Live free.

In the last week, I officially returned to the "mommy phase", being fortunate enough to care for my two young nieces and nephew. Their mommy Marie, had the opportunity to get back into the classroom teaching, and I committed to keeping the kids many weeks ago smile emoticon

I did the daily runs to elementary school, preschool, pickups, playgrounds, and picnics. I packed and unpacked, did diaper duty, and finally on my last day, I think I've gotten the hang on it. The innocence of little ones is so refreshing and of course, I found myself acting and talking in their language..........

Kids see life so simply and sincerely, without skepticism and reasoning. I would love to see those attributes rub off on some adults. I got some much needed hugs, love, and kisses, and cuddles too. I remember my mommy days from years ago.

When my kids were young, I didn't want them to "grow up too fast." I wanted them to feel safe, secure, and not have to think about things beyond their age. I guess I did not have that luxury........ because in 2011, that ultimately happened. Not a fixation of mine but a freedom I still wish for them...........

The white board in the kitchen hallway has returned, with reminders of "chores" to do and no rewards or allowance handed out. Things can work smoothly unless and until one of us feels unfairly overworked, such as tonight. Then the balance we try to find, quickly goes to hell.

It seems to take everything I have, we have, to keep our family unit intact. This isn't something to take lightly or assume it'll always survive loss of any sort. There still has to be intention behind my actions; it has to be important enough to me to make it happen. 
That does not mean suffocation............

"If you love something, or someone, set it free." 
Freedom 2015.

Valuing innocence.

Over the course of many years, I have seen and heard many "dreams," some of which are held onto, even when the time of fulfillment has passed. Holding onto a purpose that has passed is like devaluing your destiny........

Tomorrow begins the Indoor VB Club season for Logan and his new team, MB Surf. Yes, there is no break; in SoCal the game continues year round, indoor and outdoor. I'm starting to see how this idea of constant competition between kids in Cali, and I do mean constant, can slowly wear away childhood innocence.......

Insanity is defined as "doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome." The importance of meaningful connections with quality people cannot be overstated and far outweighs the satisfaction of any kind of competition, college, image, or status, in my humble opinion.

Austin is recovering from a nasty stomach bug he's had since Tuesday night and missed a few days of school as a result. He's a typical almost 20 year old, searching for a purpose and plan for his life. For now, he is researching......

There is no shortage of surprises living just outside of L.A. When I picked up a few items at the local Walmart Thursday, I suddenly became surrounded by a number of Japanese tourists, taking pictures and notes as I was flying through the store, LOL:)

Redefining the dreams. Innocence over insanity.