Mindfulness

Dropping back into the present moment by being aware, responding, and reframing to choose positivity and let go of negativity.

Children do learn from shows—but reading, playing, and imagining is definitely better

Children do learn from shows—but reading, playing, and imagining is definitely better

My children have been really into Dr. Seuss lately. It's fun reading longer books to them with real stories and lessons. They love The Grinch who Stole Christmas. And Grinch’s lesson that  “Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more” is especially timely. We were looking for special show for after Thanksgiving dinner—I was trying to decide on one of the classic Christmas shows from when we were younger. I know they would have enjoyed the Daniel Tiger or Curious George holiday specials but nostalgia kicked in…continue reading →
Life Recipes – Simple formulas for finding more meaning everyday

Life Recipes – Simple formulas for finding more meaning everyday

We want to make the big and little moments of everyday more meaningful. We can do that by taking simple steps everyday. Tiny steps lead to big change. Life recipes are the easy-to-follow simple formulas for making big positive changes. Life recipes come in many categories from health to relationships to spirit to character. The outcome of following the life recipes are more presence, love, and joy each day. And this makes the moments of everyday more meaningful. Join the Community If you're looking for a place to connect other moms and share…continue reading →
Getting through your child’s meltdown – Five practices to try

Getting through your child’s meltdown – Five practices to try

It can be really hard to stay calm when your child is in the midst of meltdown. Children are high emotion and their fits of frustration and anger can be really strong at times. Just when you think you are doing well, rocking it as a parent, one happens and it can really deplete you. Like everything else in parenting and life, our greatest challenges create our greatest opportunities for growth. Calvin had a meltdown recently when we were out at a new indoor playplace. At the age of four, he can communicate…continue reading →
Conscious Parenting – what is it in five simple steps

Conscious Parenting – what is it in five simple steps

Conscious parenting isn't about 'getting it right' all the time, its about evolving together. I learn as much from my children as they learn from me. Through parenting, I've grown as a person with every challenge and joy it has brought me. Everyday is exhausting as it is exhilarating, as routine as it is remarkable. I’m evolving everyday and developing an inner trust like that of my children—to love and not to fear. Everyday practices in conscious parenting that make me better, so I can be better for my children. Be present. I…continue reading →
Children model our behavior more that we know – and more than we would like

Children model our behavior more that we know – and more than we would like

I was outside in the yard doing some yoga stretching after my run this morning. I looked up and saw Lucy right up next to the glass of the door. She was mirroring all the yoga stretches I was doing. I raised my hands up to the sky and so did she. It was the sweetest most beautiful thing. But it also got me thinking of how much our children model us. Children learn so much from what they see around them every day. Calvin runs into the room and jumps and Lucy…continue reading →
Change your Attitude – You may see everything in front of you differently

Change your Attitude – You may see everything in front of you differently

I’ve had two experiences recently where my three-year old Calvin helped me see the situation differently. Both were times when he was frustrating me beyond belief. Sometimes it's in our toughest, most challenging moments that we learn our greatest lessons. And sometimes those lessons come from our children. It was one of those early-summer nights without humidity or bugs and just the right breeze that we managed to have dinner outside. It was lovely. These types of nights are more rare after children so you really enjoy them when they do happen. After…continue reading →
Being a Mom – The most Amazing, Humbling, Joyful, Trying, Perfect Thing

Being a Mom – The most Amazing, Humbling, Joyful, Trying, Perfect Thing

From the earliest stages of pregnancy with Calvin almost four years ago to life now with three beautiful children, I am truly amazed every day. It is amazing how my body transformed to care and feed the growing baby inside me. And then to see the way in which every day each of them has grown bigger, brighter, and more uniquely into their own individual self every day. Everyday is a new beginning and new challenge and moment-to-moment can be the highest of high and lowest of low. Just when you think you…continue reading →
Coming up for air after my third child – making some time for me helps me feel more joy every day

Coming up for air after my third child – making some time for me helps me feel more joy every day

I must say that all of the good things I wrote about prior to my third baby in February have been challenged. Having a baby is tough, whether its your first baby, second, third or more. When I had my first, I remember saying that it is the most rewarding but also hardest thing I've ever done in my life. And with my third that remains true. It has gotten harder and that much more rewarding. Having your first baby is most challenging because everything is so new. You question everything you do…continue reading →
First days with your newborn – life seems to slow down a bit

First days with your newborn – life seems to slow down a bit

Once you hear the little cry and hold this little being who just came from inside you, the joy and love that you feel is beyond words. The world seems to stop and all you can think about is the little miracle in your arms. You see that little chest go up and down as she experiences her first breaths and all the pregnancy and labor pains are forgotten and you are filled up in a way you didn't dream was possible. It is amazing how being in the presence of a newborn…continue reading →
Preparing for the arrival of our third baby – a little different than our first and second

Preparing for the arrival of our third baby – a little different than our first and second

When you have spent the last nine months thinking about the little person inside you, it is so wonderful to know that you will finally be meeting him or her. I wonder if it's a boy or girl, the temperament, what he or she will look and feel like. I am ready to move beyond pregnancy and finally get to know this little person who will change our family forever. The preparation is a little different with the birth of each new child. With your first baby, you spend so much time thinking…continue reading →
Raising a happy three year old – implement a discipline strategy that rewards good behavior

Raising a happy three year old – implement a discipline strategy that rewards good behavior

Heightened curiosity, more vivid imagination, longer attention span, and increased autonomy are a few of the neat things that have come with Calvin turning three. But with this age also came more frustration and emotion from him as tries to find his identity and be his own little person. For us, it also became the first time we realized we needed a more structured discipline strategy. The threat of a "time-out or break" wasn't enough to control his behavior anymore I had been thinking about this for a couple of months, but I…continue reading →
Like attracts like – when I feel happy then positive happy things come back to me

Like attracts like – when I feel happy then positive happy things come back to me

The simple law of attraction—the energy that I put out comes back to me—has never been so clear to me then when I am a wife and a mom. My emotional state seems to affect the energy of our home me so strongly. When I feel happy and positive, happiness and joy seems to radiate back to me. But when I am unhappy looking negatively on the day, I have unhappy encounters with Dan, my children seem to misbehave and its a waterfall effect. One thing after another goes wrong. The tough thing…continue reading →
Feeling the baby inside me – One of the most beautiful feelings in the world

Feeling the baby inside me – One of the most beautiful feelings in the world

I love feeling the baby flutters and kicks inside me. It just never gets old. Around 20 weeks, you start to feel these little delicate flutters at random times. Then the movements become more frequent, with more force, and finally on more of a set schedule. The baby starts their routine even in the womb—moving around and getting exercise at the same times every day. Why do I keep staring at my belly as the baby moves? Then as the baby gets bigger, you don't just feel the baby, but see it too.…continue reading →