When it all just comes together

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.

Your topic is Paleo Diet- GO!

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!

Settling in, belonging

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.

Shipley Nature Center

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...

Housewife in Hollywood's 5 on Friday

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.