Mini Fun

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Tonight I laughed so hard watching Charlie play with his friends. We had a BBQ dinner and afterwards I loved just listening to the kids play together.

They decided to do a little skit, one that I shared with Charlie from my childhood days awhile ago.

One child sat on the lap of the other and then the show began. The person that can be seen has his arms in front of him, with shorts on up to his elbows and shoes on his hands, and a blanket over his lap. The person from behind hides and places their arms in the oversized shirt sleeves. Then the ceremony begins where the two become one and the hands and arms from behind start performing tasks.

They brushed their teeth, brushed their hair, drank water, danced, ran in place, did jumping jacks and sang the head-shoulders-knees-and-toes song.

They itched their face and tucked their hair behind their ears. I couldn’t get them to pick their nose. They went to sleep and did yoga. It is the funniest thing to watch, and all gathered around and enjoyed the show.

Life is good. Live it up and Laugh!! xo

19Mar2015

My Little Sunnyvale

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I live in a nice, semi-little town of 147,055 people. After all, it’s called Sunnyvale, which conjures up great images of a sunny little town, doesn’t it? It fits my personality and I love living here for so many reasons.

It’s not fancy and it’s not pretentious. It’s the Heart of Silicon Valley and things work really well here. The city streets are nicely laid out and it’s easy to get around the 24 square miles that make up this city, even at rush hour. There are beautiful parks and public tennis courts and golf courses, a library, and a quaint, little downtown. If you need emergency assistance, help is on it’s way literally within minutes. The CalTrain runs through the downtown and connects all the cities up and down the South Bay, Peninsula and into San Francisco. There is a lot of growth happening around the city and hopefully one day our downtown will be completely revitalized. We’ve been waiting for over 10 years for them to finish the project and hopefully the lawyers finally figure out how to call a truce and get on with things that are long past due.

We have great community sports teams, schools, churches, theaters, public services and places to shop. We have great diversity, with 26 different languages spoken at home from our elementary school students.

I love my neighbors and knowing that we all support one another and watch out for each others’ kids. We carpool together and have potluck dinners and our kids play in the park together. We work together to teach our kids right from wrong and support one another when there are disagreements. We tailgate together at Stanford Football games and go to each others’ kids events. We share stories and learn from each other, because there isn’t a parenting manual and usually our friends know best or have been there, done that, or going through it right now too. I love that we’re going through this life journey together.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, there are still good old fashioned families like ours, who love being home and hanging out and BBQing, volunteering in our schools and in our community, and driving kids to and from their various events.

The parents enjoy chatting with each other and catching up on the field, on the courts and at the school events, and even waving as we pass each other. Even though we’re busy, we still make time to connect and help one another, and for this I am thankful.

I am thankful for all the moms and dads who share the journey with me and help me to raise my kids. Like the dad who brought Charlie home from practice tonight and came in my kitchen to discuss whether we should let our boys bike to practice or not. I enjoyed the discussion and sharing ideas about whether this was a good idea or not. I liked that we listened to each other and decided to wait giving them this freedom and to continue carpooling to protect their safety. I love that Juliana went to a friend’s house to bake cookies for another friend’s birthday today. And I love that Christian got a ride home from a friend after his practice.

I am thankful for the public schools and the teachers and administrators who are very passionate and willing to help teach our kids and go the extra mile, even sponsoring and chaperoning trips to Japan! How cool is this?

I love that Sunnyvale is our home and that we have built a foundation here, filled with love, neighbors and a community of friends who I enjoy seeing and running into across town everyday.

What do you love about your community and where you live? What part do you contribute to making your town great?

I hope you had a good day and are living it up, right now, right where you are. Are you?? 😉

3Jan2015

Togetherness

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I went on a beautiful, crisp hike together with my friends this morning. This made me incredibly happy. Thank you S for inviting me to join you and your honey! I love spontenaity, hanging out with you and hiking. You made my day!

We didn’t have a vacation plan today and decided we would all just hang out and enjoy being home with “nothing” to do. I never do nothing, and always find something yet I prefer to have a plan so I don’t get busy just cleaning and cooking. I’m sure moms can relate. My not having a plan created space for togetherness to happen organically. This is a beautiful thing, although I struggled getting to accept this non-plan plan! Maybe this is the silver lining from flowing and letting go? Hmmm…

I checked in with two friends to see if they wanted to meet for coffee sometime this afternoon. One was available and it was so pretty outside that I decided to take the bakfiets out for a spin again. Juliana decided she would go with me and ride in the basket part, even though this would be embarrassing. I was just happy she wanted to go with me. We laughed and chatted the entire way and enjoyed the cool breeze and sunshine on our face, together.

We visited for about an hour, enjoying conversation, a latte, and catching up together with our friends, before riding back home again before the sun set.

This is what happiness looks like to me: sharing time with loved ones doing what we love. Life doesn’t get much better than this.

I am grateful.

The only “real” plan we had today was to celebrate my friend’s 40th birthday party. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. Jeff and I left our house a bit early to have a little time alone together before the event. We had the best guacamole and homemade salsas and enjoyed our time, just sharing stories without interruptions.

From the restaurant, we walked to the next place for the celebration. I loved seeing my friend so happy and visiting with our mutual friends. My sweet childhood friend was there and I’m always happy to see her and catch up. Another friend brought her brand new baby and let me hold her and get my baby fix. I just love babies and was so happy she shared her little angel with me.

I am content. I think this togetherness word for the new year is good for me so far. Have you picked a word for yourself?

Together, let’s go.

Namaste.

7Dec2014

New Tamales Tradition

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I’ve never made homemade tamales before today and I hope to make them again because it was a great experience.

My friend Adriana invited several families to her home to learn how to make the labor intensive and time consuming Mexican treats. We were so lucky because it really was fun to be working side by side with moms, kids, and a couple of dads.

Some were making the seasoned masa while others were busy spreading the masa in a thin layer over the softened corn husks.

Adriana made homemade red and green sauces, as well as shredded chicken and pork to use as fillings before we arrived. There were bowls of shredded cheese and a vegetarian mixture of corn and beans and salsa as well.

We had two assembly tables and 4 huge pots with steamers ready to go.

Adriana gave us lessons how to spread the masa in a thin layer, how to not overfill them, and how to fold them and place them in the container for steaming.

We were all eager to learn and to get started, as we wanted to make 100s!

Once the tamales were assembled, they had to steam for 2 hours to cook the masa.

Everyone patiently waited and enjoyed time together while the tamales did their thing. We monitored the pots and added more water as the steam evaporated.

The dog had fun licking up the fallen scraps and looking for more.

I loved every part of the process, even being part of the kitchen crew clean up team. I loved watching everyone work together and creating something good together. There were lots of smiles in the kitchen.

We all were hungry and enjoyed them when they were ready and then we bagged them by the dozen for each family to take home.

I love this new tradition and hope we do it again next year. Gracias Amiga!!

25Oct2014

Halloween Fun

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We are getting ready for Halloween.

Last night we celebrated at our elementary school with Halloween Happening. There were game booths, food booths and a pumpkin carving contest. This was our last year and it was fun to watch Charlie running free with his friends, being the oldest kid on campus. He didn’t even wear his costume this year. It’s normal and strange at the same time,watching your kids grow up and change.

We enjoyed seeing all the kids and being with friends. The best part of the night was when Juliana told Charlie that we were ready to leave and that he should use his remaining tickets to go buy some pizza. He had been busy just hanging out with his friends, that he didn’t end up using many of his tickets. We didn’t actually know how many he had, until he showed up with 6 slices of pizza that shocked all of us.

Tonight we continued our Halloween celebration at our church where we participated in a Trunk or Treat event, where families decorated their trunks and handed out candy to kids in a safe environment. We had fun decorating our trunk, handing out candy and seeing our friends and meeting new families.

It reminded us of our time trunk or treating in Holland two years ago. It’s so hard to believe that was already 2 years ago. Juliana had fun volunteering and working with her friends. Charlie loved running free and collecting candy. It rained in the middle of the event, but we didn’t mind and were thankful that our trunk door provided some shelter. I don’t the rain scared away many goblins. The kids were adorable and there were so many Frozen princess costumes tonight.

I love Halloween and all the costumes, imagination, and festivities and candy. Can’t wait until next week.

Hope you have a Happy Halloween!!

24Aug2014

Sharing Your Passion

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What are you passionate about? Do you share your passion with others?

This is a great gift!

This weekend my family was invited to go boating and to hang out on the water at Discovery Bay with our good friends.

Being on the water is my favorite thing to do. Sharing it with my family and friends makes me giddy, content, joyous, relaxed and thankful.

This weekend didn’t disappoint.

I loved seeing my kids try new things and learn new skills. I was thankful to Rob and Marcia for sharing their boat with us and teaching my kids how to knee board and to try wake boarding.

I love that Rob shared his jet ski with Jeff and that all of us got to go for a ride with him and share the thrill of speeding on the water and fear of falling while jumping the wakes of boats nearby.

I was so happy when they offered for me to get in the water and to ski again. This used to be my biggest passion before having a family and I popped right up and could still do it. I was smiling from ear to ear. Absolutely 100% so happy!

We brought the paddle boards out too and enjoyed every minute together in the sunshine.

Life is good, especially when doing what you love with those you love.

Love this life!

16Jun2014

Today is My Birthday!

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I still love birthdays. Thank you for all the birthday love shared. It was the best day to be alive! Much better than the alternative, and my dad wished me another fifty years, hoping he’d be there to celebrate too! Crazy man…I love him!

My car was decorated on the inside with a Dutch banner, wishing me a happy birthday. We usually decorate our kitchen with banners and streamers on birthdays, but since we were gone, Juliana and Jeff decorated my car last night to surprise me this morning. Aren’t they cute? I should have taken a picture!!

We spent the day in Lake Tahoe again and journeyed back home in time for a surprise chocolate cake and visit with April and Steve and the girls.

We had breakfast at The Old Post Office on the North Shore with my Aunt and Uncle, and my mom and dad. I loved being together with everyone and the breakfast was delicious! If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, in a cozy, family diner setting with friendly service, you should visit this place.

I opened my birthday cards and presents and after breakfast, we took a drive to the South Shore with my parents to walk near the water before heading home. We stopped by Camp Richardson, at the Tallac Historic Site and beach area, where we hung out 5 years ago. I loved the colored sand and calm beachfront and was so tempted to go paddle again, especially since it wasn’t windy here. We couldn’t stay long as we needed to get back home at a decent hour.

Just having fun being dry and balanced on the water!!
We said goodbye to my parents and took off for home, listening to the USA vs Ghana World Cup game details on XM radio and loving that the USA won 2-1! We also listened to my new CDs that Juliana and Jeff picked out for me for my birthday.

I loved reading all the lovely Facebook messages and texts and emails with birthday wishes and love and memories. Thank you for sharing this day with me and making the car ride fun!

My birthday ended with my other family coming over with birthday cake to celebrate together. I received a very special gift in a jar. It had a play date coupon inside, for just me and my little friend Jessie, that was hand painted with some great ideas for our date together. I can’t wait to redeem it!!

I am the luckiest birthday princess in the world!

I wish you love, peace, & happiness every day, that is my birth-day wish for you! Namaste.

It’s not a party, without M&Ms!!

30Mar2014

Sabbath

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Do you ever rest? Just take a day off with no plans and just rest and do whatever you feel like doing without any obligations?

Today was like that and I have to say I actually liked it more than I thought I would. I don’t actually sit still, but not having a scheduled day to me is like rest.

In our fast paced society, I think it’s important that we’re mindful to slow down. And the funny thing is that as I slowed down this weekend, the longer the weekend actually felt. Because we weren’t in a rush, there was time. Imagine that. Time for walks. Time for conversations. Time for a slow dinner shared with friends.

I sat on the couch and drank my first cup of coffee alone with the newspaper and enjoyed the quiet morning. Soon Jeff came to join me and Juliana followed. She asked for us to go to church and how could I say no, even though I really wanted to stay planted on the couch. We got the boys up, ate breakfast and were out the door 45 minutes later. Going to church for me is sometimes like getting going to exercise. I don’t always want to do it, but never regret it once I’m there. I think we’re supposed to keep moving forward and doing what’s right, not what’s easy and there we find happiness. Do you agree? Going to church for me is a dedicated hour to sit still and hold hands with my husband and to admire my children and to be thankful. I like this feeling.

After church we went to ran errands and Charlie had baseball practice. Jeff and I escaped for a walk downtown and to visit the local bookstore. I’m so glad we still have a local bookstore, as most of the shops have gone away. I love touching books and browsing the different categories, being curious about what’s new and interesting. I had read about a labyrinth near the train station and we walked over to check it out. I walked/ran a bit of it and would like to go back another day to actually walk the entire thing, as I’ve never done that before and hear that it can be quite peaceful.

We had to get back in time to pick up Charlie from the field. While we were waiting, Jeff and I read from his new book he discovered at the bookstore: Amsterdam, A History of the World’s Most Liberal City. The first few pages were enticing to me as I’m curious about the art of story telling and what makes a story compelling and interesting and keeps the reader engaged. I want to learn more about this craft and to become a better writer. I’m still learning.

Do you remember the fitbit I told you about? Well, the thing is still motivating me to keep on moving forward, a central theme in life I think. I was still only at 7,000 steps after our walk around downtown, so when we got home again, instead of cleaning, I went for a 3+ mile walk around the neighborhood. On my walk, I noticed that all the trees now have leaves again. Winter is officially over and spring is definitely here. I love watching the seasons change and the seeing the new growth.

I’m happy to report that now at the end of the day, I walked 12,000+ steps, which is the equivalent of 5+ miles. I think exercise plays an important part in the pursuit of happiness too… don’t you? I definitely felt happy (ever) after. 😉

When I got back, I tagged along with Jeff and Charlie as they were running out to the store and I had to pick up a couple things for dinner. While at the store, I came across this magazine: live happy.

I can’t believe there is actually a magazine on my favorite topic. Who knew?

We ended the day with dinner with friends and enjoyed conversation and great food. Life is good. I hope you had a good day and are rested and ready for the new week.

live well. rest. be happy.

7Feb2014

Beautiful Capitola

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I love the beach. It is my favorite place to be. I would live by the beach if I could, and someday I will. For now, I enjoy it whenever I can – in any kind of weather.

This morning Norine and I woke up early and went for a 3 mile run before our other friends woke up. The views were breathtaking and the air was crisp. We ran through the neighborhoods, seeing other runners and walkers and dogs and surfers out early too, in the fog and damp air and we were all smiling. There is something magical about beach air.

After our run, we joined our friends for breakfast before heading back out for a rain walk on the beach.

Life is good!

14Oct2013

Halloween Homework Club

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ThIs afternoon I picked up the bike pool (like a carpool but on the bike) from school to bring our friends to our house for homework club.

We had three kids and their heavy backpacks in the front and Charlie on the back with a helmet and me pedaling. I wish I would have had someone take a picture. I felt like a bike taxi or a tuk-tuk, with the kids all giggling and wanting me to go faster and slower.

I had the table set with Halloween plates and cookies and grapes and drinks for when they all arrived.

They sat down at the table for a snack, followed by an hour’s worth of homework, with a few minor interruptions, but for the most part they stayed focused and worked together and independently, asking questions of one another and sharing stories. I loved being a part of their little circle, observing how smart they each are. I was impressed that they still had the discipline to sit still and work after a full day’s worth of school.

Afterwards we all went outside to play and get some sunshine. Aren’t these flowers beautiful?

They had a Nerf gun war, running and chasing and hiding, ducking, and dropping to avoid being hit. They climbed fences and ran around cars and came up with strategies. Kids are so creative and I love arching them interact and be outdoors playing.

They also played with Charlie’s new trash can figures that I don’t understand, but are all the rage in his mind. He bought them with a gift card he received for his birthday from Toys at Us. I’m trying to help him learn the value of a dollar and how to make choices with his money.

I like our neighborhood gang! They are great kids, all with such unique personalities.

Do your kids play in your neighborhood? What do they like to do?