Everyday Beauty

My in-laws from the Dominican Republic and my sister-in-law and brother-in-law from Chicago visited us last week. We had a great time enjoying our favorite restaurants and each other's company. When people come to visit, I love putting together welcome baskets with goodies that say "we're glad you're here."

One great gift was inspired by my good friend and fellow mom, Christina. In her dining room was a framed piece of Alex's fingerpaint art. Inspired, I cropped one of Gabriel's masterpieces, had him sign his little name at the bottom with the date, and placed it in a simple glass clip frame. On the back I attached a photograph of his painting technique to give it more of a "collector" feel ;) Another great tip from Christina is to use the sheets of artwork, which we hate to throw away, as wrapping paper. Pure genius!



Last week's Parent & Toddler Yoga class centered on the theme of beauty. We stretched our arms to the side like bright rainbows, naming all the colors we knew. We balanced in sitting flower pose, and talked about roses and sunflowers and their colors. We even saw beauty in crocodile pose and snake pose, knowing they are all part of the wonder of nature. Then we read Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar and saw how a tiny, voracious caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly, after a transformational three-week adventure. It was a nice opportunity to count and recognize fruits (and lollipops, sausage and pie, too).



Just for today, let's focus on the beauty that surrounds us. Photograph it, read about it, touch it, give it a little squeeze.

Teaching Toddlers About Acceptance

The theme of Tuesday's Parent and Toddler Yoga class was acceptance. Being ok when you're upset because you can't go outside to play or when you can't have a toy at the store. We opened our hearts with a gentle sitting backbend to look at what life brings, then we bent forward in a gesture of acceptance for what is. One of the ways we can practice acceptance is by being present. And to practice being present, we can focus on what we are experiencing through our five senses.

The usually active toddlers sat quietly and turned on their listening ears as I played sounds inside a magic bag. Their task was to identify what the sounds were, like the revving up of an engine, the quacking of a duck and the jingling of silver bells. Then we moved on to what our noses told us as we rubbed rosemary in our palms and breathed in its aroma. Then we smelled candles and many of them recognized the smell of peppermint oil.



After a great class, I couldn't help but feel a little more spiritual, mindful to practice more acceptance in my own life. But then today Pedro told me that he will be going to the Masters in Augusta, GA in April--for business, of course--and my heart sank, forgetting all about the peace that glowed from me yesterday. A long-time golf fan, I have always dreamed of going to the Masters, but now Pedro gets to go. Just when I think I've climbed another rung on the ladder of enlightenment, the Universe tests my attainment. I'm working on it. Where's my lavendar?

Daylight Savings

It already seems like there aren't enough hours in the day, and today we've lost yet another hour. I've spent the weekend organizing my home, first by taking on one of my biggest tasks -- going through Gabriel's old clothes. Jennie recommended buying the Container Store's Clear Deep Sweater boxes and label them by size. Whatever doesn't fit in the box has to go. It has been a cleansing project. As I smelled and folded all his 0-3 and 3-6 month clothes my heart sobbed a little at his fleeting baby-ness.

When I wasn't cleaning, organizing, doing laundry, getting a massage and shopping for kid shoes, I played on the floor with my son. He's finally starting to love his Melissa & Doug puzzle set, the one that comes with 10 puzzles, front and back. He and I take turns putting the shapes in and for a moment time stands still, and we have all the time in the world.
















Can never get enough of these piggies!

Pedro made his famous Baps, doughy rolls that taste terrific with tea and honey. I think it's his stress-buster, but our collective diet-buster.

Welcome!

This blog was started out of a need to organize my thoughts. Jennie Glasscock of Organize & Harmonize is coming over tomorrow to help me feel more organized at home. As a business owner of three different but connected types of businesses, a big part of me wants to start fresh and lay a better foundation for growth. As an older mom, my intention is to be an engaged and loving parent and partner in my family's life and still find balance by nurturing my other roles and interests.

This weekend was spent trying to finish A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle so that I can have a clue during Oprah's class tomorrow night. The reminders of how our egos work and how awareness, consciousness and being present are the keys to true happiness pervade my waking moments.

My intention for this blog is to be of service to those seeking and sharing wisdom about life's joys.