dokomokodomo

A life in ribbons...

2010-09-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight as she lay sleeping I sorted through my daughter's hair ribbons.She starts school tomorrow. There were a lot of ribbons and I was looking for just the right one for her first day. One of them was mine from when I was small. I held it and remembered my mother teaching my how to roll it up and stick a straight pin in it to hold it in place. I would be so careful when trying to pick one out of my own basket but somehow always managed to prick a finger. My method now is far more crude. Then I came across the small bow that had been her first; the one the nurse had stuck on her head with KY Jelly when she was only a few hours old! Gross! I'm sorry but you should not encounter KY Jelly until you are much older!

Slowly, as I looked at all those ribbons lying there on the floor, her life began to unfurl; a pink satin ribbon I'd bought to match an Easter dress, stripped grosgrain from a mermaid birthday costume, rich brown ones that had been lovingly tied onto birthday gifts from dear friends (you just have to love a real ribbon on a gift!), remnants of bows we had attached to friend's baby shower invites and some thin champagne colored stuff from bouquets... as they curled around me I realized I was seeing my daughter's life in ribbons. And what a beautiful life it has been.

Tomorrow we will send her off to begin a new loop in that life. I wonder what colors and textures it will hold. Will this new experience be wound tightly around her? Will it be wide and flowing? I can only hope that we will all look back on with as much fondness as that which has already passed. And yes, I did choose RED ribbons for tomorrow! "When in doubt, wear red!" (Bill Blass)

Thwarted plans...

2010-08-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

Oh the plans that we make for a summer
submersion, breathing, swinging...

How quickly it can change!

the wailing you never expect to hear
your child's body broken crying from the soul
wanting to be the one hurt instead

the expectations of the worst
the pushing to make normalcy out of a catastrophe

then in the agony of healing

beyond the unexpected

the realization

the disbelief

what have we done?

is there anything to show for this beyond pale facades?

healed bones? tightly knitted bonds?

To market, to market to buy...

2010-05-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

strawberries!

pints, and quarts and gallons of them

many stained fingers and lips

time with granna

and a mermaid balloon

my guy

2010-05-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

you just have to love a boy in cowboy boots!

(yes, I did make him put on his "underwears" before I took this shot)

this stage where they live in their costumes is one of my favorites

look at that face. he believes that he is tough

"Mom, I am not Henry. I am a guy!"

2010-05-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

if you met her face to face you would never think that she is shy

everything she does is very emphatic and full of charisma
there is never any mystery to what goes on with Bea
for instance, today she came to me with a radiant look on her face
"God just talked to me!" she exclaimed
"really? what did he say?"
"my nose itched so I scratched it..
and then God told me to remember, 'don't pick your nose!'"
but until now, when she got in front of a crowd she froze

we couldn't help but wonder how could this be the same child

was there something we were missing?

so imagine our relief when at her program this morning she sang her little heart out

whew...

she also waved at everyone she knew about five times

that is the girl we know!

Most Special Things About Mama:

2010-05-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Henry - play race cars with Mama and cake, like to go bathroom with Mama
Bea - I love Mama. I like to sleep with her in the middle. I like to play with her. I love to go on dates with her with no boys and sometimes I like to go on errands. I love to sit by her while we eat.
Gus - Mama is so nice. I love mama. I like to go watch movies with Mom.
Papa - Mama gives us her time, energy and love. She is the first one we turn to when we are hurt or afraid.
I love you dear. You are a wonderful mother. Thank you for giving yourself so freely to us all.

Happy Mother's Day!

Scarlett Eirawen

2010-05-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

it was an unusually warm day in may when you were born

we had all partied for cinco de mayo the night before
your mom was so ready to hold you in her arms

I drove her because your daddy was out on a really long bike ride

he showed up just in time for your grand entrance though

and what an entrance it was

we told the nurses it was going to be quick

your mama had been through that before
she barely made it for your sister's birth
then there you were
it was so quick your head wasn't even squished
a head with more hair than you brother and sister
they didn't even have time to call the midwife
the nurse caught you as you slid out

your brother and sister were playing with bubbles when your dad called to tell them you were here

a pink wiggling baby girl!

you are beautiful
I am so glad that I was able to witness your birth

and I can't wait to get to know you...

Getting Around St. George's

2010-05-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

never before on vacation have we had such a wide variety of transportation available to us
it has definitely been one of the highlights of this trip
our favorite mode? the mule! our very own 4wd golf cart
the kids take turns being the "driver"
my least favorite? the kayak! it kills my back
still there is nothing that compares to being out on the water

a two year-old's view of vacation

2010-05-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

St. George's Island 2010

by Henry

then and now in swimsuits

2010-04-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

besides the fact that my kids are still wearing the same swimsuits...

this is pretty astounding

they have changed so much in two years

2009 in holbox (5, 2 and 9 months)

2011 in st. george (8, 4 and 2)

the baby was barely begining to walk

my girl just able to trot around

now they are no longer little

how breathtaking to see their growth in such a tangible way

I miss those babies

but oh, what fun we have now!

Dr. E. B. Carter

2010-04-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

we all have secret ambitions for our children
usually they are the ones we have yet to fulfill ourselves
mine for my daughter is that she will help bring babies into the world
so we talk a lot about the mechanics of such things at our home
today she asked a neighbor who is not pregnant if she was...
oops!
when the neighbor told her that she was not, my daughter replied,
"don't worry, when you finish nursing that baby hump will go away!"
needless to say, she still has a bit to learn about bedside manner.

a past time

2010-04-16T19:43:00.001-07:00

we took the kids to a baseball game

on our way coach reminded me of days past

we used to attend a lot of ball games before we had kids

at the games we would see my roommate and my brother

"remember when we would see brian and katie?" he asked me

they would be sitting out in the outfield

my brother without his shirt, KT in a tube top

working on their tans

we would laugh and wave

they were the only ones out there

now eight years later they are married and we all have kids

the days of sitting on a sunday afternoon at a game soaking up rays is long past

if only we had know then what a luxury just "sitting" would become

for now we only wish we could all be at a game together

at least we could slather sunscreen on the kids,

watch them wait patiently for foul balls and throw cracker jacks at each other

because before we know it, the days of "sitting" and watching the game will be here again

just as now we are longing for those leisurely days of dating

then we will be reminiscing about times past with the kids

Late Friday Night

2010-04-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

I can remember a day when the last thing I did on Friday night did NOT include looking for cleats...

I cannot say that it was more worthwhile but it might have been more exciting!

Egg Hunt at the Club

2010-04-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

ready for our annual pre-easter hunt

it's good practice for the real hunt the next day!

we lost henry half-way thorough when he realized there was candy in the eggs!

being "sooooo" gentle

no longer afraid of the bunny
I guess you have to turn three

my sunshine girl!

and cute aunt danielle in the back

a meal for all

2010-04-02T17:40:00.001-07:00

all three children and friends were a part of a passover celebration tonight
they were all finally old enough to a least listen to the story and enjoy the rituals
and some might have understood the symbols
the very oldest kids seemed to even grasp what it means for each of them personally
their answers to the five questions showed as much
of course by the end of the meal there were babies under the table and kids dying to be excused
but all in all I'm so glad we took he time to include them
next year we'll know much more clearly what needs special planning

dipping bitter herbs in tears

enjoying the very last drop

2010-03-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

I was the one who got in trouble today

my son found out that I put

"No gifts please!" on his birthday party invite!

you think it's a inconvenient when they can figure out what you're spelling

it's twice the pain when they learn to read

we have to work a lot harder to keep things secret

the birthday package from my parents in Japan?

"Mom, it says there's a lure in here! Can I open it?"

package on the front porch?

"That's from lego. It's for my birthday isn't it?"

and today when he saw the invite, "Moommmmmm!"

you get the idea...

so I'm off the have "that" talk again.

BIG trouble

2010-03-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

in the bath tonight my B was trying to keep her hair dry
but of course, as always, it got wet
"that's not SUCH big trouble" she said
"now if your arm was torn off... THAT would be BIG trouble!"
it instantly reminded me of being in labor
they always ask about pain
how is it? what is it on a scale of one to ten?
all in an attempt to convince you that you are not meant to be doing this unaided
the first time I was asked this question I was in hard labor
my response to the pushy nurse was
"about a four! if I was lying in a ditch, my limbs cut off and in labor... that might be a nine!"
Coach apologized and said, "she has a big imagination."
so I'm glad to see that my daughter can also imagine worse
you could always be in bigger trouble than you already are!

Coming Across the Wedding Towels

2010-03-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

sometimes an unfortunate event will turn out to be just what you needed
that was the case today when my daughter decided to empty my linen closet yesterday
well not "empty" more like.. no it was "empty"
she wanted "baby blankets" for her dolls
and I told her she could use them
little did I know that she would climb up onto the shelves in the closet
and root around until she found all the little girl blankets,
knock all the other blankets down when she pulled them out
and walk over them several times carrying hers back and forth
I had little choice but to take the rest of the things out and start from scratch
in the process I once again came across a set of beautiful virgin white towels

the coach and I were given these towels for our wedding
we have yet to use these towels
I just can't stand the thought of grubby little hands getting a hold of them
every so often I will take them out and contemplate putting them into circulation
then I quickly put them back in their drawers
and we continue using the old ones
often I am upset when I find my family members using our beach towels
most likely it's my fault for hiding the nice ones, not turning over laundry often enough
and leaving an unorganized closet
now there will be no excuses
the closet looks quite presentable
and tomorrow go and buy a set of towels that are navy or some such color

Finally!

2010-03-20T11:01:00.001-07:00

my little guy got the coolest christmas present
but there was a problem
it's made of duck cloth and smelled like dead fish
"mom, it's REALLY stinky!" was all he would say
so no one has used it
last night I FINALLY washed it
why didn't I do that three months ago?
now it's sitting outside in the sunshine and getting lots of use
and just in time -
it's the first day of spring!
this day could not have been more perfect
up early for soccer, breakfast with friends, neighbors kids running in and out of the house
and I have a party to go to in a few hours!
maybe I'll even be able to remember where I put my new lipstick?
I couldn't ask for more
until I have to leave I'd better get back out there and enjoy this sunshine
Happy First Day of Spring!

2010-03-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Last night the kids all went to bed in green pajamas
just in case they saw each other after midnight...
the pinching was to be avoided at all costs
today one of them noticed how many
different shades of green we have in our life
I am reminded of how it was my favorite color growing up
especially the green of the rice field
will they ever get to know that green?

men in pink

2010-03-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

if REAL men wear pink
my little man is as authentically as male as they come

and don't blame his mama and sister
our favorite colors are red and gold
he's just drawn to it
his papa who was an anthropology major says that it was the color of masculinity eons ago
and if psychologists are correct pink, especially bright pink has the ability to lessen irritation and aggression if only for a while
which would be perfect for this little guy...
maybe men and pink do go together

delight!

2010-03-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

we got to spend the day with our sweet new cousin today

we never dreamed that we'd get to see her again so soon

makes us wish our other cousins lived closer too

when I looked at her I felt as though I knew her already

and I realized it's because she looks like my girl!

which makes her even more endearing...

we went home and took out all the baby photos

talk about hours of entertainment

I hope we get to see eden again soon

having a new cousin around is the second best thing to having your very own new sibling

eden

bea

oscars!

2010-03-10T07:01:00.001-08:00

my boy decided he wanted to be a part of the Girl's Only Oscar Party this year
his role? the bartender!
his reasons were completely monetary
as you can see his bar was complete with a tips jar
being in the restaurant business I guess we shouldn't be surprised by our little entrepreneur?
he even dressed for the occasion... it was a pajama party!
B's favorite part? getting to hang out with her own personal Chanel make-up specialist!
who was of course trying to get her to say, "thanks, it's Chanel!"

jumping the gun

2010-03-06T15:21:00.001-08:00

today was the first warm day of the year

and these kids cannot wait to swim outdoors

I wish I could bring myself to tell them it's still going to be a few months...

out and about

2010-03-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

I ran errands with my sweet girl today

we're getting ready for our annual girl's oscar party

flowers, movies star shades, chocolates, etc.

she had a lot to say

"mom, do you know that you're famous?"

good to know. i had no idea!

and "when can I get those things on my teeth?"

what things?

"you know those shiny things where you can change the colors?"

(thank goodness she was not talking about a grill)

how does she know about braces? and changing colors?

I can see her checking out the big kids at the dentist office

this child is definitely a watcher

we also happened upon a VW bug

something I've been trying to get a photo of forever

they come in a beautiful blue/grey/green color

I love color but a name for this one alludes me

(it's a tad more green and grey than in this shot)

I've been looking for it for a long time

it's the perfect color for my bedroom walls

so we snapped a shot and headed to the paint store

we settled on tranquility for the bedroom and beehive for the kitchen

I think I'm getting close to deciding

as we got close to home she asked,

"are we getting back into our territory?"

spoken like a girl who usually spends her days fighting battles with her brothers

thank goodness for our girl time!

2010-02-21T23:00:00.000-08:00

Eden Adelaide

New eyes awaken.

I send Love's name into the world with wings

And songs grow up around me like a jungle.

Choirs of all creatures sing the tunes

Your Spirit played in Eden.

— Thomas Merton

Welcome to our newest cousin.

We are so glad to make your acquaintance,

enthralled by all your beautiful little parts,

admire your already strong spirit

and can't wait to get to know you more!

Happy Birthday, Ba!

2010-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

We don't know what we'd do without you!

We hope you have another wonderful year!

and thank you for the cake, auntie!

not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach

2010-02-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION!
IF YOU DO NOT LIKE BLOOD PLEASE DO NOT SCROLL DOWN!

this morning my sweet daughter's nose looked something like this

it will never look like this again

because by late afternoon it looked kind of like this

and by the time she went to bed a lot like this

Home Sweet Home

2010-02-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

some days are just like this...

everyone gets along,

there are smiles on faces

and songs in hearts

and it makes you wonder

why we ever go anywhere and do anything

they are just so happy to be here,

enjoying each moment

at home!

love birds

2010-02-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

God turns you from one feeling to another
and teaches by means of opposites,
so that you will
have two wings to fly, not one." - Rumi

my love gave me a beautiful valentine
special in more ways than one
birds made in Haiti
five of them, flapping their metal wings
reminding us of all we have been given
how quickly it can be taken
all five of them singing
of what we mean to each other
how glad we are to be together
will our children ever fully understand these things?
the drums from which they were made
beat, beat, beat
reminding me to show them
we are blessed, loved, and we need to give in return

valentine carnage a valentine ukulele

being four and a half

2010-02-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

today, my girl, marks the halfway point between four and five

in six short months you have learned to do so many things

we are daily amazed at your accomplishments

you have baked your first cake

can now write your name and the names of all the people you love

swim all on your own (that was a big suprise!)

have met your first princess

had your first ballet lessons

played your first soccer season

it seems that every time we turn around there is a new skill that you have mastered

instead of us helping you along I think that it would be more accurate to say that you teach us how to be more affectionate, compassionate, forgiving and fun

thank you for letting us be a part of your life...

A Baby Gift

2010-02-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

opening the gift

my younger brother will soon be a father for the first time

so we put together a special gift for them
but a little bit about their life first

they live in a trailer (no crib or changing table)
aren't "sure" if the baby is a boy or girl... hmmm!
are a bit more green than the average people (in other words "eco-conscious")

keeping all of those things in mind we made them a eco-friendly, gender neutral, transportable changing station!

it includes newborn essentials like a clean onsie, my favortie aiden and anis gauze blanket, alcohol swabs for the umbilical cord, vaseline and q-tips (in the unlikely event that they have a boy), organic nursing pads and bamboo burp cloth, pba free pacifier and cute clip, unbleached, biodegradable diapers and wipes, a fun wipes travel case in a japanese frog print, reclaimed wool baby bonnet, twig print changing pad, sencha and a few crunchy granola bar type snacks, etc.

the kids and I had so much fun putting everything together

they helped choose prints and snacks and practiced putting everything on their dolls

our hope is that she will just be able to stick it on a shelf somewhere and feel like she has everything she need for the first little while

here it is half full

It's been the week for playdates...

2010-02-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

once every decade...

2010-01-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

it finally, actually happened

not the light dusting we get a couple times a year...

a real SNOW! inches of it!

and we had so much fun

I had forgotten how amazing snow smells

and how quiet the world becomes

you can almost hear each flake land
and afterwards... for the first time in my parenting history

I got to put those cozy wool booties on freezing little feet!

introducing my big boy....

2010-01-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

this is my big boy
he was getting tired of having hair in his eyes
and telling people that he is a boy
so today we finally gave him a hair cut
not the little trims we've been playing at the last year either
we all mourned for a few minutes
even big brother
then we all laughed
it's just so cute
he's officially no longer our baby
yeah, right...

2010-01-22T13:24:00.001-08:00

this is what I did today

besides the usual and five loads of laundry

and baking egg rolls with the kids

(yes, coach is on a healthy kick... I'm trying to cooperate but I promise egg rolls are just better fried!)

it was hard and it hurt

some people were more help than others

I think if I do one section a day it will take about a week

then we can paint

I can't promise that it will look better

but the fruit will be gone

good riddance!

whistle while you work...

2010-01-22T08:02:00.000-08:00

the kids are really into cleaning these days
I sit mystified and watch them as they move from room to room
who knows the reason behind this fetish?
the novelty? I wish I could say they are just imitating something they see often!
so I grabbed a few items from the dollar bin last time I shopped
they are in housekeeping heaven!
I hope this lasts...

poor weather friends

2010-01-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

funny... it gets warm and I can no longer find the time to be on the computer

i guess we're just a cold weather blog

it has been beautiful

most of us were barefoot and shirtless again

we worked outside all day

the yard is mostly picked up

it's a little surprise for coach who has been out of town all last week

"working" really hard tasting new wines in santa barbara

he'll be home soon though

we're all excited

so until it gets cold again...

it's my birthday

2010-01-07T11:44:00.000-08:00

in the past few years, since I turned 30, I found that even a very depressing winter birthday
can become a beautiful thing

lots of wintry foliage, caramel cake, dinner cooked by the cutest chefs and even the surprising appearance of snow made my special day bright and lively this year...
and tonight? a real dinner out with my favorite people and maybe a jaunt to the discoteca?

resolutions 10

2010-01-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

go to bed earlier

exercise everyday

keep my plants alive

spend an hour a day with each kid

I'm still trying to work this one out...

He is here!

2009-12-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

my nephew has arrived!

and I was there!

and it was beautiful!

and the PAIN...

oh the pain!

how I remember that.

but I was able to lend my hand to be squeezed!

and I was able to rub her back!

and I wished for her that it could be me!

I was able for once to step into my dearest's shoes

is this how you felt?

be overcome by the feeling of helplessness

except I've been there and want to say,

"don't pity me!

share in the pain, the joy the beauty

this is what we are made for

this it life!"

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T21:06:00.001-08:00

girl - mama, since santa brings us so many presents, we should give him one
mom - that's a great idea. we could leave him some cookies...
girl - yeah! and beer!
mom - a beer?
girl - yeah! I'm sure santa likes beer
brother - good one! then he'll love our house and he might bring us extra presents!

cookies and the beer!

making good use of the mistletoe

enjoying aunt, uncle and niece-to-be

begining to smell a lot like christmas...

2009-12-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

the week leading up to christmas is favorite japanese food time at our house. so far this week it's been sukiyaki, yakisoba and curry on christmas eve! kind of like a little celebration every day.what a wonderful way to begin the festivities
(and yes my son still refuses to wear a shirt even though its december
and I won't even start on the shoe issue around here! aren't these kids cold?
any ideas?)

second birth

2009-12-15T20:45:00.001-08:00

days from now my sister in law will being giving birth to my nephew
I am so excited for them
I cannot wait to meet the little guy
at the same time, I talk to her and many feelings come rushing back
I think I was the more afraid before birthing my second child than any other
before the first I had no idea what to expect
I went into the birth clueless as to the amount of pain, emotion, fatigue
but as I waited for my second to be born I was not so naive
I knew what was coming
that ignorance that had been such bliss was long gone
I was terrified of having to push another baby out
I can remember having that first contraction
(and for me the first contraction in no small deal
I've always seemed to skip that nice building up part)
I panicked and rushed to the bathroom
there I sat on the toilet and wept
my husband was speechless
for my crying is about as infrequent as his speechlessness
I wept for the pain
I wept for fatigue
I wept for losing that feeling of control over my body
even though it ends up being really lovely in birth
I wept for my older child
he was losing a part of his innocence
I wept for my future which was sure to hold exhaustion
(I would have wept longer if I had known what the future held)
I wept til I could weep no more
"I don't want to do this after all" I told my husband
"I want to go home!"
and then I was done.
I went on to birth my beautiful baby girl a few hours later
oh and how blessed I am to have her
during this advent season while we wait for our new family member
I cannot help but hope that Mary had that blessed ignorance of a first birth
I hope that she had not witnessed too many mothers who cried as I did at the birth of my second
perhaps she was able to face it with hope
I'm afraid my sister in law now knows too much
she knows what is ahead and how hard it will be
but she also has the knowledge of that sweet fulfillment
holding that baby in your arm after the hard work
she has felt that tugging of the first feeding
smelled that baby breath
and seen the many many smiles
I hope that she can remember those things
it is because of them that I too was able to get up off that toilet seat
and walk back into the room and face one of the most rewarding experiences of my life

Channeling Mary

2009-12-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

seldom is a story read in our house that is then not acted out
we've been reading about Mary...

and so we now share our home with Mary, her baby (a doll when her brother will not oblige), and her donkey

I'm not sure how Joseph got lost in the interpretation

maybe her older brother was out?

We are...

2009-12-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

we are not the ARTISTS...

we are the NAMERS!

Gus's recent book- "The Struggle to Survive in the Amazon"
Henry's work- "Sushi Ma Mench"
Bea's sheep- Elizabeth

Operation Christmas Tree Continues

2009-12-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
DAY FOUR

my favorite was day one...
at least we had fun decorating it this week?

Operation Christmas Tree

2009-12-04T04:45:00.000-08:00

the perfect tree

we once again succeeded in cutting down a tree that was far too tall for our living room
it always looks so perfect standing in the field
then we set it up at home and have to chop off the top
a measuring tape would really help
I'm sitting here trying to figure out how I am going to get the lights on it...

it looks much better here than in real life

Gus with the kill

it took four adults to load it up

forget the trees, can we take a horse home?

in the morning light it looks a little more like this...

Advent Day Two

2009-12-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

they'll find out who's naughty or nice

2009-11-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

boy - papa, I would really like a puppy for christmas
papa - I don't think you will get a puppy for christmas
boy - I will ask santa to bring me one
and if he doesn't then I will know that he is not real
papa - if you find out that he is not real
would you please not tell your brother and sister?
boy - ya... papa, do you believe in santa?
papa - he brings me something every christmas
boy - you won't get anything this year though!
papa - why not?
boy - you have been fighting with mama too much...

a few last words on the anniversary

2009-11-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

my peonies

we will not be forgetting our eighth anniversary anytime soon
everything was in place for the loveliest of nights
our hotel room reserved
seven course dinner at our favorite place arranged
he had fed exed my favorite flowers to the restaurant
movie tickets pre-ordered
and then IT struck!
but I am getting ahead of myself...
we left on thrusday afternoon to take the kids to our hotel room downtown
enjoyed a family swim in the heated indoor pool
bathed the little people and put their jammies on
the kid's grandfather arrived to pick up them up a little later
whisked them off and we set out to get ready for our evening
it was while I was enjoying my soak in the hot tub,
without kids throwing in toys or playing with the cold water,
that I felt the first pangs of queasiness
nonetheless we got ready, pressed and primped for our dinner
coach's best friend, also the chef, had labored over our seven course meal
I could barely get down my first sip of champagne
by the third course I had them stop bringing me plates
chef kindly sent me up the most delicious chicken soup
that, I could stomach!
about then we got the first call from home
B had thrown up, but was now in the bath and seemed fine
fourth course
another call
she had thrown up again when being picked up out of the tub
me - should we come?
coach's dad - no, I can handle this
fifth course
my stomach was definitely needing some relief
and thankfully it was going down not up?
thank goodness I hadn't eaten anything since lunch
meanwhile coach was in shovelling in course six
enjoying his wine pairings, not a care in the world
me - you might want to slow down if you don't want to see that again
him - I feel great!
I made him send his hanger steak and ox tails away
the smell was killing me!
I did eat a bite of the banana in the dessert
and sip my ginger ale with bitters
we made it back to the hotel and to the midnight movie
which I enjoyed immensely despite some trips to the ladies room
then we got another call
our older boy was throwing up
me - should we go home?
him - pop will be fine. do you want some of this popcorn?
promising myself that if the baby got sick we'd run home, we finished out the movie
once again at the hotel, three in the morning, coaches stomach started to grumble
at five he began throwing up
when six rolled around I left for home to relieve his dad
thankfully the baby had not gotten sick
and the other two, after throwing up, had felt better and slept well
the next twelve hours were spent doing nasty laundry, changing beds, wiping bottoms, and taking care of my husband all on two hours of sleep
he was sick for a very long time!

so the last words are...

I really hope that was indicative of our year seven and not the begining of year eight

and, Honey, after eight years, you really should listen to me once in a while

most of all, thank you so much pop for sparing me from being thrown up on on my anniversary!

our dessert made by angel

New Moon

2009-11-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

dead wizards should not become sparkly vampires...
other than that it was the ultimate experience in girl bonding!

Pumpkin Tea 2009

2009-11-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

all ready for pumpkin tea
B's blossom cookies
Aunti Danielle cuts
her scrumptious Pumpkin Cake
while Ba reads her poem
a pumpkin craft
delicious chai tea

Happy Fall!

welcm Ba and Ge part 2

2009-11-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

Ba and Ji's arrival was everything they hoped it would be

hugs, kisses, exclamations, gum and yes, there were gifts!

straight from Japan...

a "my first cane pole" set for Gus

a beautiful kimono for Bea's dolly

and a "this could only be Japanese" tiny blackwatch umbrella for Hen

from my favorite store - MUJI

his very own kasa! now he won't have to beat up his sister every time she bring out her umbrella from Mister Donuts!

oh, yes, and for us? a bamboo sushi dish

AND I can't forget the ume chazuke mix that I am enjoying at this very moment...

thanks Ba and Ji!

welcm Ba and Ge!

2009-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

we are waiting for Ba and Ji to arrive from Japan
it's been six weeks since we've seen them
that's a long time for us!
one of us is refusing to leave his post at the window watching for them
while he waits he's made them gifts
nearly twenty of them
that's how much we love Ba and Ji!

Happy Anniversary - for real!

2009-11-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

I am posting this photo

(even though it is less than flattering of me)

to illustrate my life with you

and to tell you how thankful I am

that you have been my joy for the last eight years.

Thank you for loving me every day,

for serving me in every way possible.

You are the one who keeps me laughing day in and day out.

I love you!

Happy Anniversary.

Happy Anniversary - a little early thanks to the two year old!

2009-11-16T18:08:00.001-08:00

The coach took the kids with him this morning to run some errands

so that I could clean the house...

my mom and dad, Ba and Ji are coming!

they were quite secretive as they left

shrugging off my questions

I didn't have to wait too long to find out what they were up to though

as soon as they walked back into the house the baby shouted,

"Mama, we got you SECRET flowers!"

so much for taking a two year-old on a special errand!

Happy Anniversary, Coach!

sorry it was a little early...

a rare glimpse

2009-11-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

every once in a while you get a glimpse

of what they will look like one day

they are rare sightings of what is to come

few and far between
today was one of those days

Happy Birthday Pop!

2009-11-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

it would be hard to say which my girl loves more

her pop or chocolate cake...

fortunately there are days when she can combine the two

and make her pop his birthday cake

she will enjoy two of her favorite things

along with the yummiest kobe steaks

and playtime with cousins

we're so glad you're around, Pop!

thank you for the time you take to be a part of the kids lives,

for all the toilets and lights you fix each year,

date nights every week

and those terrible vacations and fishing trips

you HAVE to be a part of

we love you!

the benefits of modern technology

2009-11-09T18:34:00.000-08:00

my little guy has pneumonia

and a very concerned brother and sister

and a mom who was so glad

she just happened to stick the portable dvd player in her purse

when she went to the doctors today

hurray for modern technology

so tired

2009-11-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

he asked to hold my hand as he fell asleep tonight
he only closed his eyes once
he was so tired
we've been weaning him off his nap
he doesn't always make it
but when he does
he sure is sleepy and sweet
when he's so tired

the day was just packed

2009-10-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

my seven year-old

chose the theme this year

he is quite fond of "Calvin and Hobbes" at the moment

I was very happy to be Calvin's mom in my bathrobe

(I highly recommend any costume

that incorporates your favorite lounge wear!)

the Coach was the infamous snowman from the cartoon
of course, our girl refused to play a part

here are a few of my favorites

the whole family

scary tiger and sleeping "booty"

hayride!

CalviN and Hobbes...

(aren't they some of the cutest brothers ever?)

popcorn balls

2009-10-30T19:00:00.001-07:00

my favorite halloween snack!

INSTRUCTIONS

1 pop popcorn

2 melt caramel

3 combine

4 make into balls

5 eat!

a good lunch

2009-10-29T08:37:00.001-07:00

the boys are out
we're having lunch
"Bread and Jam for Frances" style...
a thermos of tomato soup
cream cheese with cucumber on rye
celery and carrot sticks
and black olives
a bunch of grapes
a hard -bolied egg and salt shaker
we are taking a bite of sandwhich, a bite of egg and a sip of soup
then we go around again
I hope it all will come out even!

being your mother

2009-10-19T19:45:00.001-07:00

you are my butterfly

wings shining in the sun

flitting to and fro

even the moment in my arms

is gone in an instant

like the wind

I must be ready, waiting

wether you dive or soar

to hold you, lift you

I am here

yearning, learing, to be still

to be your mother

pumpkin carving beach style

2009-10-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

the finished product

as we miss out on the changing leaves and first "sweater weather" at home
there are a few pleasures we can still enjoy in 80 degree weather
pumpkin carving!
there are no clothes to get dirty and when we were done?
I just hosed everything off, including the kids!

also, how often do you get to eat dinner around your jack-o-lantern?

the baby said it was scarey...

those knife skills look really natural!

The many faces of new teeth...

2009-10-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Open Sesame!"

2009-10-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

upon arriving at the beach we enter our community through an automatic gate

for years we've been telling the kids that they have to say, "Open Sesame!"

while we quickly type in the code

I was shoked to find this year that

one, my seven year old had told the little ones about the key pad

and two, that I had never told them the story of ali baba and the forty theives!

a little arabian nights for our first night at the beach?

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=what+is+the+story+of+ali+baba+and+the+fourty+theives&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.2020site.org%2Frobbinhood%2Falibaba.html

it's a great bedtime story
if you leave out the two wives, 42 deathes, burning oil, sewing up bodies, etc.!

Holiday on the Cape

2009-10-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

in two days we leave for an stint on the cape

and I have yet to share pictures from our last stay

fortunately our little spot never changes

and the kids are still just as delightful

we have been so many times now

I keep taking the same photos over and over

so this time no camera!

you'll just have to look at these again

"Mom, I'll be outside..."

2009-09-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

after "I don't know how many" days of rain
I give up!
yes, you can go play outside!
the pool might be closed but the back yard is OPEN!
go play, I mean, swim!

Americana

2009-09-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

americana - a fixture of America such as hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet
and dare I add "football" and "cheerleaders"?
I never dreamed that my daughter would dress as one and prance around with pom poms and cheer for a football team!!!
it's just so "American"
then I found myself online looking at colleges
my kids could go to any of these
I love that freedom
maybe it's not as bad as it could be
she does look absolutely adorable in that outfit!

Summer is Over

2009-09-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

The hiatus is about to end.
Stay posted.
Dokomo will be back soon!

Happy Day!

2009-05-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Mama's Day

By Gus

The boys went downstairs and made pancakes

Henry got to stir the batter

I put in the strawberries

Then we ate breakfast

Mom opened her presents

We went swimming at the creek

It was coooold!

We had a good time

When we went back we played all the rest of the day.

I love Mama.

That's the end, like it?

Spring Cleaning

2009-05-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

for several days every spring I have an ant problem

they sprout wings and swarm

somehow a few hundred find their way into my house

entering through every crevice they can find

usually I declare war and sit there and kill them

there's really no need because they die in half an hour or so anyways

but this year I was a genius and called in a secret weapon

THE LADIES

they happily ate every ant in sight

I wonder if they will do the same for our mosquito this summer?

Easter Quotes

2009-04-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

On the Easter Bunny
Gus - "He must be some kind of spirit..."
Bea - "We should pray to him tonight... and tell him what we want in our baskets!"
Henry - "Rabbit eat cannits(carrots)?"
On "dying" eggs
Bea - "Where are the alive ones, Mama?"
Gus - "Mom, Mine are so much better than yours..."
Mom (to Henry) - "No, no, no no...!!!"
On candy in the plastic eggs
Henry - "More, please?"
Gus - "Mom, where did my candy go? I know I had more than this last night?"
Mom (to herself ) - "I miss those days when they didn't notice that I was throwing candy away..."

What makes a good Papa?

2009-04-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

they played babies all afternoon

not that it took a lot of effort for their sister to talk them into it

even my baby read them books, sang to them and put them to bed

his older brother noted, "He'll make a good papa!"

then our sweet friends came over with the real thing!!!

my boy waited patiently to hold her

was thrilled to walked her around and around

(thanks for trusting your little girl with him)

and was in heaven when she fell asleep in his arms

looks like someone else will also make a good papa...

Snow! Snow!

2009-04-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

as I was gathering eggs early this morning

the wind blew petals off of the trees all around me
at a closer inspection I realized they were not petals
but rather big fat snowflakes
the snow on the blooming trees and plants is beautiful
we stopped to enjoy it on our way out this morning
I drank my tea next to the outdoor fire, flurries all around
they say that this has happened before
I don't remember it - snow in april?
as eager as we are for it to get warm again
we can never get enough snow!

My Heros

2009-04-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

These are my favorite SUPERHEROS!

BATMAN because he doesn't have super powers like the rest
instead he uses his ingenuity (and his money) to create super outfits, mobiles and such to help people out

ROBIN because he is loyal and darn cheeky

and SUPERGIRL because she is just too cute and... SUPER!

and there's WONDER WOMAN who is REALLY my favorite!

rain, rain, go away

2009-03-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

I love the rain
but for some reason, after three straight days and two more in the forecast,
even I'm feeling a bit down today
so I am reminiscing about a day last week that was bright and sunny
the whole team packed up and went hiking at one of our favorite spots
everything was blooming
as we walked I could feels those layers of winter slowly peeling away
we shed our coats, then our sweatshirts
stopping for lunch we basked in the sun and climbed trees
I know I'm too old to be climbing
but I still love the challenge of finding just the right route up
in another month the trail will be teeming with life
right now it is still waking up
like we are
so even though I love you rainy days
can you go away?
come back when we aren't enjoying those first few days of spring
we will appreciate you more then

how about a pedicure?

2009-03-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

this what happens when the boys go to work

and you are left at home with the girls

P. S. love, Gus

2009-03-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have a new prized posession as of this morning
it is a note by my six year old son
it roughly translates - P. S. Don't try to send reinforcements if you try to send supplies to your men

his first attempt at writting and a testament to his nature
he never tries anything until he is certain that he can accomplish
it
such a sweet success it makes me want to cry and laugh at the same time
cry because he's growing up right before our eyes and is so innocent
laugh because he still has so much to learn and we get to be such a big part that

St. Patty's Day

2009-03-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

PICNIC days are here!
admiring our crawdads
the final count - 9!
pre-dinner stroll...
corned beef for dinner
after dinner DRINKS!

to be continued...

Gus boxing!

2009-03-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

This made me laugh all day!

And I actually figured out how to upload a video... yeah!

Watch out world, next is live stream...

The "Lellow" Deli

2009-03-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Bea's favorite place to eat is the Yellow Deli
it does have wonderful sandwiches and we have the best times with our friends there,
but it is run by a cult!
we pass it often on our way downtown
and she has yet to pronounce the "yellow" correctly
so as we passed it yet again yesterday, I asked her to work on the "Y in yellow"
after many "yell... ow. LELLOW!" tries the baby decided to step in
"Bea! Say YELLOW!"
I guess we all have our gifts.
His is articulation.
Hers? graciousness... she thought it was hilarious too!

Jabba's Ladies

2009-03-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

gus - "Mom, Jabba the Hut always has really pretty ladies standing next to him!"

mom - glare

gus - "Don't worry, Mom, they're not as pretty as you..."

A year ago today...

2009-03-02T06:03:00.000-08:00

a year ago today we were on the beach in paradise

waking up to the best impanadas ever

fresh cevice for lunch and glorious pasta for dinner

walking hand in hand on the beach

under more stars than i've ever seen

margaritas with freshly squeezed lime and salt from the sea

not wearing shoes for a week

mesmerized by our gecko at night

all snuggled in one enormous bed in our palapa

this year we are in a recession
and are enjoying the paradise of our own home instead?
oh, well...

we will see you again holbox!

a conversation...

2009-02-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

"Hey, B, do you want to play Star Wars?"
"No, I'm being Fancy Nancy right now."
"You can be Princess Lea..."
"No, that's O.K."
"Well, B, there might be a droid in Star Wars named 'Fancy Nancy'.
I think she's a pink one..."
"Hmmm???"
"...and she commands all these troops and they call her 'Commander Pink'!"
"Well... O.K. I guess I can be her."

It's called "potty training," dear...

2009-02-27T12:26:00.001-08:00

potty training - what a bored mother does when she doesn't want to give up the things she knows she should (ie; caffine, sugar, her blog, wine, etc.) for lent

DAY 3 brings success!

2009-02-24T18:29:00.000-08:00

the little something keeping me going on this dreary February day

aren't our chicken's eggs just lovely???

! ! ! Heart is an Egg! ! !

heart is an egg

waiting to hatch

saved in a nest

cared at best

it is kept warm

and kept from harm

so it won't break

or even leak

time by time

month by month

it doesn't fly

for it just one

but, it will be found

by another egg

two become one

love will then spread

heart is an egg

love is a bird

heart will hatch

be as lovely as bird

kite remedy

the fifth annual girls only oscar party

2009-02-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

what fun!

the most pajamin' party of the year

wish I could watch them again without interuption

like that will ever happen...

a brother/sister thing

2009-02-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

It's hard to imagine these two were fighting a few minutes earlier

"You're on my pillow..."

"Give me back my covers..."

"That's not nice..."

"Beeeeaaaaa!!!!!!" etc.

but suggest they sleep in seperate beds?

you'd thnk you'd threatened to cut off an arm!

so I leave them alone

then have to go check on them

because I never know if they're quiet because they've killed eachother

or have fallen asleep????

the newest obsession

2009-02-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

some obsession can be tolerated.
others?
well... we kind of nip them in the bud!
my oldest has been wearing his jimbei for four years now
that started out cute
but it has been FOUR YEARS!!!
my daughter has been infatuated with PINK cowboy boots
that was getting a bit old
now... it's the "married dress!"don't you love the blue panties?
she has been living her days as a bride, marrying her Papa over and over
you should see how her eyes light up when he walks downstairs in his suit every night
"Papa, you look so princey!"
and they have to get married all over again...
one more quick wedding before he heads off to work
I think I can put up with this one for quite a while
maybe I should buy a few more white dresses though?

sock mission

2009-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

I was picking up the house today (imagine that)
and kept stuffing misc. socks in my apron pocket
this is what I ended up with
now I'm spending the rest of the week on a sock mission
putting them back with their mates
is it really worth all this to have great socks for five people?

(those are all of the socks in my house without mates right now
maybe I should call it the singles bar? )

My Valentine 2009

2009-02-19T11:39:00.001-08:00

N, for you
The Story of how we got here.
after our first kiss
you were thinking call me
but I was thinking marry me
at least we were both thinking kiss me again.
my head as filled with the grandeur of real love...dream, sweet talk, smile, sunshine, I HOPE
I was imagining how I would serve AND love you forever... yea dear, sure love, how nice

You were a nice girl with a lover boy living the wild life for a while

AND then... long story short, you were having my baby

Thank the Lord he knows what He is doing!

I'm sure there was no possible other life for me my love.

My true love - you were then, and are now, and will always be the ONE I LOVE!

Happy Valentines Day, I love you, JC

the only piece he didn't use in the bag was FAX ME...isn't he sweet?

worth it?

2009-01-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

I could not get out of bed this morning
I have a cold and just felt aweful
After croaking at coach to take over I had a nice little lay in
I'm sure he came in to tell me he was leaving

but I wasn't very concious

yes I was feeling that bad

so I said yes to B getting the baby his breakfast

later on in the day she mentioned something about spilling cheerios

"what?" I asked, then my greatest fear, "you didn't step on them did you?"

"yeah, I did. Henry showed me how!" as if she had never done that on her own!!!

so we cleaned up

I'm feeling better now

I guess it was worth a little more rest?

and I know that we will be finding "Os" in strange places for a very long time

Granny

2009-01-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

Children,
tonight while your beautiful heads rested on their pillows
a great lady went to heaven

I wish I could tell you many things about her

I didn't know her that long either though

I do know that she was one of your Papa's favorite people

she was like his mom when he was younger

he even chose to live with her when he was in high school

mainly, I think, because she was a great cook

Granny packed wonderful lunches when he went to school

and even though it was just the two of them she cooked like their were ten at the table

she made fried chicken for thanksgiving and always had fresh coffee waiting

when you were little babies she would hold you and say,

"come here and let Granny spoil you... "

and did she ever - ice cream, cookies, mints

you were allowed to play with all her china figurines in her house

your favorite were the little dogs

another thing she did all the time was iron
she even ironed your papa's underwear!!!

Granny was such a special lady, B, that we named you after her

your cousin Chanler is named after her too

you know that little pink bible that you carry around everywhere

she gave that to you when you were born

there are a lot of people who are sad tonight

they all knew and loved her and will miss her

and you will probably be sad when you see your favorite people crying tomorrow

but that is how we were created

this life is only a small taste of what is to come

I'm so glad your smart papa took you to kiss her goodbye a few days ago

and we will see her again someday

wouldn't it be funny ask her about ironing papa's underpants?

hungry boy

2009-01-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

My sweet third child,

I am so sorry that you are always hungry

I see you sitting at the table with the others

your plate is empty at the end of the meal

where is all of your food going?

for minutes after you are excused I find you scrounging again

today you found your brother's left over lunch

and yes, you were eating it!

I promise to pay more attention to your diet

you're just so capable of feeding yourself

using a fork and knife is nothing... you've nearly mastered your chopsticks!

I love you my baby

and will sit next to you at every meal from now on and be your personal eating assistant

Mama

another birthday gift

2009-01-22T21:14:00.001-08:00

My new painting from Carylon Killebrew
This photo doesn't do it justice
but I just love how similar it is to the playroom fireplace
birthday presents don't get much better than this!
thanks, Cayle!

A night out with our big boy!

2009-01-22T17:16:00.000-08:00

you chose our favorite "Meeting Place"
ordered your bacon beef burger and shirley-temple

devoured the cheeses, truffle honey, olives
we enjoyed having you all to ourselves

then on to the program where you were the model pupil

although we have many more years to call you all our own

I can see that we will miss these days soon

at the Classical Studies Center

Where were you?

2009-01-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

I was on the couch in my pajamas, nursing the baby, putting a hibiscus in my B's hair, hoping my oldest would have some recollection of the moment... where were you when the first African American became president, dreams were realized and all of America was watching?