering the landscape portions of our yard - allowing us to cut down on sprinkler usage and water frequency (living in a rental means we cannot xeriscape & xerogarden as I would prefer to.)

We collect the water in used milk cartons that we have sanitized.

The TOTAL cost per gallon for our delicious purified water? 3 cents.
The convenience of not having to cart bottles home and store them? Free!
And of course the impact on helping save our planets resources is priceless.

More to come on this important topic...

Apple Carrot Rosemary Chicken

2009-05-29T12:08:00.001-07:00

Last night I peered into the fridge to see dwindling supplies, I was at a loss as to what to make for dinner once again.

Depressingly I thought, well there is brown rice and frozen chicken thighs. It'll be plain but healthy. So I started the rice in my rice cooker and put the chicken in to defrost. Then I thought - I'll just clip a little rosemary from my garden for flavor. I arranged the thawed chicken in a foil lined roasting pan and tucked the rosemary around it and popped it in the oven.

Back to the fridge to pull out the last remaining veggies in the house- mini carrots, which are always good with ranch. But the baby doesn't do so well with hard carrots... so I threw them in on top of the chicken. Then I noticed a half an apple in the fridge and another rolling around in the drawer- apples go great with rosemary! So I sliced those up and threw them on top of the carrots. Then I pulled the foil up around the whole mess. It smelled great.

After the chicken was done cooking, the apples and veggies were still a little crisp, since they came to the party late- so I pulled all the meat off the bone and mixed it in with the rice to stay warm while the rest finished cooking. There were a lot of drippings (even chickens have the fat thigh problem, I guess) so I decided to mix in some flour and the last individual apple sauce to make a sort of gravy. A little milk to thin it out and voila- dinner was served.

It was delicious. Since I didn't measure anything I have no idea how much I used so it's hard to create a recipe- but I have learned that being creative with what you have on hand makes for better meals than following a recipe that you have to go buy ingredients to complete.

Hubby said I was a bit like Steve Martin from the Jerk:

"We only have chicken and rice for dinner."

"Oh and some rosemary, but that's all -chicken, rice and rosemary..."

"and carrots. But that's all chicken, rice, rosemary and carrots..."

"but that's ALL! Except for some apples... so chicken, rice, rosemary, carrots, apples, and gravy. But that's it."

And it was it, and it was easy and it was healthy.

Rick Levine is good...

2009-05-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

This morning I woke up to the realization that I have to put together a learning record for our final meeting for the year with our charter school's Education Specialist- TODAY!
Upon reading my horoscope from www.tarot.com I just had to laugh!

There's no need to show everyone how together you are today, for the very act of drawing attention to your security exposes your lack of it. While it may be true that your self-esteem has been vacillating, it's more important now to do something that makes you feel good, instead of trying to gain approval from others. Refocus on your inner world rather than placing undue significance on outside influences.

This past week I have been discussing how we go about doing this with our homeschool support group. Our first year with the charter school I spent a lot of time trying to capture every detail of our adventures and show off what my daughter was doing. It took so much time, because we are what many call "unschoolers" or interest-led learners. This past year I realized that was just not necessary.

Now I just give the bare minimum of what they require, then relax and enjoy the rest of our journey freely. After viewing a show on public access about California schools and their lack of any sort of tracking data base, it was apparent that the idea of a permanent record is ridiculous.

I know that she is learning, that she is ahead of her peers in some areas, behind them in others. But the beauty of homeschooling is that we get to focus on actually experiencing educational events and not waste precious time meant for learning on testing so that the school can get funding. And that doesn't even take into account the hours a day going towards all the little things that interrupt a child's natural curiosity.

Did you know that schools that are not up to standard on the standardized testing (which by the way doesn't even match the state standards) get MORE money than others? If they continue to fail they get even more. If they do better the funds are taken away... appalling, huh?

2009-05-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

www.Tarot.com said...

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 -- The stubborn Taurus Moon encourages us to stand our ground, and the Sun's crunchy quincunx with unrelenting Pluto might pit us against an intense person who is feeling just as rigid. We want to hold to our highest ideals, for today's Jupiter-Chiron conjunction is like a carrot on a stick, teasing us with the possibility of reaping heavenly rewards even while we are still here on Earth. Ultimately, it's a challenge to balance our dreams with reality.

Taurus
Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 -- You don't want to do a lot of extra work today. In fact, you might choose to spend the day relaxing if it is totally up to you. But it's not only about your desires now, as there are social obligations that you must fulfill. Don't stress about it. Your resistance to doing what's expected of you is worse than the event itself.

What happened...
Wow, once again Rick is right on target for me! The three day weekend began slowly enough as I awoke to an empty bed, as Sweetie took on baby duty for the night (his way of saying thanks for my put-the-kids-to-sleep-early-on-a-Friday "homedate"- my way of assuring myself a sleep in Saturday surprise!)

However, the man had beer plans! Brewing a batch, that is, and inviting his buddy over with his little one for grilling burgers. Too bad, that particular buddy has history- and while I like to fancy myself a forgiving, friendly, faithful wife- this man just makes me mad. But I wasn't going to stress about it.

The event itself was... well, uneventful as expected. The burgers were good... one child was not; the conversation was strained... so were the juicy baked beans. The watermelon was well worth a morning of cleaning sticky fingerprints left all around the house at at 2 1/2 year old's level. Holding to my highest parenting ideals was a challenge with a child who knows no limits... but I stood my ground quietly, and kept my tongue (and children) in check.

All in all it is true- our expectations set the standard for our own satisfaction, and we shouldn't waste time dreading the less than wonderful moments we get to spend just enjoying the journey, whoever may be along for the ride. Nor should we indulge in disappointment, it only serves to make us fat with desire.

gREEK tOWN gRILL

2009-02-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

We were "just driving by" and, on the right, the corner spot of a sprawling strip mall caught my eye. Greek Town Grill...

http://greektowngrill.com/

... a charming, kid friendly (not kid focused) environment where you can relax and enjoy a freshly prepared, traditionally authentic Mediterranean meal.

Hubster got the Moussaka, while I enjoyed the Classic Gyros Sandwich and the kidkins both gobbled up the fresh hummus & pita bread before sharing our generous portions with us. We did the meal family style sharing the food and the experience together.

The natural wood tables and vibrantly colored dishes gave off a modern American-Grecian vibe - read their history here http://greektowngrill.com/pages/history.html - and a central large table with benches caters to the family and friends who gather at this quaint and comfortable eatery.

Their wine list included wines from several regions in Greece and a varied selection of bottled beers. A few flat screen TV's showed the Lakers game, and G was absorbed in the action, noting that the white team were much better (Denver was leading by 14 points at the time) than the dark blue.

We will return to Greek Town Grill- I can't wait to try the Lamb Sandwich, the Spanakopita and the Beeftekia.

Shipley Nature Center

2009-02-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.shipleynature.org/

As our little band of barefooters came out the green gates of the Shipley Nature Center after their docent led tour, they pleaded to play at the park. We headed for the structure, but the recently inspired naturalists spied a lonely hillside just across the expansive Central Park grass. Their imaginations led them on a two-hour tour of every precipice and crevice of the cliff like area, while we moms suppressed our gasps- the littlest ones scattered and scampered, sliding and slipping just like little Native American children may have not so very long ago.

During the walking tour of the habitats featured as part of the 18-acre restored natural area in the western portion of Huntington Beach Central Park, we learned a little about the people, plants and animals that share this planet of ours and a little about how we can help care for it. Monarch Butterflies, Bluebird Houses, lots of lizards and gigantic grasshoppers captured the attention of our pre-k to 3rd grade learners.

We felt a bit rushed and are looking forward to going back on a self-guided tour. More to come about Shipley Nature Center...

mom and toddler fitness DVD by Parents

2009-01-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Joy and I began what I hope will be a solid tradition this morning! After winning a bet (we settle arguments in this way -it stops the debate until the answer can be found) my hubby bought me a wonderful new fitness DVD from Target. I wanted a wii, but $12.99 vs over $400? Produced by Parents, and geared towards the whole family. Oh and in case you didn't know Obama did not choose Biden as his running mate until August!

We both enjoyed the fun flexibility, the calming core exercises, balancing & breathing- and lots of playful parenting! It is easy to stay in the moment, enjoy your little one and follow the guided movements. I can see how this will strengthen both our bond and our bodies!

It says it is for 16 months and older, but at almost 1 years old Joy was able to get into what I was doing- and her weight was easier for me to use in the resistance portions. It ended with a sweet session of cuddling and calming- a nice transition into naptime.

Monday's Moonlight Meditation

2009-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

Current Moon Phase:
Full/Full Light

86% Illumination
Moon in Leo

Take a minute, go out and observe the moon tonight.

Breathe deeply and just let the thoughts that come ebb & flow like the tides caused by the luminous orb's endless cycles.

Concentrate on fullness- breathe fully. Fill your lungs with the night air.

Consider the fullness of your life.

Be full of Joy. Be full of Grace. Be full of love.

Be filled up by the food you have eaten.

What makes your motherhood journey full?

Please leave a comment below...

Happy Moonday.

Housewife in Hollywood's 5 on Friday

2009-01-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

http://housewifeinhollywood.com/

Hollywood is not behind the Orange curtain, nor is the author of this pop-culture-for-mommies blog, but we love her and her site anyway! Check out today's post if you are feeling nostagic about the 80's and looking for a movie for the weekend.

Who would have thought we'd look back fondly on a time that was filled with such horrible fashion faux pas? #1 & #3 can be shared with your kiddos (click on the numbers to follow a link to see parental advisories, if you want to be sure you agree!)

I must add my own personal favorite- a must for sick days, The Princess Bride.

Today we are off to a homeschool park day at Mile Square park - kicking off my series on the many available play days available to OC mamas who homeschool. I will be interviewing the other mothers & kids, and reviewing the parks so you can decide which park day fits your family.

Happy Friday!

PS Don't forget about TwitterMoms Virtual Wine Tasting tonight! Details here.

San Clemente Art Gallery

2009-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Located at the end of Del Mar, this simple, unimposing art gallery is tucked in the community center across from the Library and Senior Ceneter. A selection of local exhibits highlights the community and it interests. Be sure to vote for your favorite and be prepared to examine the styles, techniques and mediums used- the entire experience will take less than 30 minutes for most.

While there be sure to visit Billy's Deli, up the road near the top of Del Mar, and take sandwiches, along with a healthy picnic basket to enjoy an alfresco lunch.

Belly Sprout

2008-12-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

http://www.bellysprout.com/

After hearing about it for months from my babywearing group- I finally went to The Belly Sprout in Fullerton because I just had to try out the Ergo Carrier. Joy has outgrown the Moby D I purchased used, and I am uncomfortable in the Bjorn her daddy uses.
The first time I visited, Joy was asleep in the van so we sat outside for a while, watching the mamas & their kiddos popping in and skipping out. The curtains were gathered so as to give glimpses of the untold treasures inside, and the positive vibe thrived. I loved the quaint gathering spot the moment I walked in. It is charming and simple, Grace was drawn to the wood floored, recliner lined, open space used for all sorts of fun mama-ventures in the back I perused the nursing tanks, jewelry and skincare for the environment loving maternally blessed. Then Grace and I oohed and ahhed at all the natural, nurturing, earth-friendly fun playthings to examine.

We went in another time to buy the carrier and were again warmly welcomed, but didn't get to meet Christy Funk the owner. She is reputed to be a fabulous mama, full of sage wisdom and savvy advice. Many of the products in the boutique are hand selected by her, and handcrafted by her compadres. I adored the carrier covers made for the Ergo that I ended up purchasing. (I chose the cranberry Organic carrier and have been loving it!)

The visit inspired me to create this blog-site. I aspire to sell my handcrafted baby hats, blankets and park day quilts on it. Until then I will be publishing a series of articles about local hot spots for moms who love learning, laughing & living alongside their 6-10 year old offspring, with the added Joy of bringing baby along to explore.

Let's see where it grows!