3 Little Indians

Courage: 2012 Word of the Year

2012-01-27T11:15:00.008-06:00

As a kid I didn't consider myself to be very brave. I thought myself to be a bit reserved--always the one following the rules and playing it safe. I never pushed myself, especially where academics were concerned. I walked a (fairly) straight line and wasn't an overachiever. I was deeply concerned with how people saw me and what their perceptions of me might be. You might say I was obsessed with this.

Looking back on my adult life, however, I can recall events where courage emerged from me when I least expected it to. In my 20s I found myself brave enough to break off a wedding engagement when I came to the realization that he wasn't "the one." I then married a man whose culture is quite different from mine. In my 30s I went back to school to finish my nursing degree, I underwent infertility treatments, and I gave birth to 3 children in 5 1/2 years. I also did 4 triathlons and a half marathon. When I turned 40, I felt my insecurities subsiding even more, and I was filled with greater courage to just be myself, no matter now goofy or ditzy that may look at times. I also found the courage to laugh at myself. Often.

Last year God called me to a ministry in the church as the Christian Education Director. It's been almost 12 months since I first sat in that office, stared at the walls, and said, "Now what?" The last 11 months have been peppered with many soul-filling highs and several gut-wrenching lows since that first day in March, and as I look forward to celebrating my first year "on-the-job," I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the courage God has gifted me with to not only accept the position, but to keep on keepin' on in spite of the stumbles and challenges. Isn't that what Jesus did in his ministry?

Our bible study group has been studying "The Purpose Driven Life." It occurred to me during our most recent discussion that sometimes when searching for our purpose, we will need to be courageous for we have no idea where God will lead us when we ask Him that question, "What am I here for?" He could lead us on a completely different path than the one we are currently on...a path that is new, untraveled, and scary. That's where the courage comes in.

What have I learned about courage over the course of my life? For some of us, being courageous takes...well...courage! I believe that some people emerge from the womb without a fearful bone in their body. I have a friend like this, and I am in awe of her boldness, her focus, and her ability to "go for it" in all aspects of her life. Then there are others who often wake up in the morning needing to make the conscious effort to step out of the boat, take that leap of faith, and stand firm in whom and what they believe in, either because of circumstances that God has put in their lives or simply because of how God has made them.

While I'm delighted to see my courage level rising over the last few years, I still see myself as someone who needs a constant reminder to be courageous. As a wife. As a mom. As a Christian Education Director. As a sister and daughter. As a friend. That is why "courage" is my mantra this year, and Joshua 1:9 is my new life verse (the verse is in the sidebar). Because who am I not to be courageous since it is what my God has commanded of me?

And believe me when I tell you that I am clinging to the fact that courage doesn't always equal success. Sometimes courage just means taking a deep breath and going for it. We may fall flat on our face. It could turn out disastrously. But if I believe I'm being guided by the Holy Spirit make a change or do something bold, then He will honor that no matter what the outcome. Thank God we aren't called to be successful. We are called to be faithful.

“Courage does not always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice

at the end of the day saying,

'I will try again tomorrow.”

~ Mary Anne Radmacher

Footloose

2012-01-23T20:12:00.001-06:00

I cannot believe it's been about 5 months since the last post on this blog. There's just so much to tell that I don't know where to begin. Really, I just don't know where to start. The new (but not anymore) puppies? The growth (both physical and maturity) of our kids? The struggles-yet-intense-JOY of my new job at the church (but it's not really new because it's almost been a YEAR!)? The profound peace-yet-disorganization that is our family's life?

Yeah, I don't have that much time.

So for now, I'll just start with last night...Sunday night. Our pool has been completed since Christmas Eve, and the kids wanted to play in the water as the January evening was a balmy 65 degrees. My first inclination was to say, "NO! Go shower and get ready for bed before Dad's done with the burgers on the grill!" Didn't they know it was a school night? Didn't they know that bedtime was looming and that they needed to be asleep at a decent hour to ensure an easy morning for both them and for Mom? Didn't they know that this would mean more laundry piles for me?

But, for some crazy reason (perhaps it was our pastor's sermon about keeping the Sabboth holy and not working on Sundays) I gave them the "thumbs up." It started with the kids wading in the pool. That turned into a full-fledged swim in their jammies. The puppies joined in the fun and waded into the pool....only to race around the ungrassy yard in the dirt...necessitating a deep-cleaning for the both of them. The kids ended up dining pool-side--soaking wet and shivering cold.....and declaring last night one of the "best nights ever."

Sometimes cutting loose and letting the rules bend just a tad is all it takes to make an ordinary night an extraordinary night. Sans any electrical gadgets.

I need to remember to do that more often. Here's to a year full of "footloose" moments and memories.

Firsts

2011-08-23T05:25:00.001-05:00

So many times in our lives the momentous occasions are those that happened for the first time. I remember clearly my first overnight away from home (it was a 2-week Girl Scout camp when I was 10). I remember my first kiss....my first real heartbreak...the first time I drove a car alone...my first job...and so on and so on and so on. Those firsts are forever imprinted in my brain and in my heart...and God has undoubtedly used them to shape me into the person I am today.

Yesterday commemorated another first. It was the first time my children experienced their first day of school as a 1st/3rd/4th grader. The night before there was some significant nervousness and reluctance in returning back to school, and those feelings lingered as I walked them to their respective classrooms yesterday. By the grace of God, however, they each reported to me that the first day of school "rocked."

The firsts that the 3 little Indians experienced yesterday did not go unnoticed by me. As I sent them off to begin a new school year I was reminded that if we live an adult life that honors God, we should experience many firsts just like our children as we travel on our faith journey. These firsts are imperative if we are to grow.

I experienced my own first this past weekend...putting myself out there in a way that made me feel uncomfortable, uncertain, and downright sick to my stomach. It was a task necessary for me to accomplish in relation to my new church calling...but it was definitely NOT something I was looking forward to. Just hours before it began I prayed to God to fill me with peace during this event. He did exactly that. God removed my fears and anxieties, and the gathering of believers proved to be more powerful than I could have ever anticipated. The Holy Spirit showed up. In a big way. And it was amazing.

I recently read a wonderful book about teaching and learning. This book uses the analogy that we are like rubber bands. When a rubber band is stretched, it never fully returns to its original shape. That rubber band is never the same. The same goes for us. Once we learn or do something for the first time...especially if it glorifies God... we are never the same. We are forever changed.

And, that's exactly what a life of faith is all about.

Amen

2011-08-16T06:34:00.002-05:00

Source: etsy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-04-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

This morning I got on my bike after a nearly 2-year hiatus. It felt awesome. I rode those 14 miles exerting a ton of effort...I huffed and puffed more than I remember doing in the past...but it was an exhilarating feeling to be riding....to be doing something I love but that I had let slide. Even when the bug flew into my mouth at 25 mph...I was lovin' it.

The last year has been a challenging one. 40 was difficult. 41 didn't start out so great, either. But, I'm feeling a turn-around...in both my health and my attitude. I feel as if I'm back in the saddle again in many ways, and I like it. I like it a lot.

For starters, I'm a working girl now. It's only part-time. And it's an interim position. But I think it's cool that I am employed some place that values family first. And that they're letting me try the job on for size to see if it fits in with my life. I love having a place to go to focus on something other than laundry and groceries. And I love being able to leave that place in time to pick up my kids from school.

I've learned to let go. Of potentially harmful relationships. Of my need to be in control. Of responsibilities that I no longer feel called to be a part of. I'm trying to focus on doing a few things really well rather than a ton of things half-way. It's completely liberating.

I'm making time for those things I love to do rather than things I have to do. I'm going to bike more. Craft more. Play guitar more. Spend time with friends more. BLOG more.

I've made new friends. Unexpected friendships have developed in the least likely places. And it's the real deal friendships with people I feel so completely at ease wtih and who love me as I am. I love that.

I've learned how to work through difficulties with those I love in a more healthy way. If the relationship matters, than it's worth fighting for. Besides, those rough patches can only serve to strengthen the bond if they're addressed with love.

I've stopped trying to be someone I'm not or live up to others' expectations. It's so much easier to be myself. Who else is better qualified?

My ride this morning punctuated a 2-week-long uphill swing for me. I'm feeling stronger. Empowered. More clear-headed (hopefully). More joyful. And ready to take on not FOUR triathlons that I had so ambitiously claimed I would do...but maybe just one.

Will there be hard days? No doubt. Will I still struggle, doubt, question, cry, and lose my temper? Absolutely. Because I'm human, and I'm a chick. But I'm hopeful that the way I'm feeling now will enable me to deal with life's stuff with more patience, grace, love, and forgiveness.

That is my prayer.

February 17th: I Love.....

2011-02-17T04:00:00.001-06:00

...birthdays.

It doesn't matter whose.

Anybody's birthday is cause for celebration in my book.

Today happens to be my birthday.

41.

I'm officially...in my 40s.

I had fun plans in store.
Really fun.

But, as life would have it...

those plans have changed.

Obligations have come up.

I was pretty bummed about it.

Honestly? I still am.

I bought myself some tulips in an

attempt to lift my spirits.

They worked a little.

And music from
Jason Mraz always makes me
so happy.
Lately I can't get enough of his songs.

Bottom line?

I'm super-blessed.

And anything I spend doing on my birthday

is to be treasured.

I'll be repeating that to myself today.

Thank you, God, for giving me

another year to celebrate.

And for giving me the

hope and courage

to stretch my wings a bit

as my 41st year takes flight.

Change is definitely in the air.

And it feels good.

February 14th: I Love....

2011-02-14T12:21:00.002-06:00

...my Valentines.

My heart swells with love for them.

And I'm joining Brene and others as we strive to be
extra-generous...
extra-kind...
extra-loving
this Valentine's week.

Who knows? Maybe it'll be habit-forming.
World-changing.
At least in someone's world.

February 10th: I Love....

2011-02-10T08:48:00.000-06:00

...powerful quotes.

Like this one I stumbled upon the other day.

"Courage doesn't always roar.

Sometimes courage is the little voice

at the end of the day that says

I'll try again tomorrow."

~Mary Anne Radmacher

February 5th: I Love....

2011-02-05T06:00:00.013-06:00

.....Texas.

This video says it all.

My fellow Texans will totally get it.

Think you might see this if you
watch the Superbowl
(which is in Dallas, TEXAS) tomorrow.

Yee Haw.

February 4th: I Love.....

2011-02-04T10:33:00.000-06:00

....snow!

I can say that I love snow since I'm not knee deep in it.

I can say that I love snow since I don't have to shovel it
on a regular basis.

I can say that I love snow since I'm not stuck at home

with the kids after consecutive snow days in a row...

pulling my hair out and going stir-crazy.

Last night brought us only a light dusting...

pretty much what you would expect as far as

snowfall in South Texas.

But it was just enough.

The pups loved it.

So did the kids.

Here is an example of what can happen

when you let your sister dress you.

An attempt at throwing a snowball.

Deven's goggle mark.

Which morphed into a happy snow face.

After awhile...we had had enough fun for the time being.

It was time to go inside and thaw out...

which is only possible with hot chocolate, I'm told.

Apparently this light dusting of snow covered

significant ice patches on the rode...

hence, our SNOW DAY---staying home from school.

So far I've had to break up 4 fights

and put 1 kid in a time-out.

It's only 10am.

Think it might be a long day.

Thankfully, we're thawing out tomorrow. Sunny and 65.

Unpredictable, ever-changing Texas weather at its best.

February 3rd: I Love....

2011-02-03T09:16:00.000-06:00

...mornings.

And I think I always have. Just ask my family and peeps...I'm a self-proclaimed "annoyingly cheerful morning person."

Call me crazy (and I have plenty of friends out there who will), but I love waking up. I love that first cup of coffee. I love how excited the puppies are when I greet them and scoop them up out of their kennel. I love putting the pups on the kids' beds...watching their little tongues kiss the children to a full state of wakefulness. I love breakfast foods.

Now there are some in my family (Animesh & Priya to be specific) who do not feel as I do about mornings. In fact, where those two are concerned, the word grumpy comes to mind. And they freely admit that so I can blog this without guilt.

But the boys and I are early-birds. Catching the proverbial worm at sunrise.

Just don't expect me to answer the phone past 9:00pm. I'll be asleep by then.

February 1st: I Love...

2011-02-01T17:38:00.001-06:00

...this quote on Brene's blog.

Thanks, Brene, for sharing this.

How powerfully this captures what it means to

love deeply and completely....

and vulnerably.

Last February I was inspired by a friend to

share month-long blog posts

capturing people & places & things that I love.

This February I'm hoping

to do the same.

And I'm also hoping that you'll be back to visit...

and also to share some of those people & places & things

that you love.

The Last 34 Days

2011-01-24T13:31:00.010-06:00

I can't be sure, but this might be my longest blogging dry spell yet. I've thought about posting something here and there, but the inspiration never sticks around for too long. The lack of blogging certainly has nothing to do with the lack of activity around these parts. Because there has been lots of activity. Let me see what memories I can extract from my nearly 41-year old brain....

In the last 34 days:

...we celebrated the birth of our Christ and rung in 2011 with sweet friends.

...we have had more jammie days than I can count thanks to Christmas holidays and 4-day weekends (yes, we've already had a 4 day weekend).

...as a result of those jammie days each member of the family has perfected a Wii sport. Daddy, golf. Deven, basketball. Priya, sword fighting. Trevor, baseball. And me? Well, archery, of course.

...I have knit 5 scarves from start to finish. Priya has knit 2.

...I have NOT taken my Christmas tree down. :)

...Deven turned into a mean Scrabble opponent.

...Daddy cleaned out the garage. Amen. And amen.

...the kids and I have watched our new favorite movie, "Despicable Me," so many times ("oh yeah!") that we can quote entire scenes at the dinner table. Driving Daddy absolutely insane ("not cool.") Maybe Daddy will have a brilliant idea ("light bulb") and hide the movie from us. Because we are out of control ("booyah!").

...I've cooked more meals at home.

...I've spent more days at home while the kids are in school. Getting things accomplished.

...I joined the gym again. Because after a triathlon-drought last year, there are races to be raced in this year. I'm aiming for 4.

...my hair has finally grown out enough to be put in a pony-tail--albeit a messy one at that. Pony-tails are saving me from whacking it all off (again). Yea!

...we have cheered on our San Antonio Spurs at many games as they work to win another championship! GO SPURS GO!

...we have cheered on Deven as he began his basketball season. Number 8. The age he turns in May. I think I am going to cry.

...our family grew by 8 feet. Meet Linus & Lucy...our little brother & sister Shih-poos. They are precious. They keep us on our toes. But they sure do bring a whole lotta love to our family.

They joined our family December 24th, and the kids have been on cloud 9 ever since. They love to keep each other company and don't annoy big beagle brother Spridle. Too much.

Basically, the last 34 days I have made a concerted effort to focus on my 2011 Word of the Year: Peace. Like the quote says above in the margin...peace doesn't mean that my life...our lives...will always be quiet or calm or organized or easy. Peace means to be in the middle of the craziness...and still be quiet and calm in my heart. Knowing that it's all good in the 'hood.

Because it really is.

Christmas Reflections

2010-12-21T08:00:00.003-06:00

I took this picture the other night...captivated by the reflection of the tree in the window. I loved the imagery...especially since I've been so reflective lately.

This time of year can be so magical. The children's excitement and wonder are contagious. The decorations and lights remind us of this special month. The reason for the season can inspire us to grow closer with God and journey further into relationship with Him. But for some, this time of year can be hard. Really hard.

The last few days my mind has been filled with thoughts and prayers for friends who, during this holiday season, are struggling in relationships, praying loved ones through surgeries and illnesses, and mourning the loss of loved ones or the loss of relationships that once brought them joy.

And, if all of that isn't enough, a tragedy occurred yesterday...something so incredibly sad that caused me to pause in the middle of my crazy, running-out-of-control day to hug my children a little tighter and to tell my husband just how much I love him and appreciate him.

The tragedy didn't affect our family directly. But it was someone Animesh and I both knew. And the story that surrounds this situation is heart-breaking. Out of respect for this family I won't share details. Let's just say that it is so very, very sad.

I write all of this not to be a "debbie-downer" at Christmastime but out of my belief that we experience difficulties and tragedies occur for reasons we may or may not understand on earth. Personally, I believe that God has opened my eyes to these situations in order that I may cling to Him more tightly and worship Him more as I stand firm in my belief that He is the One True God who reigns over all the earth....even during difficult times.

Emmanuel. God is with us. No matter what.

And THAT is a Christmas message to be joyful about.

12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-16T07:00:00.004-06:00

It's party day today...and one last 1/2 day tomorrow before the break.
YES!

And we're ready for the holidays...complete with mild, comfortable
temperatures.
Yes, Christmastime in Texas suits me just fine.

Christmastime in Texas

2010-12-13T12:41:00.000-06:00

My favorite lines in the song:

"There may not be snow...

in San Antonio...

but it's a Texas Christmas

to me!"

It was a....

2010-12-06T11:26:00.002-06:00

....hot chocolate drinking....

....gingerbread house making....

....Christmas parade float riding kind of weekend.

Loved it all. But I'm now ready to
get some things accomplished.

And since I'm thinking I might be tied up for a bit...
it might be awhile till I post on the ole' blog.

Meanwhile, you can visit me here if you'd like.

Since they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

Who is "they," anyway?

I discovered Posterous awhile back.

It just took me awhile to figure it all out.
It's so easy!

And it's a fun way to post via my phone.....
anytime!

Which is handy for me since I'm almost never home.

Speaking of never being home...
it's time for me to jet off again.
The to-do list is long.
But, as my friend's husband reminded her
when she was stressed about her to-do list....
it's all fun stuff!
Good stuff!
Festive stuff!
I just need to take a deep breath...slowly...
and remember that it'll all get done.

Eventually.

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 22-30

2010-11-30T06:00:00.109-06:00

Wow. I really fell behind the 8-ball with my gratitude posts. But it's not for lack of being thankful, that's for sure. Our Thanksgiving weekend was packed full of reasons to be grateful. Family. Food. Friends. More food. Our health. Laughter. Even more food. A chance to relax. No alarm clocks to set. No place we had to be.

I didn't want the weekend to end.

We started off our holiday week by making our traditional "Thankful Tree." It's going to stay up till next year to remind us that Thanksgiving isn't just in November. It should be every day. Even when we have to dig deep on those days when we're feeling not-so-grateful.

We enjoyed a lovely holiday meal with my parents at our house (I don't have any pictures...I was too busy being sous chef for Animesh...he cooked a fabulous meal, but I can see why chefs have a very stressful job! I was exhausted!).

Saturday we drove into downtown San Antonio to enjoy the Christmas lights on the Riverwalk...and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants on the river.

After dinner we stopped by the Alamo for the traditional tourist photo op. The Alamo is so pretty all lit up at night. Remember the Alamo.

In front of the Alamo stands the city's beautiful Christmas tree with, as Deven put it, "the most gigantic ornaments I've ever seen!"

We ended our fun evening with a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown San Antonio.

Priya was in heaven during the carriage ride. It made the whole evening for her.

And it wouldn't be a true family outing without Deven getting so cold that he had to borrow Daddy's jacket. It was actually only about 55 degrees, but this kid is always cold.

Of course Trevor sacked out the minute the car started rolling. Precious....

Next up? We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Fred...our Elf on the Shelf. He's due to make landfall somewhere in our house tomorrow so he can keep track of the naughty-ness and the nice-ness and report it all back to Santa each night while we sleep.

And Saturday we are riding on our church Christmas float in the Boerne Weihnacht's Christmas Parade on Main Street! Come on out and see us...and welcome December!

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 19-21

2010-11-22T12:28:00.000-06:00

We had a busy, full weekend. Thursday evening was the 3rd Grade Family Fun night, and the moms who planned this event did a great job focusing on "giving" and "community."

The 3rd graders made place mats for a nursing home, and they also brought canned goods to be donated to Hill Country Daily Bread....such a tremendous ministry located in our own charming town.

Friday after school we delivered the goods to the nursing home and to Daily Bread.

And Sunday morning our Girl Scout troop (along with my boys and hundreds of other Daily Bread volunteers) helped sort food and pack Thanksgiving boxes for those in need in our community.

It was a great weekend of giving. And it reminded me how grateful I am for food and shelter and clothing. Blessings we often take for granted. Especially as we plan for our feast on Thursday.

We spent Sunday evening at church decorating for Christmas. Afterwards there was no shortage of yummy food to eat as we enjoyed one another's company and sang Christmas carols. It was after a rousing rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" that it hit me just how close we are to Christmas.

It'll be here before we know it.

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 17 & 18

2010-11-18T13:02:00.000-06:00

It's been a really rough couple of days. Today I'm so grateful for the little things that have helped boost my spirits.

Monday I took my friend to the charming town of Fredericksburg for her birthday celebration. We started this tradition last year...and it was so much fun we decided to do it again. This trip I remembered to bring my growler. Had it filled with my favorite brewsky at our favorite lunch spot. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings I enjoyed this beverage oh-so-much.

Speaking of Tuesday...I'm usually ready for bed by 8:30pm, but I stuck it out for a guitar lesson. I'm so thankful I did, because Richard always makes me laugh. I'm learning fun songs (see playlist), and the "jam session" (I've always wanted to say that...) was a real mood pick-me-upper.

Yesterday we drove past our old house in San Antonio located very centrally but in the midst of a swirl of traffic and noise. For the first time in 6 1/2 years I didn't miss our old home. I am happy to be exactly where I am. Centipedes, scorpions, armadillos, and all. Today I got to enjoy actually being at home--a rare occurrence in my crazy busy life. I had the pleasure of enjoying a very quiet lunch on my very quiet back patio. Enjoying this view on a 60 degree day.

Making myself write these gratitude posts has been therapeautic...especially on days when I least feel like expressing thanks.

Things are starting to look up.

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 12-16

2010-11-16T09:08:00.000-06:00

It's been hard to keep up with my gratitude posts. I knew it would be. I'm spread too thin...busy as a bee...trying to keep it all together as a wife, mom, friend, female..... But, after reading lots of Brene's blog posts and her new book, "The Gifts of Imperfection," well, let's just say I'm okay with myself for not posting daily like I said I would. I am not perfect.

This past weekend was incredibly taxing for me in many ways. It was physically taxing in that Friday and Saturday I was on the go constantly. It was mentally taxing in that I needed to make sure the 3 little Indians were cared for while I was otherwise occupied since Daddy was traveling. It was emotionally taxing in that I heard so many inspiring stories of survival and witnessed so many moments of selfless giving that I was brought to unexpected tears on many occasions. I have found myself counting my numerous blessings time and time again on Saturday and the days that have followed. Healthy children..especially Dorothy's. The health of my family. The many selfless bakers who volunteered for the cause. The wonderful friends I spent the day with and who visited the booth and supported the cause. The incredible opportunity to give back.

Our Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake Sale is over for this year (click on link if you still want to donate!). But the memories remain. And the joy we all felt in doing our little part to try and make a difference will be forever embedded in our hearts.

Thank you Nicole and Amy, for sharing in the journey. You girls rock. And to Deb...well...you are just the wind beneath all of our wings.

And to the fabulous bakers...we couldn't have done it without you!

We are truly blessed to have been a blessing to this cause.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 11

2010-11-11T06:12:00.001-06:00

Today I am thankful for the brave men and women who have and still are serving our country. Both of my grandfathers were in the Army....and someone especially close to me served nearly 30 years in the Air Force.

Thanks, Colonel Dad, and ALL of you who have served to defend our freedom.

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 9 & 10

2010-11-10T06:20:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, today, and always I'm thankful for these two little guys...known affectionately in our home as "the boys."

They are so unique. They are so different from one another. Yet they are two peas in a pod. Just like the title of that book..."Same Kind of Different as Me."

They are each so funny in their own way.

They are affectionate in their own way.

One is a morning person like me. One is definitely NOT.

One is a perfectionist. One is definitely NOT.

One is a creature of habit. The other is NOT.

They are the best of friends and the worst of enemies.

Both are funny.

Both are affectionate.

Both have their own way of being a "mama's boy."

Both are sports fans.

Both have the most fantastic belly laugh.

Both boys bring our family such joy.
And it is such a joy to watch these boys turn to men...

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 8

2010-11-08T05:00:00.007-06:00

Today I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve others.

We just spent an amazing weekend in the Texas Hill Country with our church family. Existing bonds were strengthened. New bonds were formed. It was fantastic. I was served by my friends...and I was blessed to be able to serve in return.

Now it's time to focus on a big event that's occurring this Saturday. It's the Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake Sale at Boerne Market Days from 10am-5pm. My friend, Nicole, is organizing this event for the 2nd year in a row, and, as a parent with healthy kids, I'm so grateful for the chance to help raise money for pediatric cancer research so that other parents may see a glimmer of hope when their child is diagnosed with this potentially fatal disease. I was a part of the bake sale last year, and I'm looking forward to doing it again Saturday.

I had the honor of writing an article about Nicole's efforts in one of our community's local newspapers. Last week it was published, and it was a thrill to see my name in print (I am a closet writer....). You can view the article here (just ignore that it's found in the obituary section! It's the story at the top. Keep clicking on the article until it enlarges). What a joy it was to (hopefully) shed some light on this cause and how those in our small town can help us this weekend by donating.

During this month of thanksgiving my gratitude cup overflows--but every day I'm grateful for healthy children. Hope you'll show your gratitude this weekend for your own healthy kids by visiting our stand and contributing to this worthy cause.

Won't you join me in leaving a legacy that includes helping out others?

30 Days of Gratitude: Days 5-7

2010-11-05T07:27:00.000-05:00

This weekend I'm giving thanks for time spent away...with family...and friends...

We're headed to beautiful Mo Ranch for our church's annual Family Retreat. I've been to Mo many times both as a camper and as a youth leader. But this will be my first time to visit Mo Ranch with my own children. And I'm really looking forward to it.

This is the "chapel on the hill" where we'll worship Sunday morning. Beautiful.

It's going to be a wonderful time of relaxation, fellowship, and family time.

See you on Monday. Keep on counting those blessings...

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 4

2010-11-04T05:48:00.000-05:00

Today I'm thankful for this hobby.

When I first began knitting earlier this year, I'll admit that I didn't see what the big fuss was all about. It was frustrating...maddening, really....to attempt to create a piece that didn't look like a puppy hadn't chewed through it in a million places.

My friend, Nicole, insisted that knitting would bring me peace. That I would come to love yarn stores and needles and patterns. Research studies have discovered that knitting can also help people combat stress and to manage life's downs. One study notes that knitting "helps people put into perspective any traumatic issues that would normally dominate their waking thoughts -helping them to find a stable balance between problematic events and feelings and more positive, pleasant sensations within the current moment. It's a state of mind where you're not mulling over the past or fretting about the future."

I didn't buy any of it. Knitting was stressful to me. Until a few months ago.

My first creation was a disaster. I almost gave up. Until I changed my perspective. And now I'll never get rid of that cape/triangle/thing-ma-bob that sits in my dresser drawer. It has meaning to me. So much meaning.

And all that stuff about knitting combating stress and helping to manage life's ups and downs? It's been true for me. I knitted like a mad-woman when our puppy, Buddy, unexpectedly died. I've knitted as I've waited in doctor's offices, the school pick-up line, and restaurants. I've knitted during karate lessons, soccer practices, and swim lessons. I've knitted while sitting, standing, lying down, and walking down the hallway. I've knitted when I'm happy and when I'm feeling pretty down.

Knitting, for me, has become like therapy. The bonus? Some pretty cute hand-made birthday and Christmas gifts are being created out of that therapy.

I'm teased by my friends that I only make scarves. Maybe someday I'll branch out and knock out a glove. Or a hat. Or a pair of socks. Or a gigantic shawl. Or...GASP...a blanket!!!!

All of that seems too stressful. Think I'll stick to scarves for now.

Baby steps.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 3

2010-11-03T07:25:00.002-05:00

Today (and every day) I'm giving thanks for our beautiful daughter.

Priya is growing into a kind, loving, helpful, smart young lady. She sees everyone as equals. She is eager to please & respectful. She is a talented artist and singer. She loves to break out into dance at unexpected moments. She makes the funniest faces. She adores her brothers. She is a pure joy.

Last night I was frantically assembling bags for the Family Church Retreat this weekend. Animesh took the boys to the Urgent Care Clinic (we've got some strep-like symptoms in the house), so Priya offered to help me stuff the goodie bags. I would have been up all night if she hadn't given me a hand. I am so grateful, even if it meant her staying up past her bedtime. We completely enjoyed our mommy/daughter time.

We're so grateful for our precious first-born.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 2

2010-11-02T05:00:00.016-05:00

A good teacher is like a candle -

it consumes itself to light the way for others.

-Author Unknown

Today I'm giving thanks for my children's teachers.

The kids attend an amazing school. This is our 4th year there, and the teachers our children have been blessed with continue to wow us.

Priya has two AMAZING 3rd grade teachers who are team-teaching together for the first time this year. While these two teachers are great friends, this is the first year they've tried this system. And Priya is thriving. I couldn't have asked for 2 better teachers for her.

Deven's 2nd grade teacher is WONDERFUL. I get to know her better and better each time we talk, and our parent/teacher conference that was supposed to last 15 minutes evolved into a comfortable 45 minute chat leaving me loving her even more.

And Trevor's Kindergarten teacher? Well, she's is FANTASTIC. Neither Priya nor Deven had her for Kinder, but we knew of her and have since felt so incredibly blessed that Trevor is in such a warm, positive classroom atmosphere. And since when do Kindergarteners learn about nouns and verbs?? Trevor came home explaining the difference to us a couple weeks ago...I could hardly believe it! Last week I read to the Kinder class, and I was moved by the loving and gentle manner Trevor's teacher is guiding these sweet 5 and 6 year-olds during their first year of elementary school.

Yesterday Trevor shared with us something his teacher taught the class...how to spell the word "WOW" using their hands and facial expressions. His hands are the Ws, and his face is the O.
The picture doesn't do this justice. Watching & listening to Trevor say "WOW!" while doing the motions cracked me up.

Thank you to ALL the teachers who are making a difference in the lives of our children. We appreciate you so much.

Halloween Re-Cap......and 30 Days of Gratitude

2010-11-01T06:05:00.000-05:00

Once again our Halloween was fun. We feel blessed to have my parents' neighborhood to trick-or-treat in...since Animesh and I are "old school" trick-or-treaters and love walking from house to house. It's impossible to do that in our neighborhood given how far apart the houses are...in fact...no one even trick-or-treats where we live. So, we're grateful that the 3 little Indians are still pounding the pavement every October 31st just like we used to do.

We had a punk rock witch....

....a teenage mutant ninja turtle....

....a blue ninja....

...and a knight.

3 Little Indians

The ninja and the knight battle it out pre-trick-or-treating.

The family prepares to hit the road...I was a witch, too.

Usually Dad stays home to give out candy

and Mom walks the 'hood with us.

This year Dad decided he wanted to join in the festivities.

Since he'd bought a costume and all.

He's still such a kid-at-heart.

I'm pretty sure he had as much fun as the kids did.

The 2 "good" witches. :-)

And, now, it's November. While October was filled with fun events and heart-warming memories, I'm breathing a sigh of relief that the month is over. Because last week was rough for me. I mean....really rough. Nothing serious happened, but every single day a situation arose that was disheartening or frustrating or maddening. Ever have one of those weeks?

In the midst of last week's struggles I made a conscience decision to start focusing more on what I had to be grateful for. So I bought this pretty journal to start documenting in writing.

And I'm also going to do a month-long gratitude post in pictures. Every day. This journal is my first gratitude photo. I love to write...I'm a closet writer and one day hope to do it on a more regular basis.

Sometimes what I write in my journal will correlate with the gratitude picture I post. Sometimes it won't...especially since the journal will undoubtedly be more personal. What I'm hoping for is that these 30 days of "giving thanks in all things" will evolve into a habit so that if when I have another rocky season in life I will be able to reflect on my written journal and see all that I've been blessed with.....rather than all that seems to be going wrong.

I'm excited. And nervous. Because those of you who know me are completely aware that my plate is full. And that I hardly have room for more commitments in my life. But, I am convinced that only good can come from this...living a life of gratitude. I belive it's appropriate for this new month of November that is upon us...a month of Thanksgiving.

I'd love for you to join me.

Texas Pride

2010-10-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

Even if you're not a fan of baseball, it's hard to be a Texan and NOT be psyched about the Texas Rangers going to the World Series. I know I'll be watching those games and rooting for my home state team!

And these Texas girls were featured on the CBS Early Show last week. As a mother of a daughter and someone who has struggled (and still does to some extent) with self-esteem issues...their movement impacted me in a powerful way. I love the statement they are making...and at such a young age. Man, how I wish I had that much clarity when I was in high school.

Operation Beautiful's website is worth taking a peek at...pretty inspiring stuff.

You go, girls! Thanks for standing strong and emphasizing that what's INSIDE is what really matters!

I'm boastin' me a whole lotta Texas pride right about now.

How can it be...

2010-10-20T04:00:00.056-05:00

...that 9 years ago today I became a mom
to this sweet little thing?

This is our cutie pie enjoying her first birthday cake.

My, how the time has flown by so quickly.

It just seems like yesterday

that she was learning to walk.

And becoming a big sister.

And becoming a big sister...again.

And starting Kindergarten.

It's all going by so fast.

Happy 9th birthday, Priya Lynn.

You're the most wonderful daughter
and best big sister
we could have ever hoped for.

Forgive and Be Forgiven

2010-10-04T06:00:00.006-05:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. I am scrapping a morning workout in favor of sitting on my back porch enjoying the crisp 50 degree temperatures...watching the sun as it continues to make its way high into the sky. And I'm not even feeling guilty about nixing the workout. I'll do it tomorrow.

It was another busy weekend...5 more soccer games. The kids are loving it, and it's been quite enjoyable as the weather was lovely. The downside is that the laundry isn't getting done. Oh well. I'll get to that tomorrow, too.

Priya has improved by leaps and bounds since last season.
She's a real go-getter.

Trevor is a fierce machine on the field.

Deven's determined look.

Earlier that morning he'd asked me to pull out his loose tooth.
So I did. Just in time for soccer pictures.

Interesting how things can turn on a time. Minutes after I published last week's "Perfect Protest" post I left the house to meet my mom and sister for lunch. I was almost out of the neighborhood when I realized I had forgotten Trevor's soccer gear for that afternoon's practice. I returned home, grabbed Trevor's soccer bag, and threw it in the back of the truck. I began to pull out of the garage when a startling noise made me abruptly slam on the breaks. I had forgotten to put the back hatch down...and the hatch got stuck on the open garage door. Black. Glass. Had. Shattered. Everywhere.

I sat in the car for about 5 minutes in disbelief before the tears started. I called my sister to tell her I would not be joining them for lunch. I called my hubby (who was very understanding as I blubbered about what had happened), and then I called the insurance company.

After I had calmed down, I stared at the disastrous mess for a long time. Finally, I decided it was time for me to get to work cleaning up. I searched high and low for our industrial-sized broom. I swept some. I went inside for a bandaid where a sliver of glass had lodged itself in 2 different fingers. Then I checked email. Then I swept a little more. Then I decided it was lunchtime. I ate leftover lasagna. I had a piece of pumpkin cake with a giant glass of milk. I swept a little more. I went inside to tweeze out another small sliver of glass from my pinky toe (open-hole Crocs aren't ideal glass-sweeping shoes). I changed shoes. Then I swept until it was time to pick up the kids from school.

Later that afternoon I thought a lot about why I had no motivation to just tackle the task at hand...and it was enormous task. Glass was everywhere. We are still finding pieces. I came to the conclusion that I was so angry with myself for doing something I perceived to be so stupid (that's a bad word in our house...) that I simply couldn't face it.

I also realized that I wouldn't want my children to call themselves the kind of names I had called myself. What do I ask of my kids when they make a mistake? They should apologize, if necessary, and problem-solve. And learn from that mistake the best they can.

When I finally decided to take my own advice, it was about 10pm that evening. While it was too late to go back outside to finish the job (it would take days...), I went to bed feeling peaceful. Because peace is what is experienced when forgiveness has occurred. Yes, I went to bed after having forgiven myself. It was a restful night's sleep.

Then, as if I hadn't already learned my lesson, our pastor preached one heck of a sermon yesterday. He emphasized that we cannot fully worship God without extending peace and reconciliation to our enemies (or people we have issues with). He said that if we are not breaking down the hostility that divides us between our enemies, then we are not about the Word.

Once again...a message about forgiveness. Think the man upstairs is trying to tell me something?

The Perfect Protest

2010-09-27T09:30:00.012-05:00

Where in the world did September go? The last few weeks have whizzed by as we've re-acclimated ourselves to the school-year routines. At the beginning of the month I shared how I was breaking free from some "stuff" in my life. Now, at the end of the month, Brene has inspired me once more as she declares this week "The Perfect Protest."

My quest for perfection began on February 17, 1970. Ok. Not really on the day I was born, but I'm sure it was only a couple years after that (when I could walk and talk) that I decided I needed to be perfect at just about everything. Most of my life I've spent searching for perfection--but mostly in relationships. And my appearance.

Then, this past February I turned 40. I honestly cannot describe it, but something shifted inside of me. I became less likely to compare myself to someone else and more likely to embrace who I am. The mom who yells, gives in, cries, and never finishes the laundry. The friend who never makes the initial phone call. Cellulite, hormonal acne, and all.

Guess what? The world didn't stop. The sun still shone. I could still breathe. In fact...I began to breathe more deeply. More peacefully.

I took this shot after Brene encouraged her blog readers to join the "perfect protest." It was after a strenuous workout, and I momentarily thought to myself, "Oh, I'll jump in the shower and spruce up before taking the blog picture." But, then I giggled and remembered that doing so would be totally going against the whole idea. So. Here is me. Sweaty from exercise. Hair matted down. Make-up-less. Dark circles under the ideas (aahhh, the magic of eye concealer). And I'm holding the first sign I wrote (although I so desperately wanted to re-write with different colors....). I admit that this isn't the first picture I took of myself because my head was cut off in that one. But, maybe I should have? Because that picture was certainly less than perfect.

Oh, OK. Here it is.

Brene's new book is on my nightstand and calling my name. I'm excited to read it and internalize all of the gifts that MY imperfections have to offer me. And others.

I think one of the biggest blessings in embracing my own imperfections is that it's helped me accept others for the way they are, too. This is not to say that I have to be BFFs with everyone, or that separating myself from potentially harmful behaviors is a wrong thing to do. But, I'm able to see others in a more flattering light when they stumble, hurt me, or make mistakes. Most of the time. Not all of the time.

Hey, I'm not perfect.

"Nobody's perfect. That's why pencils have erasers."
Author Unknown

Breaking Free in September

2010-09-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday was the Sheryl Crow/Colbie Caillat concert, and hands down it was the best show I've ever been to. Vanessa and I danced the night away under the stars with a few thousand of our not-so-closest friends. The ages ranged from probably 60-20...Colbie and Sheryl truly appeal to many generations.

It's now September. Summer is unofficially over, school routines have been (somewhat) established, and homework for the kids have begun. Homework has started for me, too, in the form of a new bible study I started a few weeks ago called "Breaking Free."

"So often time it happens, we all live our life in chains,
and we never even know we have the key."
~The Eagles, "Already Gone"

When I mentioned to two girlfriends I was feeling called to delve into this reluctant topic about breaking free, I was so thrilled when they said they'd join me. I thought I was going to go this alone...that maybe I needed to work through some stuff all by myself...but I should know better than to think God wouldn't call amazing friends to journey with me. The bible study is all about breaking free from every type of bondage that keeps us from being who God has called us to be. This includes obvious bondage like lying, cheating, and stealing. But, what's really speaking to me this wicked thing known as captivity of the mind. This means that anyTHING (such as a situation or object) or anyONE who consumes our thoughts constantly (can you say obsession?) can be identified as a stronghold or something that has us in bondage.

"Every thought is a seed.
If you plant crab apples,
don't count on harvesting
Golden Delicious."
~Bill Meyer

For me, this was a life-altering realization. I'd never thought of negative thought-processes as "ball and chains"...something we needed to break free from in order to be all we can be.

This first week of study has seriously prompted me to break free from two situations and several thought patterns that could have been destructive. It's hard to believe, but our thoughts alone can send us careening towards disaster, for it is those thoughts that propel us into negative action...causing hurt and pain for ourselves and others.

As I was driving home yesterday I thought about what it takes to break free from the negative stuff in our lives. That negative stuff that we're unwilling to rid ourselves of because it's familiar. Comfortable. That negative stuff that appears to make us feel secure. And one word came to mind. Courage. Ironically enough I then stumbled upon one of the most inspiring blogs I read. She had this on her daily post:

I love being creative! Little did I know I was extending my creativity by being courageous.....

And then when I thought of being courageous I was reminded of my daily authenticity practice...and that it takes real courage to love our imperfect selves.

My 40th birthday was a real turning point for me as far as practicing authenticity. For the most part I have genuinely let go of who I think (and who others think) I am supposed to be. It is so freeing! I think I'm pretty good at embracing my completely imperfect self. It gets a little trickier when others' expectations of me exceed my capabilities, but that's when communication becomes the key, being honest and sharing these pressure-inducing thoughts with them. Sometimes they're receptive...sometimes not-so-much. But at least I've put it out there.

Yep, today was definitely the day for deep thoughts. Powerful epiphanies, I tell ya. I know I can definitely use this stuff.

And, I know a lot of women who could, too.

Soak Up The Sun

2010-08-27T15:49:00.012-05:00

It's been a long week. The first week of school was tough on us all---at least in the exhaustion category. Three little Indians are tired. I am tired. Animesh is out of town this weekend, so it would have been an even longer week...but my inlaws just called to tell me they're almost here. They are hanging with the kids tomorrow night so that I can head to Austin.

To see two of my all-time faves in concert.

I. Love. Sheryl Crow. Having been a guitar student for, oh, about four years now...I have a new-found appreciation and admiration for Sheryl and her songwriting gifts...especially since she's a chick. I have so many favorite songs of hers that I cannot pick just one. But, way up there is "The First Cut is the Deepest." And "Soak Up the Sun."

Colbie Caillat burst onto the scene years later, but "Begin Again" is one of those I know by heart and could listen to over and over and over. BUT! Only the iTunes Session version of the song. Showcasing the guitar, of course. Again...a guitar-playing chick.

I cannot wait!!!!!

And then there were none...

2010-08-23T20:41:00.013-05:00

...at home during the school year, that is. Today the last little Indian spread his wings and flew off to the big, bad world of elementary school. He was ready. I was ready. At least I thought I was ready. The other little Indians were definitely ready to start school again. And they had so much fun preparing their baby brother for the big day.

Priya and Deven partner-read "The Night Before Kindergarten" to Trevor. Note the tears in Trevor's eyes. Yes, we still discipline when necessary...even if it IS the night before Kindergarten.

Tears are all dried up and Trevor poses happily with his sibs.

For some reason this melted my heart. Deven had his clothes, shoes, socks, and undies all set to go for this morning. He was really excited.

My routine...laying out the lunch boxes and preparing as much as possible the night before. Can someone tell me why having to make lunches drives me so crazy? I'd rather iron. Or fold laundry. Or clean toilets.

Last week Deven's teacher sent home a bag to be opened on the morning of school. It was the most precious "2nd Grade Survival Kit." He got a huge kick out of this.

Priya repeatedly mumbled, "I didn't get one of those in 2nd grade."

3rd grader.

2nd grader.
Note the cocked-head pose
and hand-on-the-hip.
I didn't even have to request that.

And the Kindergartner.
Where has the time gone????

In front of the school.

After school the reports were mostly positive. Priya said 3rd grade was awesome. Trevor said Kindergarten rocked. Deven initially reported that he loved 2nd grade....but at bedtime he expressed his desire to be home-schooled because he missed me.

EEK!

I believe we'll all need a period of adjustment. Deven included. And myself. Like I mentioned earlier, I thought I would be fine sending my baby to Kinder, but truth be told...all day long I was fighting back tears. I am deeply grateful for my 2 friends who kept me busy today so that I would be distracted enough to not dwell on the fact that I've entered into "Empty Nest Syndrome: Phase 1."

My sadness has subsided a bit now, and I'm looking forward to all the excitement this school year holds for the kids---and for their mommy and the new-found freedom she's not experienced in 9 years.

Unless I end up home-schooling Deven.

Savoring Summer

2010-08-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our summer was probably the busiest we've had as a family to date. Our Hawaii / Dallas trip, a beach vacay, and the California trip.

Oh...that California trip!!!!!

Animesh and I had a blast....celebrating our friends of 15 years (Kyriacos turned 50). He and Kiley used to live in San Antonio...where we met. Then they were in Houston for several years before moving to Cali. Kyriacos had NO IDEA so many of his former students and friends were traveling from Texas just for him.

Animesh met Kyriacos when Animesh was a medical student...MANY years ago. Kyriacos is a Biomechanical Engineering professor...so Animesh did some research in that field as it relates to Orthopedics. I met his wife Kiley through our husbands...and we became fast friends.

Kiley planned 4 events without Kyriacos having a clue. OK...he probably had a clue after the 2nd or 3rd party, but he never let on. Here are the students with their beloved professor at a breakfast at his home. Yep. Animesh is the oldest student. He's the secret service agent in the picture. : )

This is their backyard...which they've turned into the most beautiful walking path surrounding their INCREDIBLE garden. Apparently this region of California boasts the climate for growing amazing produce. The cool morning temps made it even more enjoyable.

The birthday dinner at their home. Kyriacos is a vegetarian...and the catered meal included some of the most delectable fresh produce I've ever tasted.

Judging by the blurriness of this photo I'm guessing that the photographer was really enjoying some wine that evening.

To all my stamping friends out there...Kiley is the one who is responsible for my massive stamp collection. She introduced me to hand-making cards, etc. I think she has more stamps than me.

The next day we boarded a party bus rented by Kiley. To head to the winery. Fun times.

Beautiful scenery.

Kiley is an amazing lady. She learned to speak Greek when she married Kyriacos (she already speaks French and Spanish), every business venture she's involved in takes off, and now she's started an olive oil press department at the UC-Davis campus where she serves as a director.

This is Kiley explaining the proper way to taste olive oil. Apparently you don't drink it. You SLURP it. It was hilarious to hear all of us in action.

Here we are. Smiling or slurping olive oil? You be the judge.

Wine tasting table at...JACUZZI VINEYARDS. Yep, this is the same Italian family who invented...the Jacuzzi tub.

We were so blessed to be able to spend time with our church friends from..BOERNE! Krista and Darrin moved to Davis, California the same time as Kyriacos and Kiley. We enjoyed a lovely lunch outside with them and their four beautiful daughters. We sure do miss them.

The 3 little Indians and I are home this week...savoring the last few days of summer...cleaning out rooms, closets, and basically laying low. We're meeting the teachers Thursday and Friday...and the kids squeal every time the phone rings...awaiting a call from their prospective teachers.

I'm thrilled that they are thrilled. But, I'm a little sad. My baby is flying off to Kinder one week from today, and my heart is aching a bit.

Empty nest syndrome: Round One. Another lesson for mommy in letting go.

California Girl

2010-07-30T20:05:00.010-05:00

For the last 4 weekends I haven't slept in my own bed. This weekend will make #5. Kinda feel like a stranger in my own house...at least when I look longingly at my blue pillow and think about how long it has been since I laid my fake-blonde head on it on a Saturday or Sunday.

The first 3 weeks of July found us summer-vacationing as a family. Last weekend I was called by God to serve on this amazing retreat weekend that I've been so blessed to be a part of for the last 9 years. And this coming weekend? Well, it's time for a little R & R without our precious children.

California style.

We will be celebrating one of our dear friends' milestone birthdays (ssshhhh...it's a surprise... thanks to his wife he has NO IDEA WE ARE COMING). Afterwards Animesh and I will spend a couple days on our own enjoying the sights and sounds of Napa Valley. Whoo-hooo!

I haven't always enjoyed wine. Before we married I was pretty much content with my "pink" wine...White Zinfandel...

But, when we married Animesh vowed to convert me.

Can you keep a secret? He actually DID! Red wine is my preference now...sssshhhh! Don't tell Animesh he was actually RIGHT. :-)

What's really cool is that we'll be flying into the city where I was born. Sacramento, California. Yep...I'm a California girl.

I'm looking forward to a fun trip filled with friends, wine, and cherished memories made. Yea! But, I'm also looking forward to returning home. To my babies---who will have undoubtedly had the time of their lives with their grandparents. To a home where I can lay my head down in my own bedroom.

We have one more fun trip to look forward to before school starts...to the beach...I'm so excited about that!

I'm also looking forward to school starting. To schedules and routines being established. To all the exciting, new adventures that awaits all of us this fall. I think we are all excited about the start of school.

Until then...cheers! I'll be toasting you all in the beautiful hills of Napa Valley!

Aloha

2010-07-21T10:10:00.002-05:00

There were over 1000 pictures...but I whittled the slide show down to 79. It was fun re-living our vacation in Paradise.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. We certainly will.

Create a slideshow

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2010-07-19T08:35:00.004-05:00

Man, time is flying by. Summer is half-over. Our flight to Hawaii flew by....literally!!! Even the drive home yesterday went by quickly. I'm trying so hard to savor each and every moment of each and every day...and even though I've begun to live well in the moment, in hindsight it seems as if those moments and days just whiz by me.

We are home. After two long weeks...the kids and I rolled into the driveway yesterday afternoon after spending a few extra days with the grandparents in Dallas. Hawaii was amazing. Truly. Beautiful. Heavenly. Divine. Magical.

The two weekends we spent with my in-laws in Dallas before and after Hawaii (we flew in and out of Dallas) were wonderful, as well. Now that the kids are older, they are more free to run off and play with Dadi and Dadu...who introduced them to new Indian foods, new Indian board games, and new Indian friends we've never met.

The house is a mess. The suitcases are still packed. Kids are still asleep (thanks, Hawaii-time!). But,the chores will have to wait. Me, well, I'm off for a little mommy-time. The sitter will be here soon, and this mamacita has a date with herself. Somewhere. Doing something. What, I'm not sure. Maybe a movie. Maybe lunch alone. It doesn't matter. :-) It helps that the kids love and adore our sitter.

Oh, yeah, and be on the lookout for some vacay pics at some point.

After I make the time to sort through the over 1000 images.

Have a great Monday!

Summer Va-Cay

2010-07-03T07:36:00.008-05:00

Vacation Bible School is over (boy, was it awesome!!!!). Our visits with aunts, uncles, and cousins are over. Packing is done. The beagle, Beta fish, and hermit crabs are in their respective pet hotels...ready to be cared for.

We are officially on vacation.

I never thought I'd get it all done, but I did. It's finally here. Two weeks of fun, relaxation, and being together.

I can't wait.

Aloha.

Fabulous Five

2010-06-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my youngest. My baby. He turns 5 today...I just cannot believe it. Summer has been chock-filled with fun stuff, and we've been busier than I'd hoped. But I had to stop in and wish Trevor a happy birthday. It sure is a wonderful world with you in it, sweetheart. We all love you to the moon and back.

Career Day-Memorial Day-Graduation Day.....OH MY!

2010-06-03T17:05:00.015-05:00

I must admit my mind has been on summer vacay for about 3 weeks now. My heart just hasn't been into the lunch-making/early-rising/schedule-maintaining. But, I needed to persevere because there were a lot of activities to push through in order to get to today. The last day of school!

Here are some highlights........

Career Day. Animesh did a great job explaining to Deven's first grade class and the ENTIRE second grade class what fun it is being an orthopedic surgeon. Bony Ben came from Oriental Trading Company. Initially Animesh hesitated before dragging his blow-up buddy inside the school, but when I reminded him how much he actually referred to Bony Ben during the presentation, he was grateful for my purchase. We'll see if he makes it to next year.

After Career Day I met friends for lunch. Bony Ben was still in the back seat....they reminded me I should have him buckled up for safety. I laugh every time I see this picture.

Next was our Memorial Day Weekend get-away to the coast. Can I just tell you how much I LOVE the beach? Especially when the trip includes some of the MOST amazing friends, delicious food, and tasty wine. What a fun weekend it was.

What a fun surprise it was to go out on the boat and look for dolphins. We loved it when the boat sped fast across the ocean.

Two dolphins swam right next to our boat.......so very cool.

If it weren't for this next event, we would've stayed at the beach and not returned for the seemingly unimportant last few days of school. But. We couldn't miss this. Trevor's preschool graduation. He sang his little heart out...and wore his hat proudly. Can't believe he's on his way to Kindergarten in August.

After graduation we hustled over to the 2nd grade luau...made completely muddy by some "Maui Showers"...but boy, did those kiddos have fun. Trevor included, who always seems to capitalize on his siblings' class party fun.

Deven's class didn't need any parental participation, so Trevor and headed out for lunch to celebrate our last few hours together alone. I'm aware that our one-on-one time will be less frequent since he won't be home on Mondays and Fridays...makes me a little sad.

For now, though, we're ready for fun in the sun, poolside partying, and NO LUNCH-BOX-PACKING!

See you around the pool.................

Seeing Clearly

2010-05-23T17:14:00.001-05:00

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was nearing the end of second grade. I was having trouble seeing. Mom took me to the eye doctor.

Diagnosis? Eyeglasses.

Dorky ones at that. And, the day after Mom sent me back to school with my new glasses, I was promptly kicked in the face during a kick-ball event at Field Day. How did my new glasses fare? Broke into 2 pieces.

Fast forward 32 years. I'm now the mother of a second-grader-turned-almost-third-grader. My child is sent to the nurse's office after she complains that she can't see the board. We visit the eye doctor. Diagnosis?

Eyeglasses.

Lucky for Priya eyeglasses are in style nowadays. When I was in second grade glasses were....um...NOT in style so much.

But, Priya? Well, maybe I'm prejudice. But, I think she looks precious. And the fact that she's following in her mama's footsteps at the exact same age is...well...heart-warming.

Even if it does involve diminishing eyesight. :-)

So glad you can see clearly now, sweetheart.

Austin City Limits

2010-05-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

I have always loved Austin. Lately I've only visited Austin to participate in triathlons, though, so when it came time to celebrate Vanessa's 40th it was only natural that my high school peeps and I had travel to Austin to visit her and her family in their new digs.

Last Labor Day weekend I rode the bike portion of the Austin Triathlon down South Congress. I just love this picture with the capital in the background.

Last Friday in honor of Vanessa's 40th, Dawn, Page, Vanessa, and I were able to experience the newly transformed South Congress Street ("So Co" as it is now referred to---so hip...) in a more relaxed manner. Great fun. Especially with friends I've known for over 20 years.

Mexican food for lunch.....

Loved this guitar inside the restaurant. Thanks, Dawn, for making me take a picture with it. :-)

....and delicious cupcakes for dessert....this place has been featured on Food Network several times.

Austin is known for its "airstream trailer" cuisine...so cool.

We finished off our day with drinks and a gorgeous cheese & fruit platter at this fantastic bar inside an amazing hotel.

Just as I received for my 40th...."the box" was bequeathed to Vanessa with her gifts inside it...Dawn, you're next. :-)

Happy birthday, Vanessa. Welcome to the 40 club.

Blessings

2010-05-14T22:55:00.005-05:00

Eight and a half years ago my life changed forever....because eight and a half years ago I became a mom.

No one really prepares you for motherhood. Sure, people tried to prepare me. There were the overly generous baby showers thrown in honor of each of my three children. There were the helpful books suggested to me for captivating reading. There were the well-intended tidbits of parenting advice offered here and there.

But no one and no thing can ever truly prepare you for motherhood. For some it begins with feeling that life growing inside their body. For others the child joins their family when another mom has made the difficult decision to let that child go. Either way, no matter what conversations may have been had previously, I don't believe any woman can fully comprehend the vast range of emotions, the intense level of protectiveness, the unbelievable extent of exhaustion, or the unimaginable depth of love that encompasses motherhood.

But there is nothing more precious to me here on earth than these children.

Hope your Mother's Day was as special as mine was.

Seven

2010-05-05T07:01:00.006-05:00

He is:

-our first-born son
-our middle child
-incredibly quick-witted
-able to make the funniest faces

-a huge fan of his sister
-a best friend to his brother
-a mama's boy
-a picky eater
-a creature of habit
-a perfectionist
-a huge sports fan
-a wonderful cuddler
-the child most likely to tell me he loves me
(without prompting)
-relatively easy to please
-one of the biggest blessings
we've ever received.

Happy "Cinco de Mayo" 7th birthday, Deven.
We love you to the moon and back.

Stoked

2010-04-25T17:51:00.008-05:00

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to learn to play the guitar.

I'll admit this now (because I'm 40 and fearless and only mildly embarrassed by this fact) but when I was about 8 or 9 I would stand in front of a mirror almost daily strumming passionately on a tennis racket while belting out the lyrics to "Afternoon Delight" as it played on my trusty record player.

Little did I know what "Afternoon Delight" was really all about. But my parents were never concerned about it. At least not the way I am concerned about some of the lyrics in today's music....

But that's another post.

Fast forward to 2007. I began taking guitar lessons. Finally. After years and years of dreaming and wishing and dreaming about becoming a guitar player myself.

This Christmas Animesh gave me the most gorgeous guitar ever...and it's inspired me to practice more often...and even play on a church retreat earlier this month and again in July.

Since becoming serious about the guitar, my mentors have quickly become (in my opinion) two of the most amazing musicians/vocalists of my time. It was a total fluke that I went searching on one of their websites....only to discover that in August they are touring. TOGETHER. In an ultra-cool small venue. In an ultra-cool city.

AND I'VE GOT TICKETS!

This summer I'm going to be more excited than a kid in a candy store when I see pretty up-close-and-personal Sheryl Crow and opening act Colbie Callait. I don't remember the last time I was this excited about a concert (maybe going to see Sting in 1988 for the first time??).

I cannot wait.

Who would you just love to see in concert?

Earth Day 2010

2010-04-22T05:00:00.004-05:00

Every day is Earth Day. ~Author Unknown

I agree with this quote. Every single day we should act intentionally regarding Planet Earth. I will admit, however, that I'm grateful for the official holiday so that I may have another chance to re-establish my commitment and do my part to help preserve this amazingly gorgeous planet we inhabit.

How am I renewing my commitment to the earth? I'm starting small. By doing something most of you have jumped on board with already. But, what can I say? I'm a late-bloomer. I'm going to do my darndest to use all of these really cool reusable bags I love to collect/buy. Use as few plastic as possible. I need to be intentional about it. We've already pretty much eliminated use of store-bought water bottles...and we've got some cool reusable water bottles we use daily...but that plastic bag issue is something I've never gotten the hang of.

There. I've declared my commitment to blogworld. I'm a girl who needs to be held accountable, so if you see me out and about, be sure and ask how I'm doing with this.

We plan on beginning our Earth Day celebrations tonight at dinner when we will be surrounded by some of the planet's beautiful creatures. They will walk amongst us while we eat, and we will learn more about them and how we can protect the environment they live in. So excited!!!

This weekend our Earth Day celebration will continue as our family enjoys the serene, peaceful, and very lush property located here. Animesh is attending a conference there, so we're making a weekend out of it. We visited last year but didn't have time to take advantage of the nature surrounding the hotel. It should be a fun, relaxing long weekend.

Earth Day observations will spill over into next week's activities. I'm looking forward to accompanying the second-graders to Sea World on their annual field trip...to watch Priya observing her favorite animal, the dolphin, brings me pure joy.

Happy 40th anniversary to you, Earth Day.

These are the Days

2010-04-05T07:40:00.015-05:00

These are the days....

...that I'm relishing my time spent with my youngest child.

Because yesterday I registered my baby for Kindergarten. I cannot believe how quickly time has flown.

Lately I've joked with friends how I'll probably be sad for exactly two days after Trevor heads off to Kinder...and that the Mondays and Fridays Trevor and I currently spend together will be filled with more volunteer opportunities, laundry-folding, dish-washing, working out, and lunching with friends.

While this may be true, I'm gonna miss that little guy and our one-on-one time together so much. He's strong-willed and feisty at times (like his mama....), but our once challenging mother-and-son quality time has morphed into a time of joyous memory-making that I hope he carries with him forever.

These are the days.....

....that I am thankful for Deven and his sense of humor. His comebacks. His facial expressions. His timing with his one-liners. That kid cracks us up. Even when I feel like crying.

He's also precious when he's sleeping. My handsome little guy.

These are the days....

...that I am celebrating my own accomplishment.

This past weekend was an amazing Walk to Emmaus retreat where I served on the music team.

Yep, you read correctly.

For 4 days I served as not only one of the vocalists who led the singing...but also as one of the guitarists.

It's only taken me 3 1/2 years to feel comfortable enough to play in front of other people besides my kind guitar teacher...and I have to say that while my performances were by no means perfect...the whole experience was an absolute blast.

These are the days....

....that I am amazed by Priya's musical talents. She absolutely loves to sing. And dance. And actually carries a tune. Beautifully. Her 2nd grade musical was last week. It was precious...and she loves me so much that she even agreed to wear the homemade costume (well, t-shirt) I threw together at the last minute.

These are the days...

....I'm so thankful for my husband. He not only took off from work to be with the kids while I was gone this weekend...but he cleaned out the garage, took all 3 to their soccer games (and coached Trevor's team!), did all of the laundry AND had the kids put it all away, cleaned up the dishes, and took the kids to a hockey game.

Oh, yeah, forgot to mention that due to a wicked hailstorm last week that nearly totaled my old mommy-mobile...he bought me a new car. After he test drove it with all 3 kids.

Super-dad for sure. And, I do believe he enjoyed every single minute of it.

These are the days....

....when I am feeling so eternally grateful for the amazing bunch of girlfriends that surround me. You know who you are. You are all different. You are all in different circles. But you are all special. And I'm so thankful for each of you.

What are you doing these days?

He is Risen!

2010-04-03T15:12:00.004-05:00

He is risen indeed!

Easter blessings to you.

Simple Pleasures

2010-03-30T07:22:00.010-05:00

The beginning of Spring seemed like the perfect time to re-connect with my chosen "word of the year".....simplicity. After Buddy's passing I chose to re-evaluate (for the millionth time) what really is important in life.

It always comes back to the simple stuff.

Like knitting. I never believed in a hundred years that knitting would bring me such peace. Even when Nicole showed me an article which had proved this point I was pretty skeptical. Now I get it. Even better is when someone you love with your whole heart adores what you've created for her.

It's the simple stuff that really does bring me joy.

Like enjoying pretty potted plants that signal new growth and warmer temps.

And celebrating upcoming Fiesta. Man, I love Fiesta. NIOSA, anyone????

And celebrating the return of our renters. This is year #5 that they've been vacationing here for the warmer months. We'll never knock down their home. Those birds are like family now. Even if they do try to dive-bomb at our heads when we walk out the front door.

And hearing my two independent readers sharing with one another a funny excerpt from the books they are reading.

And shooting hoops with my almost-kindergartner.

He was hilarious yesterday....making up his own rules, calling me "Tony Parker" (from the San Antonio Spurs), and calling time-outs for refreshment breaks.

When Trevor told me to do a hustle I was momentarily confused. Until I realized he meant for us to do a huddle. I nearly wet my pants from laughing so hard.

And, ya gotta love a basketball star who stops abruptly in the middle of a game because he spotted a flower to pick for his mommy

Yes, it's those simple things that we are all savoring this Spring as we continue to mourn the loss of our Yorkie. Like spending time with family.

And girlfriends. I have that on the agenda for today and Friday evening. Cannot wait.

Hope you make time to enjoy some simple pleasures today.

Heartbroken...again.

2010-03-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

We are back from our ski trip.

It was truly the most amazing family vacation
we've had to date.

Maybe it was the kids' ages.
So much fun. So independent.

So addicted to skiing.
Like daredevils down the mountain.

And snowball fights.

And hot-tubbing outside in the midst of a heavy snowstorm.

And being surprised by the visit from
"Lucky" the Leprechaun on March 17th.

Or maybe it was so amazing for Animesh and I because we chose to savor this vacation just a little bit more.

You see, the day after we arrived we got the call from the vet as we skiied off the chair lift. The kids were in ski school for the day, so it was just Animesh and I on top of the mountain when we got the devastating news.

Our sweet/naughty/precious/loveable Yorkie puppy, Buddy, had died on the table during a routine neutering. He was just a few days shy of celebrating his 6-month birthday.

Animesh and I fell apart. We continued to ski, but we did so with heavy hearts and tear-stained faces.

The rest of the day was a blur.

Each day that followed was a little easier for Animesh and I. Let's face it...denial is a convenient coping mechanism. On our return flight home yesterday he and I choked up a dozen times on the plane at each mention of Buddy's name by the kids. We chose to wait to tell them until after the ski trip. So this morning after we all woke up, Animesh broke the news.

We piled into our bed, and we all cried. Hard. Our time was too short with sweet Buddy. There are no explanations as to why his little body couldn't handle the anesthesia.

We have no answers.

But, we have a short amount of sweet memories to cling to. Like Deven nicknaming Buddy "Mr. Naughty-Pants." And "Mr. Stinker-roonie." And how Buddy would nip at Trevor's tennis shoes every single morning before school. And how Buddy loved to snuggle with Priya at night while she fell asleep. And how Buddy would get so excited whenever he would greet one of us in the morning. Or when we got home after being gone for a long while.

So for now, we are heartbroken. This afternoon I will retrieve our almost-13-year-old beagle, Spridle, from boarding at the vet.

I will also have in hand Buddy's ashes so that we can say good-bye...just like we did with Kirby. We will sprinkle those ashes and send our love messages up to Buddy in balloons...just as we did with Kirby....nearly 2 years ago to the day. Just plain eerie.

We will frame a picture of Buddy. And place it next to Kirby's picture. And we will continue to remember them in our nightly bedtime prayers when we list each family member.

Time will undoubtedly heal the heartache.

But we will never forget you, Buddy-boy. Never.

And We're Off....

2010-03-13T14:19:00.008-06:00

It's finally here. Spring Break. I think I was more relieved than the kids were yesterday when I picked them up from school.

The suitcases are packed (ok...they are overflowing!), the carry-ons are brimming with airplane activities, and the camera is charging.

Bright and early Monday morning we are snow-bound for some skiing, sledding, snowman-making, and hot-chocolate-drinking.

We cannot wait.

I learned to ski as a kid where I was blessed enough to have learned in Europe when my dad was stationed in Germany. Animesh learned in his late 20s, and we've had some amazing ski trips together before the 3 little Indians joined our family. Animesh is more cautious on the slopes than I am, but he absolutely loves it. And the kids? This is their first time ever. It's going to be awesome to see how they respond and what they can do.

Hopefully they'll love skiing as much as Animesh and I do.

Hope ya'll enjoy your time off (if it's your break). I know that while I'm giddy about spending time in the snow I'll be ready to head back home to the warmth that will (hopefully) be awaiting us deep in the heart of Texas.

Perfectly Unperfect--A Week of Worthiness

2010-03-09T06:06:00.016-06:00

A couple of months ago I began to learn how to knit. Actually, my sweet neighbor had tried to teach me last year, but as soon as she left my house that afternoon I managed to screw up the scarf beyond repair (or so I thought), and so I promised myself I would never, ever try to knit again.

But in January another girlfriend began a knitting group...The Rip-It Sisters. I had no idea what that title had to do with knitting until I began to knit a project. Which ended up in me ripping it out a dozen times when my mistakes became too numerous to ignore. It's safe to say that I'm quite familiar with ripping out my knitting work....and I embody the "rip-it sisters" title to the fullest.

At one point, however, I became weary of trying to correct every little mistake. I was tired of finding someone to fix my blunders. I simply began to enjoy being in the zone...knitting my scarf with as much concentration and care as I could muster at a particular time (depending on the number of kid-related interruptions). Knitting finally became enjoyable to me once I stopped trying to make it absolutely perfect.

And once I finished my "scarf"...which ended up looking more like an apron or a cape by the time I was through with it...I actually loved what I had mistakenly created.

Deven loved it so much he asked me to tie strings on it so that he could wear it. My heart burst with love as he claimed my very imperfect project as his own.

Even if/when Deven abandons this piece of knitting disaster in the future, I plan on keeping it always. Framing it perhaps. Because to me it symbolizes what I am all about. Perfectly unperfect. Full of holes and flaws. Like the top of the cape, I am sometimes narrow (minded) in my thinking about me as a person. Like the bottom of the cape, my heart and mind are sometimes so open wide and full of love for myself and who I am. And sometimes I'm stuck right in the middle. Kind of liking who I am. Kind of being okay with my imperfections. But still wishing they would go away and that I could be perfect like other people seem to be.

This week I'm joining Brene Brown as she celebrates the release of her new DVD. I'm celebrating this Week of Worthiness. I'm going to celebrate myself and who I am, in spite of my imperfections, holes, and mess-ups. God knows I'm not perfect yet thinks of me as one of His most precious possessions. Why in the world would I want to argue with God about how He feels where I'm concerned?

I'm 40 years old now and still struggling with feeling as if I'm good enough. Good enough wife. Good enough mom. Good enough Christian. Good enough friend. Good enough Girl Scout leader. Good enough _____________!

Yep. Still working on feeling as if I am enough. Still working on feeling a sense of belonging in certain groups of people. But this week I'm going to be mindful of these wise and inspirational words from Brene:

"Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from a place of worthiness.It means cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone; I am enough.

It’s going to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do."

I've begun a new knitting project. Priya requested a scarf. It's already got a pretty big hole in it...but I've discovered a way of embellishing so that the hole will be disguised.

And the best part about it? Priya won't even care about the hole.

So, why should I?

I Love (Feb. 28th).....

2010-02-28T13:19:00.011-06:00

.....soccer.

I played soccer for about 8 years as a kid.
Always got placed as the fullback...guarding the goal.
One of my coaches affectionately called me
"thunder-foot" because of my kicking abilities.

At least that's better than "thunder-thighs."

Oh, yeah. I was called that, too.
Sigh.

But I digress.

All 3 little Indians are playing this Spring,
so I am now the consummate soccer mom.
Three different practices. On three different nights.
Three different uniforms.
Three different games on Saturdays.

Yesterday was our first "game day"...
four hours at the fields loaded down with
our cooler containing team snacks and our lunches,
blankets, folding chairs, and this little one.......

Buddy was well behaved, generally speaking.
He just chilled out on the blanket and
ate up all the affection he received from passers-by.

When the kids weren't playing in their respective games
they hung out at the playground.
And then came back to find us for more snacks.

This is Mr. Frownie-Brownie....
who is so into soccer that he
pouted when he couldn't play on
Deven's team.

So he drowned his sorrows in his
5th bag of Goldfish crackers.

The boys are addicted, and Priya seems to love it, too.
She scored her first goal.
In her first soccer game ever.

Animesh and I are huge fans...
our screaming and cheering and excitement
rivals this dude on my playlist.
It's stressful for Animesh who is
ultra-competitive.
I'm just happy the kids are getting
fresh air and exercise.

So this ends the month of "I Love...." posts.
It was a fun challenge, Melody.

But now I'm ready for March.
And Spring.
AND SPRING BREAK!

Skiing, anyone?

I Love (Feb. 23rd ed.).....

2010-02-23T09:25:00.008-06:00

...the beach.

Especially when the beach is
the destination for a girls weekend.

So many funny moments to recall.

So many laughs we shared.

A little bit of wine consumed.

CELERY
HAIKU
HERMIT CRAB
HANGOVER
ONIONS
EGGS
CAR-CHASING

These words will never again
mean the same to any of us.

Thank goodness what happens at the beach
stays at the beach.

And thank goodness for amazing girlfriends.

I Love (Feb. 17th)....

2010-02-17T06:00:00.005-06:00

....birthdays.

My family's birthdays. My friends' birthdays.
My dogs' birthdays.

There is something special about celebrating
someone's arrival to this planet.

And, yes, I even love my birthday.

Even if that birthday is commemorating the big FOUR-OH.

Today I turn 40.

I've been looking forward to it for awhile.
My 30s were filled with the highest of highs...and the lowest of lows.
I'm eager to leave those lows behind and move on.

Last year I wrote myself a letter.
I re-read that letter last night.
To my delight...I still believe
every word I wrote to myself one year ago.

My friend, Tecla, took me to lunch yesterday.
And baked me rainbow cupcakes.
She knows how much I love cupcakes.

Thanks, Tecla. You rock.
And, Jill....we missed you a lot.

I'm blessed beyond belief,
because there are other people
in my life who want to celebrate with me.

Today. Tonight. And, oh! This weekend!

So, bring on the big FOUR-OH.
I'm ready for it.

It's gonna be a great decade.

I Love (Feb. 16th).....

2010-02-16T09:53:00.005-06:00

....these boys.

I hesitated posting them together...
because they really are their own individuals.

But they belong together.

They are two peas in a pod.

They can be the best of friends...

...and the worst of enemies.

They are all-boy in their
fearless-jump-off-the-sofa ways.

They crack us up with their
one-liners and their imagination.

They can have me seething mad one minute....
and giggling uncontrollably the next.

They offer unsolicited hugs and
soft whispers of "I love you, Mama"
when I least expect them to.

Both are strong-willed.
Both are strong-willed.
Both are strong-willed.
(Catch my drift?).

Both adore their big sister.

And we all adore them.

I would played this lullaby for both boys
when I nursed and rocked them as babies.

Godspeed, little men.

I just love these boys.

I Love (Feb. 12th).....

2010-02-12T08:04:00.013-06:00

.....these girls.

Page and Dawn

Vanessa and I

They said old friends are some of the best kinds of friends.
I couldn't agree more.
Who else has grown up with you
through bad boyfriend experiences,
bad hair styles,
bad parenting days,
bad grades,
bad life choices,
and other curve balls life throws at you?

I've known Vanessa, Dawn, and Page
for over 20 years now.

Gasp.

And spending the evening with them last night
as we celebrated my upcoming 40th birthday
was nothing short of awesome.

Vanessa decoupaged this box
with pictures of gorgeous, famous 40-somethings on it
and gave it to Page back in December when she turned 40.
Last night it was passed to me for my 40th.
Vanessa will receive the box in May.
Dawn...in June.

The box itself was great, but what was inside brought me to tears.
These girls thought long and hard about the gift...
and who I am...
and what I enjoy...
and their thoughtfulness means more than words can say.

Here's my ultra-cool new guitar strap.
And, as Vanessa put it, my "Sheryl Crow" cuff bracelet
to wear while I rock on.
How ironic that I was just talking about Sheryl Crow
during our drive to The Yardhouse last night.
Little did I know.

Thanks for an awesome celebration, Vanessa, Dawn, and Page.

Yep. These girls will always be my friends.
They know way too many secrets about me.
Especially after last night's discussion.

:-)

I Love (Feb. 10).....

2010-02-10T08:16:00.002-06:00

...this video.
It will warm your heart.

I Love (Feb. 8th)......

2010-02-08T18:05:00.005-06:00

....Mondays.

Even Mondays that start off kind of dreary.
Like today.

I know.

You think I'm crazy.

But I really DO love Mondays.
Because I love schedules.
And routines.
And Mondays mean that Tuesday is around the corner.
And Tuesdays are the start of
a few quiet days in the house
when all 3 precious offspring are in school.

I really do love Mondays.

I Love (Feb. 5th ed.)

2010-02-05T16:55:00.004-06:00

....this precious young lady.

Notice anything different in this picture?

Priya got her ears pierced yesterday.
It makes her look so much older.
So much more grown up.

She loves to read, sing (on key!),
and dance.

She loves zebra stripes and rock songs
but will surprise me every once in a while
by wearing a bow to church.
To remind me that she's still
my little girl.

She's the best big sister to her brothers.
The best.

She can make friends in no time flat.

She's like a fish in the water.
Amazing swimmer.

She has the best belly laugh.

She's a Daddy's girl.

She wants to play flute and guitar like Mommy.
And do triathlons. :-)

We love and adore this precious young lady.

I Love (Feb. 4th ed.)....

2010-02-04T07:58:00.022-06:00

....music.

All different kinds to suit all of my many moods.

Listening to it when I'm feeling mellow .

And when I'm feeling worshipful.

And when I'm feeling funky.

And when I wanna feel engergized.

And when I'm feeling empowered.

And when I'm feeling a little bit country.

And a little bit rock-n-roll .

And when I'm feeling rebellious.

And when I'm imagining myself as a famous musician.

And when I'm feeling nostalgic.

And when I want to feel hip and relate to a younger crowd. :-)

But not only do I love listening to music.....

I love playing music.

I love music.

I Love (Feb. 3rd edition).....

2010-02-03T07:30:00.004-06:00

....coffee.

Only 2 cups.

Only in the morning.

And only with flavored liquid creamer.
Peppermint mocha is the current fave.
Oh, yeah, along with Italian Sweet Creme.

No powdered stuff for me.

Yes, I'm a creamer snob.

I Love (Feb. 2nd edition)....

2010-02-02T08:33:00.005-06:00

...this man.

I shot these last night as Animesh was doing one of the most romantic things he's ever done for me.

He was sorting Girl Scout cookies.

We've been married nearly 12 1/2 years. Roses are nice, but let's face it. Emptying the dishwasher, folding the laundry, making the kids' school lunches, and, yes, sorting Girl Scout cookies are now the way to my heart.

I kept shooting and shooting pics of him, and the flash was clearly annoying him after about 27 takes.

Yet he kept sorting. While I sipped wine and took pictures.

What a guy.

Put a Little Love in Your Heart

2010-02-01T08:58:00.012-06:00

Here it is. My favorite month of the year. February. Now, that's not to say that I don't LOVE December when we celebrate Jesus' birth. And it's not to say that I don't LOVE March or April (depending on the year) when we celebrate Jesus' resurrection.

Because I absolutely DO love celebrating those holidays that are at the heart of who I am and why I am here.

February is special for other reasons. Valentine's Day for one. Even when I was single I enjoyed celebrating....because even though there was no man in my life didn't mean my heart was void of love! I love my family. I love my friends. I love the God who created me and put me here. And I'm a firm believer in celebrating not only romantic love on Valentine's Day---but all of the different love relationships I am blessed with in my kids, girlfriends, etc.

And then there's my birthday. Just a few days after V-day. When I was growing up I knew virtually no one with a February birthday. But over the last 10 years I've met more and more friends born in the "love month"...in fact...three of my dearest peeps are awesome fellow Aquarians. Although, Yvette, you might be a Pisces...but you're an honorary Aquarian to me. :-)

So, in the spirit of love and hearts and all things ooey, gooey, and mushy...I'm accepting my friend Melody's challenge this month. I'm gonna (attempt to) post one picture a day of something or someone or some place that I love. What a great idea. It's kind of like an online "gratitude journal" of sorts since recalling all those things that I love and have to be thankful for are sure to boost spirits and give me warm fuzzy feelings.

Especially on a cold, damp, dreary day like today. And hold onto your hats because it's gonna be a month where I hope to post on the blog EVERY SINGLE DAY! Gasp!

So, c'mon. Join Melody and I in a fun, "love-themed" blog-a-thon.

It's sure to put a little more love in your heart.

What Not to Wear

2010-01-22T17:21:00.019-06:00

The other night I found myself channel surfing (not NEARLY enough time for me to do that these days...). I landed on TLC's program "What Not to Wear" and was instantly hooked.

Yes, I admit it. I love this show. Those two crack me up. I think it's entertaining and great fun to watch people transformed into hip, up-to-date versions of themselves. While the hosts can be sometimes crass, rude, and brutally honest (well, at least in their opinion), it seems as though Stacy and Clinton truly have the client's best interest at heart. And the best part is their emphasis that beauty, confidence, and style doesn't depend on the size of your waistline or the color of your hair. What I get from the show is that there is beauty in everyone.

Lately I've been doing a lot of soul-searching. It all began with my 2010 pick for "word of the year." Simplicity has been a running theme in my head since January began, but I must be truthful and tell you that life hasn't been simple. But I've realized that "simplicity" is really a state of mind...kind of like inner peace. Life circumstances may not be simple or peaceful (I mean, c'mon! Three kids, a dog, and a puppy? And that puppy who insists on confiscating our shoes every single morning so that we're late heading out the door? No. Not simple here. And definitely not peaceful!).

I've also been examining how I live my life as a role model to my children. Priya has been experiencing a situation at school where a little girl who was a supposed friend is now treating her in a not-so-nice manner. Priya doesn't understand it. I don't either. Especially since our daughter is so eager to be friends with everyone.

I told Priya that sometimes people change and that means the relationship might need to change, too. I told her that it hurts a lot when someone isn't caring and loving towards you anymore---for no apparent reason---but that we should still be caring and loving towards them because that's what God wants us to do.

Easier said than done, right?

But, what I unearthed in my self-discovery is that I often "wear" the ugly clothes of hurt, bitterness, and anger very visibly for all to see--especially when I feel as though someone has hurt me deeply. I don't always realize it, but my children see my reaction. They see everything and are so intuitive that if I'm not careful, my reactions will become their future reactions. So I decided to make a conscious effort to look upward towards the heavens when I'm hurting rather than downward in despair. It sure is harder to do, but it makes life so much more simple when I'm not harboring those negative feelings. I desire for my daughter to follow that example and not be so beaten down by others that her soul becomes hard and cold.

For me, simplicity begins and ends inside my heart and soul. I realized that the last few days I've been "wearing" a lot of bitterness, resentment, insecurity, hurt, and self-pity. Some of you may not know it from seeing me at school picking up kids because boy, can I paste on a great smile. But those who have been so (un)lucky to have been my confidants, well, you know the truth. The ugly truth.

It's comforting to know that we all struggle with these unbecoming garments...that we all "wear" them to some extent at one time or another in our lives.

But, boy, how unattractive it was to discover myself wearing them all at the same time. HELP! Stacy! Clinton! I need an intervention!

Just being funny here, because the real intervention needs to come from God working in me and through me....helping me to realize just how precious I am. Just how precious we ALL are. However, I need to desperately and intentionally seek Him in order to attain that affirmation. Because all the pats on the back and "atta-girls" from even my closest friends don't come close to how highly God esteems us.

Sure, it's important for us to be in relationships that are affirming, positive, authentic, and not superficial. But let's face it. We've all experienced a relationship at some point in our lives where the other person just stopped thinking that we are "all that and a bag of chips." And, boy, does it hurt like the dickens. Of course it's important for us to be in relationships that are affirming, positive, authentic, and not superficial. It's a huge reason we were put on this earth. For relationships! Priya's elementary school life-lesson is a perfect example. And Lord knows it can only get more painful the older we get.

Thankfully, God never lets us down like that. Not ever. I'm finally accepting that concept. I mean, really getting it. I've always known it. But letting it sink deep into my heart and take root is to feel a freedom to be the real me. It's a love that no one can take away from me. Not even those who drop me at the drop of a hat or say unkind things about me or to me.

After a great few days of bible study and the love of several amazing friends...one of whom sent me this song playing in the play list...I'm feeling liberated and ready for a makeover of sorts. (I hope you'll take the time to really listen to the lyrics...this song rocks!). Bitterness, resentment, insecurity, hurt, and self-pity are definitely things making the "what not to wear" list for me in order to achieve that simplicity and peace in my life I'm striving to attain by the grace of God. It's all there for the taking. All we have to do is ask Him.

It's not Spring yet, but today I've decided to begin the slow and deliberate process of cleaning out my mental and spiritual closets. I'm "letting go" of those garments that are unattractive and unbecoming. I'm "letting go" of them because God asks us to do so. I'm "letting go" in order to go shopping for more beautiful qualities that allow me to live my life to the fullest.

It'll be the best shopping spree ever since it won't cost me a dime out of our checking account.

Chaos, Continuity, and Crossroads

2010-01-12T20:03:00.022-06:00

CHAOS

Have you ever had one of those mornings? A morning filled with chaos? Please...tell me I'm not the only one. Today I did...it was one of those days when the very first hour had me cleaning up dog vomit, sending a preschooler to time-out, trying like heck to persuade a first-grader he needed to go to school, and dragging a second-grader out of bed for what seemed like 30 minutes. Three cups of coffee later I was exhausted. At it was only 7am. Regardless, I was still semi-motivated to get going on the extensive to-do list that was calling my name. I was celebrating because ahead of me awaited a kid-free day with oodles of time to get things accomplished.

Or so I thought.

After many bribes and lots of persuasion...I ended up at home with my first-grader. He wasn't sick. He felt fine. Daddy told him in his authoritative tone that he needed to go to school. But the intuitive "mommy voice" in me said otherwise. I sensed that something else was going on. Later today I discovered what that was.

Oh, you might be wondering what my 2010 word of the year-- "simplicity"--and our brand new Yorkie puppy might have in common.

Absolutely nothing.

The first week I actually felt as though I had a newborn in the house again (egads!). Buddy woke us each morning at 3am with what was at first an adorable little yap. It quickly morphed into an annoying, loud yap. But, that yap was his way of communicating he had some business to tend to, so for that yap we are very grateful. And now we are all (for the most part) sleeping through the night. Again...so very grateful.

Nothing simple about potty-training a puppy.

But enjoyable nonetheless. This little furball has become my companion...following me everywhere around the house and providing endless entertainment for our family (well, Spridle would beg to differ...). He has no fear of his older, larger beagle brother--or the rest of us for that matter. Steals Spridle's food. Bullies his way into Spridle's bed...while Spridle is laying in it! Runs away from us when he's caught with yet another Power Ranger toy clamped between his teeth.

But we absolutely adore him. Enter Chaos exhibit A.

CONTINUITY

Back to the Deven issue. After letting Animesh know that it was ok with me for Deven to skip school today, Deven and I chatted over breakfast. His answers to my questions were benign. Nothing was wrong. No one had been mean to him. No one had made fun of him. He liked the long-term sub he had (his teacher is out on maternity leave...left on December 4th and won't return til mid-March).

Ah-ha!

His teacher emailed him (via me) today...telling him that she missed him and that she got his letter that had been delivered to her before Christmas. In that letter he had asked why his class needed to have 2 different subs. He also asked how her new baby was doing. But most importantly he asked when she would be returning. Upon further discovery I found out from Deven that he's missing his teacher desperately and not adapting to the changes as well as I thought he was. Continuity is so important for all of us. In nursing the theme was all about "continuity of care"...meaning that all patients were treated equally and in the same manner...and by the same health care professional for as long as possible. Deven is craving the same thing. I spoke with his former Kinder teacher (whom I adore) and she agreed that this was most definitely a common issue. I was so glad I kept him home...so that he knew I acknowledged his concerns and his feelings.

I was especially glad when I captured this moment on film after I went searching for Deven and Buddy after a prolonged amount of silence in the house this morning.

Precious.

After a relaxing day of nothing-ness at home, Deven is ready to return to school.

After all, don't we all need a "mental health" day once in awhile?

CROSSROADS

I have found myself at a crossroads many, many times in my life. In my work. In my academic career. And in relationships.

After nearly 40 years on this earth, I'm still wondering why it hurts so much when encountering a crossroads in a relationship can lead to such pain and a sense of loss. Not too long ago I found myself at a crossroads...and I made the decision I didn't think I would ever make.

I made the decision to leave that relationship behind.

When I've invested so much in getting to know someone, caring for someone, and then learning that the other person didn't feel the same way about me...well...it hurts like a son-of-a-gun.

But, I know my "almost-40-year-old-self" to know that this experience won't prevent me from putting myself out there. Call it a blessing or call it a curse... but I'm a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve and advertises herself as an open book.

Some are offended. Some are turned off. But those who have been attracted to me and my being real have stuck around and impacted my life in a big way.

And that's great with me.

I am who I am. Love me or leave me.

Or, as my favorite quote says:

"Be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."

Well said, Dr. Seuss. Well said.

Published

2010-01-07T13:06:00.013-06:00

Simplicity. My word of the year. I've kept it in my head and on my heart since I chose it. The word has spoken to me every single day...and I think simplicity is infiltrating its way into my life in a way I never expected it to. The way I think. The words I speak. How I spend my time. My reaction to certain things.

Yeah, sure. It's only January 7th. It's only been a few days since simplicity became my word of the year.

But, it's a start.

So far I've not missed Facebook. So far I've unsubscribed from every "junk" email that will allow me to. Still, there are other actions need to be taken as I focus on inviting more simplicity in my life.

I cannot wait for this to arrive. It will have the word "simplicity" on it...and I plan on wearing it all year round as a gentle reminder...not like I need a reminder now...but I might in the future.

And the bible study topic we started discussing today even relates to simplicity. Trying not to let our culture indoctrinate us...whether it's materialism, our looks, or something else that takes our focus away from God.

It's gonna be a good one.

And just for fun.....

I'm published! Photographer Maile Wilson took this shot of me 2 years ago, and she submitted it for publication in this really cool book. It was chosen---along with the awesome blog entry that went along with it!!!

Seriously, even if I weren't in the book, you should get a copy of this inspirational piece of work.

But, if you do happen to purchase one...I'll autograph it for you. :-)

Simplicity

2010-01-02T16:08:00.014-06:00

This holiday season has seen us enjoying many relaxing jammie days that has afforded us all the down time we so desperately needed after the busy fall season. I've found myself to be quite contemplative and reflective during those days...thinking about the year we left behind...the year ahead...and how I can be more intentional in making positive changes in my life during 2010.

Yesterday I was reading one of my favorite blogs authored by this wonderfully creative gal. She shared on her blog her "word of the year." I had never heard of this before....but I was intrigued by Carissa's word and the reasons behind her choosing it. Then I read on another favorite blog by this awesome chick about HER "word of the year." Turns out both of these ladies were inspired by Ali Edwards...to choose a word of the year...a word that would ultimately set the tone for 2010...a word that would inspire each of them to be intentional in growing spiritually, emotionally, and purposefully this year.

I fell in love with the idea.

So, I set out on my own journey to find my personal "word of the year." When I settled upon the word (and it didn't take long), I felt as if a wave of peace had washed over me. It was awesome.

My word, you ask?

SIMPLICITY.

When I shared this word with my hubby...well...he laughed. He didn't do it to spite me, mind you, but he knows my life and how I've operated the last few years...and he thinks it's nearly impossible for me to simplify any aspect of my life given our family circumstances, his work schedule, and my inability to say the word no.

Which is exactly why SIMPLICITY is my word for 2010. Because all of that is about to change.

I know Animesh is only thinking of SIMPLICITY in terms of my daily schedule. Oddly enough, that's not at all what I had in mind when I chose the word. I don't have my head THAT far up in the clouds to think that my daily life will all of a sudden become simple just because of my chosen word of the year. Who am I kidding with 3 little Indians who are becoming increasingly active in extracurricular activities, a husband who is extremely busy saving limbs (most of the time), and a home that is located in the semi-boonies. It takes awhile to get ANYwhere from here.

I am thinking about simplifying my life in more important areas. Where my relationships are concerned. Where my thoughts are concerned. How my time is spent. Where I place my priorities. On Whom I depend on to guide me through this life-journey.

So. Here begins my journey. So that I'm held accountable...I'm sharing this with the world. OK. Not really the world. But with those of you who are kind enough to read this blog once in awhile.

And for those who have left comments in the past telling me that the blog should always focus on the 3 little Indians...well...this blog is still about them. Indirectly. Even if I take the time to write about my own thoughts and feelings.

Because I am the woman I am today because of those 3 little Indians. Got it?

My first step in SIMPLIFYING my life came to be easily and clearly. It was to "unplug" a bit. Don't get me wrong. I adore the iPhone and all its fun features. But. Let's. Face. It. Facebook was a little too accessible with that iPhone app glaring at me each time I turned my phone on. I decided that while it was somewhat entertaining to see what people were up to, it became a real time-waster for me. And I am craving real, in-person relationships. Even if that's via email. An email meant just for me. And not the rest of the world. And I'm desiring to give each of my family and friends the same consideration. So, if you visit this blog and I don't have your email address...leave it for me. I'm so happy to have it so that I can contact you. And you only.

Step 1: cancel Facebook account.

As far as relationships....I've realized just in the last few days that there are those out there who think nothing about taking you for granted. It's hurtful. Downright painful. But it's a reality. I think I understand why some friends of mine keep others at an arms-length. Because so-called friends or people who have claimed to care about me have not even thought twice about taking me for granted. While I wish these people no harm whatsoever...I do not feel the need to keep them around as a negative influence in my life. Let's just say I'm "simplifying" my life, shall we?

Step 2: recognize those who are a negative influence
in my life and limit the time spent with those individuals.

My next goal is to simplify our household. Have you ever looked around your home and wondered where in the world you accumulated so much STUFF? I have, and a lot of it has got to go!

Step 3: de-clutter our physical environment
so that it is more of a sanctuary for all of us.

This next step will likely be a year-long (if not a LIFE-long) process, but I'm up for the challenge.

And, speaking of challenges...how about this one? What will be YOUR word of the year? Visit this awesome download for some inspiration.

Welcome 2010...BRING IT ON!

Next up: simplifying my thoughts. Is that even possible?????

Auld Lang Syne

2009-12-28T15:40:00.017-06:00

It's hard to come to grips with the fact that Christmas is over. Heck, the YEAR is almost over. I shake my head in amazement at how quickly the time has passed since we rang in 2009.

Our Christmas holiday was relaxing and delightful. I sometimes get discouraged when I think we're not establishing any family traditions of our own...but I realized this year that we have MANY traditions that have stuck with us for the last several years. Our advent calendar scavenger hunt and then hunting for Fred (our Elf on the Shelf) every December morning....

....and our Mickey Mouse Christmas pajamas the we all wear each Christmas eve. Kids got new ones this year. Thank the Lord mine and Animesh's still fit! :-)

This is Christmas Eve before our church service.
I wonder how long the boys will let me dress them alike???

Our new family member was a real challenge to keep away from the Christmas tree and those tempting ornaments dangling from the branches. One too many times we found him perched on a gift trying to reach for a "chew toy" of his choice.

But he's just too cute to stay mad at for long.

Christmas Eve after church we came home to sprinkle
the traditional "reindeer food" on the lawn.
Last year we were sweating.
This year we were freezing cold!
Crazy Texas weather.

Letters to Santa were hung by the cookie plate with care.
I was impressed with the kids' concern about
Santa's safety. :-)

The kids marked the note for "Santa only."

This was to ensure that Grandpa (aka the COOKIE MONSTER)
didn't partake of Santa's treats before he got to our house.

Proof of Santa's arrival.

The big fella was good to all of us. The grandparents spoiled the kids...no big surprise. And, I have to say that this year was the most magical of them all...with all 3 little Indians bubbling with excitement and anticipation Christmas Eve. I couldn't get Priya to go to sleep!

We're looking forward to a fun-filled New Year's Eve
doing one of the things our family loves to do most...
cheer on the the Spurs at a home game...
just the 5 of us (and thousands of our closest fan-friends!).

I love ringing in the new year...even if most of the time I'm fast asleep come midnight. The notion of fresh beginnings and new starts is exciting to me. I'm looking forward to this year, in particular, with several big events in store for our family: a milestone birthday for me, our first ski trip with the kids, our baby going off to Kindergarten, my first big public guitar performance,
and only the good Lord knows what else.
Pretty exciting stuff.

May the richest of blessings be yours now and in 2010.
We have so much to be grateful for!

Happy Howl-adays

2009-12-22T20:40:00.005-06:00

We begged. We pleaded. "We" meaning Priya and I. We have wanted a Yorkshire Terrier for months now. And for months Animesh has been defiant and told us "no way, no how." That we don't have time for another dog. That we're never home. That Spridle is enough.

Well, Animesh had us all fooled. Because on Saturday he surprised ALL OF US by arriving home that afternoon with the most adorable little puppy we could have ever imagined.

Introducing our new little family member, Buddy. He is a 3 month old Yorkshire Terrier, and every single one of us is so in love with this little creature we cannot even stand it. Okay....not every single one of us...our beagle is less than thrilled with what he would call (if he could talk) a very annoying little brother. But we're optimistic that Spridle will come around. Eventually.

There's been a real void since Kirby went to heaven almost 2 years ago. I've even found myself calling Buddy "Kirby" on several occasions. It's so ironic how playful and mischievous Buddy is...exactly how Kirby's personality displayed itself on a daily basis.

Hmmm. Seems Animesh did pretty darn well in surprising all of us this weekend with the little guy. He has fit right into the family.

Well, not according to Spridle. But we know our old, stubborn beagle will come around.

Eventually.

Feliz Navidad

2009-12-14T18:08:00.002-06:00

(Click on any image to enlarge...and don't forget to jam out to the tune....)

WE MAY NOT HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER.......

BUT TOGETHER......

WE HAVE IT ALL!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad from Boerne (San Antonio), Texas.
And all the best for 2010.

Photos taken from our Hawaiian vacation in July.

Savvy Mommas and Giving Thanks

2009-11-25T08:09:00.009-06:00

Just wanted to inform my area friends about this awesome website started by a friend and neighbor here in Boerne. It's an awesome go-to site for all things related to San Antonio and surrounding areas...whether its family activities, shopping, eating out, or whatever! Jamie is a great gal who would love to hear from you by way of comments, so stop by and check out her web site often. She updates it regularly, and its so informative.

We're making our Thanksgiving tree again today. We made one last year, and it actually remained a fixture in our family room for 6 months after Thanksgiving. I tried to take it down once, but Priya asked me why we had to throw it away when we were still thankful for all these things...and not just at Thanksgiving. Good point, sweet girl. Good point.

May you and yours enjoy a peace-filled Thanksgiving, and may your hearts be filled with gratitude for the multitude of blessings in your lives. I know my heart is certainly overflowing with thanks.

#1 Spurs Fan

2009-11-18T18:39:00.002-06:00

C IS FOR COOKIE

2009-11-09T06:00:00.002-06:00

Can you believe that I've lived in Boerne for almost 6 years now, and I've never, ever attended Boerne Market Days?

Shocking, I know. I can hear the gasps clear across the Texas Hill Country (or at least in my neighborhood).

Well, I'm pleased to announce that after nearly 6 years I am finally going to make it to Market Days this Saturday, November 14th. I'll be there because I am volunteering at a fantastic event that my friends, Nicole and Amy, organized. It's a bake sale booth that will benefit the Cookies for Kids' Cancer Organization. Nicole and her family have been touched very personally by pediatric cancer...and I'm betting that each of us has had our own experiences with cancer at one time or another. I am excited to do my small part by baking and working the booth. And maybe even get a little Christmas shopping done in the process.

So, this weekend come on out to Boerne, the charming little town we call home. You can enjoy the Holiday Market Days in Main Plaza and stop by the Cookies for Cancer booth to indulge your sweet tooth or to simply make a donation to a worthy cause.

We'll save a cookie for you.

MIA

2009-10-09T09:39:00.022-05:00

Yes, I've been MIA for awhile. Time flies when you're living life in the fast lane. Well, not exactly the fast lane, but you know what I mean. Once school started and we became immersed in homework and activities blogging took a back seat to everything else. Kind of.

Honestly in the past I would make time for blogging. Just haven't felt like it much lately. I had some painful realizations about a situation that kept me from wanting to blog. But, now that I've emerged from that (and now that I've been given the gift of time...more about that later...), here I am. If anyone is reading.

Where did we leave off? Oh, yes. The Austin Triathlon. My absolute favorite race to date. Loved every single minute of it. Swimming in Town Lake was surreal. And flying down South Congress on my bike...headed straight for the capital...well...in one word...awesome.

Priya high-fived me during the run. Love this picture.

Got to do Jeanne's 20th triathlon with her...
just weeks before she turned 50.
She rocks.

The last month has been filled with ups and downs...ebbs and flows...highs and lows. Perhaps the lowest was the death of a dear friend's father. I attended the military funeral and couldn't help thinking about my own retired Air Force father. And the cycle of life. And how important it is to make the most of each day. Each hour. Each minute. And to spend time with those who you love...and those who love you and take the time to show it.

We've been busy with lots of fun stuff, too, such as attending a fundraiser BBQ dinner for our local volunteer fire department.

Deven began his first soccer season. He absolutely loves it.
And looks cute in his uniform, too.

Then there's swim lessons, Brownie Scouts, homework, laundry, volunteering, multiple visits to the allergist (already...even though allergy season hasn't even officially started!), trying to squeeze in guitar lessons, and mommy play dates (I live for those!). We live a full life, but it's an amazing life. Amen, and AMEN!

Yes, I can even say our life is amazing when one of my children is diagnosed with the dreaded H1N1 virus (you know the slang term for it...). AND OF COURSE THE HUBBY IS OUT OF TOWN (doesn't it always happen that way???). Remember in the Spring when the words swine flu brought such fear to us all? It seems to be a household name now. At least in our hometown. And definitely at the kids' school. Bummer.

Priya has been a trooper, though, sanitizing her hands every 30 minutes and wearing her mask when she comes out of her room (which isn't very often since she seems to have everything she needs at her fingertips).

I think she's watched 17 movies in 36 hours. And, she's loved every minute of it (except when she's fevering). And she loves that I allow her to eat in her room. She really hasn't complained at all about the quarantine especially since it keeps her brothers out!

Day 3 of the illness...and no fever to speak of. Tamiflu is a great thing.

So, if Priya's quarantined, so am I. Thought it might drive me a little stir crazy, but it hasn't. Like a good friend pointed out to me yesterday when she called to check on us and I told her I was being lazy, she said to me pointedly, "YOU NEED TO BE LAZY! YOU ARE ALWAYS SO BUSY!" I love it when our friends affirm our actions. Even if those actions are really us being inactive. :-)

Today is cool and rainy. I love it. It finally feels like fall...even if it's only for a few days.

The rain is supposed to pass today...leaving us with a beautiful weekend day tomorrow. Full of sunshine. Seems appropriate for me to strum the new guitar song I've been working on....

Priya's quarantine will be over tomorrow, so she'll join us for Deven's soccer game. The rest of the day we'll spend being lazy (again), enjoying the weather on our back patio, and maybe even having a meal or two outside. Fall has arrived in the Hill Country. For a few days anyway. But, I'll take what I can get.

Who knows how long it'll be before I blog again. So----

HAPPY FALL, YA'LL.

Onward and Upward

2009-09-04T10:24:00.010-05:00

My car hit 100,000 miles this morning. We've only had it 4 years. But, since we live in the boondocks...well...it takes awhile to get anywhere. Still, it's a reliable mommy-mobile, and I'm planning on keeping it for as long as I can...chicken-nugget-embedded car mats and all.

It was a challenging week for me emotionally. Still trying to find the balance between taking care of my family's needs and taking care of me. But, at least I'm aware of the changes that must be made. That's a start. So it's onward and upward we go.

We're heading to Austin this afternoon for a fun holiday-weekend adventure. Two nights here where tomorrow Animesh will hit the greens, I will hit the spa, and the kids will enjoy the kids club activities. Tomorrow evening the 3 boys are going to the first UT football game--hook 'em, Horns! Priya and I will undoubtedly find something fun to do at this great resort while they're gone. :-)

Sunday afternoon we'll move to this hotel...which happens to be the starting point for the Austin Triathlon (only the SPRINT distance, thank you very much) I'm racing in Monday morning. How nice it will be to get off the hotel elevator and be at the starting point for the race.

My friend, Jeanne, is doing the tri with me...she has this goal of doing 20 triathlons before she turns 50...which is at the end of this month. She's been a busy beaver this summer...doing 4 other races in order to complete her mission. I'm honored to be able to do her 20th triathlon with her on Monday.

It's shaping up to be a great weekend...provided my husband recovers from the emergency root canal he's having at this exact moment.

Never a dull moment around here.

P.S. This song is for my friends who found me on Facebook...friends I haven't seen or talked to in about 27 years...from our days back in Germany. Journey will forever remind me of you and our days at Patch Barracks. :-)

Time for Me to Fly

2009-08-31T07:12:00.007-05:00

I am kicking myself. How I let the school year start this way I just don't know. I keep thinking that it's ME who is creating this crazy, constantly busy life. I keep thinking that it's ME who is cramming our lives full of activities and commitments. I keep thinking it's ME who has done this to myself. To all of us.

Yes, I am partly to blame. I cannot help wanting to be involved in every child's classroom. I cannot help wanting to be social and to hang with my closest girlfriends...confiding in them, crying with them, being encouragers to them...and letting them encourage me. I cannot help wanting to work out feverishly so that I do not drown in Town Lake next Monday at the Austin Triathlon. I cannot help wanting to buy the perfect gift for a teacher. I cannot help wanting to give, give, give to others.

But, all of these wonderful and fulfilling things take time. And, that's the one thing I haven't been giving myself (besides the exercising, but like I said, I'm doing that more for survival than for health-related reasons). I have been giving and giving and giving. To others. And sadly neglecting myself.

I emailed a friend yesterday telling her I'm having a mini-breakdown. Not a full-blown-need-to-be-committed kind of breakdown. But a breakdown nonetheless. I have got to create time for myself. Every. Single. Day.

Yesterday I snuck away to a private room in the house to read and write a letter (yes, I still love sending...and receiving... handwritten notes!). I sat in the glider rocker I used to nurse my children in...and I stared off into space. I snoozed a little. I read some more.

I was only in the room for about 30 minutes. But it was heaven.

The thing is that my mini-retreat was possible because my husband was home to entertain children and tend to their needs. When I told him what I was doing...he looked at me kind of funny...but he didn't question it. I think he understood when I emerged from my little silent sanctuary a little less harried and stressed.

When he's NOT here...which is about 80 percent of the time...gone regularly 6 nights a month...travels a lot during the fall...how am I supposed to carve out that time just for me? At 4:30 am when my youngest senses the moment I awaken? At 8pm when all I want to do is crawl in bed and sleep but still have dishes to do, lunches to make, papers to sign, laundry to fold, and an endless list of "to-dos" that weigh me down?

Don't get me wrong. I'm so incredibly grateful for my husband's job and his job security. Especially during these incredibly rough times. But I don't believe that job security means peace and serenity in one's lives...or the lives of their families.

Yes, I have 3 days a week to myself...when all the kids are in school. But, it seems as though most of that time is spent tending to the household chores, preparing dinner, or running family-related errands.

I know from experience that I need my alone time. I desire it. I crave it. I need it. I also know that I need to become more selfish in acquiring some of that time I designate just for me. Thanks to the amazing Brene....I know longer feel selfish about making time just for me. She's helped me realize that it's necessary. That it's okay. That in order to pour out the love and attention on everyone else, I need to fill myself up first.

It's time for me to fly. And stop feeling weighed down by little stuff that doesn't need to be weighing me down.

So. I've moved me to the top of my to-do list. I will undoubtedly give and give and give to my family and friends because that is my nature. But I'm going to try and say "no" to more invitations and requests that are small and not life-dependent---and that do not fill up my soul. Even if friends are the ones asking me.

Because my real, true friends will understand when I say no.

A, B, C and 1, 2, 3

2009-08-25T17:14:00.007-05:00

Back to school and back to waking up early. Ugh. So early. It's only Tuesday and Deven is already exhibiting signs of sheer exhaustion. It's gonna take awhile til we're all accustomed to the routines and the schedules. But, so far so good. According to Priya and Deven...first and second grade are "awesome." Priya especially loves the class pet...Mr. Froggie. Yes, a real, live frog. And you get to feed the frog crickets if you have good behavior. Cool.

Not to be left out...Trevor squeezes in for a picture on the older kids' first day of school. He stays home with me Mondays and Fridays. And, boy, does he ever enjoy his "mommy" time. I hope he does. Because it's his last year of preschool. I'm gonna soak in every last moment we have to share together alone. He's so much fun to hang out with. As my dad would say...he's a real hoot.

Today was Trevor's first day of preschool. Not a tear. Not a moment of anxiety. He said he "loved" school. And his teachers. And his teachers said that in all their years of teaching they have never, ever had such a wonderful "first day of school" class.

Think it's gonna be a fabulous year.

You've Got a Friend

2009-08-19T17:27:00.016-05:00

Please don't faint. Two posts in one week. I know...shocking. But today was too special not to post about it.

Priya got a new 'do yesterday. This is not the first time she's "bobbed" her hair right before school started, but it's the first time I've taken her to my fab stylist, Tonie. Priya loved the shampoo the most. And having her hair flat-ironed. I do believe our early morning hair routine just got a little more complicated. A simple brushing just won't do.

My friend Lisa and I met back in 1999 when she and I returned to nursing school to get our Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the time she only had her 2 year old son. Animesh and I had no children at all.

Lisa and I hit it off right away. It was one of those "kindred spirit" experiences. When I had Priya, our first-born, she was there to share in the joy. What was even more special is that when Priya was born, Lisa was due to deliver her own daughter just a few months later.

Here are Priya and Brooke...illustrating that famous baby "parallel play" at not even a year old...

Lisa's daughter, Brooke, and Priya became friends because their mommies were friends. But, the interesting thing is that I believe they would be friends even if Lisa and I were NOT so close.

Today we had a wonderful "girls day out" in preparation of the first day of school Monday. Lunch, manis and pedis, and ice cream. Perfect. We had the most wonderful time. Especially since we were with the most wonderful of friends. The kind of friends we can pick up right where we left off...even if it's been a few months.

I don't ever remember being pampered like this at almost 8 years old....boy, how times have changed.

Lisa and I have been through a lot together in the 10 years we've been friends. And I feel so blessed to have her in my life for all that we'll experience together in the future.

There's a good chance that Priya and Brooke might develop that same kind of friendship, too. How awesome that would be.

"Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."

--Eleanor Roosevelt

We Are Family

2009-08-17T19:16:00.016-05:00

Hi. Been awhile since I've been here...the last 3 weeks have been filled with time spent with family. Two weeks with my family here in town. One week with Animesh's family in Dallas. Family, family, family. And while family can certainly drive you up a wall at times---in my older, wiser years I'm realizing how just how important it is to make the time to spend with extended family. To bond, chill, and just be. Because it's really, really important for my children. Actually...it's important for all of us.

Time spent with my family was also time spent without my camera. We did have a professional family photo shoot, so when Melody is finished with our gallery I'll have more to share with you. My sister and I bonded more than we have before. Our kids (a.k.a. "The Cousins") had a phenomenal time laughing, playing, swimming, eating, and, yes, occasionally bickering. But, I wouldn't change a minute of it. It was awesome.

Last week we drove to Dallas to spend time with my inlaws. I drove the kids by myself...and Animesh joined us for the weekend so we could attend a family Indian wedding reception Saturday night. For the first time ever I truly enjoyed the visit. My in-laws and the kids entertained each other incessantly. I got lots of mommy time to visit my dear, dear friend, Amanda, in a nearby town and to get a manicure. My in-laws...who traditionally sleep till noon...even woke up early to feed the kids so I could go for my morning runs (another triathlon awaits me on Labor Day). It was a fun week. So much so that I don't think we'll wait another year before returning.

Pics from our Dallas adventure.....

The kids swim with "Dadu" (a.k.a. "crazy grandpa").
He really is so incredibly youthful at heart.
Even at nearly 70 years old.

My absolutely wonderful, dear, awesome friend, Amanda.
She lives near Dallas. And I miss her.
We had a great visit.
Here's our self-portrait
(because you know how much I love a self-portrait).

All dressed up with someplace to go.
The Indian princess...and her mommy, Honorary Indian.

Handsome boys.

Our beautiful girl. Love that smile.

Grandma and granddaughter.

So much fun with cousins....

...and more cousins.

School begins one week from today. I thought I was ready. But, now that it's almost here...I have mixed emotions. I will miss having the 3 little Indians around all day long. Sure, I undoubtedly will find things to keep me busy, but early wake-up calls, schedules, routines, and activities will take some getting used to after the laziness of summer.

But, what a heck of a summer it's been.

Hangin' Loose With Lots to Say

2009-08-01T20:57:00.009-05:00

So I finally resolved myself to the fact that by the time I got around to editing and posting all of my favorite Hawaii pictures, well, the year would be 2020. I hit the ground running when we returned from Paradise, and more important things required my attention. Sadly, photo editing was not one of them. So that you can catch a glimpse of the fun we had, I'm gonna cheat and send you here. Melody did a wonderful job capturing our children's beautiful faces while we were on vacation with them, and I'm so thankful to her for printing this one out for me...making it one of the most prized souvenirs from the trip (aside from the coconut-chocolate-covered macadamia nuts). :-)

I'm also gonna send you here because I think this photographer captured my family at its best. We laughed and giggled and were completely at east with Tammy, and I'm so grateful for the wonderful shots she snapped while we frolicked and played (and Facebooked!) on Waikiki Beach during our shoot.

We had the best trip. Too much to share in a blog post. And, really, I wouldn't want to. I'll relive the memories in the gazillion pictures I took. And through the eyes of the children. They have better memories anyway.

I love this one of Melody and I. My arm was reaching so far out behind me with the camera that I thought my shoulder might be dislocated. And she was doing her creative thing with the camera on her shoulder. I thought our kayak shot turned out pretty cool.

My sister is visiting us from Idaho, and Tuesday through Thursday we enjoyed "hangin' loose" (favorite new Hawaii phrase) with her and my niece and nephew. Kristin has rearranged a lot of my house without spending a dime (THANK YOU!) and has showcased her gift that has sparked her new business. Check her out. Even if you don't live in Idaho she may be able to give you online consultations. Or she can come to your home the next time she's in town.

Kristin and her family are spending the weekend with her inlaws, so for us the last 2 days have been spent doing a whole lot of nothin'...but at the same time it has been 2 days of a whole lot of somethin's. The kids and I spent yesterday "hangin' loose" in our jammies, and it rocked. Today we ventured out only as far as the grocery store and Home Depot, and we couldn't wait to return home and put our jammies back on.

Since our vacation I've been more intentional about doing what I say I'm gonna do. Not just committments at church or elsewhere, but more specifically with my family. I want to be a wife and mother of her word, even if it means digging deep and doing something I said I was gonna do but didn't actually have the intention of following through. Or hoping that the kids would forget so as to let me off the hook. Because even though they may seem to forget...they always remember at some point.

Anyway, it's something small but I think it's rather huge in Deven's world...for 3 months he's been requesting that I bake a pumpkin pie ever since he spied a can of pumpkin in the pantry. I kept putting him off...especially today when the last thing I wanted to do was to bake a pumpkin pie...but at the grocery store I gave in to his pleading and bought the ingredients. To see this kid slowly and deliberately enjoy every single bite topped with whipped cream brought tears to my eyes. He thanked me repeatedly for making his favorite dessert. It was then that I realized it's not really about the pie...but the act of following through...that means so much. Who would have thought that baking a pumpkin pie would remind me of such an important life lesson?

My sister and her family will spend another week with us starting Monday, and we're all looking forward to fun in the sun, laughing, and "hangin' loose." To see the cousins (ages almost 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4) bond and play as if a year hasn't passed fills my heart with joy. Family really is what it's all about...even with all of our dysfunctionalities and quirks (c'mon...you know your family has them, too!).

I've got a hefty "to do" list to accomplish this Fall. Lots of projects and little annoying things. I am excited and slightly overwhelmed at the lengthiness of the list. But I know that once I start crossing them off the weight will feel less and less. Organization is something that makes me so happy. One of those things is to learn to play my playlist song. I've loved the Indigo Girls for years...but I have a new-found appreciation for their amazing guitar-esque ways. And I can always stand to be a little bit more "closer to fine." Can't you?

Side note: A beautiful young lady found me on Facebook. Turns out I was her church camp counselor 9 years ago. She now lives in Canada. And I barely remembered her when she "friended" me. But she remembered me...and she told me how much I had touched her life that week in June of 2000. Hmm. And to think I thought my time at Camp Gilmont was kind of a waste. I guess you never know when you may be impacting someone's life...either positively or negatively.

Kind of makes me want to keep planting those seeds of kindness. Ya never know...they could find their way back someday.