It was my birthday. August 5th. 2015 and 2018. But if you asked my daughters (Ellie in 2015 and Layla in 2018), they would try really hard to convince you otherwise. Same day, 3 years apart, both girls 2 years old. Both girls stubborn and bull-headed. Both girls wrong, for those keeping record.
Please don’t hold it against me when you’re older, Layla! Ok, so you didn’t get a big blow out birthday like your sister did when she turned two… but you did get to celebrate your second birthday on the beach – and that’s your favorite place ever. And with cake. And with Uncle Chris documenting it for all of us.
Layla’s birthday is around the corner so Chris keeps giving me the side-eye. He’s wondering if I’m gonna get crazy with the coordinating and DIY like we did for both Ellie’s first two birthdays. He thinks I’m nuts, like who would really WANT to spend so much time and energy (and money) on a kid’s birthday party? And one they won’t even remember. I get it. It’s not everyone’s idea of fun. But it is mine.
“I think I’m going to Africa,” my younger sister declared to me a year ago. “Well wait, I wanna go to Africa too!” was my whiny big sister response. And that’s how it started. I turned to Chris with my eyebrows raised and he shrugged, “sure, go!” A week or two later it was confirmed. It’s been years since I traveled just to travel and I knew this trip would feed my soul. And Kenya did just that.
Lucy (the dog) spent the weekend with us last weekend and Ellie couldn’t help but want to dress her up every chance she got. So I returned the favor and dressed the girls up similarly. I’m not sure, can you tell who had the most fun with this? 😉 I don’t know how I ended up with such a girly-girl but to see her smile is worth all the tutus and frill.
It’s been quiet over here on the blogging-front. I’m not exactly sure why other than I’ve been trying to slow down. In general, in life. This constant nagging, pulling feeling of “I have to do this right away! I must get this done now!” is exhausting. I mean, I have two kids for that (half joking). I don’t need to add more pressure and unnecessary stress to my life. Not that blogging is always stressful, but it can be. It can also be a cathartic, supportive experience. As I write this now, like I’m writing in my journal, I feel grateful to have this space. I’m writing as I feel inspired, and not because of some imaginary rule or deadline I set for myself. That’s not how I want to operate anymore. I’m instead working on the art of slowing down.
Time is a thief. We all know this now. Especially as parents, we feel the panic of time moving so quickly. For me it’s always around Christmas that I am particularly aware of how fast the year has flown by. I always set similar goals for the New Year – to be more present, to document and journal more, and to enjoy the ups and the downs of whatever stage my kids are in. In that vein, I’m sharing this little End of Year Survey I made to lightly touch on those goals. Read more
San Diego isn’t known for its changing seasons but we were still surprised to wake up to 85 degree weather on Thanksgiving Day. A quick poll of our guests and we unanimously decided to eat our feast outside. Luckily our thanksgiving table decor translated well to our backyard picnic table.
Chris and I started this yearly (and yes, cheesy) tradition of taking a photo with the number of years we’ve been married. Last month we celebrated 6 years married. According to google:
6th Anniversary: Candy – which obviously represents sweetness – and iron – indicative of strength — are the traditional materials of the sixth anniversary.
I’m still in denial it’s Fall, let alone almost Thanksgiving. But that’s me every year, one step behind. Good thing Kara, with Life Well Lived, is one step ahead. Please enjoy this guest post featuring this delicious and guilt free Paleo Pumpkin Pie!!!