Sunday, September 30, 2007

Reunion

So I got home around 5:15 pm yesterday. I'd not seen the boys for about 8 days. I thought a lot about them on the retreat. Hugging them felt so sweet. They were excited and I think some anger was that I left was mixed in a little there. I think they're good at living in the moment, so they don't hold grudges.

Andres seems as though he's talking a whole lot more and asks about words and tries out words a lot. Before I left, I played with him kicking the ball at me a lot. He really liked that and worked up a sweat. He's right footed, he's reluctant to kick with his left foot, which I challenge him to do in a friendly way occasionally. It was a nice connection with him. When Paquita came, when it was time for me to leave, his quality of crying indicated he realized I was going away. Or maybe he was just enjoying our morning together.

William seems so grown up. He's been asking me to play "once upon a time". I play with Thomas and create a story. At some point, he takes over and I watch him tell the story. I tell stories about things I imagine are going on with him starting school, and I name some of the trains the names of his peers at school.

This morning Diana and I were trying to talk, but the boys kept interrupting us. I was insistent on us talking and the boys actually played for a while with minimal support. Andres has the harder time, and they do get into squabbles.

They got really dirty at the park today. There's a quality of play that is familiar to me. They were playing in the fountain and with dirt.

Coming home I realize what a lot of responsibility I have, to have a family, to work so hard, to work to engage in a real and active spiritual life. Life is very rich. Too much at times, just right others.

Here's a quote from a book I read on retreat:

From p. 78 of What Makes You Not A Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse:

"When some of us become parents ourselves, even a little understanding of interdependence effectively softens our expectations of our children, which they may interpret as love. Without that understanding, we might have good intentions to love and care for our children, but our expectations and demands can become unbearable."

Happy Birthday Andres


Happy Birthday Andres
Originally uploaded by sravacitta
We're having a big party next weekend at Virginia's out in New Jersey. Zane is flying in from California. But on his actual birthday, there was a little party with what turned out to be lots of kids.

Flying Andres


Flying Andres
Originally uploaded by sravacitta
Venus helps Andres to Fly. Emma is in the background. This photo was taken on his actual birthday.

Monday, September 17, 2007

a decent proprosal

I read on Bodhi's blog about an article in the New York Times that calls for restricting children's toy advertizing. Sounds like a decent proposal to me.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Apple Picking

So we went to New Jersey on Saturday and hung out in a nice suburban house in that direction. William enjoyed Evan and Ava's Thomas The Tank Engine toys so much, he didn't want to come home.

Sunday we went to see Frankie and went apple picking. The boys ate so many apples it was worth it. For me it was a bit of a long drive. I should go to bed instead of write this blog.

So we enjoyed being out doors in yards in suburbia. Makes me want to get the boys an abode that has a yard. I don't think they're suffering now. I am a little bit though.

I'm starting to feel guilty about being away for so long starting Friday.

William, Frankie, Natasia & Andrew


Andres and Steve


Andres and Steve
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

Natasia


Natasia
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

William and Frankie


William and Frankie
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

Apple in hand


Apple in hand
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

Pick me up!


Pick me up!
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

Diana and Andrew, drinking milk


Diana and William


Diana and William
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

Virginia, Diana and godparents


V, D and godparents
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

Virginia Miller


Virginia Miller
Originally uploaded by sravacitta

Hector & Evylyn Kiss at Wedding

Aida and Natasia watched the boys so we could go to Hector and Evylyn's wedding.