Throwback Post: How Do I Love Thee – Maria Montessori

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**THROWBACK POST**

August 22 2014:

Maria Montessori and High Desert Montessori School… How do I love thee? Let me count the ways … Seriously. Many years ago in my imagination I had envisioned the perfect school and learning opportunities for Thomas and Lillian …

Poof! A little while ago, back in the 1800’s, an amazing woman had her own ideas and with her vitality made her ideas a reality. I’m so grateful and blessed she did and that about 13 years ago a few people in Reno had the vitality and vision to create HDMS. Back to school night for upper elementary last night (Lillian) and it was FUN! Those teachers are some seriously kick bottom amazing and fun people!! Got a list of the homework assignments … LOVE!!! (see below)

Not only that but BOTH buildings are now fitted with solar panels. Last year they saved $30,000 due to the solar panels at the lower elementary building. Even bigger ones were installed over the summer for the middle school and attached office suites. Wahoo!!!

In line with the school motto this year of “Our Attitude is One of Gratitude” … I’m overflowing with gratitude for so many people and all the way back to 1870 when Maria Montessori developed her theory!!

Throwback Post: Watch a Lightning Show

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**THROWBACK POST**

August 22 2016:

Sunset walk with Lillian last night … Beautiful sunset and seeing the rain and lightening in the distance just added to the magic. xoxo

We talked about how the breeze feels against our skin and my skirt. We saw a nutria or muskrat. Still trying to figure out which it is.

Then, we had a ball trying to catch leaves as they blew from the trees. And last, we got to see much lightening off in the distance.

Yes. Thank you. And I’ll have more please. xoxo

And here’s Lillian’s post about our walk … “Hey, everyone! I keep seeing lightning. It is an amazing show to watch. I suggest those those of you who like watching TV, try watching a lightning show from nature. I also got to experience leaves falling all at once.” xoxoxo

Throwback Post: Sweetness and Kindness

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**THROWBACK POST**

August 23 2013:

After we got home from The Romano Casa tonight Thomas did all the things I usually do to get the camp-out-in-the-living-room set up (they get to camp out in the living room on the weekends).

Then he fluffed up two pillows on either end of the couch, went and got the bamboo plant out of the Reiki Oasis room and set it next to the couch. Told me to close my eyes and come lay on my tummy on the couch. Then he massaged my back with the car massager thingy!

I am infused daily with the sweetness and kindness of these two kids …. Blessed and grateful I get to be their Mom! After he got into bed he told me he knows why I’m so tired sometimes …. xoxo


(August 2013)

Movie Night: The Wonderland

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November 13 2021

Movie night for me and Lillian: Her choice: “The Wonderland”

Lillian says, “It was good, liked how colorful it is, my favorite characters were Akane and her cat, Gorobeh, and favorite scene is where they are walking through the grass.”

I enjoyed this one. A magical story of having ones eyes opened to the beauty of the world, with absolutely breathtaking scenery.

Happy 16th Birthday to Thomas Darnell

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November 13 2021

On this day in 2005, the world was blessed with an amazing human. Thomas Arthur Darnell swam into the world during the hour of 9:00 PM PST.

I was blessed to live in an area that had an OB with midwives who built a Birthing Center attached to her offices. It also happened to be less than a 10 minute drive from our home. When contractions moved along, we met the midwife at The Birthing Center, she filled the large bathtub, I melted into the comfort of the water, and shortly after, Thomas joined us.

We were there for about 3 hours, and then back home in the comfort and coziness of our own home. This is a cherished memory, held close to my heart.

Dearest Thomas,

I know most parents say that having a child, being a parent has changed their life for the better. Even that their child has taught them the true meaning of unconditional love. I join other parents in embracing this message.

If one were to look at my life before you, and the years after you became a part of my life, one would see drastic changes. These are not mere words I say to fill the page of your day of birth message. They are truer than true.

You continue to open my eyes and heart to the true meaning of embracing all people, discarding archaic language and thoughts that serve to hurt others, and following one’s heart. Whether that following is a hearty “Yes”, or a solid “No. How liberating is that??!!

I am overflowing with joy that you joined our family on this day in 2005, deeply proud of you, and excitedly looking forward to your future. You are an amazing and wonderful person.
Thank you for being my son, Thomas.

Happy 16th Birthday!!

I love YOU!!
Camilla
Mom

November 13 2021

Key lime cheesecake cups with lots of lovely gifts. 😋😋😋 The Romano Duo and Robert joined us, but I completely spaced on photos of them, or with them! Ugh!

Thank you to Grateful Gardens for the amazing raw, vegan cheesecake cups. They were perfect!

Thomas got t-shirts, posters, book of piano music, computer stand, a custom photo book, homemade card, and money. He is very happy with his gifts. 🎉❤️❤️❤️🎉 (He has a hard time smiling with the Herbst appliance in his mouth. Makes it difficult!)

Plus the photo book I made: https://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/blank-canvas-26102580?vk=OhyKmXWORxWW4ZKpR6O2

2021 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit

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November 7 2021

Perhaps I’m emotional this morning, but I’m listening to the welcome presentation at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit (online), and am in tears. So many sessions that apply to each member of Team TLC. Amazing content! Mental health (suicide), gender identity, careers/entrepreneurship, occupational therapy, and much more.

This session has been amazing! I’ve been listening to this summit all day. I feel seen. I feel validated as a parent, and as a person.

November 8 2021

This is a vital, important topic. Good, informative session.

November 11 2021

Excited for Thomas!! He has his first session on Monday.

Sunset With Lovely Clouds While Decompressing

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November 7 2021

Sunset.

November 9 2021

More lovely clouds today. The Stanford Neurodiversity Summit just concluded. Three days of tons of information, resources, feeling seen, and validated. I am literally wiped out. I need three days to recover.

November 10 2021

Operation decompress. A swim, followed by a soak. Ahhhhh ….

November 11 2021

Operation decompress continued. How can the view on this short drive not help to brighten one’s mood? I really love where I live.

I highly recommend forest walking. Thank you trees! 💚💙🌲🌲🌲💙💚 And I got to hear Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Prince during the drive home!