Happy Birthday, Star Prince!

Once upon a time, specifically on December 20th 2006, a young married woman went to the sea and stripped her clothes off before dipping in & praying for a child. The prayers were fervent, but realistic. "When the time is right", she pleaded. But she knew... just KNEW with every fiber of her being that the prayer would be answered, not in HER time, but in due time. And, of course, as fate (or whoever else) would have it: the child was born 1 year to the day (though it took the woman a few months to find herself at that magical realization). A year TO THE DAY! Seriously? How much more magical could it be?

Mama & little Sebastian Fox just hours after his perfect entry into our realm:

Is it just me? Or do you see how aware he was, even at his debut?

Happy Birthday, little one!

It is a shock to me how fast time is flying... and I find myself crying (waaaaaay prematurely) at the thought of you leaving the nest while, simultaneously, cherishing every freakin' moment. You are so beautiful, amazing, smart, aware. I can't get enough and can't wait to see what you do next.

In the meantime... I am just so happy that *you* are happy. You'll have that brother or sister you want (when the time is right)... I wish I could guarantee you those 2 twins you keep asking about... but we will leave that up to fate, or Aphrodite, or whomever... This has been a magical birthday and I am so happy to know you. You make me a better person... and I am forever in your debt for making me Mama (the one thing I KNOW I am good at).

So, smile that impish smile. Grin like there is no tomorrow. Keep touching hearts... and just be *you*. Your smiles make it all worthwhile.

I love you, my star prince.

Before & After!

Before:

AFTER:

Looks like a different kid, no? Baz has been wanting to keep the hair long for some time... but finally gave in to trying a new look. We didn't push hard, just gave him the choice. I guess today was a good day for a change. I can't believe how much older (& taller!) he looks. So so so so sweet. :)

Rain & puddles & creeks, Oh my!

The rain sure has been coming down the past few days. Nothing we can't handle, it's just constant. That will not deter us from getting outside to enjoy sloshing around in the puddles, however. Check out the creek! It was not much more than a trickle a week ago...

Baz brought along his goodie basket for collecting natural treasures during our walk.

Enjoying the puddles! When we made it back inside Baz had 2 boots full of water.

But he is still committed to (reluctatly) bringing us all a little bit o' sunshine.

Introducing: SUPER KID!

First request this morning: "Mama! I need a cape!" Okaaaaay... I dug out a silk wall hanging that has been collecting dust and tied it around his neck. He then donned an old pair of our magic rainbow glasses that he poked the lenses out of. Insert one tiny bike into the mix and you have SUPER KID (sometimes also known as SUPER BAT BOY!) Whatever you choose to call him, he has made it clear that he is a fierce one to be reckoned with. He'll crash through your garden!

If you ask sweetly, he will stop and pose for a brief pic!

No time for autographs, though. After adjusting his glasses he is off again!

This is his "fierce" face. He has been calling himself fierce ever since watching Project Runway season 4 with Mama. A big Christian Siriano fan...

Super Kid says that his super powers include saving kitties from trees, making sure no trees are cut down & getting to where he needs to be with lightning speed. I think he forgot to add in that he specializes in melting hearts. Just look at that face:

Sweeeeeet! I am thankful to Super Kid for getting us outside for a bit today. I noticed that the roses are a bit confused about what season we are experiencing. So pretty, though!

Oh! Here is the tiny playground just outside of our yard. Baz is in love! Lots of trails and trees back there to enjoy.

We're loving these sporadic sunny moments that occasionally grace a stretch of cloudy/rainy days. And loving the greeeeeeeen! Super Kid is hoping to capture the attention of some local kids that he can play with out on the playground. Looking forward to Spring when the children are spending more time outside and his little wish will come true.

Back in action!

It has been a wild and crazy ride the past few months. We left off with a promise to post a pic of Baz's Halloween costume...

Better late than never? ;) Okay, my apologies. I have a whole pile of excuses, surely none of which anyone is interested in. On an up note: We moved! Loved the coast, but opportunities for work are slim to none in the off season (basically October through May) and Ben is ready to pursue some educational goals. We settled inland about 50 miles in a tiny town called Philomath. We are literally on the border of Corvallis, so best of both small town and college town worlds. Oh! Plus, Corvallis is so much like the positive parts of Davis that we are truly feeling at home here. Pics of the new place to come in the next few weeks!

Naturally, we couldn't stay away from the coast for long. We ventured on over to Newport last night for their community holiday celebration. We slipped into our old neighborhood haunt Savory Cafe and enjoyed ridiculously good pizza & salad before heading on over to the bay for the lighted boat parade. I had a tough time capturing photos of the lighted boats. Don't be fooled... they weren't whizzing by or anything. I was just verrrrry cold and shakey. Also, not sure if 7 boats counts as a parade... but it truly was a sweet idea and fun to warm our hands with hot beverages while we braved the crisp air.

Then, the meat of our visit! Holiday evening visit to Oregon Coast Aquarium! We arrived early and were some of the first in line which meant an hour long wait for the doors to open and one crazy wild Baz running around and talking to anyone who would listen.

Luckily, I was able to get him to stand still long enough to ensure that his photos weren't whizzy like the poor lighted boats' were.

Also, there is a RAD (and maybe a little sad) art display currently at the aquarium. All materials used are found objects/garbage from local beaches. This fish was incredible!

The ceiling to floor jellyfish is made entirely of plastic bottles! There was even a giant coral reef modeled out of styrofoam!

And then there was Santa! Baz climbed up and asked immediately for a blue wooden race car, much to my surprise. Now it is all he talks about. Thank goodness Mama was able to find one and let Santa know which one to bring for Solstice. ;) Honestly, Baz was so thrilled with the candy cane that I think he doesn't much care what Santa brings so long as he leaves behind some candy canes.

We had a good giggle over these fish sculptures getting into the holiday spirit:

Wondering why we had to be at the aquarium so early? Ben was part of the entertainment! He wanted to be a part of the caroling put on by his barbershop chorus, The Coastalaires. Since we moved he has been missing meeting with his guys weekly, but he still plans to study the music and meet back with them for performances until he can find a group he gels with in the valley.

Baz loved watching Daddy sing and wanted to join in, but he had a mouthful of candy cane, so he listened with quiet intent.

...and occasionally Baz would get the attention of the chorus and elicit some cheer from them.

It was a good time and a great kickoff to our holiday season. Looking forward to some snuggles by the fire, much hot cocoa & our annual Christmas Day enchilada feast. Ooooh! And a certain little one's approaching birthday (it's a hot topic in our house right now that he is not going to let us forget). We hope you are all enjoying the season as the dark approaches the light. May good cheer and gentleness fill you and may your December be the merriest!

September? October?

Wow. Left off in August... September is a ghost. October is almost over...

So much is happening currently. Words cannot give justice to the changes occurring.

Hoping to have some updates in the next few days. Surely, updates will naturally occur around Halloween. Baz's costume is priceless (and of his own choosing). Can't wait.

I have been conserving energy as of late and cannot wait to find myself sharing in this space, once again. Biggest love and wishes for a magical Autumn to ya'll.

Blessings, T.

August, where's that break?

Ugh. Just ugh. Computer that we put our photos on... failing. Computer I am typing on? Geriatric & without iPhoto. Hence the lack of posting. Fail. I'm blaming it on that bumhole Mercury & his inconveniently evile retrograding ways.

Taking a 2 week trip to Cali to spend some time with the fam and with some dear friends. Stressed about trying to squash everyone into short visits so that I can see all of my lovelies. Extra stressed that I probably won't get to see a couple of loved ones that I very much want to see and have missed on previous trips (lOOking at Robertito & Pegalicious). Meanwhile., I'll keep taking photos and somehow manifest a wholly functioning computer in the next few weeks. Eventually, I shall catch up.

Big summery, sunshiny, blessings to you all!

August Break: 9.

My little sea lion. :)

August Break: 8.

We are what we eat:

This weeks Farmers' Market score!

August Break: 7.

August Break: 6.

Have I mentioned that Baz LOVES cars? At home he plays for endless hours with his Hot Wheels. At McBride house, Baz has nearly unlimited play time in his BFF Kevin's yellow VW Beetle. Oh, did I mention that his very favorite car is any kind of Volkswagen? ;) He is in blissland.

August Break: 5.

A family of dear friends lives just a hop, skip & jump into the woods and we regularly are blessed to spend time with them. Feels like a mini vacation! My little fam drove on over to their house on Tuesday and spent the night. Benjamin has work for 5 days in a row and Baz and I weren't ready to leave, so we are hanging out in the forest for a few days. Here is Ben enjoying a little slice of heaven: early morn on the porch bird watching with a cup o' joe.

We're missing BenBen, but so glad that he got in a little decompression time while here & some alone time in our quiet house while we are away.

August Break: 4.

Our little patio garden. It's what we can do with the space we currently have. Next year? or perhaps the year after that when we are in a more permanent, bigger place? Ahhh, our garden will be spacious and veggie filled! Until then:

Quaint, functional & adorable.

August Break: 3.

August Break: 2.

I'm an auntie! Kalani Blue was born on 30th July 2010 to my brother Randy and his lovely lady Kristina. He entered the world at a nice solid 10lbs. 3oz. :Love those cheeks!: Congrats to the happy parents! Parenting is a wild & bumpy ride and worth every minute!

August Break!!!

I don't know about you all, but I am certainly ready for some fun, inspiration & images! So, I was naturally excited when I ran across the August Break challenge happening over on Susannah Conway's blog. I almost tore my hair out trying to make her badge work on my blog... so I just linked it on the side with no badge. I will not be deterred! The project is simple: 1 pic daily with or without words for the month of August. That oughta motivate me to breathe some life back into this space... I'll post 2 photos today, 1 for yesterday & 1 for today. Let's kick this off with something silly:

Photo by Chris McBride via 'stachetastic for the iphone

Thanky McThankfulpants.

Hmmm... My thoughts are swimming in a number of directions. I came to this space with some thoroughly explored thoughts to share and now it seems my brain is in a tangle. So this is a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-thoughts post. Bear with me.

Much of my thought space has been taken up with a little self-flogging at neglecting this blog. Truth is, I didn't know I needed a long break... but apparently I did. On the other hand, I really love sharing here and have missed it wildly. So much has changed in just a few months and I think I needed to be present for those changes. We moved from Salt Lake City, UT to the Oregon coast. We have had visitors from Northern and Southern California. I turned 34! Ben is now employed (and loving it! He is working in the kitchen at Gracie's Sea Hag doing food prep/cooking... and anyone who knows him is aware that the guy thrives in the kitchen.)! Sebastian and I are settling into a daily rhythm. Napping is falling by the wayside and that sure puts the pressure on to keep the little guy active. Murphy the dog still proves to be a huge challenge, but daily walking in the evening and beach runs a few times weekly have settled him some. I have been fortunate enough to get away a bit for some mama time more than once. This is what I have longed for. It's what I needed, but never would have asked for on my own. A couple of trips to the spa and some time with a very good friend have afforded me the break I needed to let my breath out... to remember to breathe. Yep, I have definitely been holding my breath for far too long.

Some relationships have been redefined (or lost definition?), some communication has been on hold, and I have taken a very long look at myself. I'm recreating some of the ways in which I open myself up. I am trying to be present and not hold back for fear of being hurt, but I know that at some level, in some situations, it will be extra hard to just be myself. Sometimes it just doesn't feel safe. I am long tired of judgment; from others and self. I do know, however, what I am willing to give and willing to take. I do know my own worth. I know my truth. I am certain that it is unhealthy for me to dwell any longer on that which no longer fits. I am simply finished renting headspace out to fools. Relationships take some work, of course. But if we are living authentically, being real with one another, I can't believe that it should take too much work. What happened to the fun and lightheartedness and the joy of being together?

Don't get me wrong: my little family is thriving. Things are perfect for this moment. Some things could improve, as surely is the case at any point, but things are looking up. New friendships, both expected and un, have sprouted up. Old friendships have been rekindled. I am coming from a grounded, centered, spiritually tuned place that I was not in even a month ago. Still finding my way... but oh so stoked to be where I'm at. Couldn't be happier to be a mama to Sebastian. He is the most magical, present, energetic teacher I have ever had. He reminds me to get back up and shake things off when I fall. To try again. He reminds me to tap into the spirit of the sweet child I once was. So here I am, again: being thankful.

Wasn't exactly sure where I was going with this post, but knew I had to put some fingers to the keyboard and see what would come of it. I won't end with promises to post pix or blog regularly, though that is certainly my intention. I will just end with being thankful. Thankfulness is the perfect outcome.

Catching up.

What have we been doing, you ask? Well, some of you have asked... so this is the post where I begin delivering those promised photos and catch ya'll up. Where to begin? Ahhh yes. Once upon a time, about 14 years ago, I met and fell in love with a super amazing little family: The McBrides. Here is the eldest of their 2 children, Kameron, GRADUATING from high school.

Omg. Feeling a little bit old over here. Seriously, though, I couldn't have been more proud of him. We were so honored to be a part of his day (Good luck, Kam! The world is a big one + lucky to have you and you are going to delight the hearts and minds of many!).

Oh yeah, We joined up for a CSA season with Gathering Together Farm out of Philomath, OR. SO EXCITED for green things to come! This has been one of my little, barely out-of-reach dreams for several years now... and let me just say: Ecstatic! Totally worth the wait. We received our first basket last Saturday... Green onions, spinach, mixed greens, romaine, purple potatoes, carrots, turnips, pea shoots, mint, berry jam... all local, organic & delicious. Our pick up location is at the Newport Farmers' Market, so we supplement our basket with other local goodies; usually fresh baked bread & pastries from Pacific Sourdough & local eggs (a dozen always comes with one green egg!).

Can you spot the green egg? This photo makes the subtlest of distinctions...

Subsequently, we have been devouring copious amounts of these luscious garden gifts:

Usually in stir fry or raw form...

Beyond that, we have been setting up house (and trying to keep up with the kid + dog made messes). Sebastian loves to spread his toys around the house and then crash into this chair/blanket combo for a little recharge.

Ben spends most of his time either out submitting resumes or sitting here at the computer tailoring his resume to specific jobs. He is on the job hunt. Fingers & toes crossed....

The lovely kitchen...

Mysterious red curtains (and a very strange little bathroom just off to the right of the refrigeratior):
Behind those curtains? Beautiful red machines that make laundry days so much sweeter! Dud's specifications for a washer dryer combo were that they be new, work well and be some beautiful shade of red. We definitely hit the criteria. Loving them!

BTW, for those of you who do not believe that Dud exists... here he is getting shtuff done in his home/office/bedroom. You'll just have to wait to meet him in the flesh to catch a sweet glimpse of his smiling face. :P

Back to the living room... Where we stare into the tube (+ Ben's super fun interpretation of Totoro).

Shiva is happily shedding, and refusing food... one little mouse named Lucky was set free this week as a result.

Gratuitous kid sleeping in chair photo... A second view only because I had to include some of the mess he left behind.

Where the kid should be sleeping... or usually does, I should say. This bedroom is much tinier than the one he had in Utah. Doesn't phase him, though. Like I said, he just decorates the rest of the house with his toys. Btw, those little purple and green IKEA frames harbor Sebastian's first paintings! On the right, a work in progress family and friends collage. Important people are missing... I better dig out the glue stick and get to work.

My safe haven! My fluffy Shasta Sioux spends most of her time at the foot of our bed + the door has a lock to keep the kiddo out when mama needs a tiny recharge.

Altar space...

The view from our bedroom window!

The view down below. This is our little shed. LOVE the extra space! Tomatoes have been planted. Hope hope hoping they work some magic and feed us well this summer.

I decided not to grace you with inside views of the bathrooms. Let's face it: a bathroom is a bathroom. Ummm... dining area has recently been home to all papers that need filing, so that shot will have to wait. Just trust that we are making our space cozy and loving every minute. Okay, honestly, not always loving every minute with the dog. He is so much work. Having to wrestle with the possibility that we just may not be dog people. Strange concept as I grew up with dogs. Murphy is too much a part of the family to not work it out with, but sometimes I think he is like the most challenging member in any family. Ahh well, it can't all be roses and rainbows. How boring that would be.

If you can spare some energy, please send the full-time w/benefits job love our way. We need all the sweet manifestation help we can muster. Big blessings and thanks!