Manifesting Destiny

AFLAC Iron Girl

2010-05-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Logan with his cheer sign.

Harry was a big help during the bike rack day!

Port a Jane...cost me extra time during transition...if only I could pee in my wetsuit at the end of my swim!

Girls Gone Iron!

Deanna and I...minutes before the race start...

I have always been intrigued by triathlon event such as Iron Man but always thought "No way, those are for the hard-core, I could never do anything like that!" Wrong...sorta... In 2003, I had heard about "Sprint Distance Triathlons", although they have varying distances, they are similar to the traditional "Tri" events. First you swim, next you ride, and finally you run. I began training in late 2003 and in late March I decided that perhaps it wouldn't be wise to continue, I was pregnant with Logan and running was miserable with the extra load up front. Two years later I thought I'd give it another try but as luck would have it...I got pregnant, this time with twins! Anyway, early this year I decided that no matter what, I wanted to do it Before I turned 40! Now with the race behind be I've come to the realization that anyone could do it as long as they have the desire and discipline. The third finisher was 50 and there were a few 60+ gals out there too. Shockingly, there was also a majorly pregnant gal, she had to be at least 8 months! In retrospect it was probably a good idea that I didn't do it whilst pregnant. However, if it was something I was doing regularly and then became pregnant, that may have been fine. I'm guessing the lady I saw was probably a seasoned triathlete, at least I hope that was the case!

My total time was 2:00:14, my goal was to finish in 2 hours or less.

The first modern long-distance triathlon event was the Hawaiian Ironman. It included a 2.4 mile (77 laps) swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. The idea was conceived during the awards ceremony for a 5 person team running race in Oahu in 1977.

My event only consisted of an 800 meter swim (1/2 mile), 18mile ride and 3 mile run.

Amazing

2010-04-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

It's amazing the amount of time that has passed since I last blogged. Almost one year...
Facebook has taken over the little time I had put aside for blogging and I really don't participate in that deal too much. I just haven't felt like sharing every detail of my life with all my FB friends.
I'm super happy though that I've been an active participant in my life! I've been spending tons of time with my family, working on connecting more with my spouse, trying to nurture our relationship and keep it alive. Amazing how the kids take up so much time and space all at the expense of the thing that brought them here in the first place. Crazy. I really try to keep them all busy and active: exploring the outdoors, going with me to the gym, playdates at the park or a friends home, visits to the Natural History Museum, weekly trips to the library, swim classes, choir, dance, soccer and a clay sculpting class for Logan. I've also been practicing more yoga in front of them, sometimes they join in and other times they just use my asana as a prop - a tunnel, bridge, pony or whatever they need during imaginative play at that moment.
The newes addition to my life is that I began swimming two months ago and love it. I try to get in 3 days/week and swim a minimum of 24 laps or 800meters. So far my personal best swim was 1800meters - that happened because I left my dear friend Keela in charge of my workout. It was awesome! Swimming is like yoga in the water. You get to clear your head, focus on your breathing, be alone with yourself just as you are, move and flow in the moment, some days you feel strong, unstoppable...and other days you're wondering what's stopping you...no two days are the same, it's a beautiful balancing act of effort and surrender. Mentally and physically stimulating all around. Today, I picked up a road bike to borrow for an event next month, tomorrow I go for my first ride with my coach. It should be interesting.
We will go for 11 miles, he wants to check my form, posture and comfort level. He will be teaching me the basics...I can't wait!

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-05T12:51:00.001-07:00

I taught my first Yoga class for the Dragonridge Spa up in MacDonald Highlands. It is a beautiful facility. The studio is set up high on the second story with large open windows wrapping around the room, surrounded by beautiful palm trees, mountains, flowers and various greenery. It's a wonderful way to practice and have the opportunity to see nature and the outdoors as you're breathing and flowing, bathed by natural beauty....
The homes are stunning, I would probably lose myself if I lived in one of those monsters. Many of the architecture is very appealing neutral earthtones lots of green, hey they are on golf course, d-oh.

After class, I decided to make raw/vegan/sugar-free wheat free & gluten-free apricot sorbet and apple pie. Logan has been wheat, gluten & sugar-free for two months now and the results are definitely noticeable, greater awareness, focus, more relaxed, increased appetite and most important he acts happier and has a greater, healthier ablility to deal with stress and anger.

While I taught, Larry and Harry took the kiddos up to Cold Creek for the relief in weather (20 degrees cooler). They returned covered in mud from the "cold creek". Larry said that the twins took a couple of nose dives but all in all they had a terrific time.

We watched the firework display at the Vetran's Memorial Park in Boulder City. Just in case the kiddos were less than polite, we decided not to do the social party thing with our friends. The kids were outstanding, they ran around like a herd of wild horses, played frisbee with other kids and when firework time came they watched, in awe. It was great!

I will post some stuff from Logan's birthday (6/15), and our trip to Redondo later...

Geocaching

2009-05-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Larry and I had been talking about taking the kids out on a "treasure hunt" for the past year. Well...we finally did it, we went out with our GPS, downloaded the coordinates in the Cold Creek area of Nevada and began our seach. We found 4 "Caches" total. It was very exciting and loads of fun, next time we go out we'll have to let the kids find the treasures. Larry and I each found two, we were like kids ourselves. It was a blast. Thank you Larry for getting the ball rolling!
We're planning on doing this again during Logan's birthday weekend in June. We will leave 0ne of the travel bugs there. Travel bugs are items (mouse, other plastic animals, etc., attached to a metal dog-tag like chain (the kind military personnel wear) with an engraved plate containing a tracking code so people can see where the item has been.
I think this will become a lasting family activity. I can't wait to go again. Not to mention it's good exercise!

15 Years Later

2009-05-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, May 7, Larry and I joyfully celebrated our wedding anniversary! We decided to spend an intimate dinner together at Tommy Bahamas in Town Square, we had rum punch (tasted like the one we had in Jamaica - Appleton's Rum), Scallop Sliders (would make a meal for one), Lar had the Filet Oscar topped with lump crab and I had the Seared Ahi with the sweet chili pepper sauce (I will crave that in the future I'm sure). After dinner and a lively conversation with our waiter (he graduated with a degree in Psychology) we walked to the "fake" grass area where there was a free showing of the movie "Cars". (mental note: bring kids to this sometime) We left quickly and decided to take the Hoopdee to a wide open space where we opened up the hatch and kicked back so we could get a great view of the moon (almost full) and of the city lights. It was the perfect night, not much fuss or hoopla, just like our relationship. Here's to another 15+.

Chukar hunting in Northern Nevada

2009-03-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

Larry was so excited to take his brother Nick (from MD) and friend Harry on this hunt. They were very tired when they came home after a weekend of chasing, climbing and flushing. Nick said that was first and last time he would go on that tough of a hunt. Bailee is exhausted after such a hard days work. The guide said that she had a lot of stamina compared to many of the other dogs he had seen.
Larry sure love hunting birds. I don't really understand it but I've come to accept that it's "his thing", and I'm okay with it.

Shopping at Fresh & Easy

2009-03-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

While standing in front of the "sample table", Spencer proceeds to grab a cup (of juice) which spills everywhere, (on Spencer, Sedona's arm, Logan's shoe & the floor).
Me: "Can I please have a paper towel?"
Logan: "Boy, that is sure a good floor cleaner, tastes good too."
F&E Employee (laughing & caught off guard): "Yeah, you're right, it is."
I didn't realize how funny that exchange was til a short time ago as I was relaying the story to my mom. That Logan is a hoot!

Pictures not working

2009-03-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

I will temporarily have to refrain from posting pictures til I figure out what's wrong...

Pujari and Abilasha

2009-03-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

Went to a dharma talk and meditation class last night, it was splendid! My head feels crisp and clear and my heart is wide open. I'm surrounded by many messages from Spirit and guidance. I can feel the energy, I want to hear, I need to listen...
I feel the need to get away, the ocean. I've shared this with my DH this and he's supportive!
2 hour Yoga coming on Sunday! Will be great!

Valentines Dinner at Cut in Palazzo

2009-02-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

The Tuna Tartar and Scallop Appetizer were TO DIE FOR...
Everyone's dinner was cooked to perfection by chef Matt at the beautiful new restaurant by Wolfgang Puck. Steak, Shortrib Pot Pie, Creamed Spinach, Baby Broccoli, French Fries and for Dessert Chocolate Fondue with an amazing assortment of goodies and baked Rasberry Alaska. If I ate like that on a regular basis...I would be dead! It was a wonderful, spectacular, amazing dinner. If I could type fireworks this is where they'd be.
It was so awesome to spend time with two of our best friends, Sue and Clay! We had such a great time and we loves you to pieces...
Blogger not working correctly, I'll load pics when I can!

Mom & Dad first time away...alone...

2009-02-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

Maga was the hair stylist for the kids, she's really good with that sort of thing.

When we were prego with the twins, Larry and I agreed we would take a little trip away, alone.

We did and it was terrific! Maga came in from Cali to help Mom with the tribe. Her first day here she commented on how cute and quiet the kidlets were. By Sunday, the Honeymoon was over. All in all she had a good time. The kids wouldn't stop talking about her, she was a hit with them. Hopefully she'll come back soon!

Here she is with Sedona and the Loganator.

Thanksgiving

2009-01-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

I will start blogging again at the end of the month. I've got lots of projects going right now including a book club started by Saghi, we're reading "Dead Until Dark". It's good so far...
I'll be back in action once I get all my loose ends wrapped up! E

Glendale Corn Maze

2008-11-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Sedona did amazingly well with all the scary props. It was an unseasonably HOT day and the twins were getting tired fast, so we put them into the backpack carriers and continued on our adventure.

We let Logan lead us out of the maze. We were so glad he got us out before it got dark as that's when it becomes a haunted maze. Ooh, ahh...

Gilcrease Orchard

2008-10-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

My critters

2008-10-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

They looked so cute, like two little people out on a date.
The three amigos in the front yard in their jammies.

I noticed this beautiful praying mantis in the backyard while the kids were playing. I was sitting right under it (not for long once I spotted him). I got a little freaked out after having had a spider fall on my forehead while looking up on another occasion, lucky for me it wasn't my mouth! eew...

McCain/Palin

2008-10-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

This year it's been really tough researching the issues. It seems every time I go online my little ones need mommy. At least I've opened my mind and listened to BOTH sides. It's so disheartening to hear all of the slamming and bashing going on, such a negative energy it sends to our beautiful universe. Pretty soon that part will be over and the next scene will unfold.
That being said, I'm hoping for a McCain/Palin victory. It's been a tough decision for me to make especially after Colin Powell's endorsement of Mr. Obama. My mind is now made up after listening to a combination of the mainstream media and Laura Ingram and other talk radio folks, I'm comfortable with my choice.
Now just pray, meditate, pray for whomever is elected into office.

Fashion Queen

2008-10-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

She's already playing dress up. It's hysterical watching these two clunk around in my hi-heels.
Can you imagine being womb-mates for 34 weeks in the belly, very special connection going on there. Here they are sharing a tender moment smiles, hugs...It's all good.

Ksaynia's Two!

2008-09-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

There's the birthday girl!

Keela's is my extremely artistic mommy-friend. Last year we plastered the children's hands. This year the kids got to fingerpaint an 8x10 canvas. They all had a great time and some even decided to paint themselves(face/body), it was great!

Mmm..."Layers"-Strawberries & Cream cake, my favorite!

Tony's eldest daughter knocked the unicorn pinata's head OFF! Logan got in a couple good whacks just before that too. Of course the candy falling out was such a thrill to all these little junkies...

Goodstuff

2008-09-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

Sunset Park

2008-09-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to take the kids to the park to feed the ducks for quite some time now as that was one of my favorite things as a young girl. The kids really had a great time. We also saw numerous fish (not sure what they were - they were small) and plenty of ducks. There was a covey of about 25 or so quail running around, it was a good outing. It was about 95 degrees today so we didn't stay too long. The kids collected feathers so they could make a pillow...cute.
Sedona thought the (stale) popcorn was quite tasty.
Here ducky ducky...
Ooh cold and stinky...

Fishing Trip

2008-09-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

I just found these on Harry's camera and had to post, I don't believe I have any decent pictures of the Amberjacks. I thought these were great! E

We're Two! August 23

2008-09-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

We had chocolate cupcakes for Spencer & Sedona's 2nd birthday!
They knew exactly what to do after the birthday song!
Opening presents was alot of fun!

It was a great weekend. We all went on the boat in Navajo Lake, babies and Logan all cooled off in the water (no pictures). I love staying in this cabin!

Almost Two...

2008-09-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Three days before their 2nd birthday, Sedona took a header on our tile floor! Bam, just like that and her tooth was chipped! She fussed a little but we had no idea that part of her pearly white was missing until we were at dinner. What a trooper.

Date Night

2008-09-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Larry and I started our monthly date night with a yummy sushi dinner (we were gorged), after that we went to the liquor store and got a cocktail which we shared, in the desert, by the light of the moon. Very relaxing...

Three Amigos

2008-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Spencer's Sleeping Positions

2008-09-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

This kid is non-stop! I yearn for the day he will sleep in past 6am and decide that naps are alright! When he's tired, the little guy crashes hard. Sometimes, all I can do to get him to sleep is drive around town, burning up fuel for a few moments of much needed peace.

Henderson Fire Deptartment Field Trip

2008-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

On September 9, we had an awesome visit to the Fire Dept. The men were very gracious and informative during the tour. We learned about what it was like living in the firehouse - 24 hour shifts/working out at 24 Hour Fitness, grocery shopping, sleeping in small spaces (sounds a little like Larry's Navy days), the clothing (hot and heavy) worn by firemen, do's and dont's if you're ever in a fire (don't be afraid of the fireman - he's there to help) and of course the best part...being "inside" the firetruck and paramedic truck. It was a good day. After that I brought Logan to the park to play with the other kids and talk to some of the other moms.

Artwork and Storytime

2008-09-04T09:08:00.001-07:00

The kids love to finger paint, and what kid doesn't? Our goal is to do different projects each month August was sidewalk chalk and painting. I think this month will be bugs and bones. The other day Logan found a dead cockroach on our way into the gym, naturally, he picked it up and brought it in to show the caretakers...they were not amused as he tossed it on the counter for all to admire...oh well.

Andrew's Birthday April 2008

2008-08-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hanging out while Andrew plays a video game.
These two really get along great! This is the first friend we ever left Logan with. Logan was so disappointed that he had to come home.
The kids had a great time with the pinata! Instead of "pin the tail on the donkey" the children played "pin the mask on the storm-trooper" I thought that was so creative!

A life of yoga is a life fulfilled!

2008-08-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a beautiful pose?
Sharing yoga with children is more about the pose itself, it's about empowerment, respect of self and all people, self esteem, love, belief in oneself, it's a gift they will have for life. As more and more families take to the mat, the more we will see reflected a glorious and peaceful existance - a healthier people and a happier planet. Evette

After the Shower

2008-08-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

After they saw mine, (not pictutured) they wanted one too! They kept pointing and saying "Hott, hott". (hat)
Of course Spencer's wearing the pink one.

(Less than 5 minutes later...) Okay mom, this is getting old now, I want it OFF!

When you're not looking

2008-08-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here's what they mean when they say "Double Trouble".

I walked away to get jammies and diapers and this is what I found!

I can't believe they are going to turn Two in just 20 days!

Taylor Spencer's 4th Birthday - Tuesday, July 22

2008-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I didn't get any (this was the only one before my battery died) photos of Taylor and the children because they all looked so cute, but I'm happy that I did get a picture of the cake Lisa (Tate's mom) made. She did a wonderful job! We celebrated on Sunday the 20th of July!

This was also a week of firsts for Logan. We left Logan with the Spencer's to play for about 2 hours! Logan was exhausted when he got home yet he wanted to go back to their house to play more!

The end of a Buggy week

2008-08-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Logan washing dishes.
"I'm going to Show you how I wash the dishes".
Spencer is showing me how to "dive" off the step stool, see Logan's toes in the background, yikes!

During Breakfast this morning...

Spencer: (In the kitchen) "More O-meal Mommeee, more".
Mom: (Also in the kitchen) "Oh good Spencer, you're getting your appetite back".
Logan: (In the laundry/playroom - we have a toddler table in there) "Who took Pencer's appetite, mommy?"
Mom: (Walking over to laundry/playroom) "The Flu Bug took Spencer's appetite away".
Logan: "Where did it take Spencer's appetite?"
Mom: "Oh it flew away with it and left him feeling sick in his belly". (The twins have had the stomach flu for the past 4 days)
Logan: "The other day I saw a flu bug and I shot it dead with my black and yellow gun."
Mom: "That's why you're so healthy Logan!"

--A few minutes after eating his oatmeal--

Logan: "Mommy, my arm is tired of eating."
Mom: "Okay, Logan, I guess you're done eating, does that mean your arm is too tired to do dishes".
Logan: "Acshooly, my other arm is not tired, it still works, SEE!" (moving his arm - in a funny way of course)

Where did my baby go, he's already washing dishes...amazing!

Disapproving Faces Not Everybody Will Like You

2008-07-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

It is not necessarily a pleasant experience, but there will be times in our lives when we come across people who do not like us. As we know, like attracts like, so usually when they don’t like us it is because they are not like us. Rather than taking it personally, we can let them be who they are, accepting that each of us is allowed to have different perspectives and opinions. When we give others that freedom, we claim it for ourselves as well, releasing ourselves from the need for their approval so we can devote our energy toward more rewarding pursuits. While approval from others is a nice feeling, when we come to depend on it we may lose our way on our own path. There are those who will not like us no matter what we do, but that doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with us. Each of us has our own filters built from our experiences over time. They may see in us something that is merely a projection of their understanding, but we have no control over the interpretations of others. The best we can do is to hope that the role we play in the script of their lives is helpful to them, and follow our own inner guidance with integrity. As we reap the benefits of walking our perfect paths, we grow to appreciate the feeling of fully being ourselves. The need to have everyone like us will be replaced by the exhilaration of discovering that we are attracting like-minded individuals into our lives—people who like us because they understand and appreciate the truth of who we are. We free ourselves from trying to twist into shapes that will fit the spaces provided by others’ limited understanding and gain a new sense of freedom, allowing us to expand into becoming exactly who we’re meant to be. And in doing what we know to be right for us, we show others that they can do it too. Cocreating our lives with the universe and its energy of pure potential, we transcend limitations and empower ourselves to shine our unique light, fully and freely.

Paseo Verde Park

2008-07-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

Logan was stung by a bee (top part of his ear) for the first time, all he knew was PAIN! He was swating at his head, screaming, doing the crazy man dance. The good news is that he's NOT allergic!
Logan and Sean met at the gym they really get along well. He's a cute little fellow.

More beach memories

2008-07-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

There was an old abandoned golf course which provided great pre-dinner entertainment. We discovered some beautiful flowers and it turned out to be a great spot for bird watching. Also, there was a curious water snake that followed us poking his head up every now and again to check us out. The kids thought it was great, my mom wasn't amused. Fortunately, we noticed the "no trespassing sign" after our walk.

Beach Adventures

2008-07-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

All my boys love action, they will go until the fumes run out.
This trip we did not insist on naps and here is the result! He played so hard he would practically collapse here Logan was draped over the ottoman with his legs buckling every 10 seconds or so, it was hysterical.
Larry and Logan managed to find some Cherrystone Clams. They dug these up from the mud.
Here we are searching for ghost crabs, they can run forward, backwards and left or right. Although you’d think they might be scavengers, since most other crabs are, ghost crabs prefer their food alive. They hunt small animals like coquina clams, sea turtle hatchlings, and mole crabs. It may seem odd that one type of crab would feed on another type, but mole crabs are not actually crabs at all. They are another form of crustacean, like lobsters and shrimp, and can be easily picked from the sand beneath receding waves—where they bury themselves to safely eat the microscopic plankton the waves bring in—and held in the palm of your hand. They don’t have pinchers and resemble large beetles, ranging in size from half-an-inch to two inches, so they are perfect for throwing at friends reading books in the dry sand. If you don’t pay attention, though, they’ll scurry right off your hand and burrow themselves back into the sand. Damn, they run fast. (I found this information in one of the books at the beach house)

I think this evening crab hunt will become a tradition, the kids loved it and it was a great bonding/memory building time.
We found our 8 legged friend!

Broad Creek Fishing and Shrimping Trip

2008-07-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

There were so many seagulls following our boat, I swear I heard them say "mine, mine, mine"...
Spencer did great, Sedona was definitely missing her afternoon nap and she let everyone know!
A moment of Peace - finally.

The Second part of the fishing trip lasted from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, the babies did well on the boat as far as not losing their lunch. My mom, Alicia and Larry were all sea sick. Betty, Logan and Larry were on the boat all day - what troopers!

Broad Creek Fishing & Shrimping Trip

2008-07-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Bright and Early Monday morning Larry scheduled a Family Fishing Trip. Betty, Hope, Harry, Alicia, Logan and Larry were out of the house by 5:00am to meet Capt. Lonnie Miller and his Mate Jessica (daughter). In total Larry and Harry caught 90 pounds of Amber Jack! Delicious fish. They were quite big, 20 pounds or so...Larry didn't get any pictures on my camera so I'm hoping Harry got some shots with his, they were impressive fish.

Here is Logan inspecting a very small fish caught during the shrimping portion of the trip.
Here's a shot of one of the shrimp we captured in the net. We only caught about 4 pounds of shrimp.
Logan was captivated with the blue crabs. He loved watching them walk around. Jessica showed him how to put the crab to sleep by rubbing it's belly. Not for too long of coure, otherwise they die from being on their backs too long.
Once the net is emptied, we had to sort through grass, fish, squid, crabs and who knows what else, to get the shrimp. You could use your hands if you wanted to, I opted to use tongs...

Here are Lonnie and Jessica pulling up the net. They were Terrific guides, great with the kids and just really down to earth!

The Beach

2008-07-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

Jamestown Settlement

2008-07-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

Jamestown Settlement

2008-07-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

Jamestown, Virginia

2008-07-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here we are inside the Powhatan Indian dwellings there were so many furs: raccoon, badger, beaver, fox, bear, deer, wolf and more...
Behind Alicia is the hide of a wolf.
A rare pose of just "me", ahh...so soft.
Those Indians sure knew how to create a warm and comfortable bed. I'd take this over a sleeping bag ANY day!

We arrived in Richmond, VA on July 3. The next morning, after meeting up with Betty, Alicia and Harry, we drove to Williamsburg, VA. Our first stop was the settlement in Jamestown. Larry and I had been here before (pre-Kids) and we thought that there was enough there to keep the kids engaged. They did pretty well considering the time change and the jet lag. Harry and Larry were kind enough to carry Spencer and Sedona in the backpack carriers. Once it began to rain buckets, the grandmas were ready to go, it was kinda muddy so it's probably a good thing.

The game plan was to go to Yorktown in the evening to view the fireworks for the 4th of July. There was a storm system moving through so most of the shows around us were cancelled.

Last day at the Outer Banks

2008-07-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

The above picture was our trip last year in 2007 we went with our dear friends Phil, Julia & Siena Hoshue.
This year we invited Harry. Harry flew into Maryland to drive grandma Betty and our neice Alicia to North Carolina, I've never seen the usually serious Harry let loose and have such a great time.
This is the deck that you would see from the living room.

We've been going to the town of Frisco in Outer Banks annually since the Summer of 2003. Thus far, it is our favorite spot for vacationing. The water is warm, fairly mellow, the sand is soft, the beaches are uncrowded and you can walk for miles, the fishing is incredible, the people are friendly, and the rental homes are beautiful, well furnished and family friendly (we try to stay ocean front). It's GORGEOUS!

Deer Creek

2008-06-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Earilier in the week (Wednesday) my mom and I were introduced to a neat little jewel of a place nestled up in the Mount Charleston area, who knew...So on Sunday, the temperature was inching up to the 106* mark, I said, "Hey all, lets go up to Deer Creek and cool off." We did and we did. Mind you, Larry and I like to get away from other people when we can, this really wasn't one of those places, but it was beautiful, pine trees, smallish oaks, and a crystal clear stream which runs along several picnic spots and bbq pits, hey - I'll take 76* any day of the week! Harry and mom came up too and did such a great job up there, the elevation was a good 8,000 feet. I'm so proud of those two!

Larry and Logan had a marvelous time building a dam. They had created a very nice pool of water. I wouldn't be surprised if it's still there when we return, they really did a great job on it.

All the kids are really starting to play together - alot. Logan can be a little rough and annoying with the twins at times but we're just trying to be as consistant as possible with taming the critters.

This week there has been lots more noise (than usual) and we're having to get more creative at bedtime. They are staying up later, playing, running after one another and still manage to wake up at 6am, argh...

I think we'll be spending more time up on the mountain this summer, the heat here in the valley is extremely intense.

We'd love to have a pool but we've decided to wait til the kids are a little older.

Here Comes the Sun

2008-06-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

I LOVE practicing Surya Namaskar and for the Summer Solstice we did 10 Salutations in the beginning of class. The energy was amazing and all the new yogis were swept away in the floods of Shakti that poured out, it was just indescribable.

That most familiar of asana sequences, Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is as rich in symbolic and mythic overtones as it is in physical benefits.

By Richard Rosen

In many cultures, light has long been a symbol of consciousness and self-illumination. "The world begins with the coming of light," wrote Jungian analyst Erich Neumann in The Origins and History of Consciousness (Princeton University Press, 1995). "Opposition between light and darkness has informed the spiritual world of all peoples and molded it into shape."
Our primary source of light is, of course, the sun. When we look at our closest star, we may see nothing more than a big yellow ball. But for thousands of years, the Hindus have revered the sun, which they call Surya, as both the physical and spiritual heart of our world and the creator of all life itself. That's why one of Surya's many other appellations is Savitri (the Vivifier), who, according to the Rig Veda, "begets and feeds mankind in various manners" (III.55.19). Moreover, since everything that exists originates from the sun, as Alain DaniŽlou wrote in The Myths and Gods of India (Inner Traditions, 1991), it "must contain the potentiality of all that is to be known." For the Hindus, the sun is the "eye of the world" (loka chakshus), seeing and uniting all selves in itself, an image of and a pathway to the divine.
One of the means of honoring the sun is through the dynamic asana sequence Surya Namaskar (better known as Sun Salutation). The Sanskrit word namaskar stems from namas, which means "to bow to" or "to adore." (The familiar phrase we use to close our yoga classes, namaste—te means "you"—also comes from this root.) Each Sun Salutation begins and ends with the joined-hands mudra (gesture) touched to the heart. This placement is no accident; only the heart can know the truth.
The ancient yogis taught that each of us replicates the world at large, embodying "rivers, seas, mountains, fields...stars and planets...the sun and moon" (Shiva Samhita, II.1-3). The outer sun, they asserted, is in reality a token of our own "inner sun," which corresponds to our subtle, or spiritual, heart. Here is the seat of consciousness and higher wisdom (jnana) and, in some traditions, the domicile of the embodied self (jivatman).
It might seem strange to us that the yogis place the seat of wisdom in the heart, which we typically associate with our emotions, and not the brain. But in yoga, the brain is actually symbolized by the moon, which reflects the sun's light but generates none of its own. This kind of knowledge is worthwhile for dealing with mundane affairs, and is even necessary to a certain extent for the lower stages of spiritual practice. But in the end, the brain is inherently limited in what it can know and is prone to what Patanjali calls misconception (viparyaya) or false knowledge of the self.
History and Practice
There's some disagreement among authorities over the origins of Sun Salutation. Traditionalists contend that the sequence is at least 2,500 years old (perhaps even several hundred years older), that it originated during Vedic times as a ritual prostration to the dawn, replete with mantras, offerings of flowers and rice, and libations of water. Skeptics of this dating maintain that Sun Salutation was invented by the raja of Aundh (a former state in India, now part of Maharashtra state) in the early 20th century, then disseminated to the West in the 1920s or 1930s.
However old Sun Salutation is, and whatever it may originally have looked like, many variations have evolved over the years. Janita Stenhouse, in Sun Yoga: The Book of Surya Namaskar (Innerspace Map Studio, 2001), illustrates two dozen or so adaptations (though several are quite similar).

The Party

2008-06-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

We're not really the "themed birthday" type at this stage. I'm happy to say that Logan prefers the outdoors and fishing to having Batman plates, matching hats, noisemakers, etc...Hey, I don't much mind either. Twenty screaming 4 or so year olds wired on sugar isn't as appealing as our "outdoor tradition". Well, that's not to say we didn't have cake and ice cream, we did! I made a Chocolate Cherry Surprise Cake in the Dutch Oven, it was tasty and quite simple. (last years Dutch Oven desserts were a Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Mississippi Mud Cake - OMG, they were delish!) Larry and I will occasionally watch an episode of "Outdoor Nevada" which was the inspiration for my Dutch Oven cooking intrest.

(That first picture just goes to show how crazy tired but excited the little guy was after fishing all afternoon)

Mammoth Creek, UT

2008-06-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures that I thought were indicative of our trip.

Fishing in Panguitch Lake, UT

2008-06-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

ATV fun

2008-06-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

I will never forget my mom whoopin' and hollerin' with that big smile on her face as she came cruising up the mountain. She was so reluctant to ride the ATV but with Larry's encouragement she was up and riding. Like my uncle Ed says, "Boy, Larry could talk a cat off a fish wagon". That's the truth! It was so much fun riding and checking out the scenery on the ATV.

Mammoth Creek Cabin, Utah - Wow!!

2008-06-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

This was an amazing cabin that we had the opportunity to stay in thanks to Dick and Terry Rogers for Logan's birthday/Father's day. Oh, how we would love to call this our own...The cabin 4599 sq FT, is situated on 7.6 acres and is made from ponderosa pine and douglass fir, it was truly amazing. There were 3 floors so it was easy to lose the little ones, they really loved those stairs (my nerves didn't) Every room was beautifully decorated with the finest attention to detail. Thank you beautiful people for sharing an incredible space. We were truly blessed.

Park Day

2008-06-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

The critters LOVE the park! We've been going at least once per week with one of the homeschooling groups. Every week we get to experience a "new" park, it's really great. It's so good to get out and see the little ones play and chat (when I'm not chasing a toddler) with other mamas...

Questions

2008-05-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

I thought if would be neat to pose a few thought provoking questions for us to ponder or comment on. If you do wish to comment, try to listen to your inner voice and answer with your first response before reading other's comments. It may be necessary to do it during a quiet time in your day, when you first wake up or an hour or so after the kids are down for the night, which is what I will do. Also, if you wouldn't mind sharing your age, (in this body only - okay) that would be super cool too!
Here goes...

What is the most difficult thing in your life for which you are grateful for?

What would happen if men and women began to speak the same language?

Why must you love someone enough to let them go?

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

It can be difficult to share concerns with those we respect and care about or even those we don't know that well. Why is it so hard for people to make connections, and in the process gain insights?

Zac Sunderland

2008-05-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited for this young man, what an inspiration for our youth. I'd much rather my children be influenced by this kid and others like him rather than the Lindsey Lohan's of the world. I hope he has a safe and pleasant journey! Many Blessings...

http://www.zacsunderland.com/

31,000 Scientists reject "global warming" agenda

2008-05-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, I discontinued my involvement in activism when I left the S.F. Bay Area. I was a non-partisan polital activist, dedicated to protecting the environment. Is it the environment that needs protecting or is it us? The bottom line...I feel that it is important to know the truth! I'm not sure exactly what that is...yet.
My DH sent this link to me and I've been thinking about it lately, what if it is a hoax? If it is certainly quite costly, ya think?

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=64734

I'm curious as to what we will be hearing 10 years from now...

Community Yoga - Sunday, June 1, 9:30am

2008-05-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

The next Community Yoga Class I will be teaching will be at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub in the Venetian Hotel. The class will be hosted by the Spa AND Lululemon Athletica located in The Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
tel: 702-696-1282.
Please RSVP at the above phone number.

Andersen Dairy Tour & Lied Discovery Museum

2008-05-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Deanna and her lovely daughter Courtney accompanied my tribe to both the Andersen dairy tour and a trip to the Lied Discovery Museum.

I was quite amazed by the number of "homeschoolers" at the Dairy tour, it was quite stuffy but the tour itself was very interesting. I was hoping to see a real cow but apparently, all the milking is done at a farm in UT, the milk is then transported by a big, refrigerated tank to the processing plant here in town. Literally within hours. The facility was immaculate, extremely clean! The talking animals were a little cheesy but the cookies and cream ice cream at the end was a nice treat.

Deanna held Sedona in the carrier and I carried Tater (Spencer) in mine, the boy is a tank! All the kids behaved pretty well, no melt downs or anything. They all really enjoyed the museum and all the cool experiments and hands on adventures. I think D & C will be joining us again - Courtney is Logan's "new" girlfriend - I've been replaced!

1958 Corvette

2008-05-08T08:16:00.001-07:00

I love this car! Next time I will get a better picture!

Bev & the Girls

2008-05-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

It was good to see and spend a little time with our girls Maga, Dannie and Mama B. The kids love them to pieces. Logan's energy is endless with Ms. Maga. I hope you girls can make it out this summer!

Dannie

2008-05-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Visit More Pix

2008-05-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Visit April 2008

2008-05-07T14:29:00.001-07:00

I Love California

2008-05-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

There's only one place that can move me to tears or that creates a longing, yearning sensation in my soul. It was my home from birth to age 29. - that place is the San Francisco Bay Area. When talking conservation or environmentmental protection, my husband will say "you can take the girl out of CA, but you can't take CA outa the girl, he's got that right. Here, my mom and I had the chance to share some special places with the kids. Capitola, SC Lighthouse, Mission Peak...next trip there will be many more!!

Happy Anniversary

2008-05-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

We celebrated 14 years of marriage. Our anniversary is May 7. We went to dinner on the Las Vegas Strip at Dos Caminos and then went to see the Jersey Boys at the Venetian Hotel. Oh yeah, we live here. The show was fantastic, I highly recommend seeing it if in the Vegas area.

Bay Area Visit

2008-05-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

It was 2 years (at cousin Shelley's wedding) since I last saw Aunt Dolores and Uncle Eddie. The kids, my mom and I really had a great time visiting, catching the latest 411 and reflecting on "old times". My Aunt makes a mean chile verde and wonderful lemon bars. Damn, I'm still working off those things...Uncle Ed is so cute in his '58 Vette, can you say "chick-magnet?" I can't wait to come visit again!
The house looks amazing, Aunt D could really go into Interior Decorating if she wanted, she's super creative. The backyard was beautiful, all the flowers in bloom were just brilliant. The kids seemed to think so too.

Hiking Las Vegas

2008-05-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

I found a great website that names and explains a variety of hikes in the Las Vegas area. Lots of places to explore, woo-hoo!

http://www.localhikes.com/msa/msa_4120.asp

The Three (fishing) Amigos

2008-04-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Larry loves to fish, Harry loves to fish, now Logan loves to fish! See them fish, see them catch fish, see Logan catch and drag fish. One fish two fish, yellow fish, blue fish...Rainbow fish.

Community Yoga

2008-04-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

What: Communtiy Yoga Class (Free)
Where: Silverado Ranch Park (Silverado & Gilespie)
Time: 10:00 a.m. (class will be about one hour)
Date: Sunday, April 27
Details: Refrain from eating anything heavy at least one hour prior to class, a small amount of fruit is okay. Wear loose, comfortable clothing - sweatpants, leggings, shorts, t-shirts, etc. Bring lots of water to drink and if you don't have a mat, you can bring a towel or blanket to practice on. I will bring a few extras too.
This class is suitable for all ages and abilities. Do what you can and rest when you need to. If you are bringing small, mobile children please ensure that they are kept safe and out of harms way. My husband will probably be playing with the twins at the playground.
This will be the first of hopefully many, lets just bring a great attitude and some friends and family and have a wonderful time. Namaste' -Evette

Easter Pictures

2008-04-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

The Shuk's had a very nice Easter. We spent the day with Johnny, Keela and Ksanya. After a hard days worth of hiding and hunting we enjoyed a superb dinner with the Ayer's, Bromberg's, Grandma Hope, Grandma Betty, Harry and Colleen.

Quotes

2008-04-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

“Life must be lived as play”.
-Plato

"Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save."-Will Smith

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."-Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."-Helen Keller

"I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."-Henry David Thoreau

"I believe in a lively disrespect for most forms of authority."-Rita Mae Brown

"After all these years I see that I was mistaken about Eve in the beginning; it is better to live outside the Garden with her than inside it without her."-Mark Twain

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."-Oscar Wilde

"But better die than live mechanically a life that is a repetition of repetitions."-D.H. Lawrence

"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."-Henry David Thoreau

"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."-W. Somerset Maugham

"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry."-Mark Twain

"The highest use of capital is not to make more money, but to make money do more for the betterment of life."-Henry Ford

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive."-Mahatma Gandhi

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it."-Danny Kaye
"You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her." -Anonymous

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." -Buddha

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." -Hellen Keller

Haircut Day

2008-03-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

The kids did so well while having their hair cut!
This was Sedona's first.
Logan's a pro. He looks forward to the selection of candy after having his hair cut. On this particular day, he was more than happy to select one not only for himself but his brother, sister, "nina" and mommy too.
This was only the second time for Spence, he alway giggles when the buzzer comes close to his ears.

Part of the Tribe

2008-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

I was at a play day at Acacia park the other day when another mom commented on how comfortable my children were with their grandma. "Does she live with you?" she asked, "Yes," I replied, "Makes sense why they're so comfortable", she remarked.
With all it's ups and downs, trust me there have been many spriraling, spirited interactions...It is great, it's the best situation for all of us, well worth the adjustments and time it takes for any good relationship to grow.

Prom Night Pictures

2008-03-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

Not really, but kinda like prom night. I'm just glad we finally took pictures of ourselves "out on the town". It's usually "all about the kiddos", which is a great thing but this just shows the other side of Mom & Dad. We do like to go out and we love enjoying life in all it has to offer!

Thank you Kerry for a lovely evening, it's always going to be good fun when we get together.

Play time

2008-02-25T20:26:00.001-08:00

The kids LOVE to be OUTDOORS!

Family Day

2008-02-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love Sundays. We always seem to do cool stuff on Sundays. Is it because we want to close our weekend with something fun so we can start a new week off with a positive? I dunno... On this particular Sunday, we met up with the Friends of Paleantology and went in search of various sea fossils. We met in the North Las Vegas area, Frenchman's Mountain for the first dig, Larry accompanied Logan while I waited for Spencer and Sendona to drift off to sleep. That did not happen so...I entertained the lil 'uns with songs, food and my silly, funny faces the entire 90 minutes they were away. Larry and Logan returned with some cool rock with teeny tiny fossils. The second part of the dig was another 20 miles away, near the Apex. This time I accompanied Logan while Larry hung out with the now "sleeping babies". I must have worn 'em out, eh...

The Professor (Steve) who led the excursion showed us some cool coral which was embedded in the rock. I even found my own trophy rock, it looked like long, hard strands of seagull poop, it was the long section of coral. The cross section looks groovy. Of course we brought home samples of everything we found.

After we returned home the kids were ready to play, especially after having to endure 4 hours in the car.

Did I say Sundays are wonderful? Just making sure... Anyway, no matter what day, being outdoors is our family's favorite way of being.

Welcome

2008-02-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

I've decided to stretch myself (more) and create a space where friends and family can check in with our tribe whenever the urge arises! Also, this will be a great forum to get some creative juices flowing, to share thoughts on just about whatever may be going on in my brain. Hopefully Larry will also get into it and join the party. It could prove to be fun! Cool...

Lets get started...

This is my tribe. Sedona, Evette, Logan, Larry and Spencer.

Logan, our oldest, was born at home on the bedroom floor. He was born at 36 weeks. It was one of the most spectacular events of my life! (Sue, did you ever bring that shower curtain?) I was truly in awe at the beauty of birth, it was a meditation in motion, the ultimate form of present moment awareness. No drugs, no episiotomy, just Mom, Larry, 4 pooches, Sue, Crystal, and my Midwife, Kaye Bullock.

Years ago, I wanted so much to have twins, I wanted to "do it once and be done". Spencer and Sedona were "spontaneous" creations. We were going to have "one more". The universe responded with "one more pregnancy" consisting of "two babies". This experience proves one very crucial point: remember to be very clear and specific when you pray and/or meditate.

We finally feel after 18 months, that it's getting a little easier. We feel like we're in a much better place, we let loose a lot more and are having fun, there's a lot more laughter in our home. I now have a great deal of respect, compassion and empathy for other families of multiples. It's quite eventful! I once heard another parent say they felt as if they were on the spin cycle the whole year. Yeah, that's a pretty good way to describe it.