Beautiful Bare on a Bear Baaaaah

She enriches every waking moment of the day. This little goddess of wisdom and war otherwise known to us as Vicious Chickie. She can wield her words and branches with equal ferocity and always with a smile.

Athena is posing here on a faux bearskin rug, a gift from my dear San Diego friend. Not shy to the camera, she would say, " Thank you," when the picture was shot. Now it is just taken in stride.

All 3 enjoy viewing slideshows of their capers and general joyful romping. The will watch and point, calling out all the names, including dogs, in each slide. In this shot, framed on a tansu, she will point to and say okole. A damn cute one to say the least.

Dressing herself is one of her current goals so that she can keep up with the boys. The moon and in general any light at night brings instant delight. Apetite? Surely this strong soul is happiest when engaging in various forms of nutrition, and much more so if it is meat. That is definitely my girl. Many times one can find her sitting with a blanket and a book by herself. Other times running up a trail, throwing rocks on the ice, building straight lines of blocks, potty training, smothering or mothering the cats and living life. Her favorite word?

LOOK!

Life is a game. Let's play!

Living, loving and learning are a unique game for Nobu. "Hep me! Hep me," with outstretched arms and the charming smile, could only mean to save him from the lava. This is done by pulling his dense (as in mass/volume) little body up by his arms to the bed and letting him know that Nobu is now safe.

"Where's Nobu?" or "No hands," are favorites. We love Eskimo and butterfly kisses and kiss/no kiss where one of us will ask for a kiss, and just as our lips get close, turn our head and say, "No kiss." Of course I will try to be fast and still sneak a kiss in. Oh, and isn't it funny if he is able to pummel me with snowballs trying to knock me down, which can sometimes be done with tornado-strength blowing. In this picture, taken almost one year ago he is enjoying the snow park and running along the cross-country trails, pointing out the snow, trees, deer tracks and even takes a moment to share a smile.

Nobu, Attila and Athena love to run around the house naked, screaming and playing some no-rule tag. Each one, brother and sister, have special games they play and they have their own special language with Nobu. Their giggles are like cherubic chimes, inspiring me to choose wisely. They love to watch their pictures as slide shows on the screen, calling out the names and pointing to each one.

Growing in body, mind and spirit, so many things he does now without mimicry, are so beautiful to me. Without fail, every morning he greets the gatos (cats) by hugging them and carrying them about, and all they want is breakfast, but they are amazingly tolerant and he adores them. Is it unthought of to be so mesmerized by one's offspring?

He loves to sing (the only one of us in the correct key), share ( he always makes sure "Afena" and Attila have some of what he does), and draw. Stunned, I recently found that he can draw people with heads, eyes, bodies, arms, legs, feet and hands. Each body part meaningful. He often will have stories accompanying but I have not fully learned his language in fine detail.

His heart speaks to me and I listen. May I do well by him.

Bring on 2008

Greetings and Salutations from the 3 growing warriors. All in their splendor, we brought in the new year by climing the local mountain with a beautiful sunset overlooking the river. Other goals on the list are to complete all holiday tasks such as sending out postcards, making snowflakes, framing little plaster handprints, zen gardens, cookie decorating, cleaning everything, making a family henna tatto, bathing dogs(?), etc... They are going strong, dancing naked (sorry grandma), and singing loudly. Their grandma came to visit and brought an assortment of musical instruments, all of which they are quite interested in, yet to be supervised undoubtedly.

Recently we were invited to join in a merry evening of music making at a home of some other imports. As it was a first, we did not end up playing, well a couple of them did, but it was great fun for all and most of all for the kids. Nobu was enthralled by the beautiful beta fish. Athena was being served by a man she did not know, but was quite pleased. Attila found some new friends that were not at all beyond understanding that he was a boy with lovely hair. The evening was enchanting and we look forward to futher such ventures.

Wishing you love in the coming New Year. I plan on working on learning Spanish as I have not set it as a strong enough goal, but the young ones learn so fast. Now is the time. What is it you want for this coming year?

Much love