the last days

it's not only the last days of this year, it's also our last days in the house we've lived in for the last one and a half years and it's been Christmas...

so many things to do and so many thoughts when you pack away things... and so many plans and ideas for the new apartment we'll move too and the new year...

the last days that I wanted to last forever but also to pass quick as I, of course, want the move done. but for our family every move is something special...we love the nights we spend on the floor and the mealtimes between boxes and the excitement of placing our special things different again, making a different home, our home, at least for a while.

it's nice how the girls get even closer as they realize that even if everything else changes, hey, the lil'/big sister is always there...me and my husband sinking into bed after working late hours, to just finish this  one little bit...

I am grateful for the last few days that we did live in slow motion...enjoying wonderful food at home and with friends, playing, sleeping in and being together...

as the packers will walk in tomorrow morning not sure when I'll write again, so just in case...to a wonderful, happy, well just great, new year...

the light

the great holidays of love and light are only a few days away. I was teaching my last yoga class before a two weeks break, as the studio is going to be renovated and yes, everyone needs a break, right!?

oh yes, the break...I am longing for a break right now...

as we're moving house just after Christmas (and I figured it's only in a week) I tried to keep my hands away from too much Christmas decoration and no Christmas crafting this year...after being really sad about it I accepted and well, it's going to be Christmas next year again :-)

but - I couldn't resist the Christmas tree...for the girls and also for me. I am just a big child when it comes to the tree. luckily some of the plant shops in Cairo do import Christmas trees from Holland and yes, we did get one and it's already up and decorated. right, totally against our tradition. but this is the year I just have to accept that things can be different sometimes and still good and happy.

as I am writing here I have the tree in my back and smell it all around me. and that's so worth it... also my big girl helped decorating for the first time and loved it and admires "her" tree!

still some bits and pieces left for little baby Jesus to do on the 24th but within the house starting to fill up with boxes little by little a look at the tree reminds me to pause, take a deep breath and take a moment.

with a last shopping trip tomorrow I hope to enter 3 quiet days before the move...not sure if it will work out but we'll try our best. I might not resist some Christmas cooking...

with this I wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy days with lots of love and light...

the light is within.

it is already there.

take your time to see it.

Swami Satchidananda

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by "soulemama"

busy days

holidays are about to start and we are going through really busy and exciting days...

for me there's nothing better than the smell of Christmas cookies in the house. luckily the girls were eager to join in and did some great rolling, cutting and eating of course. it was great fun, we were just sooo busy with our hands we forgot about the soundtrack to this activity :-)

'couse that's what comes next on my list...Christmas music...I love it all! I used to be a bit over it when I was teaching and preparing Christmas music starting from October...but now I could have it all day long except one song that I prefer to save for Christmas Eve - silent night...

it is hard sometimes within this busy days to enjoy it and not just let it pass and get it done. I was in the middle of running this week when I stopped myself and allowed myself a break and really told myself to... yes, have a lot of things to do, but also to take a deep breath in between and soak it in, to remember exactly that moment...

...when a yoga class sets free that special energy

...my big girl does her dance class for the parents to watch

...my little girl does decorate a cake like a Christmas tree

...Saint Nikolaus made a stop at our doorstep

...I sit and pause with a yummy snack and chai...

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by "soulemama"

Clara

4 years ago, exactly at the time I'm writing now, I was busy giving birth to our second child...we didn't know it's going to be another girl and don't ask why we named her Clara...I just remember Christian telling me "es ist ein Maedchen!" (it's a girl). and when I had her warm on my chest we just called her Clara, that's her, that's it. and now...now she is 4 years old and according to her teacher she is a "clever clogs" :-)

not much to say...just realizing none of my girls is a baby anymore... two big girls in the house...and I am very, very proud...of both of them!

3.12.2007

3.12.2007

the cake

party with friends 1.12.2011

2.12.2011

Mama and the girls

Papa and the girls 

excited

cup cakes

big girl

{this moment}

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by "soulemama"