A Case of the Monday Blues

Not too long ago, I would get this feeling, starting on Sunday evening and ending on Friday afternoon. A feeling of restlessness, of being slightly unfulfilled, of wanting to be somewhere other than where I was. I enjoyed my job, I enjoyed the paycheck and I really enjoyed the people I worked with. But I felt like something was missing. 

Now I know what that something was. 

Today's Monday Blues were only calming hues from the clear sky and deep shades of indigo of the ocean waves. 

 What an incredible blessing to be able to start the week with my three precious jewels soaking up the Vitamin D, breathing in the fresh salt water breeze, and being reminded how to enjoy life with the pure joy and innocence of a child. 

Oh, and stay cool in this incredible heat wave!

It was so delightful and ...fulfilling to see Mimi and Spicy playing in the waves, the best of friends, cackling and squealing, and staying refreshed from the sun's warm heat.

As Sweets waves in admiration awaiting the day to join them

My favorite views of the day...

This bum is always struggling to stay covered. Sorry, girls, you inherited the junk in the trunk gene from both mommy and daddy!

 Sweet got her first taste of some Huntington Beach minerals. Mmmm, crunchy! 
I suppose for one who hasn't been exposed to much, this could be rather tasty?!?!?

And nothing competes with a sleeping angel baby!

 A happy, blissful, wonderful Monday beginning at mass to thank God for His blessings, a fun day at the beach, a brief jog and even a nap!  

Yeah, I think I'll keep my day job! (It's the night job I can do without...just kidding)

Have a wonderful week!

A momentous week

This was a big week for Miss Spicy (ok, and mommy too). Not only were we adjusting our sleep patterns from the vacation family schedule where we all stayed up far too late and sleeping in far too late, Alizea has embarked on many 'firsts' this week!

Monday: 

Her 1st shower with mommy (that is what you're supposed to do when you're child is transitioning from baths, right???) I was half way joking when I made the suggestion to her to take a shower with me having absolutely no expectation that she would oblige. It was a moment of desperation hoping I could 'kill 2 birds with 1 stone' given that we were both very dirty and sticky from our morning jog and also very exhausted ...and I was not looking forward to the protest I was sure I would encounter. When she heard my proposal, to my surprise, her whole body straightened and her face lit up! Since we have 2 shower heads, 1 removable, it was quite convenient and efficient and she had an absolute blast pretending we were in the "warm water sprinklers!" I must admit, it was rather enjoyable to have my hair rinsed (twice) by a 3 year old! Obviously, I don't have a picture but imagine some pretty funny dialogue as she curiously studied the matured female anatomy, and a slight protest when she didn't want the fun to end! 

Wednesday: 

Her 1st class for Catechism of the Good Shepherd, A 2 hour, Montessori-based, Catholic formation experience. This was both extremely nerve-wracking and exciting for me. First off, I'm still in denial that my firstborn 'baby' is old enough to attend a 2 hour instructional class solo (ok, without me by her side). Secondly, this was my first real test at how my constant nagging patient teaching has sunk in (or not). Some of the worries questions that tortured me went through my head for weeks prior were: Will she be polite? Will she speak clearly and loudly when asked a question? Will she be understood? Will she cooperate when asked to take off her shoes but leave her socks on (Spicy has a fetish about being bare foot, without socks) Will she have her first 'potty accident' due to a number of factors? Will she enjoy it? Will she throw herself on the floor in a fit of delirium flailing her limbs in all directions making me look like a failure of a mother? (Not that she has ever done this of course, ahem) Will. she. behave for 2 straight hours in a new setting with new faces, both children and adults alike?

 (do you see that? She kept her socks on!!! The magic of peer pressure at work)

Well, I'm proud to report that she did very well. Other than one instance where she cried out for me and just needed some nurturing from Mrs Ramirez (an experienced mom of 7 who knew exactly how to replace her separtaion anxiety with a positive experience), she really seemed to thrive with the new adventure of it all. Definitely a little intimidated and shy at the newness of it all and upon picking her up, I saw a completely new side of her I never knew she was capable of expressing, but all in all, I was so extremely proud of her ability to step out of her comfort zone and adapt, especially for being the youngest one in the class!

Thursday: 

Her 1st 'extracurricular' classes at the HB Rec Center. In the early afternoon was Ballet.

O.M.G. 12+ tots in leotards, tights and ballet slippers...I just about died. She saute'd into the room like a pro not looking back once. For the last 10 minutes of class, we were invited into the room so Mimi, Sweets and I got to witness the fruits of their 50 minutes of hard work. Pretty impressive what this teacher was able to instruct them to do.  But one word sums it up. Adorable.

Then, after some lunch we made our way to the HB Art Studio for Pottery Class! Without any time for a nap (which are still very much needed), she did great!

Meanwhile little sis was so supportive and equally adaptive as her schedule was completely interrupted, being strapped in and out of the car seat several times and awaken by the sound of chatty mom who gets so excited to have one on one time with Mimi. She also thoroughly enjoyed a first on the park swing until....

the fatigue took over and she had to get her nap in somehow! 

Phew! We are all exhausted after a busy week but very excited to embark on this new stage!

Reasons

Reasons why today was a Terrrific Tuesday!

• A surprise visit from my mom. Any amount of time with my mom is cherished and just plain enjoyable. But the unexpected ones are so special. I just adore the opportunity to be with her as we share our common blessing to be able to work from our homes and be somewhat in control of our time. 
• A nearly three hour block to myself while the girls were taking naps concurrently. Cha Ching! Time to get my hands in my favorite hobbies. Writing. Typing. Blogging. Sewing. Decorating. All while enjoying a taste of the Starbucks experience right from my home office.

•  A break from cooking tonight! I do enjoy making meals for the sake of my family to enjoy, giving them satisfied bellies but not particularly in and of itself.  Daddy had a schmoozing networking event tonight allowing me even more time to myself rather than in the kitchen prepping for dinner and cleaning up! Besides, Mac 'N' Cheese and PB &J Sandwiches are a totally healthy alternative!

High on Life!

We're back!

What an absolutely wonderful time we had. 
Every moment was so serene. So peaceful. So blessed. 
Utah resident's license plate slogan reads:  "Life Elevated". On so many levels, we were indeed elevated above the drudges of daily life. 

The drive. 

9 hours there. 9 hours back, not to mention the 20+ hours in the car during the week and not once did we have an "incident". The girls were amazing (mainly due to Auntie Sherry's ingenious gift), in fact, we only had to stop one time on the way home. Pretty sure most adults can't handle that.  Definitely, not what I was expecting. Definitely a very pleasant surprise. Lots of time in the car plus fabulously behaved little ones meant lots of conversing with daddy. Be it sharing about what I had just read about the incredible, holy, saintly Mother Theresa, discussing daddy's business strategies, pondering the teachings of the brilliant philosopher Peter Kreeft or laughing so hard our belly's hurt, I treasure those times we had. Ever since we have become parents and our relationship has changed dramatically and dynamically, I have been longing for the quality time together we got to experience in our family car. 

 So, on to our adventures. 

This is Bryce Canyon. Stunning. My camera doesn't do it justice because the colors of the rocks were so vibrant.

Then we traveled to the top of the mountain. 

It couldn't have been better timing because while the precious little ones were napping, Daddy and I were able to thoroughly enjoy the breathtaking views making several stops on the descent.  

This is a complete 100-mile panoramic view. Incredible, the painting the Master artist creates.

I will never understand how anyone can witness experience this and not believe in a Maker, our Creator.

These are called "hoodoos". Don't ask me why.

You couldn't sculpt that even if you wanted to.

A romantic moment with my handsome hubby.

So after enjoying our newlywed moments, we took a kid family-friendly hike. At the sight of rocks, dirt and water, Spicy was in heaven.

Melt. my. heart.

A precious sister moment caught on camera as we make our way to the waterfall.  
For a mother, it doesn't get much better than this. 

Doesn't Sweets just look scrumptiously edible? 

This trip was most definitely a turning point in the bond between these two.

I had read that after age 3, girls tend to become "daddy's girls" and it was beautiful to see it unfold before my eyes. Everything new she discovered she turned to share with Daddy or seek his approval and pride. "Look Daddy, look!" or "Hold my hand, Daddy! C'mon!" When Daddy would get too close to the creek, it was "Be careful Daddy!". When she got tired, it was "Hold me Daddy". Hence, I was allowed some special time with my Genevieve. Oh and she started saying "momma" loud and clear.

A momentous 1st day of our stay in Brianhead as a family of four

The next few days involved a field-trip to a dinosaur museum, outings to the park and lots and lots of creative play.

Not your typical view exiting Walmart

And then there was Zion National Park. W.O.W. So cool. I think the pictures tell a pretty good story.

 

We spent a lot of time here at Spicy's demand request.

 

I have a video clip where I ask Spicy what she is doing here (above). Her response: "I'm taking a mud bath!"  Ha! Dirt and water. What else could a girl want? :) 

 

In the evenings, in our comfortable lodging, we partook in indoor swimmin'

Dragon Tale a'watchin (their hand-holding...Eek! sooo precious!)

 dual bathin'

 

wine sippin'

and a bit of homeschoolin'

Carefree timelessness. What a gift!

It was definitely a bit challenging to get our heads out of the clouds and set our feet on solid (& sea-level) ground, but I feel recharged from the inside out, ready to conquer yet again.

Or at least until the next break!