Weekend Project.....

Clark looking for a way to hide his leaf from Mama

 I have been trying to find new and exciting toys for Clark to play with. I've never been a fan of "commercialized" products. Over the past few weeks I have been looking at different blogs that have handmade toys and products that have multi- uses. I found a really cool idea; discovery boxes.
These boxes will be separated into categories. One will be blocks, simple color free wooden blocks, another will have pinecones, another with foam pieces, another with gears or  plastic eggs, dried beans with scoops... the list is endless. This weekend I am setting out to make these boxes!! Watch out debit card:)

When I see Clark's face when he is outdoors, it warms my heart. He loves being out in nature, of course living in Massachusetts we see all the seasons! We have fields, forests, trails, oceans, ponds, rivers, city skyscapes and wind turbines, we can travel by ferry, boat, train, plane or car. We can experience Massachusetts like never before.
As a child, I played in the mud, I was out in nature whenever my parents would allow. However I was always nervous about some bugs and reptiles. I guess having Clark and wanting him to never be too nervous around things, is a way for me to get over my fears as well.

I found this section on the Last Child in the woods website: 
Fear of nature. “Don’t go in the woodpile- there’s probably snakes and god knows what else.” “Careful you don’t get stung.” “Don’t touch any plants you can’t identify, it’s probably poison ivy.” If we issue too many warnings, the kids will just give up and go inside. Nature will seem just too dangerous and not worth the trouble.

Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events of their lives.
-Thomas Berry


I believe that showing Clark nature now while he loves exploring will be more beneficial in the long run.  if he grows up thinking that nature isn't full of gross things, then maybe he will experience more as he grows up. I have often thought about how I do not want Clark to be one of those boys running away from a spider or bug!

Clark is teaching and showing me all kinds of new and exciting things everyday, I never thought that a child could bring so much happiness to my life.  When we feel happy, we see more good things and it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle.

I am seeing more and more good things every day and every night that make me smile from ear to ear and make me happy!  I hope one day we can share all of our fun and excitement with our friends -new and old <3
Until next time,
There is only love<3

Climbing up the "big steps" at the rock playground!

Happiness!

I have finally figured out that the world works in mysterious ways. Haha, to some of you this may not be a profound statement, you may have already realized this, but not me.
Life is a pretty amazing thing. Things happen for a reason and then you move past a certain stage in your life when it doesn't matter anymore. You mature, grow, and learn. You realize that holding grudges is old... that your heart heals its self , and that you can find happiness in other ways.

It's funny I learned these things through my son, yeah, he is 14 months old, but he sure does know a lot :)
He knows how to love, experiment, trick, investigate, and push you to your limit.But he also knows how to look at you with his big blue eyes, give you a book and sit in your lap to listen to the story.  At that moment you completely forget about everything he has done and you heart melts.

Me and Clark....gourd style!

That's how every day as been for us. We laugh, scream, argue, kiss, hug and run until we can't run anymore. Clark makes me so incredibly happy and tired! But its what I signed up for. I am thankful for each and every person in my life and Clark's life that has blessed us with support, love, and kindness. These are the things that make life worth it!
Until the next time,
There is only love <3

Hurtful words and having too much time on your hands

I still haven't figured out how people have enough time in their days to make other peoples lives miserable. I work, take care of Clark and try to maintain sanity. I don't have the time, patience, or energy to focus on making peoples lives miserable.

To go completely out of your way to cause destruction is just an awful way to be.

I try to be compassionate, empathic, sympathetic, and friendly. I know we all slip up and gossip or spread hear-say, we have all done it. But after it is out in the universe there is no way of getting it back. Not only are you showing a "catty-side" but you are creating animosity between people.

Recently, I got caught up in a similar situation. I was not the one who opened my mouth, but I was the one that got the "shit end of the stick". I was upset at first, but then I choose to use it as a learning experience. From that moment I decided to stop the cycle of rumors. I don't find it appealing or worth my time. Of course people will still talk, but its up to you (or me) to decide to just be a listener and not engage in this negative dialogue. I have found that my life is lighter and I feel good about the choices that I have made regarding this destructive behavior.

It is not up to me, or you to decide what is acceptable behavior or unacceptable behavior. We may not want to live someone elses life, but who wants to live yours (or mine)?!?!?

People every day make choices that are right for them, for their family. It is not up to someone else to decide that their lifestyle or commitments are wrong.

I tend to want to be happy for people. If they find someone to share their life with then go on and be happy. If they are looking for other aspects and are happy with their choices,it is not up to me or you to look down upon them.

I think we have to take a step back and remember that we are all human, we all make mistakes but that is what life is all about. It is about using those "mistakes" or bumps  in the road to engage in dialogue with ourselves to move forward. To learn about ourselves and  remember that all the choices you have made and the times you have avoided this negative behavior will  make you a better person.

Today, I saw the impact on an awful rumor that was started. To see someone who in my eyes is dedicated and making a life for his family, be sideswiped by someone who should have been trustworthy is just plain disgusting. 

I hope people one day can be kind... that is the kind of world I want for Clark.

Until next time,

There is only love <3

This time last year....

I was going through some pictures and found this one of the chunk...it was taken exactly one year ago today!  Crazy, right?    Clark has grown leaps and bounds! He is such a little guy now.... walking, beginning to talk, making life more interesting to those around him. 

I love watching him interact with family and friends. He has a different temperament for each person. He knows when to be subdued, when to be a bit nutty and when to gentle. I love that he can switch his temperament to engage and interact with family and friends.

I especially love watching him play at the playground. He has this one park in Arlington that has a "rock pit". He loves to collect all the little rocks and put them into a dump truck. He will sit there for an hour, placing the rocks in one by one, carefully with such technique. Occasionally looking up to see the water and the boats pass by. It's such a great, peaceful spot that we stumbled across with a friend. It is great place for picnics (it has tables and such) or a great place to sit and have coffee.  

I really have enjoyed our adventure and have found all these cool hideaways and amazing places! 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading other blogs!

I was looking through the blogs I follow tonight to see if there were interesting recipes, fun places to visit, or anything exciting going on. I came across what has to be my most favorite post to date! 
 http://beafunmum.com/2011/10/getting-off-the-merry-go-round/
Life sometimes can be a merry-go-round, and we do have the choice to get off at anypoint, sometimes though we stay on for fear that we may disappoint others.

After reading The Happiness Project  a few months ago,I decided that it was truly time to focus on myself, what I want in my life, what makes me happy, and with my happiness how that would effect Clark and his happiness.
It definately has been a change and I have throughly enjoyed  the process!

I am my own squeaky wheel!

You never know who you may touch; just a few words can make someone’s day a little lighter.

Kindness is contagious.

And sometimes I am my own squeaky wheel…

                                                     As taken from Be A Fun Mum blog

Have you ever realized how sometimes someone can say something that instantly makes you feel better. Whether its expected or not, you just feel better. I am having more of those days. Appreciation and respect are two  things that are so important in life.
To know that you are appreciated is better than flowers, candy, or cards. Showing or TELLING someone how much they are appreciated in your life is a way to make someone feel lighter!
Being respected is something we all strive for, whether in out work setting, personal settings, relationships, etc, we want other parties to respect us. Carrying yourself well and respecting others is the key! If you don't respect someone else, how will they respect you?

I have been reflecting on my life thus far. What could I have done better? What could I have avoided? What path could I have taken? Was this path for me?
I believe that my life thus far is pretty amazing. I would take bits and pieces away - Like my  mother dying, I wish she were here to meet Clark. I think they would have gotten along famously! I believe that if she were here that she would be proud of me and the choices I have made, however she would be a constant source of support in times of need.
I do believe that all my choices have lead me to the right life for me. It lead me to Clark and that is all I need.

Sometimes I can be my own squeaky wheel and not fully engage in a moment, but I think I found the right oil to settle down my already squeakiness! Sometimes I believe that I shouldn't be as happy as I am in the moment, that there are others out there that don't have the means to be happy. But if I ruimanate and dwell on it, then I become down. Clark and I have decided that dwelling is not really for us!

Just remember when you go out into the world, Gandhi's quote " be the change you want to see in the world".  Smile, be kind and remember you never know who is doing the same thing, they might just be someone you want in your life.

Until next time,
There is only love <3

Adventure: Farm!

Super windy on the swings! 

We had a busy weekend! We went to a farm in Northbrough that I found through the Boston Mama blog.  It was a great farm that included, apple picking, pumpkin picking, a huge playground and several small petting zoos. Clark was in big boy heaven with the playground. They had cool tires that he could climb threw, and attempt to climb on. There were swings and slides and of course an old tractor. Clark gravitated over to the tractor within seconds of getting out of his carriage.  He insisted on checking out the wheel and the undercarriage before trying to " climb" into the seat.  It was so cute I had to take a picture!

After the farm we went to check out the new Wegman's in Northborough! Of course there is a method behind my madness! Clark did ok in the store... being the grand opening weekend, he survived the mayham! 

I refelected that night on how much fun we had at the farm and going on an adventure. The more time I am able to devote to Clark the more whole I become. He is such a joy and love ! It is sad that time flies by so fast, within a few years he will be in school full time. I try not to think about that, and enjoy the process of NOW!