they got up... a normal day and then they got dressed...
i was walking the dog... and they found me on the trail on the bikes.... to show me the new "looks"
i really had nothing to do with it...
or did i?? maybe i did... gosh... i hope so, come to think of it.
i hope the way i am raising them, loving them... caring for them, speaking to them... i hope it is all has something big to do with them being creative, and unique and strong and individual. i hope the friends we are choosing to have- the people we spend time with- the music we listen too... the way we speak- gosh... i hope it is investing into these little men.
becasue as much as i can pretend to act how i think i need to act- to be slightly embarrased by my eight year old in underwear and a cape- i am going to be a whole lot of honest right here right now- i am beyond proud... like moved to tears proud of them- the little one who does not give a %*@& what anyone thinks about him- completely enthralled in his imagination and world of being super caleb- with the super power of tape hands and a nemesis of metal- friend of the sharks (found on his underwear) and arch enemy of our friend josh. and the old one- who loves style and fashion and clothes and shopping- and buttoning up and tucking in his shirt and who is brave enough to wear it out becasue he likes it- not because he is trying to fit in- but becasue he is so secure in himself- and then this same boy who in the same breath can be so passionate about adreneline- snowboarding and skateboarding and new tricks- he is just... secure in his own body in EVERY way and I find myself impressed and a little jealous.
i took this photo on my phone. not set up- just a moment in my life with them. and it is my favorite photo to date- because it tells me i am doing a good job as a mom. i have a lot to do with this, and them. and i wonder if i walked in that idea a little more... i wonder what more could come- i have taught them to be confident and secure- and so need to walk that out myself and say it. i am a great mom... come on... look at these boys:)
Fantastic!
Posted by: Lexa | August 30, 2012 at 09:15 AM
Well, I can tell you, as someone who has seen those two boys out on their own, without you or Chad (or any adults) present to keep them in line, they are incredible people. Not just kids, but people. They are kind, they are fair, they welcome everyone, they are mindful of others, they share and they have so much wonder to them while at the same time seeming so wise/grown up . They are good people and this means that SOMEONE is doing a pretty bang-on job of raising them up this way.
I'd been meaning to tell you this when I first came across them at Meadow Park one afternoon this past summer, they didn't know who I was, nor that I was watching/observing their behaviour (they happened to be playing around my girls at the splash park), and they blew me away. Beautiful hearts, minds, souls.
Can't wait to see what comes next.
Posted by: Aimee | August 30, 2012 at 02:46 PM
aimee you are too kind... thank you.
Posted by: anastasia | August 31, 2012 at 09:17 AM
Crying now!!! I think this is my fav photo I have seen of yours, and the blog about it made it even more amazing.
Posted by: Jessica | August 31, 2012 at 09:47 AM
you are doing one amazing job!!! and in fact you blow me away!!!
Posted by: Candace | August 31, 2012 at 10:32 PM
I think your a rad mom. I live this everyday with my son Judah 5 and my daughter Malia 20m. Judah is a superhero. Today he was a Thor, a Robber, a Cat, a Spy and a drum major all at once. He said it was mixed up day. Malia is into anything Judah is playing but believe me she has a mind of her own. She even took up skateboarding the other day. Seriously. Blew my mind.
The 1st day I went to the skate park with my two kids and we all road around together. Malia just sat on the board until later. That day my dears was one of the best days of my life. I just drank in the moment. It was so fun. When I take them to a day event and a dj is playing some ace music we dance all together and again those are some of the best days of my life.
When Judah and Malia go out on the town they look everyone in the eye and are a friend to all, polite, charming and funny and they live in that experience of right here right now. Even when I'm doing biz for my company www.ClutchJewels.com and they come with me we just enjoy being together and everyone I work in association with just wants to entertain them while I do a few mins of biz so it makes me able to be a mom and and entrepreneur at the same time. So a shout out to the communities out there that are being great amongst the madness!
So much love to you Anastasia and blessings to all of you out there that parent joyfully and mindfully everyday meanwhile walking the beautiful minefield of life. It's in all of us.. just let love lead you and hug your children everyday. Anastasia what a brilliant photo of your kids. It filled my heart. You've inspired me to post one of my fave photos of my kids and 2 of their cousins on my Fashion & Culture Video Blog. I've quoted and linked to your blog. Lets be friends here in cyber world. Thanks for sharing sister. We are raising the revolutionary future!
PS. My husband Tyler sent me this link to your blog and we can't figure out how we know you but we love you already! Must be Whistler.
Mary.
www.FashionistaSista.ca
www.Youtube.com/aFashionistaSista
www.ClutchJewels.com
Posted by: Mary Craig Olson | September 01, 2012 at 12:15 AM
Just amazing. I am teary after seeing and reading that.
You are a great Mom.
xoxo
Marla
Posted by: Marla Waal | September 01, 2012 at 08:38 AM