cultivating me

I just couldn’t resist the alliteration My boys and I are traveling on a train and are currently just north of San Luis Obispo. I can tell you this because I am sitting here typing while connected to a Sprint MiFi card. And while I often complain about technology in terms of our constant connection [...]

We have a small room out behind the garage This room has been many many things throughout the history of this house.  My great grandfather was a dentist and he used to use that little room to see patients and pulled many teeth back there.  (I will always find that amusing) My grandmother used it [...]

my sweet baby girl i know this is a few days late – okay almost a week! but you know, i think i still need time to properly come to terms with how grown up you are.  sixteen! wow – you are so grown.  almost a woman and yet i can clearly remember the day [...]

Six Flags Magic Mountain to be exact and I spent Saturday there with Jerry, our 3 kids, my brother his girlfriend and her 2 kids.  It was a great day.  I’m not really sure what I liked most about the day because there were a great many things to like. First of all, I got [...]

I read this book with my youngest son.  Actually we read it together – one chapter a night, taking turns reading out loud.  As a family we have become so very busy.  I have gotten caught up in staying on schedule and planning ahead that I have let opportunities to spend extra time with the [...]

Jerry has a fairly large family and each year for Christmas, they pull names for a gift exchange.  The idea is to make sure everyone has gift at the family gathering and they set a price limit so no one has to spend too much.  It’s an idea I’m still getting used to and an [...]

these are my kids–otherwise known as “the monkeys”.  this photo was taken just about a month ago after a performance my daughter had for her ballet studio.  there’s a great deal i like about this photo but mostly i love it because it so clearly and honestly depicts them. notice the little monkey – can’t [...]

The kids didn’t have school today in honor of Veteran’s Day and so last night was the night of the Homecoming Dance for my daughter’s high school.  I know Monday is a weird night to host a dance but with no school on Tuesday it sort of made sense and I bet the cost for [...]

This is our pup Jasper – He’s little Wanna know how small?  Here he is chilling with our guinea pig, Andy: My parents are on vacation and while they are away, we are taking care of their dog Star.  Here’s Star, she’s big: Star and Jasper make a funny pair.  For the most part, they [...]

Not only am I learning to let go but I am also still learning to let my kids do things their own way. Today I had the perfect opportunity to practice. Last year, my daughter asked me if she could paint her room. Since I believe kids have very few spaces that are unregulated and [...]