Photo Friday – Mission Santa Clara de Asis

Recently we visited Mission de Asis in Santa Clara for Leah’s fourth grade mission project.  I did not realize that it was part of the Santa Clara University nor did I know that Santa Clara University is the oldest campus of higher learning the state of California established in 1851.  It is a beautiful campus and the mission sits at the heart of it.

Photo Friday – The Golden Gate Bridge

 

Well, it’s not the perfect view but it is still is beautiful.

Epic Adventures in San Francisco For a New Mom

As a new mom, I had missed some of the independence I had without kids. So, in an effort to spread my wings and gain some confidence in my new role in life I planned a daring trip to San Francisco for the day. I wanted to take my nine-year-old niece and one-year-old son to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The weather was bright and sunny the perfect day for an epic adventure for the three of us.

My plan was take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) in to the city, explore the museum and then walk around the Union Square area to find a place for lunch and check out a few shops.

We finished looking through the museum and decided to make one last pit stop at the restroom to change a dirty diaper. It was then I saw that I had a major situation on my hands. My little boy, Stuart, was having some serious diarrhea. It had gone through all of his clothes and onto the stroller. This was worse than anything I had ever seen before. My niece was faking throwing up because it smelled so bad. She was more of an aggravation than help at that point, so I put her straight to work trying to clean up the stroller while I took care of the baby. I discovered nine year olds are probably not qualified to do this job. It did, however, keep her busy and out of my hair for the moment. Once everything was put back together, with the baby, the dirty clothes, and the stroller, cleaned up as best as could be, we were on our way again. I have to admit I felt pretty proud of myself as I walked out of that bathroom. Pulling together a mess like that in a public bathroom with minimal resources is not for the faint hearted. The rest of the day went smoothly as we looked in a few shops before heading back to the BART Station to go home.

We arrived during rush hour when it was very crowded. A trio of travelers caught my eye. They were the young executive types. The picture brought back many memories of my working days, and I began to feel very insecure as I sat there with my kids, in my khakis and t-shirt. About that time, my son had another episode of diarrhea. However, this time he was sitting on my lap and again it went straight through his clothes, and all over me. I looked across the aisle at the young executives in their snappy smart suits, carrying their briefcases and laptops, talking about “important” stuff. As I sat there it occurred to me that dealing with baby poop and a nine year old's non-stop stream of questions is a greater test of ingenuity and thinking outside of the box than coming up with a new marketing strategy. I knew in my heart in that moment that my life as a mother was far more challenging than anything I had faced as a young executive working my way up the ladder. It would be far more demanding than any deadline I ever faced in my professional career. I began to see new importance in the words “no, no” or, “What are you learning in school these days?” The guidance and advice I give as a mother will have far more impact on the world than any advice I gave my clients on “how to improve their bottom line” ever did.

My epic adventure in navigating the messiness of motherhood became a pivotal point in my life. I learned that even though I no longer clocked in and carried a brief case my life still had meaning and purpose. I earned my wings that day in San Francisco. I went home knowing that I indeed was a mother and confident that I could do this thing.

         Stuart and Courtney on one of the many adventures they had together.

Photo Friday–Goodies in SF Chinatown

Chinatown is a fascinating place filled rows of goodies all lined up waiting to be noticed.

Summer Vacation Is Almost Here And I’m Stressed Already!

It’s almost time for Summer Vacation and the famous question asked by all is “So, what are we gonna do today Ferb?”  Well, unlike Phineas and Ferb who supposedly have 104 days of Summer Vacation we have roughly 68 days and they go by fast.  It is hard to find the perfect balance of busy and lazy so that you feel your vacation was relaxing and yet creative and productive. 
I have tried many strategies to attempt to keep us busy with something to do and every year when it is time to go back to school it seems as though we barely had time to do the things we really wanted to.  I even have trouble comprising the list because I can’t decide how to prioritize the things I want to do. Does sleeping in trump getting up early to go the flea market, or playing with sidewalk chalk and the backyard hose beat out going to the movies and wearing 3D glasses?  Daytrips vs. parks and play dates which one comes first?  How can I have a perfect Summer Vacation when I can’t even come up with a plan?
Here are some of the places I would love to go for day trips this Summer:
1.  The San Francisco Ferry Building:  I have been wanting to go here for the past few years.  Every school vacation I say to myself wouldn't it be great to take the BART and go and check this place out yet, it never seems to happen.  One of the things that makes this trip so appealing to me is the ease in actually getting there.  This is an easy two block walk from the Embarcadero BART Station.  It is one of those hop on hop off kind of gems on the BART route.  There aren’t enough of those.  I think the experience of walking through the farmers market would be as close as I may ever come to walking through a farmers market in Southern France or some other exotic European Location.  I do remember walking through the farmers market in Germany with Mirja (my dear foreign exchange student sister) and her mom when I was 18 and boy do I wish I paid much more attention to what I was experiencing than I actually did.
2.  The California State Railroad Museum via Amtrak: This is a daytrip dreamt up by a mom with a little boy who loves Thomas The Tank Engine.  Of course my little boy is now nearly 12 and has pretty much out grown Thomas, but do you ever really out grow trains?  I still think we would all love this.  I have heard that you can take the train from Modesto and get off in Sacramento close to the train museum.  I’m not sure of all of the details but want to find out about how much this would cost and if it really is feasible.
3.  Lavender Hollow Farm: Here is another really simple and easy trip to fit in.  It really doesn’t even have to take a day since we are under 30 minutes from this place.  However, if you don’t act quickly you will loose your opportunity since it closes by the 4th of July.  I missed my opportunity last year.  I really want to take my new camera here and have fun just clicking away.  It might even be a better trip without the kids.  They used to serve a delicious lunch with every item featuring a lavender twist they no longer serve lunch but I hear you can still get their famous Lavender Lemonade.  A trip here was a birthday gift from Sister-in-law one year and I have always wanted to make it an annual trip.
4. San Francisco's Exploratorium, Presidio, and Fort Point: Steve of all people who only a few years ago told me he never wanted to go back to SF has expressed his desire to go back and explore these areas more.  Of course I am all for anything that let’s me explore and get to know SF a little bit more.  All of these places are in the same general vicinity and might make a great weekend trip too.  They are also a good fit for the age range of our kids right now.  A little bit of history, science, and beauty all wrapped up into one fabulous trip.
Those are on the top of my day trip list.  Maybe we will actually hit one or two of those.  The other things on my list include spending time with friends, camping in our trailer if possible, swimming in either my brother’s pool, bother-in-law’s pool, friend’s pool, community pool! Since we don’t have a pool we gotta take our opportunities when it comes to swimming too.  Play dates with some of my kids good friends would also be nice.  I need to encourage the friendships my kids are developing.  Finally, I do want to relax and have days filled with sewing, planting, and enjoying hanging out at home but the house needs to be clean first or maybe just maybe almost clean would be close enough, otherwise I might never enjoy those things.
What is on your Summer Vacation list?

Photo Friday–Capitola

This Ryan age 2 checking out the view of the ocean from the rocks at Capitola Beach in Northern CA.  Today Ryan in is 8th grade and still loves this view very much.

Point Reyes Lighthouse & National Seashore

Back in February of 2010 we ended up here on the end of our spontaneous weekend adventure up the California Coast from the Monterey Peninsula.  We had meandered up the coast and stopped here only to find out at the visitors station that we were too late to see the lighthouse that day they would be closing soon.  The park ranger showed us everything she could in the visitors center and even gave the kids a free poster to take home and put on their wall if we promised to come back again another day.
Two years later we finally made the trip back.  The Point Reyes Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque which must be why 2.5 million visitors visit annually.  With the entire national park seashore it could easily be a weekend or summer vacation destination.  Although some of it’s peak seasons are January and March when whale watching is it at it’s prime season.  In January the whales are migrating south from Alaska to Cabo San Lucas.  In March they begin their journey back to Alaska.  From the observation deck we looked and looked for the misty spray that rises up from the sea which is the sure sign of whales, but were not lucky enough to catch to a glimpse.  There was plenty of other wildlife to see and we learned some interesting things about our early California history.

      Our overly friendly lunch guest                        Common Murres on the rocks

We got up close and personal with some Seagulls that were after Stuart’s lunch.  Since he happened to be the one most likely to leave a crumb trail.  There were also Murres, and we learned how the project at Point Reyes is helping to reestablish one of the largest colonies of Murres in North America.  We saw Northern Elephant Seals at Chimney Rock, the seals come to this beach semi annually to breed it is one of only eleven beaches in the world that they breed on.  The national park is also home to the Tomales Tule Elk Preserve.

The trip out to the lighthouse started with a shuttle from one of the visitor centers to the base of the lighthouse visitor area where we then walked up a paved road to get to the observation deck. This is where you can then decide to go down the steps to the lighthouse and explore some more.  There is a big warning sign that this can be a very strenuous climb back up, but who pays attention to warning signs.  The lighthouse was fun to see up close and I found it very interesting to see how small the new automated light and fog horn is in comparison to the grand old lighthouse.  However, on the way back up I realized that the warning sign was not kidding when it said strenuous.  I wasn’t sure I was going to make it for awhile but alas embarrassment kicks in and you dig deep to find that all needed energy to make it to the top.  Did I mention that it is 308 steps the equivalent to a 30 story building.


   New Modern Mechanism                    308 Steps!                            The Climb Up
I was fascinated with the history of the Sir Francis Drake and how in 1579 during his trip to circumnavigate the globe he stopped in what is now Drakes Bay for 4-5 weeks to repair his ship and outfit it for the trip across the Pacific.  

                 Farallone Islands                                             Drake’s Bay
We also learned about the history of the Farallone Islands which sit just west of the lighthouse about 20 miles off shore.  You can see them on a clear sunny day.  These islands are much bigger than they appear and are a wildlife preserve for several species of birds and seal.  During the 1800’s San Franciscans used to go to these islands and collect the thousands of eggs that can be found here.  The residents were dinning on these delicacies and they soon became a very profitable commodity.  So much so that the wildlife was endanger.  A great controversy arose as to the collection and sale of these eggs even to the point of two men being killed.    Eventually Theodore Roosevelt had to step in and declare these islands a national wildlife reserve.

There was much to see and do at the national park and we didn’t have nearly enough time to see it all. 

 

Our day at Point Reyes and the climb back up with the kids

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Friday–The Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presidio in San Francisco

My Brother and his family took us here recently as a Christmas Present.  It was a beautiful sunny day and the museum was filled with fun and interesting things we all enjoyed.  It makes a great day excursion.

Photo Friday: Yerba Buena Gardens San Francisco

No, my kids are not down there I wouldn’t let them go and color.  Just call me the mean mom.

Awe Inspiring Moments

  A few weeks ago during our Boy vs. Girl Bay Area weekend while Leah and I were walking under the rotunda in the Westfield Mall on Market street in San Francisco she blurts out in her 7 year old way "The Government Is rich.". I asked her why she thought that and she said “Because this building is beautiful.” I could see she was overwhelmed and in awe of the beautiful artwork of the rotunda. I tried correcting her by reminding her that we weren't in a government building but she wouldn't budge she said "Still the Government is rich.". Over the next few weeks her words brought a smile to my face as I recalled them. Then I remembered a time when I felt much like she did underneath the rotunda. Overwhelmed with beauty and inspired to believe in incredible greatness.   In 1982 my family journeyed to Alaska. We camped in a pup tent and full size van through out the entire trip through British Columbia, Alaska, and the Yukon Territory. It was an experience of a lifetime and I had an amazing view from my car window where I could watch and see how the landscape changed. I remember at one point near Boundary Alaska how in awe I was of the view. Our elevation was up above the tree line which meant that as you stood on the cusp of one mountain you could see for miles and miles around you and all there was to see was mountains. I suddenly felt very small and insignificant. Our little van and the dirt road we were on was completely swallowed up by the huge vastness of the land. I was in awe and knew that there surely was a God and he was powerful, and majestic, and great. Have you been to a place that has inspired you and left you in awe?

The Joseph Family's Boy vs. Girl Bay Area Weekend Part 2

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When I shared the title of this blog with everyone this morning "Boys vs. Girls" my son promptly responded "Boys win!" There was no doubt in his mind that he was going to have more fun than the girls. So, the competition was on, who would triumph in our quest to find and indulge in the most fun? There is a certain thrill of adventure every time I buy my BART ticket into the city. As Leah and I walked to the station, bought our tickets and waited on the platform it was a moment of hopeful adventure for both of us.

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One of the best stops on the BART route is Powell station. Who couldn't love being dropped off in the basement of one of the best malls in the city.  You could literally take BART into San Francisco exit at this station and never even step out into the fresh crisp ocean air this city is famous for. Leah proved to be quite a shopper today. I dare say she just about out shopped me. Of course, we shopped the Hello Kitty store, the toy store, Bristol Farms, a favorite of mine, and an accessory store. I now know that Leah is a fan of all things that glitter and, feathers.

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We finally stepped outside into the city and she gasped as she took in the view of skyscrapers that welcomed us. We were right at Market and Powell streets where the cable car stop is. There is always live music and a lot of people around this location. Leah kept asking "Where's the parade?". We continued on up Powell to Union Square but had to duck inside a pink and white shop filled from floor to ceiling with sparkly costume jewelry. I didn't think I was ever going to get her out of this store. I'm sure she left only because I promised the next stop would be the Disney Store. We finally got to the corner of Powell and Post where the Disney store has always been and low and behold it wasn't there. Thank God for the iPhone that let me Map Quest it and find its new location saving me from having to disappoint my 7 year old. After the Disney Store my next stop was Yerba Buena Gardens. This has been on my list of to dos for awhile and I decided this might be the best time to discover what some say is the city's best little gem
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Once in the gardens it really does feel like a rare gem. The green grass and shady trees all enclosed by sky scrapping buildings. Leah and I enjoyed walking through the gardens and seeing the waterfalls and she even enjoyed the children's play area but, when she spotted the ice rink it was all over. There was nothing she wanted to do more than ice skate. So, we did. After ice skating we went next door to the bowling alley and played a few games when, wouldn't you know, we heard from the boys who told us they were finished with their LAN party. We convinced them to come join us because Leah was determined to go back for more ice skating later. About the time open session started again at the rink the boys showed up and we all enjoyed some skating around the rink, except for Daddy who took a nap instead.

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We found some dinner and then began our journey home. As we were approaching the Altamont Pass I kept thinking it seems awfully dark something's different about the landscape. Then it dawned on me, the huge Jesus Saves Cross on the slope of the hillside wasn't lit. It is amazing how things can become so familiar to you. Most of the time you pass them without even thinking, but when they are gone it stands out. I spent many years traveling this particular route for work and it was somewhat of a mile marker for me as I traveled back home. One of those familiar sights that assure you you’re on the right path.  It was missed tonight as I thought of how many times that it also spoke to my heart and reminded me that no matter how far I go from home He is always with me.

The Joseph Family's Boy vs. Girl Bay Area Weekend Part 1

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Here we are just four days away from heading to the Bahamas and what does our crazy family do? Decide to spend the weekend before we leave in the San Francisco Bay Area of course. It started out with Stuart and Steve just going away to do some guy stuff but I quickly jumped on the bandwagon for Leah and I. Thus our boy vs. girl weekend. Steve and Stuart are attending the GeForce LAN party in Alameda on the USS Hornet. If you’re not familiar with LAN parties they are computer gaming parties. You bring your computer hook them up to a network and then play games against each other all weekend. It's a total guy thing. Although, I hear that girls do attend and my fear is that someday Leah, with her love of first person shooter games at the age of 7, will one day be begging to join them leaving me all to myself. Maybe that's not so bad after all? Anyway for now we're split 50-50.

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The USS Hornet is a fun place to visit even without the LAN party going on. It's a World War II aircraft carrier that sailed mostly in the South Pacific. It was also used to pick up the astronauts after coming back from walking on the moon. The aircraft carrier is where they took their first steps back on earth. They have a huge exhibit about this and even have the isolation/decontamination trailer they used to quarantine them while they made sure they weren't bringing back any harmful bacteria. And for those of you who like a good ghost story it is supposedly one of the most haunted places in the Bay Area. So, the boys are going to have a great time no doubt but, Leah and I are ready to have some girlie fun. Our base headquarters is Pleasanton California. From here it is only a quick ride to Alameda for the boys. Our hotel is in the parking lot of the Stoneridge Mall and only steps away from the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. I'm sure you're already imagining how much girlie fun we can come up with. Once we got to the hotel. We walked right over to the mall and went to the nail spa for pedicures. It was Leah's first professional pedicure and she was loving every minute of it. From the picking out of the nail polish to the lemon in the water and finally the lotion and massage that comes just before the polish. Leah had flowers with added jewels painted on her toes. They look so cute and she couldn't take her eyes off them all night. I on the other hand (or, perhaps foot) had chose a color named Cajun Spice the perfect coral color that goes with both reds and pinks. Leah and I now have toes that are ready to step on Caribbean sands and soak up the sun. Next stop dinner. We indulged ourselves with honey walnut shrimp from Panda Express before coming back to our hotel room where we brought stuff to make new hair-bows for vacation. This was a great start to our weekend. Tomorrow, Leah and I head in to San Francisco for the day.