Happy 1st Birthday Mateo!!!

Here is the birthday boy with his new birthday hat! :-)


On March 23rd 2009 Mateo Alastair turned one year old! I took the day off from work at our summer program at school. I truly only wanted to celebrate. Sophia was at camp and Theodore had to go to the city, so it was just me and the birthday boy!

When Sophia turned one, I felt rather emotional. The year had gone by so fast! On her birthday the time seemed to stop for a moment and I realized how much had happened. All this time I had focused on taking one day at a time. My first baby, in a new country without my family close by, getting married not so long ago.... I must admit I pulled myself together pretty wee and not get overwhelmed.

Now that I am at home in the States have been a mom for the past six years I can only say that the past year with Mateo truly has been wonderful! I knew it was going to go by fast and therefore I reminded myself frequently to enjoy each moment. I lead a busy life, working full time as a teacher, two children, teaching flute, recorder and yoga on the side... but in a way that makes it helpful for me to deeply enjoy and appreciate the time I do have with Mateo and Sophia!

Thank you for coming into my life Mateo! You bring so much love and smiles to all of us. May you always find happiness no matter what comes!



We had strawberry short cakes for a treat, birthday hats and balloons. He loves balloons. Every time at Trader Joe's he will reach for them until someone comes and brings him one! ;)
The shortcake I made from scratch and had a great time putting them together. Next time I would like to try this recipe. It has ricotta cheese in it!
http://ilovemilkandcookies.blogspot.com/2007/10/strawberry-shortcakes.html

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards is something I learned about from my mother in law, Dede. After our wedding she asked me if I had already written thank you cards. I am glad she did, because now I love writing them and making them.

Theodore recently had a fare well party at work. I just finished making some cards to send out.

I used ivory card stock. Because I ripped the paper the bottom of the card has a nice unfinished edge. Out of felt I could out the different shapes. With green glitter glue I decorated the stems of the flowers. Nothing major, but I thought they came out well! :)

Thank You

Julia

Happy Fathers Day and Summer Solstice

Happy Papa with Mateo

This weekend, we celebrate two important events, one was Father's Day and the other Summer Solstice. Congratulations to all the wonderful fathers! I am proud to call my father part of my life and I will always be grateful that he had the strength and courage to step and raise me as his own! Danke Hollu!


Sophia determined to ride her scooter on the hike trail!

Summer Solstice: "A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme" (Wikipedia)

Theodore and Sophia painted beautiful sun paintings outside. It was perfect as it combined special papa time with creative energies flowing to paint our wonderful sister sun!

On Sunday we went for a small hike through the Los Altos Hills. Below I attached some pictures from our hike.


A little prayer to the Fathers and Sun:
May we always know peace,
May we always live in harmony,
May be dance in each others company,
and
May be always be respectful of each other.

Happy night!

Juliet


Doesn't this tree look very strong and mysterious?!

Setting Examples

Growing up meal times were important family times. We were called to the dinner table. We would wait until everyone was seated and only then would we begin our meal. We would eat together. Once everyone was finished we got up and cleared the table together.
Even though today I find this tradition a little rigid I do like the quality it brings to the dinner table. The atmosphere is different when everyone is there. We learned to value what has been cooked. We learned to enjoy the food with each other. We shared about our day and listened to each other.

Now that I have my own children I am trying to instill some of that quality as well. I am trying to find a way that will still leave room for flexibility. I want my children to come together for enjoyment, rather than "because mom says so!". (Not that this was necessarily true in my family) I hope they will enjoy coming together. That they are wanting to eat together.

Why am I writing all this? The other day I had dinner with Sophia and Mateo. My independent Sophia kept getting up as soon as she was finished with her dinner and began playing in the living room while Mateo and I were still eating. I asked her to stay with us, so that we could be together, and that now would be a good time to have "Mama time" were as later I would be busy with the baby again. It took a little while, but she did return to the table.

In the meantime, I kept finding myself wanting to get up and do other things in the kitchen. I had to smile at myself, because I had to restrain myself from doing what Sophia acted out, doing my own things. However, because I stayed at the table and now enjoyed myself at the table, it drew Sophia back to the dinner.

In many ways we are all still children learning, just that we as adults have more control over our actions and thoughts. Modeling and being honest about what we feel, think and how to turn unhappy energy into cheerful energy is something we can do for our children.

Summer is here

I love summer. It is my favorite time of the year! Each year, when I first hear the birds sing in the morning, every time I smile. That first song, just has something magical and wonderful!

It is not warm yet, but Sophia is already enjoying the pool. She is a good swimmer and it is perfect exercise for her. There is a lot of energy bundled up in one small girl! ;)

Mateo put his little foot in the water today. At first he was surprised by how cold it was, but then LOVED to splash the water with his hands!

I guess it will be a while until I get to read my book by the pool again! ;)

Happy summer everyone!!!

Picture

Here is the picture of the hair clips I made! Just a simple little something, I know, but one small step at a time....

Turning twenty eight and more

Hi again~

On june 9th 2009 I turned the magical age of 28. Somehow this year does have some significance. Coming from the Anthroposophy philosophy, but also in the chinese tradition as my mother informed me, we go through cycles in our lives. Each cycle is about 7 years long. So I am entering my fourth cycle.

By mainly I felt more grown up. I could firmly feel confidence growing in me. With which I am coming to the point of what I am really thinking. I need to be more confident. Confident in myself, confident in my abilities etc.

Of course in order to become confident I have to realize what my abilities are and who I am!!!

(I did make a list, just didn't want to post it here;))

I recently took a test as to which Yoga pose fits me best. I didn't think much off it, but when the description came back, I was amazed at how accurately it described my personality:
"You may be quiet or shy, but you are someone who offers genuine comfort to those around you. Even though you are more introverted, others flock to you because they feel better when you are near. You are a home body, but enjoy hosting close family and friends because they bring such a sense of joy to you.."

Well, one ability I would like to improve and enjoy more are home made goods. I enjoy making special meals, baked goods, sew and knit.

I actually already got started on it!!!

I baked delicious whole wheat chocolate cookies, which I got from a great blog: http://morganmoore.typepad.com/one_more_moore/2007/01/whole_wheat_cho.html

I also made some cute little hair clip covers for Sophia. She loved them and so then we made some for her friend next door as well!

Here is a picture of the clips. (Sorry won't load properly, will have to add it in another time :()


Well, I am enjoying this, and so I hope I will be back soon!

juliet