things around here...

We are getting ready for everything Halloween...how about you?? I grew up in South Africa so I never celebrated it growing up. In fact, I had never even heard about it until we moved to Canada; I was about 12 at  the time!!! So now...with Tara...it's a pretty big deal! The only thing I hate about Halloween??? All the candy!! Seriously...why is everyone passing candy out like it's water??? And to toddlers? Ugh!! With childhood diabetes and obesity at an all time high, I can't possibly see why adults push candy on kids. I have very strong feelings about this...I had a grandmother who was diabetic and I saw, firsthand, the ravaging effects of diabetes. Let me tell you...it's not pretty. Tell me what you think about this...okay?

I am managing to squeeze in some painting hours...after Tara goes to bed at 8:30...I relax for half hour or so and then get into my studio. I am currently listening to the Dangerous Old Woman series on audio tape and, I swear, that's my secret to having the energy to paint after a long day keeping up with Tara. Its' just so interesting and ...inspiring...the hours zip right by!

Tara is enrolled in 3 different classes right now...and she loves them all! They are Mommy and Me classes...so I get to see her learn and grow and interact with other kids. This is her latest art creation-a paper bag pumpkin! Our home is overflowing with all her art work...it's absolutely everywhere! Love!!

Tim and Tara are really developing such a close relationship...it warms my heart to see it unfold. I breastfed her until she was over a year old, so it was only after that time that they really started bonding. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the two of them together...walking on the beach, hanging out, watching the Lion King...on and on. These moments are so precious to us..fleeting and magical...this is the stuff of life!

And this is my little Tara-poo...growing up so fast I can hardly believe it! Amidst all the toddler hoopla, time-outs and tantrums..all the frustrations and looooong days and tiredness...I don't take any of this for granted. All too soon...they are going to be over. I was recently reading an article on Steve Jobs...and towards the end of his life...the only thing he worried about...was his family; his wife and kids. He reportedly said that he "just wanted to see them graduate from high school". That really resonated with me...brought tears to my eyes. as older parents...Tim and I are very aware of the fleeting quality of life...and my greatest hope is to see Tara to adulthood...to be there for her as much as possible.
*Well, dear friends...that's some of what's  going on around here. How about you? I hope that-on the other end of the computer screen-life finds you well...and full of heart.