Tag Archives: family time

Youth Sports

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Sometimes I love them and sometimes I despise how much time they take. Don’t get me wrong. I want my kids to play and be active and to be part of a team and I love watching them. 

I want all the benefits and yet sometimes the work (hours of practices and games and driving all around and interruptions and managing logistics and uniforms) makes me want to throw in the towel.

Although tonight, I was so into the game and the action and watching Juliana’s team gel and work together and play well as a team. I was jumping out of my seat with excitement and cheering and enjoying being in the moment. I loved watching them go from playing conservatively, to full on dominating the game with assertiveness. I am thankful that she is dedicated and working hard and learning and growing and loving it. I am thankful that I was able to be there, to observe and to share in her moment on a gorgeous fall evening and that sports are a big part of our family experience.

  
I love sports and I love athleticism and I know that it’s all worth it. I am reminded that usually what brings us joy requires work and dedication and determination.

It’s all worth it.

nAMaste

The Best Kind of Day

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My sister and my niece came to visit us this weekend and this was my (welcome) sign. It was a play on words that included them with me to create the we and the plural of Here I Am. I loved this very thought from before they even arrived. I sat on my porch last night, waiting and anticipating their arrival with excitement.  

I love being in their presence and when we are together, it doesn’t matter what we do. I feel comfortable and content and truly myself and I have no agenda except to soak in all their love and share it back with them, doing everything and nothing. Seriously. 

These are the best kind of days. We just flowed in and out, together and with the kids, and alone and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.  We were up early and shared coffee and breakfast. We took the kids where they needed to go. We rested and read and fed the kids and shopped. We watched Charlie’s soccer game and made friends. We cooked dinner together and cleaned up together. We laughed and teased each other and shared stories of our lives, the ones we don’t find the time to share over brief, interrupted phone calls and texts. 

There’s no substitute for face to face time. I got to hug her and really see her and share in the joys of our kids playing together and loving one another and growing up together.
I am thankful that she chose to come visit (me) us and took the time  to make love grow. 

Here We Are. 

Sunday Family Time

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I love my family and I love when we are all together.  It’s getting more challenging as they get older which makes me treasure the moments even more.

Today Jeff decided we should all go out for breakfast after Charlie’s soccer game. I loved that he planned our outing and that everyone was available. We tried something new and we all enjoyed a filling and delicious breakfast.

  
I love that the kids actually like each other and share tastes of their food and sips of their drinks.  I sat and watched from across the table as everyone shared their meals.  It’s the little things that make me happy, that make us feel connected. 

I am content and thankful. Today was good.

Happy Sunday!  Wishing you a peaceful week to come with those you love. 

xoxo

Cooking Together

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Jeff went to an off site, team building cooking event yesterday with his coworkers.  They picked a Vietnamese menu and learned to cook shaken beef, an eggplant dish, garlic noodles, spring rolls,  and a chocolate mousse.

He had a really great time and decided he would cook for me tonight. I loved this idea.

We love cooking together and just hanging out. I loved that this was his idea and he did all the shopping and measuring and planned the meal. This is the most tedious part for me.  So while he was at the store, I cleaned the kitchen and emptied the dishwasher so we had a clean work space to begin. I loved being his sous chef and helper as he lead the way.

We all sat down and enjoyed the delicious meal. Thank you Jeff for cooking with me!  That was fun and something new. xoimage image image

Life is good.

Persevere and Don’t Give Up

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We explored Washington, D.C. today during the hottest parts of the day and into the night.

We wanted to turn around and go back to the hotel or find an indoor, air conditioned place to sit. There was a lot of complaining and resistance and whining in the heat. There was so much to see and we only had a day to do as much as possible and we are not quitters, yet we were very uncomfortable.

We bought cold drinks from the corner vendor and continued our journey to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

We sat in the shade for awhile and rested more than we usually do, but we wouldn’t let anyone give up. We kept being cheerleaders for each other.

This was almost as important to me as sharing, touching and experiencing our nation’s history.

We were hot. We were sweaty. We were exhausted. We stuck together. We endured. And we shared an amazing day and experience and walked over 20,000 steps which is equivalent to 9 miles, together.

I am proud of my kids. I am proud of my husband. I am proud of our country. And I am proud to be an American.

 

The White House

 

Lincoln Memorial

  

Abraham Lincoln Statue

U.S. Capitol

 

Peace on the Potomac

 

Persevere BeLoveRs!

xo

Glamping in California

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I grew up camping and I am so thankful my parents decided to come up to visit us again as they begin their summer vacation.

I was able to find a last-minute glamping spot with all the perks, close to the coast and we quickly packed up and got on the road. Charlie is so in love with his grandpa, whom we call, Opa. He decided he would drive with Opa and I drove with Oma in my car and with the other two kids. 

We have a beautiful, relaxing spot to do nothing and anything for the next two days. I am beyond content.

I love seeing the kids play and ride bikes and do puzzles and hang out together with my parents with no agenda. I am loving on my parents too and enjoying their company.

Life is so good. Live it up, friends. Now is the time to BE. Here I am.

   
    

lichen on the bridge

  
   

I Am Wonder Woman

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I can drive 12 hours in a single weekend.

I can and I did and I am happy and I am tired.

It was a great and chaotic and fast time spent on the road and with family and friends to celebrate Laurie’s 50th birthday. I loved seeing how many women loved her and I loved helping her open her presents until the wee hours this morning.

I avoided a major accident as a guy swerved off the road in front of me and three people passed me to only come back and cut me off and slam on their brakes and slow me down. People are strange. 

I enjoyed the little ones and the big ones and got very little sleep but enjoyed being with my babies.

 I laughed and cried and enjoyed the connections and time spent together.

  

I am happy to have gone and am happy to be home.

nAMaste

Family Time

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My sister and her girls came to see us to make memories together over Memorial Day Weekend. I am so happy they are here.

I love seeing the cousins playing together and being with my sister and just hanging out. We don’t even care what we do. I think the highlight of the day was pretending to watch a movie and taking a nap instead! 

I love the simple things and today was just right! 

   
 

   
   How are you spending Memorial Day?

Love from our family to yours. xoxo