the light of advent

:: i am a little embarrassed to say that i have finally put away my halloween decorations, today. the christmas boxes were coming down from the attic so it seemed only fitting to take the halloween decorations up. might i have left the halloween ones out? i feel so overwhelmed right now, that i really think i would have. although, i know i would have manged to pack the halloween decorations away by christmas. these days i am just getting by. getting by on minimal hours of sleep. nursing an 8 1/2 month year old every 3 hours. i really am at my breaking point. or was that last month. i try and remind myself, you have had only a few hours of sleep at a time, you will feel very tired, you will have to remain calm and count to 10, you need to get outside for at least 5 minutes, and you will be moody and grumpy and your emotions are like a roller coaster. even though my days and night run into each other and there really is no end to my day, i remind myself that you will get through the day and to take the time to enjoy special moments. the moments i have with my family, my husband, my daughter, my son and my dogs. take the time to enjoy the roses that are blooming in my garden. can you believe that, here in connecticut, in december, i have roses blooming? and would you look at those sparkling lights. how magical. how beautiful. keeping the peace, serenity and beauty of advent with me and my family. wishing you a beautiful advent.


Advent, Advent, a candle burns.
I light the night, my candle burns.
First one, then two, then three, then four.
My heart is shining like a star.

the weaving of thanksgiving

:: as we celebrate thanksgiving with our family, i am reminded of how our family is made up of many different people. each contributing their unique qualities and each woven together, having a special place within the whole.

thinking about making a quilt

i was thinking about making a quilt. one of those 2 in the morning, sleep deprived ideas. and i thought it would be nice if i made a quilt for my little guy. first let me say that i have not used a sewing machine since the eighth grade. and then i though, i'll start with a doll quilt first, for my daughter's doll. maybe for christmas. and then i started looking at fabrics. ...and the fabrics. i never saw so many beautiful fabrics. i love how they play together. i love the mixing and matching. and for me the ever perfectionist who has worked hard at letting go. and i have let go of many things. but a quilt, those really straight lines and deciding on the fabrics. this quilt could set me back. oh, i could be deciding on the fabrics for a year. and it probably would be more work than i could take on at this time. for my 8 month old little guy is still nursing like a newborn. i am just waiting for him to get up, but i'll leave you with this amazingly beautiful quilt over at willy-nilly. Isn't it lovely and inspiring??

a zenful recovery

sickness is making its way around the family. dad was being treated for h1n1 and has recovered. my little girl came down with strep and is doing lots of resting and getting her fluids, lots of herbal tea and frozen pops. and i am not quit sure what i have, a lingering stomach bug with headache. this morning, we popped outside to gather some sticks for our little zen garden. we had one years ago, but the sand did not seem to stay in the box for long, so it was better to utilized our outdoor water and sand box. magic onions inspired ours today with her natural tools. the sun is shining so we are off for a little stroll to enjoy the sunshine and get some fresh air.

happy martinmas

:: captured moments from our day

martinmas

the more i learn about waldorf, the more i live it, the more beauty, truth and meaning into our lives. martinmas, for us, celebrates the spirit of sharing, the beauty of candle light, a time to reflect and kindle our inner light.

our celebrating bring us together singing and sharing the story of St. Martin. making some harvest pumpkin soup topped with some cranberry compote (from another recipe. 1 c water 2 c fresh cranberries, 1/4 c sugar, zest of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 t coarse salt. bring to boil over medium heat. reduce to a simmer. cook until jam like consistency about 20 minutes) baking some whole apples. melting a single chocolate bar with milk for some homemade hot chocolate for the family to share, while enjoy a candle lite evening with family game night.




( a thin layer of tissue paper works best for the leaf lanterns)

here are some other suggestions I found to celebrate Martinmas, including a bunch of song:

the kindergarden snack book suggests stone soup, baked apples, popcorn and apple cider, along with a recipe for rose room oatmeal cookies.

from festivals, family and food
"He was known for his gentleness, his unassuming nature and his ability to bring warmth and light to those who were previously in darkness. On the evening on Martinmas he is remembered in many French households with a festival of lanterns, carrying light throughout the darkened home, singing songs, and sharing a simple cake, perhaps decorated with the symbol of the sun."






St. Martin St. Martin, St. Martin, St. Martin road through wind and snow on his strong horse his heart aglow He rode so boldly through the storm, his large cloak kept him well and warm. By the road side, by the roadside, by the roadside a poor man arose out of the snow in tattered clothes "I beg you help me in my plight or else I'll die of cold tonight." St. Martin, St. Martin, St. Martin stopped his horse and drew his sword and cut his cloak in two one half to the beggar man he gave and by this deed his life did save.

in these hills always inspires me with her words and knowledge. and these (above) she shared on her blog, her favorite songs along with a beautiful story book, Amy's goose by Efner Tudor Holmes. it is a story about amy who nurses a wild goose back to health and struggles to decide whether to keep it on the farm or let it be free.

Lantern, Lantern
Little Lantern, Little Lantern
The sun, the moon and twinkle stars
Bu-urn bright , my light,
Bu-urn bright , my light,
But not only the light of my dear lantern. OR (But please not my little lantern tonight)

This little light of mine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

I Walk with My Lantern (many variations)
I'm walking with my lantern,
And my lantern walks with me.
Above the stars are shining
On Earth are shining we.

Oh lantern light
you shine so bright.
Oh hear the angels sing.
Oh hear the angels sing.

(Untitled)
the daylight fast is dwindling
my little lamp needs kindling
let your beams shine far into the dark night
little lantern guard me with your precious light

first steps

The other night, the little one was doing some couch cruising and he was continually walking and crawling around in the same pattern. (so much for the sitting, huh) it was such a consistent pattern that we were a bit puzzled. we watched him. wondering. and then he very bravely took his first steps. his dad was walking at 9 months and this little guy seems to be on the same path.

daily workout

:: almost 8 months
:: loves having his belly tickled
:: loves playing with his sister and watching her
:: loves his sister's songs and singing
:: loves his quinoa
:: loves being active. here he is doing his morning curls. has been on the go for quiet some time, crawling and crawling, couch cruising and standing. i can not believe how much this little guy stands, but in the last few days, he is finally sitting for the first time. oh, it is so nice to see him take a break. i see more of his energy going towards his growth.

treasure basket

( pics from little acorns to might oaks)

i came across the idea of a child's treasure basket for heuristic play. It is a basket that one would filled with natural, multi-sensory items that give little ones under 1 years old. Flat, sturdy baskets work well for the little ones. You would choose multi-sensory objects, to excite, interest and stimulate exploration in your little ones. Allowing you little one to develop and explore through their senses; touching, smelling, hearing, seeing and tasting. Babies, of course, put everything in their mouths, so make sure everything you choose is safe. Most of the items could be found around the house

 
Natural objects
fir cones
big shells
large rocks
pumice stones
sea sponge
fruits
cork
drift wood

Objects made from natural material
woolen ball
silk scarves
little baskets
yarn
brushes (test bristles are firmly attached)

Wood
rattles
spoons
egg cups
egg
bowl
pegs
napkin rings
nail brush
block
branch block
honey dipper
car
castanet

Metal
spoons
pots and pans
measuring cups
tea strainer
whisk
bell

Others
paper boxes that rattle
velvet powder puff
different scents and textured bean bags


* this is an old post that i did not get to publish. i hope you find these treasure baskets of interest. wouldn't a treasure basket make a wonderful gift?  


treasure baskets, part 2

dragon bread

:: our dragon bread. i am glad i kept this on our list of things to do, even if it is a month after. we were able to revisit the story of St. Michael. allowing me to once again refocus and draw from my inner strength. oh, i tell you, my days go by so fast and my nights, my nights are so wakeful. i am trying my best to make sure my little guy gets all that he needs to grow and get back on track.

halloween weekend

:: halloween came somewhat quick for me this year, so it is nice to still be celebrating through the weekend. and of course, here are some pictures of my superhero, pink power ranger, police girl. she works at night to fight the bad guys. power rangers? i do not know, we do not watch them, but she knows about them and as i said, this request was very specific. we are already talking about next year's costume, which she wants to design herself. someone at school made an astronaut outfit and she became more interested in making a costume. and vince was bundled up in his sling, so we have yet to snap a picture of him in his outfit. it's coming though. and all that candy. we are so lucky that a dentist is collecting candy to send to our troops. i also came across an idea to use the candy to decorate a gingerbread house. does all the candy drive you nuts too?