When things fall into place

If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.” – Win Borden

This quote really hits home with me today. If we waited until everything was perfect, we would all be in the same place as where we started. We wouldn't accomplish much and probably would all be pretty boring :) 

This quote also makes me think of Clark, he definitely likes to observe, explore and investigate before making any kind of attempt at doing ANYTHING! At one point he was so compliant having someone else hold his bottle, he never attempted to touch it! It wasn't until a wonderful friend and big time Clark/Rachel supporter  showed me how to get him to do it himself, that he finally felt confident holding the bottle.. I will always be grateful!  

First time holding his own bottle! 

Another example is , before learning to walk, he was too "good at" crawling. He would make like lightening and scoot across the floor with the speed of an Olympic speed skater. Before you knew it , he was clear across the floor, looking for something to get into.   I believe he really thought, "why would I slow down to learn something new, when I am getting there just fine":) However, once he practiced a few times, he was a pro... now he will NEVER crawl!  

First time standing on his own! 9 months old

Another  example of Clark observing, investigating, and exploring is with his ring toy. Clark has had this toy since I believe Valentine's day....and he FINALLY started to use it appropriately:) 

At first he would bite, suck and throw the rings, however, now he is putting the rings on the dowel. It amazes me every time I see him make connections, explore and make things work! 

Playing with his ring game! 

Clark has also been having some "quiet time" where he can look at books and other "quiet" items. He is too cute and funny when he looks at his favorite books. One book that he loves is Barn Yard Dance by Sandra Boynton. We gave this book as a gift to our friends new baby ( well not so new! ) of course with a lovey:) Clark would read this book to himself and also ask for me to read it whenever he gets a chance. I had to share it with others. 

Clark, "tasting" Sandra Boynton's Barn Yard Dance!
8months old

Another book, is Peek-a -boo baby. This is a great open flap book with lots of sensory textures. Clark thoroughly enjoys feeling all the bumps, teddy bear fur, and sparkly hearts.  

Clark has been really looking at the pages and treating the books with care. He loves books and I am so happy about that. 

Clark, 14 months old.  Reading " Peek -a-boo baby" 

I have been focusing my energy on this other quote.....

It has opened my eyes to a "whole new world" . I believe that the way I was living before wasn't a way that showcased my appreciation for myself . Not being concerned with drama and negativity has really helped my overall self. I am proud of where I am and where I am going... won't you join me?!?! <3


Until next time,
There is only love <3 

Adventure: Beach on a cold Sunday.....

Clark, just waking up! 

 Today, after Clark's nap we decided that we would venture out to the beach and go to the playground. Clark hasn't been to this playground since Mid- July. It was one of his favorites, it is where he first went on a swing and down the slide. When we pulled into the parking lot, he knew exactly where we were headed! He couldn't wait to get out and explore!!!

 This time around Clark was not bothered by the sand at all. He felt it , fell in it, and even tasted it! Hahahha

Attempting to "talk" his way into getting  me to let him  climb up the ropes......

Hiding under the climbing structure

 After playing for about an hour at the playground, Clark noticed some birds and seagulls near the beach. So we headed down (Veggie Chips in hand) to chase the birds and also to feed them :) Clark was trying to catch the birds, however they had other plans! At one point Clark came super close to heading into the water! I do believe he would have been a little cold, had that happened!

" Gonna git cha!" 

Run, run Clark!!! 

We had a great afternoon outdoors!  Each and every day Clark makes connections to our past, it is such a sight to see. He is really beginning to put things together and make strong connections.   Being at this playground with Clark today brought back a lot of really good memories and fun! Even in the cold and wind, we had a blast. Maybe we will venture to other places and see you there!!
Until next time,
There is only love <3

Halloween Eve!

Here was my inspiration for Clark's Halloween costume this year...

And here is the finished product:

This boy just melts my heart and makes me smile a big ol' smile. <3
Until next time,
There is only love <3

Recipe: Black bean, corn and cheese wraps ! And Corn muffins!

I have been trying to find new and exciting foods that incorporate Clark's favorite things.
One favorite food is corn and the other is cheese. Today I made
Black bean , corn and cheese wraps!  
I purchased Trader Joe's whole wheat  10-inch flour tortillas1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup canned corn niblets, drained and rinsed

2 Tbsp. grated cheddar cheese

2 Tbsp. tomato salsa. In a small bowl, combine the beans, corn, cheddar and salsa, stirring to combine.

Place filling into the centre of the tortilla. Then roll it up, burrito-style with ends closed, to encase the filling.
 Toast, seam side down, in a non-stick pan over medium heat until golden brown. Repeat on other side

For a side treat, I made Corn, cheese, scallion and zucchini muffins!
Recipe:
Your favorite boxed cornbread/muffin mix or recipe (one that makes an 9-inch pan or so), I used Trader Joes Corn muffin/ bread mix.
1/2 cup grated fresh zucchini
1/2 cup canned corn, drained
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Prepare the cornbread following the box instructions. Add the zucchini, corn and cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients before mixing in the wet. Continue on with the recipe as printed, baking accordingly.Trader Joes cooks at 350 for 30 minutes!
Yummy and healthy treats for me and the chunk today!!! Including foods that Clark likes into many different recipes that include spices, onions, peppers and such will allow him to try new foods and spices that he might grow up to like:)

Grate Zucchini

Oil, milk and egg

corn mixture,cheese, scallions

Finished Project!

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