Filed under Homemaking and Homeschooling

Autumn Settling

Autumn Settling

Those last summer days were heaven . . . I felt totally in the flow with my two children, so present and alive in the moment, at the beach humming with the warmth of the sand and sky, the calm and rhythmic waves rolling. We were so in sync, our days just rolled by with … Continue reading

Summer Exhale

Summer Exhale

It’s August! We have hit our stride, riding the summer rhythm. We’re relaxing into our predictable days and weeks, enjoying each other. The two kids play together so much, so cute!! No interruptions to our flow: no commute to school, no rush to be on time, no tears from making up after the separation. The jealousy of little … Continue reading

Solsticio Sudamericano (part 2)

Solsticio Sudamericano (part 2)

After pondering the layers of meaning to be found in June solstice festivals, I’ve been gathering South American solstice traditions that have meaning to our family. I’m not exactly sure how they connect to the spiritual meaning of the solstice. I hope that while I look for meaning, my experience will come across to my children … Continue reading

Pondering the Solstice (part 1)

Pondering the Solstice (part 1)

What is childhood summer all about? Fun in the sun, relaxing, no alarm clocks or school bells, climbing trees, swimming, freedom, sunshine, and magic. It seems so obvious, so why am I so unsatisfied with this explanation? I keep wondering about the meaning of summer . . . the deeper meaning. If in the fall we … Continue reading

Why Seasonal Rhythms

Why Seasonal Rhythms

Urban life can feel chaotic to young children. I see it’s a stress for my daughter. The city never sleeps! The sirens, streetlights, the vroom of cars, and even the ding-ding of the streetcars continue late into the night. Work days end late and push back dinner time. It’s not easy to keep consistent bedtimes … Continue reading

More Samba en la Casa

More Samba en la Casa

The second installment is here! Diego and I worked all morning to make our second set of movies. This time he knew what was going on so it was a bit more complicated . . . but still fun! (Photo is little P as a baby sambista.) I wrote previously about our reasons for playing music at … Continue reading

Spring Shows Up

Spring Shows Up

Spring is here. I am happy and proud about my tiny garden, I think for the first time ever, even though my profession and passion in life pre-kids was gardening. (Before I launch into my ramblings, if you are a beginner family-home gardener, HERE are some resources for you!) Like every aspect of this mothering gig, … Continue reading

Family Gardening Resources

While I’m feeling energetic instead of overwhelmed in the garden (for the first time in years) I thought I’d share some resources. If you are a beginning gardener it is a great great project to learn together with your children! Don’t be shy, just jump right in there! But do start small and keep it … Continue reading

How to Samba at Home

How to Samba at Home

Do you remember life before kids? It’s a bit of a blur, but we had our own interests, remember? There were late nights and dancing. Definitely music, our own music. Now it’s children’s music on repeat. Or, maybe you’re disciplined enough to keep the mood of the fifth going all day. Are you ready to bust … Continue reading

The Hills in their Glorious Heights

The Hills in their Glorious Heights

Once upon a time . . . había una vez . . . a small family who woke up grouchy. So grouchy. A bad night of stuffy noses and coughing: very grouchy. Grouching all morning. At least one of the two kids crying or whining all the way through breakfast, clean up, and some morning … Continue reading