Down to Basic's, Little House on the Horizon

Neighborhood Bunny

2011-08-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

Can you see me? Look carefully and you can see me!

Find me if you can!

I see you looking at me.

I must go now. It's been nice chatting with you.

Shades of Ikaya

2011-08-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

My sweet grandson. I love the way you make us smile.
Wild and crazy dude! Trying so hard to be upset, but behind that, is a smile waiting to accompany a giggle.
Tired and relaxed after evening at the pool.
Another actor in the family. Tara, Gus, Autumne and Ikaya and Jazzy perform a fight scene. I love you, sweet little man!

The Many Shades of Tara

2011-08-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

The actress comes out for all to see.
And your lookin at me!
Tara loves to dance.
Silliness is part of our family tradition! Tara does a great job at silliness. Thank God for silliness. Laughter is so important, Tara helps me to see this.

Super Hero's

2011-08-02T16:40:00.001-07:00

Super Hero's: Ikaya: the Super Hero of back flips Tara: shehero the super hero of dogs and Harlie super hero of amazing feats!
A new Super Hero: Jazzyman, the super hero of dancing moves

Ikaya's Swimming Adventure

2011-08-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

It all started out with the thought of having an adventure in a sliding tube.
1 ...2 .... 3 .... and guess what it's Mr. Ikaya!
Though the adventure of the sliding tube was short lived, when Mr. Ikaya choose to go up the slide instead of down.
He sneaks up. Splish splash splashing up the tube.
The lifeguard tells Mr. Ikaya that he must go down and not up. He pounders that for a bit before going back to his adventure.

Shades of my Autumne

2011-08-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hottest day it seemed to ride up to Davidson and she did it with her mama, even though her mama was a bear. And I am not talking about being a mama bear, more like a grizzly bear!;[

We are concerned about our daughter's beauty. How do you protect them from the monsters and not so good folks in the world. I want to be a mama bear and protect her from all the bad things that could hurt her innocent beauty, but know giving her tools to deal with life is the best protection a mama bear can give her young woman!

Sometimes, her beauty overwhelms her mama!

The soul of a young woman!
This is a favorite, it helps to remind me that she is still a kid filled with wonder and awe. I am one lucky mama!

Families of all kinds

2011-08-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

This was an amazing event to see. Sometimes, it's so easy to forget that we are all connected. We are all beings on this planet, one not better than the other. Seeing this family brought the sacredness of all beings to light. If you look very carefully you can see a mama and her baby. Insects, (some any way) also carry their babies on their back.

Here's a better picture of mama and baby! So sweet! It made my day!

If you look carefully you can see daddy too! They knew I was there, they wouldn't move, I felt a bit like I was a stocker!

Gratitude Blessings

2011-07-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for Buddha and his ability to make me feel I am loved beyond what I can comprehend.
The ability to have my kids be homeschool kids.
Being a mom. My biggest accomplishment. Raising my kids.

My garden and the ability to see all beings as being a connection to myself and how strong and fragile it all is.

ZZ his ability to be independent and also need us. Interdependent, that's where I am striving to be at.

I am grateful for the hybrid power bike, so I can get to a and b without heat exhaustion.
I am grateful for creativity and the ability to design and find a sense of empowerment in myself.
I am grateful for being physically healthy. At 50 can do so much, I have energy, strength and fitness that I never had when I was younger. I can still dance the night away at 50.
Farmer's Market all the local amazing foods. All our connections at the Farmer's market.
Finding a love of fermentation. Getting my cow tongue. Nature and the beautiful that is all around me. making my new hummingbird feeders at the Farmer's market., even though it was for the kiddo's.
For being a kid at heart!

The Dancing Family

2011-07-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Jazzy is in the back ground. The dancing machine. We had so much fun. We are famous for being the dancing family in Davidson, NC. I feel so blessed and stress free when I dance, my soul sings.

Dancing Party

2011-07-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

The four of us dancing. Autumne and Gus were so embarrassed, we laughed and laughed. They just turned red and hid their eyes. Funny kids!

Family Time with our Buddha

2011-07-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

Buddha and I getting ready for our family night out at Summit Coffee to listen to the Band: Billy Jones band. We want one of those inclosed baby bike carriers, but til than we will do what we do best, make do with what we have.

Ikaya riding in wrong direction. Jerry getting us all ready! What a great man! Let the Fun begin.

Off we go.

Phases (faces) of Life

2011-07-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Frustrated!
Beauty
Silliness

mischievousness

My little Super Hero

2011-07-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Jazzy, my little Super Hero. Saving the world with his special moves.

Just the kind super powers his mom just loves!

Great finds from my favorite store

2011-07-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am a kitchen gadget lover. I went to my favorite Store, Habitat for Humanity and found some wonderful items: dough blender, salad forky things, crinckle cutter, and a strainer for a pot. Some great books too: I was so excited that Jerry found this wonderful book; Grandmother's Secret. Yoga blocks for teaching only .25 each! yea!!!

Flower Blessings

2011-07-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some flowers from my garden. We have so much going on in our garden. it's so amazing how no matter how upset or stressed out I may be going to my garden and seeing all the life out there I feel at peace.
Roses from my Dad.

Bouquet from my garden. Flowers all spring and summer long! Yea, for me and flowers.
One of those little critters that we support in our habitat.

Brewin and Awaitin

2011-07-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here is my Kumbucha brewing. It seems to take so long, when 6 folks are awaiting for this tasty fermentation!
Herbs from my garden, drying for tea. Peace and quiet, silence is a pure gift!
Kim Chi brewing! Why, can't my family just leave the brewing process alone? I need to hire someone who HATES Kim Chi to watch over it late at night!

Gratitude

2011-07-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Gratitude:
I got to spend time with my in-laws. I feel so blessed that I am a part of this family.
All my yummy food from the Farmer's Market.
The women in my life: Lauren, thank you for being a huge part of my life. I love you! Mom, for the ability to teach others, you are amazing teaching of life. Kristen, I wish I was a smart as you are when I was younger. You have so much wisdom, I value you being a part of my life. Mel, thanks for your innocence wisdom. Tresie, you are amazing mom. I am awestruck by your family.
Having time alone and appreciating myself and my family. Having my kids back . . . . I love my time alone, but I miss my kids. So not ready for them to leave.
Seeing my hummingbirds come back.
Organization: I made so mush progress. yea! Creativity and organization are my friend.
Finally, getting to this blog! Yea, I think I am doing the happy dance!
Dance, I love dancing even if it's just me! ;]
Jenny: happy birthday; glad you were born, you made a difference in my life

Gratitude for today!!

Doing my Polish Heritage Proud

2011-07-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

My mom, when I was a child use to make cow tongue. Pickled and cooked. It was one of my favorite things she made. I found one at my local farmer's market and was so excited to try it out.

I put the pickling spices in added the water and put it in the pressure cooker, waited 40 minutes and OMG!!! it turned out amazingly wonderful! The best I have ever had. Sorry, mom mine was better, and I always thought your was amazing!

Food Creations

2011-07-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here I am making my Kim Chi. A family favorite. And here it is inside. Cabbage, black radishes, ginger, garlic, onions, red cabbage, okra, horseradish . . . .yum yum yum!!

The 3 musketeers have made grape leaves!
Aren't they beautiful! If you could only taste them!

New Beginnings , Transformations and growths . . . I'm back!

2011-07-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

I am back to blogging. Life is a a continue series of cycles. I am now returning to this cycle again. I have been away a year, so many journeys and adventures awaited myself and family. In January I finished my course to become a yoga teacher. A life changing event. We have grown and changed been transformed and seen life unfold in ways never thought possible. I hope you will come sit a spell brew some tea and enjoy the muses of my family and life.

The Joys of Sleeping and Waking

2011-07-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Boo doo! Buddha looks like this every morning, he usually has bad bed head!!!
Every morning at 9:00 you can count on Gus in this position! Duel dripping down the face!
Pillows protect the child from falling out of bed!

More pictures of Ringworm

2011-07-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

After, we found Ringworm we put him into this container. Can you find him?

Ringworm burring himself in some dirt.
Jerry holding Ringworm! You can get a good look at him in this picture. And I am terrified of snakes! I have a phobia!! And I am holding Ringworm, a snake!

Bye Ringworm, we love you!

Visitors continued . . . .

2011-07-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

Can you see me? I am here, hiding and innocent, i really am! Look carefully and you shall see that I am a . . . . MOUSE!!

All the critters in our yard live well!

Visitors

2011-07-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Miss Maddie May sits upon her throne.Me?! Little oh me! I am innocent, just ask my mom!

Jerry went to collect some milkweed plants for some butterflies we hope, little he know he brought home a little guy. I researched to find confusing information about this little snake.
I found out that he was a ring neck and there are sneaky little snakes only getting 3'' to 8" not sure. It's can bite, but because it's so small it doesn't bite. I named him ringworm. Sadly, he didn't make to the next day. For a tiny snake, Ringworm made a huge difference. First snake I felt comfortable handling. Ringworm will be missed. I buried him under the milkweed plant and surprisingly in one day the plant that look like it was dying was blooming big time. Some may think it's just coincidence, but I like to think it was Ringworm's thank you for taking time to care. Thanks Ringworm! Ringworm, I believe was a baby!

Life with Jazzman

2011-07-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sweetness: Tara and Jazz share a moment together.
Craziness: I am wild man! What do YOU want!
Silliness: Time to make you laugh, because I am sweetness and craziness in one little man! Boy, is my mom lucky, I give her lots of adventures!
Connections: What a boy can't live without; a dog, (Buddha) a cat (ZZ), and a Wii remote.

Coppertone Girl

2011-07-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Meditation or Drama Tara Was there pain or Did Maddie pass gas!

Why oh why! It's just not fair! Why or Why!

The Buddha Game

2011-07-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

BUDDHA!!!! BUDDHA!!!!! BUDDHA, what are you doing?
I don't understand you can't be talking about me. I am just going to look in another direction, there must be another Buddha in the room.
Buddha! BUDDHA! BUddha! It's happening again!
Busted! But boy oh boy! It sure tasted good!
Thanks, guys, I now feel loved!

Enjoying each other Company

2011-07-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

We all went to Davidson College to eat.
Jazzy and Tara posing, but awe sweetness and cuteness all wrapped up in the two of them.
Oh How! we love ice cream! We all SCREEAM of crazy funness !
Autumne and Jazzy slept together. They are asleep holding one another while asleep.
My friend and husband. WE have grown so much in a year, thanks for being committed to us.
Jerr, Tara and Ikaya. Two of our kiddos and one grandson. Three amazing beautiful kiddos. We are so blessed!

Growth, Changes and Transformations of my Family

2011-07-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Jazper is now 5. Still missing those 2 front teeth, but soon they should be growing. Jazzy is full of energy. Full of smiles , silliness, and wildness.My sensitive and intuitive little woman, full of deep thoughts and spirituality.
Autumne growing and changing into a beautiful young woman, where does the time go. Full of deep care and connection of those she loves.
August the talented music man. He has grown and as the years pass, it's hard to tell who is who. Dad and son don't fall far from the tree or something like that.
My funny sweet grandson, Ikaya. Comes for a visit summer time and we so enjoy his company. Like one of the kids, just fits in. Looks like his mom and Uncle Jerr.

2011-07-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

In Closing for Today . . . A few thoughts . . . .

2010-06-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have not taken time to write my blog for several months , now seems to be the time. I hope you come back and read the updates on my journey, on our journey. We have been in a transformational period, still are in that period. Exciting time for us.
We are growing as a family in ways I never thought possible. We are seeing life in new ways and seeing the possibility of what can be.
Updates: Gus has had many recitals and I am so proud of his talent. We have a very musical family here in Cornelius. Autumne has changed she is growing up so fast, but slow in some ways too. She is so good at belly dancing it leaves others awe struck! She is still cooking and creating some amazing gluten -free recipes. Tara and Jazzy have been taking Yoga. They started a new session and are loving it. Jerry is still working at Davidson College, but has found his new love . . . . in restoring bikes. I think we have 10 now! I am taking subtle Yoga teacher's training. It's been amazing transformational tool. The class ends in January so I have a ways to wait for it all to begin. Well, I will be adding more thing to the blog this week, so look for updates.
Till than thank you for being a part of our lives. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!! Thanks

Off to get my Bike

2010-06-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

I am one lucky lady, not every woman can say her man will ride her on the family bike 3 miles down the road. Up hill and down hill. A lot of work, but Jerry still did it without one complaint. Wow, I'm impressed!
I had my Zen meditation meeting the night before and it poured, like cats and dogs, so I got a ride thank god!!!! The next morning Jerry and I went over to my friends Jan's house and got my bike. Ran a few errands and back home.

Our Veggie Garden

2010-06-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of our veggie garden. Each year we get a little further in gardening than the year before. This year we have really food, for those that have read my blog,last year we had decorative gourds. We now have cucumbers, okra, tomatoes and green peppers. We will be planting watermelon and cantaloupe too. Yum yum!

Here are cucumber plants. I am so excited about cucumbers and all the yummy things I can make. Yea! me! I am excited to be doing something with food, other than eat it!!!

The Beginnings of our Garden 2010

2010-06-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

my irises! They were so beautiful! All done this year, but I still just love them. Every year I look forward to seeing the new buds and watching them bloom. So much of our lives are like that. We wait and wait for that moment of beauty. It's in the patience of the moment the beauty of that moment longer.

My mom's day plant last year here. We moved it this year. This year was a year of change for our family. Alot of spiritual changes.

The beginnings of our garden. Seem raw and open, full of possibility. Funny, thing is that is where our lives had headed this year. Our family has been in a place of transformation.

My lavender. No sense, no color, but the beauty of the transformation is just around the corner!

From Boring to Creative . .. My Yoga Journal

2010-06-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

My favorite find. A notebook that cost only $1.50. Now, it's time to transform it into a creative masterpiece!

Just plain old and Boring!

I added some pockets to it. One on the outside and one on the inside.

The inside I put in some inspiration to keep me focused on the reason I made this journal. I am taking a course to become a yoga teacher and it's so much more than I thought possible. Thanks to Sam for inspiring me and believing in me, for Kaoverii for accepting me in the program and her guidance and wisdom. And everyone else who made this happen!

First Rides of our New Bike

2010-06-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Autumne takes Tara for a ride!

Jazzy is so excited to see them having, so much fun, can't wait to get in it himself and ride, ride, ride!

Tara going without hands! Jazzy's face shows her excitement!

The Arrival of our New Bike

2010-06-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

Jazper sneaks a peek at the box.

" Mom, Can I just look a little?"

Jazzy takes a little peek!

And this is what he sees! Or new family bike!

Time Changes Things, Giving Dreams Wings and Possiblities Come to Light

2010-06-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

When we moved in here a dreamed of having neighbors that we could be apart of, connect on one level or another in a positive way. We have been here now 4 1/2 years and things are starting to form a community for us here.
The neighbor kids all playing together a game of kickball.

Jazzy and Chloe sharing ideas!

The trio sharing fun times. Tara, Chloe and Jazzy!

Jazzy and Chloe

2010-06-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

He seems so Innocent here! Still my sweet baby, but things are changing. Jazzy met the neighbor little girl, Chloe. Jerry picks out his pants and tells his Dad," Dad, I can't wear those funky pants. I need to be styling for Chloe!" So, he changes them into some other pants. "Dad, these are cool, I can't wear my funky pants around Chloe!"

Here they are on that first meeting!

Time at Grammy's

2010-06-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here we are at Grammy's house visiting with family. It's been almost 3 months and I can see changes already in my kids. Why, do they grow up so fast! I miss you mom and that time we had. I know many daughters that can't imagine a relationship that supports them with their moms, I can't imagine anything else. Thanks mom for all you are and have taught me.

Katie, we miss you! It was so nice to hang out with you at Grammy's house and that chocolate fountain with the fruit . .. .was so so so good! Leave to grammy to come up with something was delicious!

Bosom buddies! The trio that played together and had so much fun! Steve, Tara and Jazz!

Mr. Jazzman!

One day one went a missin, two day two went a missin

2010-01-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Tara showed us her tooth. Mom, she said," I have a loose tooth! Pull it out! " I don't do that! I told her. Nanna does that mamma does!!! My Mother in-law does that not me. I touched it and moved it a very tiny bit and Tara worked on until right before Belly dancing . Well, she swallowed it.

The next day I looked at her and realized either something wasn't right with her tooth or it was loose. It was loose and again she lost her tooth. My little girl has lost her two front teeth. I kept looking at her and looking at her! Full of life that's my Tara, my fairy princess! She is getting bigger and growing up, but she will always be my fairy princess!

Reading Time

2010-01-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

I feel so grateful that my kids have a love for reading. Tara, was determined and commitment to learn how to read and would read all day. She loves to read!

Jazzy is always looking up to his brother Gus. Gus sat down to read and Jazzy runs upstairs and gets his collection of comics. Just like my big brother!

Gus came home from FLT camping homeschooling Trip . . .

2010-01-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

Jazzy is not the only one that well ,let's just say, Gus has found a new connections to the female species! A girl did his nails! My son let some girl/s do his nails. Well, he did say they made him!

His toes too!?

Than his "FRIEND" drew a flaming heart on his cheek!

This is Gus. Full of energy, NOT! He was a bit zombie like! No! that is not his natural hair color.

Jazzy, the Amazing Tattoo Artist

2010-01-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

This is the day before his birthday. The girls and I were downstairs, I went to check on the little man and he hid on me. I told him I'm coming in and tickled him, he just yelled at me . . . "GO Away!" I looked and this is what I saw!

"Mom, Do you like my new tattoo's? Wow Jazz, I just, well they are special!"

Some of us Just know how to work it!

2010-01-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you just have to cover up and just peek out, until the happy bug comes or at least the treats!

Are you serious? You called me out of my girl cave for a hug! Where the FOOD!?!?

"I know he needs me,

Moments of Gratitude

2010-01-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

being a mom and having healthy kids and having a relationship that is empowering to my kids

My 4 legged kids! They give unconditional love no matter what I do or how I feel or act! They are pretty amazing!

I am one lucky lady; Every morning my dear sweet Husband wakes up early and when it's 7:30 he wakes me up with a hot cup of tea . Or some coffee! Every Morning . . . .how lucky is that!!!!

Growing up I wanted to have a relationship with my siblings that was like best- friends. My kids are so close. I am so grateful for this gift.

This month (January) I was on Etsy and saw this picture. I love ravens/crows and my b-day is in March. I contacted the woman and she gave it to me FREE! How lucky is that, lucky me!!!

Jazzy Turns 4

2010-01-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

January 22, 2006 I became a mom again for the last and 7th time! It's hard to believe that it was 4 years ago, we moved in here and had our baby boy! I remember that feeling of holding this little fragile baby, his little cues and sigh. Now, he seems to be using words more than the average adults does. The other day we were getting ready to go somewhere and I was talking about listening and such and he looked at me and said," Mom, I am not ready to discuss this situation. You will have to talk to me later." They grow up so fast, if you knew how fast life goes by, would we take so much for grant it?!

time to CELEBRATE!! Daddy got him a few little treats for his b-day! Time sure has changed. Jerry and I were telling the kids we used to get these when we were kids in a box. They all looked at us puzzled and said they came in a box! Jerry said Jazz, it has really cool prizes in the box too. Jazzy got some pencil stickers. Prizes are not as good for sure!

Pokemon guy, Autumne got for Jazzy. Jerry is a bit confused about him. Mom and Dad are not really up on our Pokemon!
Of course Joy has to be part of ALL celebrations!

What I thinks is so sweet, is the connect between the two of them!

Buddha (dog) yoga

2010-01-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

Buddha doing some yoga. Think he lkes Bliss yoga!
He's all blissed out! Stretching the left hip! Awww that feels so good!!

I'm feeling cold people, where's my blanket?!

Ok! why are you watching me!

How can I bliss out, if you won't stop watching me! Well, if you insist, you can watch, only if you give me a treat !

It all began with 2 Bones and 2 Dogs

2010-01-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Joy and Buddha were given each a bone. Here she is chewing away!

She is so tired after all that chewing, a girl has to get some beauty sleep, after such a busy day! Oh goody, " Buddha, thinks to himself time I go and steal that bone and better take mine too!" Notice her bone in his mouth! He walks quietly over to the door, not making a sound. Joy must sleep, I must steal her bone too!

Now it's time for bone # 2! Can he do it!? Can he sneak her bone out without her waking up. Again, he ever so quietly goes to the door. Now we all have to go look out the window and see what Mr. Buddha is doing

Well, before we can look, he asks to come in and this is what he looks like ... . .. ..

He has buried it out in the back yard. By now Miss Joy has awaken, and knows something is up. She asks to go out. Of course Buddha has to go out and check up on her. Buddha, barks at her and Joy comes in. Several days later Miss Joy finds the bones are keeps them for herself!

What makes a mom Happy , , , ,

2010-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Kids!!!!!

Here's Tarasoulfia (Tara) happy and silly at the same time! Talented little woman she is!

The smiles says it all!!! I love times like these. Times like this I know what I am suppose to do. And I feel lucky!

Tailgater's Farmer's Market

2010-01-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

On our way home! Kids all pack in the stroller, behind them we stand, Autumne and I!

Our bikes parked and we are ready to roll! A cold day at the Farmer's market! brrrr brrrr!

Me and my girl! I love this picture!

Ash Turns 25 Years Old

2010-01-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

You were 12, your brothers were so young and little. So many years have gone by, wow. 15 years ago! We gave you a new brother, Gus. You gave us a connection called LOVE! I love this picture. You wanted to live in the rain forest and save her. A flower child of the 80's.

Now, here you are 25! Beautiful, gorgeous and talented too! The world is for sure a better place because of you! Thanks for the gift of being a parent! Love you Ashley!

Thanks for giving us an awesome, amazing and beautiful gift . . . our grandson , , , ,Ikaya!

Let the Festivities Begin 2010

2010-01-06T22:34:00.000-08:00

Snacky time!!!!

You called Snacky Time?!!!

I love you, and aren't we all suppose to share! Come on, I am Joy! You love me where's my FOOD!!!!

I need to tell you something Joy! But Mom! NO Joy! I am the Mom! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 , 5,4,3,2,1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 2010 Yea! a new year!
The party's over! I'm so depressed! It ended so quickly! Alright, Let's go to bed! Can we have just one snacky!!!! Joy, let's go to bed! Ok!!! I want under the covers! Ok!

10, 9, 8. 7 . . . .and it's 2010

2010-01-06T22:20:00.000-08:00

Our New year's Eve!

My beautiful daughter, Autumne. The only one awake the whole time!!

I need my blankey! It's cold!

I know what you mean!

Where's the food! I just wanted to be loved!!!

We tried to make it! 12:00 is so late for us little people!

Ms. Autumne Yum YUM Yum

2010-01-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

Autumne makes her famous hot chocolate!
First you make a paste. Use only the finest ingredients. Mix into a paste than add to milk to make the mix. Heat on stove and serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

Her is the batch of her famous hot chocolate. YUM, YUM, YUM, YUMMY

Heating it up to perfection of course!

Snuggle Time

2010-01-06T22:03:00.000-08:00

We all need a snuggle now and than. Some will take just about thing to get that snuggle need met.
Jazzy and mom taking a snuggle moment!

Jerry thinks Pikachu is his mascot. Protector of all bad dreams!!!

My niece Mel was given her snuggle buddy, that would be transformer man!

More Creations

2010-01-06T21:49:00.000-08:00

My own design. This was a twin fitted sheet, I tye dyed it and made a pattern to fit me. I wanted a wrap like cape and this is what I got.

I used the sleeve and you put the mattress corner in as the hood part and than cut the other part like a cape. added some vintage lace and tied it in front and there you have my Shaw cape. I love it I feel pretty in it and so comfy too!

Here is a necklace I made.

Some of my New Creations

2010-01-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a sweater that I revamped. It used to be a favorite pull over until I didn't read that it was WOOL and it became a short sweater. I cut the sleeves off and made it into a vest. Which I even love more. Added a little ribbon to the back, finished off the edge's and added 4 different arty buttons to the front.

My friend Jean gave me this sweater that had the same thing as my sweater above happen and so I revamped it. Autumne got a vest and I got a pair of leg warmers. I will post the pic of Autumne's vest soon.

I added some green lace to the top for a romantic playful look! So warm and comfy!

The End of Another Year

2009-12-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

This year brought challenges, losses, wins and beginnings, stronger commitments and a sense of gratitude for what is. We learn how to make the challenge of not having a car work for us. Now, we don't think about getting a car so much! We had the dream of living a more self-sustaining lifestyle and living within our community. When we spoke about this dream we had no idea of how we could still have a car and go beyond our addiction to having a car. Loosing the car was a blessing, though for a long time we did not see that blessing. We ride our bikes everywhere, we save the environment in our small way, we get exercise, we see the beauty around us and notice our beautiful mother earth is.
This year has also been about losses. I love my life and all the blessings I have, even not having a car, but with those blessings, losses have come too. Not having a car has caused me to also loose some friends and loose the connection with other friends. This has been a very hard thing for me. I love my friends and feel like I have been given a gift, every time I get or still have a friend. I have started a new morning affirmation, I am grateful for all the connections of all my life; be for a moment, a year or a lifetime. I tend to think about people always being in my life and feel ,so sad when they are not. Saying this affirmation has helped me to be present to what is now! I have met some very special people in my community that are now my friends. I feel that things are coming full circle and I am coming to a place of peace, acceptance and gratitude.
I have also lost my dad. I have peace about who he was. I miss the relationship I wish we could of had, dreamt of having and hoped to come when we got older. I have been given a gift of feeling those who have passed around me. The death of my dad has cause a lot of healing of the relationship we didn't have. Now at those time when I feel upset or fearful I feel him holding my hand, just like a dad would do with his little girl. I feel this is healing for us, for the relationship that was. Before his death, I didn't want to see I was like him, now I see parts of him that are mine now.
When we moved here 9 1/2 years ago, we came from a place where everyone knew us; the health store, the library, the bank, the grocery store, coffee shop and everything in between. Moving here was a hard transition. We longed for the type of community we came from. Now, we are finding that community. Like the saying goes; Bloom where you are Planted ,we have taken this be our motto. We are now a part of our community, though we like to have a bit of autonomy, we love being a active part of our community.
We have found belly dancing and community yoga, having found these has transformed our lives. Autumne and I have taken belly dancing classes. I see this empowering her in her power as a woman. I hope that she will always see her beauty, as beauty is not what is external told to us, but an acceptance of herself as she is!
This class has helped me too, thanks to my dear friend, Jean for telling us about it! I have gained a acceptance and love for my body and womanhood. It has also given me a sense of community within a group of women, about empowerment and acceptance.
I having found Community Yoga has given me a sense of community and sacredness that I need in my life. Community Yoga is a special place. The energy is so calm and sacred. I found a yoga studio that resonates with me on a deeply and profound way.

Thanks for everyone for making this year, for us a year of growth and healing. Thanks for touching our lives in countless ways, for loving us, for accepting us and being there. Y'all make a difference. Little connections and big connections have made huge and profound difference in our lives thank you!

Soulmas Morning

2009-12-27T18:47:00.000-08:00

Me with only 4 1/2 hours of sleep! don't I look like the perky one! haha! We are all patiently waiting for the gift exchange to begin!

Our gifts under our tree.

Our TREE!!!

Our Solstice Celebration

2009-12-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

Jerry is practicing playing the guitar. Three Little Birds and Jingle Bells. Jazzy the drummer helps out with his own addition to the song

Jerry helps us out with some drumming, so Autumne and I can do some Belly Dancing.

More Jazzy talent!!

Jerry gets into the performing aspect!

Life keeps on Ticking into The Future

2009-12-27T17:35:00.000-08:00

Fifteen years ago Jer became a huge part of my life. I love this picture. I love my relationship with Jerr at this time too. It's so hard to believe that time would go by so fast.

This picture reminds me of one special memory I have of Jerr. While I was watching him. Jerry was working and his mom wasn't able to watch him, so I did. Gus wasn't born and I was sitting in the window and he and I just sat in the window seat he laid down as I rubbed his head. I think about this and feel so lucky to be his step-mom.

Here is Jerr now 23 and graduated from college, WOW!!! I can't believe it! I am so proud of the young man he has become. We all are his 3 parents.! I feel so lucky to be able to have the gift of sharing the role of parent with his mom and dad. I am grateful for that blessings!

Homeschooling happens all the time

2009-12-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

Life of the Thomas: Autumne and I are at the store. Autumne loves to scan the food and bag it for me. Learning so much just living daily life.
My smiley happy daughter, Autumne!

How to transform a old shoe into a fingerless glove

2009-12-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

Take a old pair of socks.

Cut the sock in half. Now stitch the thumb and fingers. I used blanket stitch around the fingers and a straight stitch around the thumb and there you have a pair of fingerless gloves.

my sister's b-day gift

2009-12-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

My sis, Tracy is so amazing. She is so talented. I wanted to give her something that was made by me. Walla . . . here it is, her apron!!! I think she liked it!!

My Secret ( not so much ) Solstice Elf got me some

2009-11-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

CHOCOLATE!!!!!

This new place in Cornelius opened up and OMG!!!!!! they sell the best chocolate! It's the best! My SSE got me this chocolate; rum raisin, key lime pie, and another one! I was so impressed! I shared one with Jazzy and it was so good I had to wait until he fell asleep to have the other 2!

Black Friday well really Saturday

2009-11-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

It's Black Friday and unlike most people we are heading to Habitant, the best place for bargains Food Lion, only because it's close, Ace Hardware because it's our favorite helpful hardware store and Home Economist because Nettie is there of course. Heading out to shop and just have some fun!

Packing up my bargains at Habitant

Jazzy and Tara are all ready to move on out. Packed like 2 cute little sardines, snuggling together enjoying each other's company!

A minor dispute! Teenagers are for sure aliens to parents! Think it visaversa too!

We're heading off to our next destination!

Day After Celebration

2009-11-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

Every Year our Frineds come up and stay over, they live in Asheville. We make breakfast, get to visit for a bit and than they go home until another, well until my b-day when I get to honor the women in my life.

Scott is playing with Jazzy He's being the dino tickle monster. The fingers are what Jazzy was doing! He'd come after Scott and than Scott would bring out the Dino tickle fingers. He had a ball with the tickle monster.

Sweet little Veda! In the car. Yes, this is are only car. Great on gas mileage, It doesn't use any!!! Only problem is it doesn't go fast and we can't all fit!

All the kids love this car. Jerry got it when he was 18 @ the Salvation Army in Buffalo, NY! Veda really like the car!

(Gina) Mom and Veda having a little nurturing time! Bye til next time! We miss ya'll!

Our Annual Thanksgiving Celebration

2009-11-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some picture of our annual Thanksgiving Celebration. Each year around the 14th of November, we invite friends to come and celebrate with us. This year was a small group, but it was nice to have people to all be able to talk together .

In this picture we have Charlie, Julie, Nettie Tara , Autumne, and Zac in the hat.

We do a gift exchange, something that you have made or something you have loved, but are done with. This is what is going on in this picture. In here we have Jerry, Gina, Charlie, Julie, Scott, Gus Nettie, Tara and Autumne

Gina and Jerry with Veda. Night night Veda!

Autumne teaching Tara how to knit

2009-11-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

Autumne took some time to teach Tara to knit. She was remarkable calm and patient.

Tara and Autumne sharing a laugh while the work! Tara has learned how to cast on. One step at a time! I love these pictures, they show how close they are. And beautiful!!!!!

Creation Takes Over

2009-11-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

I redesigned my Parlor/office. Took the blinds down, I was getting tired of them! Made these curtains. I love them! Now my vision of the Parlor look is coming together. Took the carpet up and and in February we will paint the floor and it will be done.

Re -vamped this dress. Cut off the ties on the neck, just looked weird. Than I cut the sleeves, they were 3 quarter length sleeves. Added the lace and left enough to make a bow and added it to the bottom. Now, I like it!

This was a T-shirt. Basic T, just a bit boring. I added the lace, now Tara has a new night grown! I added a T because it had this little hole and Tara was thrilled to have a T !

This was another revamped jumper. It was to small for Tara so I cut off the top and made a waist band and a bit more for a tie. The top pic is the back. The Bottom is the front.

Another one of my redesigned rooms. The foyer needed something more. I actually just started wanting to do the Foyer, than ended up doing the dinning room, foyer, and parlor.

Why Peanut Butter and Dogs are Comical

2009-11-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

No! my Buddha is not hot and tired out, he has peanut butter stuck to the roof of his mouth. Feeling stressed out, give the dogs peanut butter and your stress melts away! Buddha couldn't get his tongue in the peanut butter enough !

Joy is not a violent dog, she just loves peanut butter! She usually eats in a half a second, but not when we give her some peanut butter, she is busy for quite awhile.

The Wisdom of Mother Earth

2009-11-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

We have taken to paying attention to the Moon and to the change in the seasons. I am becoming more and more aware of myself in relationship to the earth. This is a picture of the trees by my home. It reminds me of this time of year, the autumn.
I have noticed as the moon changeds so do I, as the seasons change so do I. Each cycle brings a new energy to my beingness. To how I see others, to how I see myself. To how I am capable of doing and not doing, To what foods I crave to what foods I can't think of eating.
This time of year I want to retreat inside. I also feel the need to connect more to others, not in a do this or that, but in a deeper connection way. I feel the need to nurture myself and those that have made a difference this time of year.
This is the first year that we are following our tradition, our spiritual tradition of this time of year being the end of the year. This is our new year! I am excited about that. I am excited about the prospect that new year will bring. Yoga has become a big part of my life. I have started a home practice. I am going to take more yoga classes in the coming year and may do yoga teacher training. I am working on my business, which is exciting. I am claiming who I am. Who are you claiming to be this year?!

Sweetness, needing, cool and beauty

2009-11-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Tarasoulfia is her real name. This picture is so Tara. She is named after 2 goddess; Tara and Sophia. Soulful is what I called her when she was growing wombside. Looking at her sometimes, her beauty is Goddess like.

Jazper for sure is my baby. All the other ones couldn't wait to grow up. Jazzy likes being mamma's boy. This is those moments that I cherish completely. It's at these moments that I feel almost Zen like. I wish I could bottle up, times like this and pour the energy over those times I feel like I'm not going to make it. It always happens that after having one of those moments of dread, I get one of this Zen like feelings of gratitude.

Mr. Cool that's Gus man for sure. He can challenge me, beyond anything I thought possible of a child of mine. Ignorance is bliss! I use to think I had all the answers when I came to being a parent, before I had kids. HA! Was I put in my place. I have no idea what the answers are!!! ! !!!

Gus is sensitive, caring, very good at working out plans, very creative and talented. He is also very cool. Unlike, this picture, this cool is in his temper. Gus is a teenager. How is it .... I have a teenager, I can't possibly be old enough for that!~

Her beauty is so amazing. Her beauty is inside and out. Such a giving soul, sweetness and strength. How can I be so blessed and so lucky to have these kids and all the treasures they give me.

Reading @ the Thomas's

2009-11-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

Everyone has taken this time for reading. While Jazzy snoozes everyone takes some reading time. Everyone is into learning more and more. Tara loves the Dick and Jane readers, Autmne is reading her favorite book, her inspiration, Jacques Pepin, the guys, who knows. Jerry is always reading something and lots of books. Gus, is having a hard time picking one to stick with

Dad and son sharing a learning moment. Jerry is showing Gus a location on the map.

Autumne again reading, Jacques Pepin.

Jazzy is reading about BMX bikes. I guess reading it upside down help if you are laying down on the ground fixing the bike. Than you know what you doing

Tara is reading one of the Dick and Jane series. She has some really old ones. Some are from the 40's originals, but in the shape you would like a book that old read by little kids would look like.

How to Totally RELAX

2009-11-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

Jazzy propped himself up on the pillow and within seconds he was asleep. Tara, well need to say anything more!

We all need something to make us feel secure. Autmne has Joy and Joy has her frog. That big green thing is her unstuffed frog. Yes, she destuffed him.

A work of Art ----- A work of LOVE

2009-11-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

I love the fact that Autumne has this special gift she shares with her dad. This is one of Autumne and Jerry's dinner's. They made homemade french onion soup. Jerry and Autumne are both reading," Jacques Pepin The Apprentice. They got the recipe from that book, they were inspired.

It was so tasty! It was a great work of art and love. We all felt loved by this masterpiece!

Advent Solstice has Begun

2009-11-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

We are smudging around our circle.
For our Solstice Tradition we pick names: (someone in the house, someone outside the house. ) We become that persons secret fairy or elf. Than we do special things for that person secretly or at least try to be secretive. This doesn't always work. We do people that we want them to know they matter to us; Friends, family and people around us that have made a difference. We also choose something to add or give up. We each pick an attribute, that we are to focus on. I got harmony, Jerry got joy, Gus got respect, Autumne got gratitude, Tara got peace, and Jazzy got laughter. We all got what we needed to focus on.

This is our learning time. We all picked a book to read. We read a chapter a week. Here is Jazzy talking about Star Wars. He kept trying to stop Jerry from talking about his book. Not an easy task when you have so many who want to be the center of attention.

Gus is fulling involved here!

No matter what. Joy thinks she has to be involved, right in the middle of things. Everyday about 1:00 she starts her talking about what why she needs more attention.

Dyeing to Dye

2009-11-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

I have 2 lbs of wool and I have so many ideas for so many things, if only I have as much time as ideas. I kool-aide dyed this wool. Very simple too; I boiled some water and added the wool to season the wool then added the kool- aide and let it sit in the water while I stirred. The water magically turned clear and it was done. Now I have to figure out what to do with it.

The finished product.

This is a Cati fruit. I used it to dye one of the treasures I got from my friend Jean. It was very easy to it, only thing is it can be painful if you are not in some sort of glove protection.

Here's the finished project. It was natural color with a L on it. I knew right away what I was going to do with it. My favorite word. I added a button for the O, a shell for the V and embroidered an E.

Here it is up in my guess bathroom. If you click on the picture you can see it better.

September has come and gone, but

2009-11-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Here is my beautiful Autumne on her b-day. It's so hard to believe 11 years ago she was born. She was so tiny. A bag of sugar that was our Autumne, 5 lbs when we left the hospital. I made her a carrot cake.
I feel like I am the luckiest woman in world. Autumne is growing and learning and becoming such an amazing and beautiful little woman. It's funny I thought I understood my mom and what being a mom was all about, after all I was a nanny for 14 years. I didn't really get it, until I became a mom myself. This is the hardest job, but the best job. I look at my life and think WOW, this is the life of my dreams! I am a mom. My dream has come true. I thought a would never have kids. Than in 10 years I had 7. Life is good!

This was Autumne's cake. I made gluten free carrot cake. I thought it could of been a bit better, but it was gone in a day! Guess, it couldn't of been that bad!

What Happening

2009-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I we have been busy with life. Well, this is just a post about what's new in our lives. Jerry isn't working for the TEA HOUSE. The Tea House doesn't exist anymore. Jerry has moved on to Davidson college cafe. He likes it ok. He is just happy to feel at peace with a job and to have one.
We started back to learning and our spirituality. Everyone is reading a book, we are talking about the moon and how it effects us. Autumne learned all about Truffles. She made some . . . OMG! My daughter is one amazing little baker/cook. She is still reading a book about a chief, of course. I am reading eat, pray and love. I am so enjoying that book. I am so wanting Traveling with Pomegranates. It's sounds exactly where I am at.
I got my hair cut. It's pretty short, I love it. I feel sexy, sassy and it looks great. I tried a new henna product and OMG!!! it's so amazing and feels so soft. Gus's hair has gotten curly, he keeps trying to flatten it with split. It's not working to well. Tara loves reading almost as much as her dad. Jazzy, I think is working toward being the next funny man in the house. Autumne, is creating more and more tasty food. I think we have on our hands a little chef.

Well, I will be posting more and taking more pictures. So look out for a email abut new post.
Have a great and amazing day. Blog one amazing life at a time~~

The Sweetness of being 3

2009-10-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

See my belly! Gus just asked him if he could see his 6 pack. Jazzy was trying to find his!

My little man decided to get the bar stool bring it to the tv get up on it. And talk on the phone. I gave him the phone, he was talking to his Grammy, went to get it and there he was on the bar stool!

"Mom, I'm reading Don't take my picture I can't read if you take my picture!"

Just plain cuteness!

Life with Joy

2009-10-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Joy and ZZ. Can you tell what time it is!

I had to take Buddha to the groomers. So I had this awesome idea to put him in the Mia Tie and ride him on my bike over there. We have to walk on a VERY busy street to get them there. So we tried it with Joy. She thought it was great at first, than wanted to get out. That's like a 2 year old! LOL

Joy is never far from a sleeping being. Weather it be cat, dog or kid!

We had our morning time outside, of course Joy has to be right with us. This is our fire pit. She just walked over laid down right in the middle of all of us. Funny dog!

Creatures of the Summer 09'

2009-10-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

This is the last of our summer bugs, I think away. 3 bee!. The 2 little ones had lots of energy, but the big one, he was in a deep medative place. Thought for a moment, he was actually doing a yoga pose. May even have his own practice!

We found this little Caterpillar on the tomato plant. I didn't want to kill him. He's so beautiful, so I picked him up and moved him to another location. He seemed perfectly happyat his new spot too!

Now these 2 have funny stories attached to them. This one Autumne and I biked to the store and when we got into the store, we looked down and saw this little guy on the cart. Walked around the store with him on the seat. We got done. Of course we had to get ourselves a treat, so we sat down to eat it and every time someone would come to take the cart I would tell them please could you take a different one. I don't tink he will do well in the store. Funny, thing is everyone acted like it was perfectly normal to have a grasshopper on the grocery carts!

This huge cricket. Must of been having MSG or something, it was huge. No he didn't eat the door. That was a gift from my brothers dog, she was a bit uncomfortable at our house. So She ate my door!

Some of My Creations

2009-10-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my most recent creation. She is my little faery. Very sparkly. She is filled with faery dust for a little magic. The girls had this barbie dress that was going to Am-vets, til I had the idea of making a faery. Her arms are made out of sticks and her face is a rock. Her body is a glass bottle filled with glitter and sand. Glitter is on her dress and the rest of her too. Her wings glitter they are made from money tree leaves.

This is Autumne bag for our bike rides and trips to the store. She gets to keep an eye on the key too.

This is one of my favorite dresses. It was a tank top that was too short,so I cut the bottom off, I'm sure I used it for something else. Than added fabric and lace to make a dress. It's very light so I made a slip dress to wear under it. Time to put away until next year!

This is Tara's skirt, I got this vintage fabric at my favorite store. Add the draw string and elastic . Than thought a pocket would be nice too.

I love this little picture. I got it from SKIRT the news magazine. The kids had this i-pod box that became my frame and I added the lace and that became my picture.

My kids

2009-10-22T21:15:00.001-07:00

WOW! to think they all came out of me!!! My life has had it's ups and down this year, but as I look at these kids of mine I some how know it will all be ok! Fifteen years ago I started this journey. It's hard to believe. It's funny I thought I'd have them and they would stay a babies. CRAZY ME! What did I think they would stay little for. It challenging at times, but it's also rewarding know I made a difference, I gave them life. They in return saved mine.

I am one blessed momma!

If you look real closely you can see family dynamics going on. Love and snuggles on one side and competition on the other end and Tara, look I am beautiful and innocent too!

More Treasures from my Garden

2009-09-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Not sure what these are . i just love them. Every year they come up. They get so tall, not all the stalks flower. The Green is so feathery

My Cati, wow, she is so beautiful. 100% recovery! YEA YEA YEA!

One of the treasures from my dad! His roses!

I always forget what this one is. I do know I think it's beautiful and I just love it!

Garden Blessings

2009-09-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is the space for my wild flower and herb garden. The bare field is for our garden. This year in 2 weeks we are getting the ground cover. I think we are getting red clover and pea's of some sort.

My Zinnia's ( thanks Gina and Carrie) are blooming like Crazy! They look so beautiful! Everyday I go out and more have or are about to bloom.

Here is our wild blackberry bush ( thanks Allison) it's doing so well! Can't wait until next year. hopefully, we will have some yummy berries.

Well, I am not sure this is a blessings or not. I bought this bag of bird feed and brought it home put it on the table and went about my business. When I came back to it and thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Well, Autumne saw them too. All those tiny black specks, well those are some sort of bugs. I opened it, thinking birds eat bugs. Well, they poured out of the bag. They don't fly, they have this time pincher like thing on their nose. I am not sure that they are eating the bugs. They don't do much, I tried to see if they were flying type bug. No, they just drop. Well, i am going to go and see what they are doing come tomorrow. Funny little bug!

Morning Meditation Time

2009-09-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Each morning, well, most mornings we start with a brief time for meditation and prayer time. Last week it was so nice at the beginning that we took advantage of it and did our morning time around the fire pit.

Autumne in her apron, sharing a reflective moment!

Waiting for Jerry to go forward!

Even Joy wants to be apart of our time!

My Front Porch

2009-09-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

At this end we have a table and 2 chairs that I recovered and made a runner for the the table.

I love our home and all we've done, I redid my porch. All 3 of our bikes are here.

I made this cushion and revamped this rocking chair.
Shabby Chic that's my style!!!

Dinner @ the Thomas

2009-09-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Me,

I'm just taking it all in!

Wild man Jazzy, Spaghetti does interesting things to the boy!

I am thinking about that! I'll get back to you!

Not so sure! I want more, but .. . well I am king!

Oh! Let me tell you. I remember when . ... . . .

My Crows

2009-09-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today, I was able to get a good close picture of my crow. To me these are the most amazing, spiritual, mystical, intelligent birds. I am in awe of them. They have gotten so use to me that they now after I feed them caw for me. Think they are thanking me. It's always after. They know who I am. I have one that will sit afterI feed him in the tree across from my house and caw at me .

This one is so funny, he will go back and forth on the very top than he will come down and eat.

They are very social birds. Never do they come to just eat alone. One comes sees the food and then calls for the other birds to come. I have from 4 to 7 come and eat.

They have eaten, now it's time to go!

Blessings from my Dad

2009-09-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my dad's rose we brought back with us, after his memorial. I didn't think it would bloom this year. YEA! think this is my dad's way of saying he's here!

This was his Zippo lighter. The top part is broken. I was going to get it fixed, but thought this was a better idea. The kids have ipod's so I got the cases. I made this little mento as a remembrance of him.

It's next to the Fat Tire bottle. Perfect symbolism too! I love my new red bike.. .. ..Thanks Dad!!

Moon Magic

2009-09-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

One of the blessings of living where we do, is we get the best view of the moon. This shot is from the back yard last week.

A few moments later the moon is getting higher!

Dusk, she's so beautiful! Some worship the Sun, I choose to worship the moon and all her magic.

Cutness and Sweetest

2009-09-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Now, ain't they cute!!

Even the Big kid can be sweet!

Awe! Sweetest of being a big sis!

Who needs who . . . .pet or kid . ... or . . .

2009-09-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

could it be both?

Joy always seem to be with one of us curled up and snuggling. Joy was left home for hours on end with the person who had her before we did, now she is with us most of the time . She needs us as much as we need her! Having our pets makes our family complete. Life is a circle, one doesn't need one more, the need is a circle. The love goes to Joy and Buddha and ZZ and comes back to us, a complete circle.

I think Jazzy needs Joy, he loves her. He needs to snuggle with his favorite snooze dog. Sometimes, I just want to capture those special moments and never let them go!

Graditude

2009-09-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Now this is a washer that is beautiful, amazing and wonderful! The first day I used it I kept checking it make sure it was in working order. If it STOPPED I freaked out and very very gently walked over and than it started and would feel so happy! I know it's just a washer, but we have several months of broken appliances of one sort or another.
I know turn the water on and feel so grateful and so blessed to live where I can have water and use it. Other places the water causes illness. I hope I don't ever take having water, being able to wash my clothes in a washing machine, Jerry having a job any of these things for grant it. Right now, Jerry and I just feel an over abundance of gratitude!

Tara in the reading nook

2009-09-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

Tara loves to read. She read a little everyday. Today, she decided to sit in the reading nook and read some books.

She is totally enjoying her selections!

She is like her daddy, an avid reader!

The whole bottom shelf is Jazzy and Tara's.

What are you reading?

2009-09-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Autumne is reading the book of this cook from France. She is just loving it. Autumne is planning on going to France when she is 21. She is going to start saving for her trip. She said one week will be a treat for me, than the next will be money for France. She has found some recipes to try too.

Gus is reading this book. It's a slow read for him. He would rather read graphic novels, but is learning a lot about this football guy. I think he is a coach, but was a player.

Herbs from the Garden

2009-08-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Dill

Rosemary

Lavender

Mint

Basil