Living Our Story

Life is lived outdoors during Summer. Time spent in front of a computer is minimal and goes unnoticed. I am extremely thankful to find myself happy in my life's present season. The days are filled with activity so much so we are almost too tired to make it into bed at night. My children seem to grow as quickly as my garden in this sometimes sweltering heat. Their words, their activities and understanding of how this big crazy world fits together amazes me. Together we carry handfuls of tomato, cucumber, sweet peppers, corn and squash from the garden each day. My son reminds me how they all started as small seedlings just like him as my daughter fills her cheeks with the ripe fruit. My heart is full. In front of me I find a narrow pathway along the creek, small fish and polliwogs just below the waters surface. The rocky terrain of a somewhat treacherous bike trail and my husbands silhouette a few yards ahead.  Wet faces adorned with swim goggles and grins popping up from a cool pool. A waterfall so loud we resort to communicating with hand signals while wiping the mist from our sunglasses. A forest of trees more mystifying than any movie on the big screen. This is summer. I imagine myself adrift in these moments forever. I write in my head and rarely ever on paper or in type. There is very plainly more living to be had than there is time to report on it. We are living our story and I rather like this one. So for the moment I am going to step away from the keyboard and enjoy my little ones while they are still little. 

Happy Summer.

Egg Shells In The Garden- Monday

There are egg shells in the garden and coffee grounds in the flower bed. The sun blankets the patio and for the first time this year my little ones search for la sombra in the nooks of our green overgrown yard. Unconvincingly my bare shoulders and knees burn a bit as I find little things to do amongst the buzzing lilac and budding hydrangea. My mind is quiet and calm as I inspect a budding Tomatillo flower or crush Rosemary between my fingers. We eat lunch on a blanket in the grass and drag our craft bucket from the house into the shade. My sweet brood scratch out gifts for one another with washable markers and butterfly stickers. "sanks" says one "welcome" says the other. Frida our plump fawn pug trots by and I notice she's been a canvas for pink and blue chalk. It's a new look that she doesn't seem to mind my mouth curling to a grin. The fire bowl is set for tonight. The sky will be smothered in stars. Fresh cilantro has been nipped from the garden and broccoli too. Edith Pilaf's voice seeps from the living room stereo and I can't imagine another place I'd rather be. No fancy parties of lavish spa dates for me today. No theatre tickets or shopping sprees please. I've already found everything I need, here in our lovely green and overgrown yard.

Hay cáscaras de huevo en el jardín y café en la cama de flores. El sol cubre el patio y por la primera vez este año, mis pequeños búsqueda la sombra en los rincones de nuestro patio cubierto de verde. Poco convincente mis hombros desnudos y las rodillas quemar un poco como encontrar pequeñas cosas para hacer, entre el zumbido lilas y hortensias en ciernes. Mi mente está serena y tranquila como yo inspeccionar una flor en ciernes Tomatillo o romero aplastar entre los dedos. Comimos almuerzo en una manta en el césped y arrastrar nuestro cubo oficio de la casa en la sombra. Mi dulce cría ganarse regalos para unos a otros con marcadores lavables y pegatinas de mariposas. "sanks", dice una "por nada", dice el otro. Frida nuestros gordos cervatillo pug y me doy cuenta de que ha sido una lona para la tiza de color rosa y azul. Es una nueva mirada que ella no parece importarle mi boca se encrespa a una sonrisa. El tazón de fuego está lista para esta noche. El cielo estará cubierto de estrellas. Cilantro fresco ha sido cortada desde el jardín y el brócoli también. La voz bella de Edith Pilaf escurre desde el estéreo sala de estar y no puedo imaginar otro lugar en el que preferiría estar. Ninguna parte de lujo de spa de lujo data para mí hoy. Sin billetes para el teatro o salidas de compras por favor. Ya he encontrado todo lo que necesitas, aquí en nuestro patio verde precioso.

Linking Here, Here and Here.

Treating Seasonal Allergies Naturally

Much of my time, while not baby wrangling is spent in our garden. It is my happy place. In the Spring because I am planting and preparing and the plants really start to produce. Summer because everyday I head out to the garden there is something to be harvested or tended to. The kiddos are in the garden with me or at least never far off. Right now Stella is nibbling the broccoli and parsley and JQ pulling off snap peas. We love it! While I hesitate to call what I am doing amongst the veggies work, it is messy, dirty and right now I am experiencing seasonal allergies!  My nose and eyes are a mess to the point it is unbearable to be outdoors. Not being able to do something I adore and find quite therapeutic because of itchy watery eyes and sneezing would be a total drag. Taking an allergy pill that would make me sleeping, dull my senses or mask my symptoms is not an option either.  Staying true to my ideals I have found several natural forms of treating seasonal allergies that really work for me. Hearing from friends around the country it sounds like many are loving the spring weather not the allergies that come with it. I thought it helpful to share some of the natural allergy treatment methods I have found to be most effective.

 1. Adding honey to your daily diet is a completely natural and effective way to help with seasonal allergies. Loosely, the honey triggers your body into producing antibodies against the allergens. Local honey is best as it would be unique to the flowers and plants blooming in your area. Honey from nearby your home should be available at your local farmers market or natural food store. 2. Adding an all natural Allergy Supplement with ingredients such as nettle, echinacea, vitamin C and bee pollen all of which have been proven to help with seasonal allergies. These supplements can be taken individually as well to help with allergy symptoms. 3. Using a Neti Pot! Never heard of it? I hadn't either until a few years ago but WOW the relief! An ancient tradition of Indian Yogi's the Neti Pot has just recently gained popularity in the US. Using a mild saline solution the Neti Pot cleanses your sinuses thus flushing the allergens out. Used daily this is a very effective and natural way to treat seasonal allergies. 4. Drinking hot tea or even hot water is something I find helpful as well.  5. Lastly, when coming in doors after being outside I will wash my face and hands and even change my clothes. Even trying one of these methods would be beneficial and worth a try.  

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The opinions expressed on this blog are my own based on personal experience and my own research. I have not been compensated for this post in anyway.

Once Again

And finally the days are getting longer, the sun is warmer and life seems to be finding a rhythm once again. I was not born to live in snow and ice, this I am confident of. Since visiting this space the last time there have been revelations, remodeling, celebrations and something we can always rely on, change. It's good to be back in Northern California amongst family and friends. People that give without you asking and want nothing more than for you to share a bit of their happiness. Now that we can go without multiple layers of clothing the kiddos and I are beginning to feel ourselves again. Wiggling our toes out of our open toed sandals and feeling the suns burn on our bare arms. Our life outdoors can commence...
This past week we have taken family big rides in Bidwell Park. The little ones even dared to get in the creek to look for fish or some strange thing that might move or glimmer under water. We enjoyed the company of a egret bird perched in a pine tree in the yard just before a spring rain shower. We walked the Farmers Market with friends and wiped strawberry juice from our chin and hands. The three of us squat down, our faces near the ground to inspect our gardens seedlings rising from the dirt. Our ears burn as a cool wind blows through on North Rim trail. We slap at mesquitos in the evening and warm our faces with a bonfire at night. This is what life is to me. My life outdoors.

Linking to The Extraordinary Ordinary for Just Write

Over Too Soon

I woke yesterday morning in my own home after spending almost two weeks with my parents in Northern California. Always incredibly gracious they decked out the guest house for us to stay in and have our own private space. Going so far as to stock it with our favorite wines, toiletries and late night munchies, (Chamomile tea for Mr. and hot coco and HOMEMADE marsh mellows for the kiddos!) mom even made a little bed for my pug dogs, which by the way... THEY LOVED!

Joaquin and Stella ate sweets daily, stayed up past bedtime, played and visited with family. Stella discovered the doggy door and used it as often as she could get away with it. Like brother like sister I guess! Joaquin sang Jingle Bells over and over and over... And fell asleep at dinner TWICE.

We had meals with family and friends. Talking long after dinner had been eaten and the wine bottles empty. The time went by much quicker than I had expected. In fact time in general seems to be passing so quickly.

It was a lovely holiday and beginning of a new year for us and hopefully for all of you as well. Linking to What I Love Wednesdays

Wonka

This place reminds me of the park in my home town.

On a micro mini, Wonka Vision sort of scale. I've been just a touch home sick so this park has been good for my psyche.

 It is filled with lava rock and Oak trees. There is a nice trail that sweeps up along the hill side and then back down again into the Oak grove. Ponsettia grow along the road side and are in full hot bloom right now. Gorgeous.

Camarillo, California

Linking to Sunday's In My City

Routine

Meeting my Mr. for lunch once a week has become part of our routine. So far we have taken a picnic lunch and met only at an outdoor mall of sorts. There is a park and a large grassy area amongst the shops and restaurants not to mention it is just up the street from his office. It works. Stella has started greeting her Dad with a little scream, big smile and arms open wide on these lunch dates. She fumbles in her hippity, hoppity, still a bit unsteady, walk towards him until he scoops her up. So sweet. The kiddos do more playing than eating and sometimes fall asleep on the ride home but I am not complaining. I look forward to the break in our week. Our social calender is open, to say the least, hah!!

On Sweet Stella:

Tunic-Misha Lulu via Color Land & Friends

Tights-Old Navy

Shoes-Converse

Bloomers-Vintage

Linking up for Small Style!

Carmenita

 Just up the block there is a neighborhood park called Carmenita. It is small like its name might imply but it makes for a nice, no fuss outing for us midday, midmorning, anytime really. With the warm weather I am taking every opportunity to take this short walk with the kiddos. Twice yesterday and once today,....so far.

Taking these two out anywhere but the park has proved ...difficult to say the least. Not sure whats going on with that but I feel like we really need to get out so... Yeah. Carmenita has been perfect for us. Joaquin decided to bring some friends along this time and I can not blame him. The more the merrier! He was insistent on "Froggie" and "Yeehaw" riding in the backpack. Guess this is his form of baby wearing, right! Such a lover this little guy. Dutifully checking on baby sister too.

We are linking up to Mama Loves Papa for Small Style.

On Stellita:

Dress, hat- Old Navy

Lace Leggings-Junipers Way via Etsy

Shoes- Bobux

On JQ:

shirt, shorts- I can't remember, Osh Kosh or Cherokee

sandals-Saltwater

Flowers, Sand, A Day Trip & More

Some of our week in cell phone pictures.

Working on party plans and crafting some decorations for Stellita's Cumpleanos coming up next month.

A day trip to Turtle Bay, Sundial Bridge and gardens.

The kiddos have been spending a lot of time in the sandbox and playing together which is awesome!

We have been taking evening walks eating Popsicles cause it is HOT!

Stella is standing and wanting to walk and be with her brother.

We are joining Life Rearranged for the second week for InstaFridays. Check it out!

Exciting Weather & A Box Of Tissue

Well, we arrived home from the beach with colds and two very tired babies. Joaquin has slept all night, in his own bed two nights in a row. (see me with very excited face) we are on our last box of tissues and I am knee deep in runny noses, ewe! It is nothing this Momma can not handle though.

While JQ has been sleeping great, little Stella has decided to switch up her naps on me. So today while JQ napped ( and she didn't) I took some outfit photos for  Small Style. These overalls are super cute. They were handed down from Stella's cousin, Serena. I am a bit bummed because they just now fit her and they will be too warm to wear this summer. The are a light corduroy with three covered buttons down the front. So sweet! Some action shots cause she is crawling and moving everywhere these days.

On another note, the weather here has been quite entertaining. It has been freezing cold, sideways rain, thunder so loud the house shakes and well today, sunshine! I kinda like it. Yesterday evening we took a walk (in which it sprinkled on us) in the park. I love that the longer days allow us to have time for such things when the Mr. gets home from work.

We are linking with Mama Loves Papa
Stella wore:Onesie: Old Navy
Corduroy overalls: hand me downs from her cousin Serena. Tag says Charter Club Baby
Bow clip: Adorn Me Girl
Shoes: Robeez

UP 'N UP

If the weather is nice JQ can be found in his usual place. The Trampoline.
Loving every minute.

Or, pestering his sister and Dad.

(notice my Mr. shielding himself with our infant).

 Oh, the lovely blonde to the left is Frida, our four year old Pug and sometime babysitter (just kidding!).
We have two Pugs actually and I cannot believe they haven't made more of an appearance in the blog. They are a huge part of our daily life and our family!
With a little extra time this week I put together a blog button (appearing to your left, TA DA!) AND am once again linking with Morgan for some Small Style. What a difference an extra fifteen minutes makes! It has been great to see all the little ones and find/read new "Mom" blogs via Small Style and Morgan's blog Mama Loves Papa.

Joaquin is wearing:
Train shirt: Planet Pudge
Shorts: gift, Disney

Stella is wearing:
Dress: gift, Pumpkin Patch
Onesie: Old Navy
Clippie: ELLEigator Clips
Shoes: gift, Robeez

Soaking

We are soaking up ever drop of sunshine we can before the rain clouds roll in this evening. This week we visited a new park and one very old one. We have gone on long, long walks, chased geese and thrown rocks in the creek. I would officially like to thank Mother Nature for the nice helping of spring weather she dished out these past few days. They really hit the spot! We will eagerly be awaiting its return!

This coming week (rain or shine) we will be welcoming a new baby into the family and everyone is so very excited. Each and every baby is such a precious and beautiful gift. And that is coming from an over tired, in need of a spa day Mom of two little ones!!! 

Cannot wait to meet you baby "C".

Chilly (but dry!) Children's Park

 One of our favorite places to play is Children's Park in downtown. So we decided to bundle up earlier this week and head out despite the freezing wind chill! Joaquin is immune to the cold weather it seems (as was I at his age.) This is a typical play outfit, sturdy, nothing fancy. If you have boys...you know what I mean! We are linking with Morgan at Mama Loves Papa for some Small Style!

Quilted Vest Jacket: Old Navy
Slip On Shoes: Target
Hat: made by me
Jeans: hand me downs
Red Truck: On loan from his cousin Simon!

His Idea

While enjoying the sun a few days ago Joaquin asked if he could take Stella for a ride in his car. Actually he said "bee bee" and patted the seat, (I speak toddler). They both seemed to enjoy sitting in the car together. Stella kept trying to grab the wheel of course which was funny. We may have to get a larger vehicle though. This compact version just isn't going to cut it for much longer!