Pics Pics Pics

Just a few pics to recap the event...obviously doesn't skim the surface! Oh so much more to say, but off to practice...don't want to loose what grounds I covered while gone. Lots of love!


Me and John Friend (the man!)


Me and Jesse


**For the next set of pics have the song "Jesse's Girl" by Rick Springfield going through your head :)


Jesse singing


Jen jamm'n


Kristen Jamm'n


Jill jamm'n


Jesse's Girls!


ok party over!



Christina, Jen and Kim



Austin Kula


Me and Sianna Sherman


That's how high baby!

AHHH the Joys of Anusara Yoga

So I wish I had had the opportunity to muse while I was in the moment; however, no computer available. Pam did bring hers, but with her new found responsibilities, I did not have the desire to share my thoughts at 3:00 in the mornings. For those of you who don't know my friend Pam, she is part of my Kula, part of Jesse's girls (that is a whole other story). She was approached by Yoga Journal, the sponsor of the conference, to have her blog listed on their website for all the world to see. Pam is an AMAZING writer, and her blog is wonderful. I have her listed in my links and friends area...you should take a look-see. Anywho, with her obligation to her readers and fans, she spent any free time on the computer...her public awaits! Love you Pammy!!

So now I am back at home, back to my world. Still on somewhat of a high, getting back into routines and schedules. Before I go any further, I really want to thank those who made this adventure possible!!
First and foremost my husband Jason! He without a doubt is the best husband in the world. He supports me in my endeavors, and with out question or doubt, is behind me 150%. Thank you my love for your support and encouragement to go after my dreams. I could not do it without your belief in me!
Secondly my mom. She willingly kept my children while I was gone. She got them ready in the mornings for school, did homework with them, fed them, bathed them and made sure they got a good nights rest. All the while working full time, she still made sure my children came first...THANKS MOM!! I love you!
Thirdly, one of my bestest-estes-estes friends CJ. She picked my children up from school everyday, and bravely made the journey (with her boys in tote as well-totaling4 boys in her suv)to drop them off with my brother. Thank you again CJ for your support, and your bravery in toting my children all around Laredo for me. YOU ROCK!
Lastly, but definitely not LEAST, my brother Tony and his wife Veronica. They kept the boys at their house until my mom got off of work. Thanks for feeding my children if they were wanting a snack and dealing with the noise after a long day in the classroom with your own students. I appreciate it beyond words!
Okay, whew...can there be more? It took how many people to help so I could escape for a few days?? JEEZ! Well it worked it only took half of Laredo to help out, but I made it!

SO how can I possible condense this trip? I have so much to say about it, but I know you all don't have all day to read one blog...especially those from my kula who read 50 million others...(we like to read and blog in our gang).
So I will try this condensed version and may have to elaborate in future rants!

Total time gone- Sunday, Sept 21-Thursday, Sept. 25
Opening ceremonies on Sunday evening.
Every morning began with 45min meditation lead by a different philosophy scholar daily. Master class with the founder of the Anusara Yoga Method, John Friend, from 9:30-12:30. Different theme each day, but I will say this people...we were 800 students in the class...that's right 800! During the practice he wanted us up in handstand...okay so picture with partners...at different times 400 people going up into handstand (remember we are working with partners). AMAZING! Class each day enlightening, inspiring, energizing, invigorating, loving, challenging...I can go on and on.
Everyday I had a different afternoon workshop. Here was the deal:
**Monday- Noah Maze with "Hanuman's Leap"( basically a class where the end result is the splits- called monkey pose in English)Yeah BABY! Advil for me the next day..all day! oh yeah my body, especially the lower half, talked to me all day...well screamed really all day!
**Tuesday- Sarah Faircloth with "Draw into the midline"- arm balances---really cool party tricks!
**Wednesday- Sianna Sherman with "backbends"- no explanation needed. I was in some amazing pretzel poses folks...things I had never done before and poses I had not been able to get into I did. I left that class in such a high, with such a glow and kick ass spirit!
All my teachers certified Anusara Yoga teachers and ALL fab! There were so many classes to choose from, it was really hard, but I was very pleased!! More than very...very very!
I have to say though the first full day, Monday, I was really tired, and skipped a lecture with the philosophy experts(don't tell John Friend), and went to my room. Pammy skipped with me and we hung out and were in bed by 8:20. That really helped me for the rest of the time there.
I will post some pics soon, and elaborate then on some more key things about Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies, and the FIRST EVER Anusara Yoga Grand Gathering!

Greetings from Estes Park CO

Just a quick update...I know I have a hard time being quick,but really a quickie got to get to John Friends Master class...First ever Anusara Grand Gathering has been AMAZING!!! This location tops, and the energy is hard to put into words...The beauty that surrounds me is amazing, and the people, well what can I say it's the KULA! More pics and specifics when I return, but know that up here I am sending good energy and thoughts to you all back home! What an amazing opportunity!

My Love is Here!!

Sorry Scott!!! As far as the rest of last week, not much to report. I did however have an outing with my brother on Friday night...I have so much to say about that, but not now. When I have more time I will!! Juicy stuff!
Just a quick blurb...Jason is here for two weeks!! YEAH!!!!
He arrived Monday morning, and I picked him up in SA. After a quick brunch, we headed back to Laredo to pick up the boys from school...They were really excited to see him!! Cade ran into Jason's arms the minute he saw him. Ty ran past him, then came back and jumped on him...We need to take pics so I can post.
Today we ran some errands after dropping off kids and just hung out and caught up! I am loving this quality time together...the boys have all his attention after they get out from school...More to come as the week unravels..
Tomorrow we head to Corpus for the day with my Grandma. Just a quick trip, but it will be fun!

Quality Time with Mom

So my mom and I took full advantage of the holiday! The boys had school, so we hit the town. We dropped the kids off at 8:25, and were on our way to Starbucks. I treated my mom to white chocolate mocha...yum my fav! During our latte time, I was on the phone with my cousin Beka talking yoga stuff. At one point, my mom made a comment about yoga, and before we knew it there was a gentleman coming straight for our table. As he approached, he said "forgive me but I really was not ease dropping I just heard you say something about yoga...I want to know where I can go to do yoga?" Before I knew it my mom had already engrossed in conversation, given him my bio, told him he HAD to take classes from me, and next thing I knew, he was giving me his business card with his email to let him know when I will start teaching(which starts in a few weeks). OK so for those of you who know my mom..she is quick..light speed and can talk anyone under the table! So needless to say I have a student eager and willing, and the best part, he is going to tell all his friends and they will take classes too..yeah! (World domination continues Christina)...Thanks Mom!! After coffee, we headed straight for the mall. Macy's was having a sale, so we were sale bound! I found some darling sparkly sandals that were on sale from $80 to $32..SCORE!!! one of my favorite colors is sparkly, even better, my mom bought them for me!!! YEAH BABY! Oh how it takes me back to old times when my mom would make the purchases for me...no responsibility, no worries, obviously no kids..okay tangent. Anyway, after the mall, we went to the nail salon..mom got a pedicure and I got a manicure..I had already had a pedicure so I opted for the hands...fun. Off to lunch from there...sushi! Before we knew it, we had only two hours left, and so much more we wanted to do, so we headed downtown. Downtown Laredo is the place to go if you want costume jewelry, perfume, and little nick knack stuff. The prices are awesome, and you can find great deals. Perfume prices are much less than the dept stores, and for the same thing. My grandmother was out of her ultra fav perfume, so we headed walking down this one drag in search of her flavor. I the process, I bought a new fragrance, Ed Hardy, yum O! I don't wear perfume often, but occasionally if I want to smell like something other than essential oils. Before we knew it we were pulling into the house at 3:05,just in time to pick up the boys. Whew! What fun! It had been a while since my mom and I had spent time like that. Usually we had the boys with us, or we were only gone for 1-2 hours because of the boys. Fun Times!!
On to a new day, and off to practice yoga baby!

WOW time flies

So I can't believe that it has been over a week since I have blogged...where has the time gone??
I have been busy, and some days not so busy...I have spent some good time with my grandmother that I would not have if the boys were with me. We have been to lunch and shopping...I LOVE SHOPPING!! It is so funny how my shopping has changed. Before I would buy only for me, and not think about anyone else. Now, I walk into a store, and think about my boys. My grand purchase for the day was cookie cutters. Giant cookie cutters with the letters of the alphabet in stainless steel. It has been raining here, and how fun would it be to make cookies with the boys in their initials and decorate with icing?? Great indoor activity! I'll let you know how it goes. For those of you laughing right now..stop! I know, my grandmother and I laughed a bit too, but I can do this..I know I know, it has never been my forte, but I want to now...that's the difference! Going back to my grandma, she has always been a big part of my life. She is the best grandmother in the world! (of course I would say that!) Now that she is a bit older (88), she can't move as fast, but that does not stop her...you better step aside when that walker comes your way! Anyway, needless to say, we have had some fun! On the days that I was around the house, I have been working on my immersion questions (these are the ones that I need to turn in toward the next step in my certification process). I am enjoying looking up the one's that I am not sure about, and I am loving the fact that I know a bunch...who knew? I guess it is all up there somewhere in my head!?
So let me tell you what has been weighing heavy on my heart. I was watching TV the other day (can you believe it, and it wasn't Thomas the train, or shrek or any cartoon) and on this talk show they are having a contest about a life experience that has happened to you, good or bad, that has changed your life forever. I could not help but begin to cry. We all have our stories and our experiences that we have been through. I truly believe that they are vital in out growth and our learning. The outcome of mine was falling in love, getting married, and have two wonderful boys! My story is to long to go through right now, but perhaps for another musing? The long of the short of it is .... LIFE IS TO SHORT! I learned that we never know what curves life brings, and we should always live the best life we can day by day! We all go through our daily routines, sometimes not stopping to realize that we just went through this whole week without reaching out to someone, telling someone how you feel about them, giving a hug, a compliment, or just extending a had out to someone. FOLKS WE NEED TO!! I know that I am guilty of this and I need to be better at it. For a while I was and then you get so wrapped up in the mundane things that you forget the important ones. After thinking long and hard I have made some decisions, and I will put some actions in to play. I want to live each day like I won't have another...I hope you do too!
Going back to the contest, the winners will have song written about their experience by a professional songwriter and get flown to NY...pretty cool!
Not that I will enter, but if anything...something to think about!

All the time in the world- no time for anything

So since the boys have been in school, you would think that I would have all this time to myself, and do what I want to do for me me me....well it just seemed like I have had no time...
I have been running errands that are necessary, cleaning the house, no fun, and last week helped my brother 3 days in his 5Th grade classroom ( I really didn't mind it Tony don't get bent out of shape) just saying there has been no pedi, massage, lounging, shopping, naps etc...
For whatever reason this has happened, I told myself NO MORE!
I came down with a stomach bug on Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning, and I am just feeling better today. I took the boys to school, came back and sat on the couch and drank some tea! AHHHHH yummy chai, and I sat until now that I am at the computer. In a bit I need to get my brakes repaired, but the rest of the day will be spent on the couch and recovering from the tummy thing!
Just a quick update on the boys and school...apparently they are model students. The teacher told my mom yesterday, they are perfect students and Cade is excellent and following all instructions....who would have thought that the child who threw himself on the floor, is now the model student of his class...I knew he would be fine once he settled in. Of course Ty is always perfect so that one does not surprise me! I would rather deal with Cade my ":spirited child" issues at home then the teachers in the classroom...
Well, off to a nice lazy day. I have not had one of those since well, before TY was born and he is 4 1/2. Yeah! Don't you think it's time??