We woke up past 7:00 and had a quiet day. The kids helped me make latkes for lunch and then they each ate five! Lukas came over around 3:00 (Silke and Anna are off to a workshop this weekend) and then we discovered that the car wouldn't start when it was time for drumming class.
Danielle saved the day. We walked to her house, dropped First off to play and then I drove Lukas and Kinder to class. We picked up sushi and pizza and then dropped the car off and picked up First. It felt great to be out in the cold, fresh air in the dark.
There's something very Ezra Jack Keats in the way the kids' bodies move in and out of light and dark while they play and run outside at night. I'm into it.
I've decreed tomorrow a screen-free day. Kinder thinks he's going to be bored to death. It's been good to slow down this week, but I want to slow it down even more. With the screens on, we tend to spend chunks of time staring at a screen instead of doing things with each other.
Danielle will come by in the morn with her jumper cables and we'll see if we can get the car running.
Friday, November 30, 2007
The sun in fall in new england
On our drive up to MA last weekend, I noticed something for the first time. During this time as Winter Solstice creeps upon us here in the norhteast, the sun arcs over us lower in the sky.
It was a true, "what the...?" moment. But, it explains something. Why wouldn't it make us feel "less alive", as Holly put it to me the other day, if the sun itself can't make it completely overhead?
It was a true, "what the...?" moment. But, it explains something. Why wouldn't it make us feel "less alive", as Holly put it to me the other day, if the sun itself can't make it completely overhead?
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Hmm. Couldn't figure out how to post their video from YouTube even though I've done it before. Check it out here and let me know what you think. They're like a dab of yellow on a palette of grey. Thanks Brent!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
She did good
Heather was eliminated from America's Next Top Model tonight. She has Asperger's Syndrome and was truly a delight to watch and root for the past few months.
World's fastest craft project
Anna and the kids sent Kinder a make-your-own-stuffed-animal kit for his birthday. It arrived today as the kids were finishing their sandwiches. They opened the package after lunch and wanted to get going right away.
And they did.
And they did.
Rice and beans
My first goal for this winter: solidify into my repertoire an excellent version of rice and beans. If you have any tried and true recipes, please send them my way!
(My favorite rice and beans thus far are the Haitian dishes that Cap used to bring home from HAPHI parties when we lived in MA. Yum.)
(My favorite rice and beans thus far are the Haitian dishes that Cap used to bring home from HAPHI parties when we lived in MA. Yum.)
Dr. Vinny
Yesterday afternoon the kids and I made our way to Vinny who squeezed us in fairly last minute.
Vinny is a chiropractor who practices traditional Chinese medicine. One of the things I like about him is that he is the antithesis of "new agey". He grew up locally and is very down-to-earth.
Something else I like about him is that he is very clear, compassionate and direct. He listens really well and therefore remembers.
And, he is able to accept our health insurance so visits to him cost no more than our co-pay.
When I go with the kids it's usually a bit hairy. The space is small and I feel badly that others may be bothered by the kids' noisy energy. The work I get done is superficial because I can't completely turn my head off when the kids are underfoot. But, I was desperate and I wanted the kids to get treated, too.
Neither child was able to completely relax into the treatment (First was able to more than Kinder, but stopped short at the "seeds") and during my treatment, both kids were up on the table with me at one point or another.
Kinder has been exploring his olfactory sense lately (to which I can completely relate being highly olfactory myself) and at one point he was lying on top of my lower half and stuck his nose right into my backside. That did little to disrupt my attempts at breathing with the work, to hook up to the proverbial IV of good stuff that flows within and without us, it was when he started talking about needing to wash his nose to get the stink off that I could not suppress my laughter.
Despite all this, when I swung myself off the table, First looked up at me and said, "you look different". I told him I felt happier and better and he said my face looked thinner.
As soon as I started walking I could feel that there was so much more stuff still hanging in and on me. I'm going back next week...alone :-)
What he said about children being most open when they are sleeping really struck me. I ended up going to bed late again last night. I remembered what Vinny said about practicing chigon in the room with them while they were in bed and so tried it. I was jazzed and wanted to calm myself down before getting under the covers with them.
I felt remarkably calm afterwards and can't recall the last time I got into bed and it felt so comfortable...my body felt almost weightless yet the act of getting horizontal felt great. I could really feel the contours of my pillow, the snuggliness of the flannel bedding, it was amazing.
And I thought I might fall right asleep and I didn't, but my pre-sleep reverie was pleasant and self-consciousness left me quickly.
Vinny is a chiropractor who practices traditional Chinese medicine. One of the things I like about him is that he is the antithesis of "new agey". He grew up locally and is very down-to-earth.
Something else I like about him is that he is very clear, compassionate and direct. He listens really well and therefore remembers.
And, he is able to accept our health insurance so visits to him cost no more than our co-pay.
When I go with the kids it's usually a bit hairy. The space is small and I feel badly that others may be bothered by the kids' noisy energy. The work I get done is superficial because I can't completely turn my head off when the kids are underfoot. But, I was desperate and I wanted the kids to get treated, too.
Neither child was able to completely relax into the treatment (First was able to more than Kinder, but stopped short at the "seeds") and during my treatment, both kids were up on the table with me at one point or another.
Kinder has been exploring his olfactory sense lately (to which I can completely relate being highly olfactory myself) and at one point he was lying on top of my lower half and stuck his nose right into my backside. That did little to disrupt my attempts at breathing with the work, to hook up to the proverbial IV of good stuff that flows within and without us, it was when he started talking about needing to wash his nose to get the stink off that I could not suppress my laughter.
Despite all this, when I swung myself off the table, First looked up at me and said, "you look different". I told him I felt happier and better and he said my face looked thinner.
As soon as I started walking I could feel that there was so much more stuff still hanging in and on me. I'm going back next week...alone :-)
What he said about children being most open when they are sleeping really struck me. I ended up going to bed late again last night. I remembered what Vinny said about practicing chigon in the room with them while they were in bed and so tried it. I was jazzed and wanted to calm myself down before getting under the covers with them.
I felt remarkably calm afterwards and can't recall the last time I got into bed and it felt so comfortable...my body felt almost weightless yet the act of getting horizontal felt great. I could really feel the contours of my pillow, the snuggliness of the flannel bedding, it was amazing.
And I thought I might fall right asleep and I didn't, but my pre-sleep reverie was pleasant and self-consciousness left me quickly.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Apron
I dusted off my Waldorf blogs bookmark and did some reading today. I read a piece by Donna Simmons, a Waldorf homeschooler guru of sorts, here, about using clothing as props to facilitate moving into and out of particular roles as a homeschooling parent.
Inspired, I plucked my beautiful apron from the pantry and put it on. My aunt Makiko (Momoko's mom) gave this to me a few years ago. I've kept it handy, but have never worn it.
I like this kind of mindfulness when I think of it :-p
* to get to the post, scroll down to Sept. 28 once you open the link
Smoothies
At Karen and Brent's this weekend Will made us smoothies. A process delectable in its love, promise and delivery.
It inspired some smoothie making of our own yesterday. Kinder went through three batches chasing the elusive je ne sais quois...mixed berry, straight strawberry, straight blueberry. In the end, it seemed it was the quantity of the rice milk which made all the difference.
It inspired some smoothie making of our own yesterday. Kinder went through three batches chasing the elusive je ne sais quois...mixed berry, straight strawberry, straight blueberry. In the end, it seemed it was the quantity of the rice milk which made all the difference.
Wind
Ever since I can remember, I've loved the way the wind feels and sounds. Blustery cliffside wind with the crash of ocean waves accompanying, the soft rustle of leaves backed by the creak of swaying trees, the whistling and whipping kind, all of it.
Here in our treehouse home, the wind wakes me up at night. I can, and do, sleep through lights being switched on, ever growing children tossing and turning about me, and people coming and going in the night. But, if the wind picks up outside during the night, consciousness rips right through dream state and my eyes open.
Last night I enjoyed a late night phone call to a friend out west. Then communed with the wind during the night. Then was awake for good around five. I'm going to do some chigon now. That will help.
Here in our treehouse home, the wind wakes me up at night. I can, and do, sleep through lights being switched on, ever growing children tossing and turning about me, and people coming and going in the night. But, if the wind picks up outside during the night, consciousness rips right through dream state and my eyes open.
Last night I enjoyed a late night phone call to a friend out west. Then communed with the wind during the night. Then was awake for good around five. I'm going to do some chigon now. That will help.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The first day of the rest of the year
Cap was our stalwart driver as the kids and I rode home yesterday afternoon and night in various stages of repose. It was a trip with some traffic and many bathroom stops. Kinder had his first sack of BK french fries which made me cringe a bit.
Today, laundry, food shopping, reading Ironman Power Pack, a more rhythmic day of meals and screen time, unpacking, meeting the new dog upstairs, a two hour plus nap for Kinder who has needed the opportunity for some recuperative sleep, uploading the hundred plus pictures from the weekend into the computer, putting out all the recyclables, and this:
Lukas and Owen are over (Danielle has class tonight and her usual sitter called in sick), it'll be pizza and sushi momentarily.
Cap leaves for Sandy and Mike's tonight and then Austin tomorrow morning.
Today, laundry, food shopping, reading Ironman Power Pack, a more rhythmic day of meals and screen time, unpacking, meeting the new dog upstairs, a two hour plus nap for Kinder who has needed the opportunity for some recuperative sleep, uploading the hundred plus pictures from the weekend into the computer, putting out all the recyclables, and this:
Lukas and Owen are over (Danielle has class tonight and her usual sitter called in sick), it'll be pizza and sushi momentarily.
Cap leaves for Sandy and Mike's tonight and then Austin tomorrow morning.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Leaves and trees
This I do love about where I live. These were all taken walking around the yard this afternoon.
Thanksgiving
Cap did his thing with our turkey, everyone contributed something to the table and it was a beautiful and delicious meal. The hits for me: my sister's turkey sausage stuffing with pecans and Momoko's spinach dip. But, really, everything was yummy.
Kinder and my mom (Baba to the kids) had a blast playing soccer. The ball and net were her birthday gifts to him. It was about 70 degrees out.
A Thanksgiving tradition is to take the family photo which my parents use for their holiday cards. First was all jazzed giving his grandfather bunny ears. Here he is completely subdued because I made him stop.
I cannot believe he is six. So wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Pink hat
I have a terrible memory for some things. I used to have an excellent memory for birthdays and phone numbers, but having kids has weakened this secret talent of mine.
I have a hard time remembering what happened in movies I've seen, sometimes even forgetting that I've seen a movie at all.
I never remember who I did something with and have been caught in webs of embarrassment and surprise as I recount a story to a friend and they look at me quizzically before gently letting me know that they know, because they were there with me when it happened.
Something else I have a hard time remembering is who has given me which beautiful, meaningful, thoughtful gifts over the years. I love the books, cds, jewelry, and wonderful decorative and functional objects. But, I often forget who they are from.
I have this distinctive, wool, pink hat. I don't remember if someone gave it to me or if I bought it myself. But, I love it and have had it for well over 10 years. I've been wearing it a lot lately because it's perfect for short hair and for covering up bed head ("my hair had a party last night!" we say in our household a la Trout Fishing in America).
Monkey see, monkey do.
I have a hard time remembering what happened in movies I've seen, sometimes even forgetting that I've seen a movie at all.
I never remember who I did something with and have been caught in webs of embarrassment and surprise as I recount a story to a friend and they look at me quizzically before gently letting me know that they know, because they were there with me when it happened.
Something else I have a hard time remembering is who has given me which beautiful, meaningful, thoughtful gifts over the years. I love the books, cds, jewelry, and wonderful decorative and functional objects. But, I often forget who they are from.
I have this distinctive, wool, pink hat. I don't remember if someone gave it to me or if I bought it myself. But, I love it and have had it for well over 10 years. I've been wearing it a lot lately because it's perfect for short hair and for covering up bed head ("my hair had a party last night!" we say in our household a la Trout Fishing in America).
Monkey see, monkey do.
Portrait
First recently sketched me as I sat on the couch watching tv. (This was the day after my 3 hours of sleep post-DC and Kinder throwing up in the middle of the night. I very rarely watch tv during the day.)
Art, and certainly drawing, permeates our life. This first foray into portraiture was inspired, I think, by Lucia's Louvre sketches on Holly's blog. He and I haven't spoken about it, but I think her art made an impression on him.
Art, and certainly drawing, permeates our life. This first foray into portraiture was inspired, I think, by Lucia's Louvre sketches on Holly's blog. He and I haven't spoken about it, but I think her art made an impression on him.
Nisei WWII vets stamp
If you want to learn more about it and sign a petition, go here.
(Thanks to Cap and Ellen O. for the heads up.)
(Thanks to Cap and Ellen O. for the heads up.)
Kinder's 6th birthday party
Kinder drawing and coloring his birthday cd covers before the party started. First was his sous artist and was a big help.
First and his best friends playing "jankenpo" (Rock, Paper, Scissors) while eating a lunch of sushi and pizza.
Kinder can only take so much being amongst a crowd. Every now and again I would come across him and Lukas hanging out on or behind the big bed (the coat bed of my childhood when my parents would have big parties) playing by themselves.
Holly and Lucia are missed often by me as they spend six months in Paris. Here, during the alternative Hot Potato game, their spirits were with us. It was great to be able to spend some time outdoors and get some fresh air.
The Ben 10 cake, a Bette Hagman's feather light yellow cake with decadent white frosting from Living Without...kids (ever so vigilant and caring) asked First whether he was okay to be eating the cake and grown ups were surprised and delighted as they tucked into a GFCF cake that was just as good as "regular" cake.
Winding down with cousin, Auntie and Uncle, and my cousin, Momoko.
The birthday song.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Making breadsticks
A happy way to end the day. The kids love making these GF breadsticks from a bag (Chebe brand). We rarely get to knead dough so this is a treat.
I was in an inexplicable black mood for most of the day. Being a peripheral bakers' helper was therapeutic.
Tried to get a holiday photo...may have succeeded.
Can you guess whose hands are who's?
Monday, November 19, 2007
It's bullet time
• Kinder's birthday party was great. We had quite a crowd, but the energy was warm and happy and we had a good time. Pictures to come.
• First has become a boob man. Today he was singing a song of his own making about how much he loves boobs. He thinks they're funny, he's magnetically drawn to them. It's been embarrassing and poignant and a lesson in tolerance and patience.
• I canceled Austin. First has been expressing fear of separation and it just started feeling less and less worth it. Cap was amazing in his immediate and genuine support and understanding. So we'll work on a plan B to celebrate togetherness sans kids. The smile of relief on First's face when I told him this morning spoke a thousand words.
• Looking forward to a period of reflection and quiet as we head towards the solstice. The kids have been pretty media saturated (for us, which is still so much less than most, but still, a lot, for us...and there we have a circle) and I am longing for some rhythm.
• Within hours of Kinder's party ending I felt like I was back to myself. Suddenly I had space to think and time to relax. This continued into today. I watched Anna and Lukas for a few hours, the kids played and I picked up my knitting for the first time in weeks. I baked brownies for our neighbors to make up for the ruckus we created in the hallways and house yesterday with our nearly 40 guests. There were vegetables back in our meals. The kids and I read in bed for almost an hour tonight.
• Both kids had meltdowns today. Afterwards it was like that dry, clear, blue that comes after a summer storm blows away a stagnant humid front.
• First has become a boob man. Today he was singing a song of his own making about how much he loves boobs. He thinks they're funny, he's magnetically drawn to them. It's been embarrassing and poignant and a lesson in tolerance and patience.
• I canceled Austin. First has been expressing fear of separation and it just started feeling less and less worth it. Cap was amazing in his immediate and genuine support and understanding. So we'll work on a plan B to celebrate togetherness sans kids. The smile of relief on First's face when I told him this morning spoke a thousand words.
• Looking forward to a period of reflection and quiet as we head towards the solstice. The kids have been pretty media saturated (for us, which is still so much less than most, but still, a lot, for us...and there we have a circle) and I am longing for some rhythm.
• Within hours of Kinder's party ending I felt like I was back to myself. Suddenly I had space to think and time to relax. This continued into today. I watched Anna and Lukas for a few hours, the kids played and I picked up my knitting for the first time in weeks. I baked brownies for our neighbors to make up for the ruckus we created in the hallways and house yesterday with our nearly 40 guests. There were vegetables back in our meals. The kids and I read in bed for almost an hour tonight.
• Both kids had meltdowns today. Afterwards it was like that dry, clear, blue that comes after a summer storm blows away a stagnant humid front.
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