marking time

the passing of time is marked in so many ways. ways that are exciting and heartbreaking at the same time. from first steps to setting off for solo adventures in the wide world, our children are pulling away from us in tiny increments from the moment they come into the world.

it's their job. our job is to make sure they're ready for each next step and encourage them to keep growing and pulling within the safe confines of our love and support. 

parenting is such a different journey with each child. this one - my baby - started kindergarten this year. he lost his first tooth last week. he's setting off down the trails blazed by his brother.

it's time to let go and gently release him into the wild. 

'come back! come back!' i silently scream.

'it's scary out there!'

'it's nice and safe here, in mama's arms.' 

but i must let him test the waters, gently nudging him back out when he clings too long.

he's a little boy now - no more baby.

stride boldly my boy - into all the beauties this world has to offer.

go and make magic happen!

seems like yesterday!

summer's last hurrah

(disclaimer: this was supposed to be posted on labor day - then yesterday. i might have to fire the poster!)

tho here in austin, our neighborhood pool is open year-round, we can boat and swim well into september (and possibly october), and the kids will still get in the chilly creek with the floating fall leaves, labor day tends to mark the end of summer.

even with school starting before the sobering holiday, life feels a bit free-wheeling until you can no longer wear white without your aunt frannie reminding you that it's not done (i sure do miss you aunt frannie).

with the first official day of fall upon us, we are now fully plugged into our fall schedule - school, homework, martial arts, football, adventure club, talking incessently about halloween costumes, pumpkin planning, holiday schedules, plans and possible travel; crock pot dinner, picking out clothes, packing snacks, laying out gear the night before, 7:30 bed time - whew! there is something comforting and stable about the routine, even when the pace feels a bit frenetic.

it was not a graceful transition into school schedule, but having a day off to exhale and start fresh gave us all a much-needed break to take full advantage of the last gasp of summer 2015 - 'the best summer ever!'

we put the world on hold and spent the day lazing, eating, swimming, tubing, conquering fears and reconnecting with who we are, bathed in the frigid waters of lake austin.

it was a good day.

so long summer. see you next -- well, see you next summer!

welcome fall - 90 degrees and all!

no longer afraid

*photos from Bee Cave Sculpture Park where we created our own sculptures and discovered nature's sculpture (can you see the tiny bird egg?)

no longer afraid

she threw back her shoulders

and opened her mouth

and sang out loud and fierce.

it was terrible

and it was beautiful

because it was her own song.

she spread her wings

and flapped them a bit

to rid them of dust.

and she realized

she was no longer afraid.

she was no longer afraid.