Our Day Our Journey

blessed with a ray of light

2011-12-22T00:00:00.002-05:00

yesterday, at an event at my daughter school, I glanced over at her and thought she looked a little tired. by the time she came home from school, it was clear that she had come down with something. oh poor thing, to not be feeling well as she gets a break for the holiday. and my plans to start and finish up some gifts these last few days were not looking so good either, especially seeing that my other little one has been sick.

so today, we kept my daughter out of school so she could rest. my husband went out in the morning to stock up on his toys to put under the tree. the children and i stayed in and did some snuggling until my little ones went off to their room to play. i took that time to do some quick cleaning then i needed stop to help clean up and organize the children's bedroom. the result of a 2 1/2 year old getting into a 7 1/2 year old's things, a reminder that we need to simplify again. (although we managed to sift 3 barbie dolls out)

the morning went by rather quickly and all were ready for lunch. as we were eating, the sun peaked around the side of our house as it usually does this time of year, bringing direct sunlight into our kitchen. my daughter moved her seat over to bask in the sun and a ray of light caught her swarvoski crystal bracelet (part of her mermaid halloween outfit, a reminder that i have lots to share). With joy she exclaimed, "LOOK, MY BRACELET IS MAKING RAINBOWS" and oh how we all love these rainbows.

i had already accepted and felt fine that my christmas projects were going to have to be pushed back for upcoming birthdays as i have two little ones that need me but i was a little unhappy thinking about the type and amount of daddy gifts that were going to stocked under our christmas tree. but after that moment of joy and glee brought about by dancing rainbows, i just decided to let the ill feelings of commercialized toys go and just know that when i sit back and be present in these small moments, i will be renewed with wonder and awe and my children will be blessed with the same.

A happy solstice indeed.

sorry no pics today. but i am reminded of how much i enjoy capturing the light here. happy solstice everyone

vegan pumpkin pie + preparing our advent sky

2010-11-27T00:28:00.003-05:00

i hope everyone had a happy thanksgiving. we had a lovely day. much thanks and appreciation to my family, who made our dinner time later to allow my little guy a restful nap. while the little guy napped, we made some homemade cranberry sauce with clementines and cinnamon to bring with us. it was very tasty. we also brought, my vegan pumpkin pie, made with coconut milk, bananas and coconut oil. my pumpkin pie, came in second (depending on who you ask) just behind a dreamy turtle pie that was so amazing. my little guy gobbled up his piece of pumpkin pie and we had some left to bring home that he has been eating every day. i'll be baking another one this week :)

after the thanksgiving holiday, we also put our christmas tree up and hung our stockings. it feels like the right time for our family, allowing us more time to prepare for the festivals and the holiday season. everyone wanting to help this year.

tonight, after the children were tucked into bed, i prepare for the first day of advent. i wish you and your family a beautiful advent. thank you to everyone who kept me in their thoughts and thank you again for all your kind words and encouragement.

finding my rhythm

2010-10-22T14:51:00.000-04:00

school started and instantly a prevalent school schedule touched down like a tornado. my little one going off to school for another year and it is not what i envisioned with homeschooling in my heart, but it is our reality. in addition to a new school schedule, there were a lot of changes happening in our home. the little guy had just started sleeping through the night, i had survived months of sleep deprivation and i was in a better place to handle the daily ups and downs of poor feeding and to get our family back on track. it did take my body a while to adjust to being able to sleep but once i did get a good night's sleep, the world came alive to me, which is a beautiful thing. but seeing the world with eyes wide open, i saw a huge mountain of things to do around the house. there was so much to catch up on and i was completely overwhelmed thinking about all i had to do.

while, i still am trying to understand and accept the last 17 1/2 months, i know that i was doing the best that i could, but my mind, body and spirit were in crisis mode. i wish to be as far away from that way of living. it is more than wishing, it is having the awareness of what i could do for myself to keep myself calm and centered and slow paced. it really brings the importance of what truly matters in life, the health and happiness of my family.

and while there was a lot to do around the house and getting everything ready for my daughter to start school, i am only one person. run around with my head chopped off would not have helped anyone out. it was a challenge to keep myself calm, centered and slow paced during this time and i continue to work on this daily. i work on being present. to be in nature, to find my breathe, to be in the moment, to enjoy sweet moments with my children, to nurture my patience and work on my rhythm. i get back to making time to be creative. and caring for myself. and when my head is spinning, i get outside or color mandalas.

i try to keep my enormous to-do list out of my thoughts. i keep a small to-do list, mostly for memory but i find being able to cross items off my list very rewarding. the list is continuous and i prioritize as new items are added. i also committed to spending 15 minutes decluttering (from the flylady) i work on planning our meals and try out a few new recipes a week to take into account my little one's dietary needs. a very important step is my night time routine, which makes my mornings run smoothly.

of course, some days are smoother than others and i am still working on all this.
during all this, i did end up having a tag sale against my better judgment and it proved to be too much. i became stressed and ended up getting sick. once again, it presented an opportunity to learn a lesson. life, it's funny that way.
and while, i have made great changes, i still have not found peace with everything, but i'll know when it is here. this nursery rhythm has been on my mind

row, row, row your boat
gently down the stream
merrily, merrily, merrily
life is but a dream

i have been working on this post for a while. still not having the exactly right words that i want. maybe still not being in the place i would like. but, either way, i good way to end.

navratri celebration

2010-10-09T13:58:00.002-04:00

:: we celebrate the beginning of autumn with new friends. seeking blessings for new endeavors and enjoying traditional music and dance.

(notice my little one wearing a playsilk. always a reason for a playsilk :) )

open eye meditation

2010-10-06T11:06:00.003-04:00

a recent webcast over at the waldorf connection on 3 ways to create a nourishing home for your child offers some thoughts. danielle epifanie started off discussing the importance of "creating a space of breath around the child" and to be aware of the "what is presenting itself in front of us". heaven on earth author, sharifa oppenheimer, discussed that "rhythm is life". the inner rhythm of the parent is important (i could not agree more) steady. calm. nourishing. (sleep.) start with an open eye meditation. turn your attention to your heart. breathe and let the breath move in and out of your heart. let it swing in and out of your heart (love that) bring gratitude in. the importance of sitting in nature. lastly, lisa boisvert mackenzie talked about play and the child's world being one of awe and wonder. say, "humm, i wonder" to a child's questions and importance of the child being free to play.
check out the webcast here
websites mentioned:

margaretsgarden.org and elementalmother.com

our heaven on earth
celebrate the rhythm of life
waldorf in the home

just as i remembered

2010-09-27T12:55:00.000-04:00

we had great news last week. our little guy jumped up to the 10th percentile. i usually am right next to the nurse as she marks his measurements on the growth chart but this time i was was just playing around with him, although i did glanced over and saw that his numbers increased from his last check-up. i was not my old anxious self of needing to see exactly where he was on the charts. when our doctor came in and told us, i was shocked. warmth and comfort came over me and i became surrounded by huge arms that filled the small room. i felt secure and protected and i immediately knew it was my grandfather, who i know is still here with us.

my grandfather was not one of many words, although his presence was greatly felt. he has come to me a few times other times to let me know that things will be alright. once, after a medical procedure and two times the day i broke my collar bone when i was 6 months pregnant. my grandfather came to me when i just realized that i broke my collar bone and then in the emergency room when my concern for the baby escalated. comfort and warmth for a short while in-between the intense pain i was feeling.

my grandfather was the first man in my life and he was a constant figure in my life. we spent a lot of time together, he and i. if i slept over on the weekend, we would have an early breakfast together (my grandmother always slept in) it was always an omelet and he made the best omelets, i still can taste them but have yet to duplicate them. in the spring, we planted his garden together i remember so vividly the feeling of poking my finger down into the cool earth and how vested i was in the entire growing season. in the summer, i always arrived to a bowl of fresh ripe raspberries and a refreshing pitcher of ice tea with mint from the garden. in the winter, we gathered around the wood burning fireplace and we put in the sparkling colors. those colors were beautiful amidst the flames. and my grandfather always had a big cozy chair. there was always room in his chair for me and that comforting feeling is just as i remembered.

last bits of the summer sun

2010-09-21T13:02:00.000-04:00

i love this time of year. autumn is beginning to make it's arrival. little bursts of autumn color can be seen amongst the lush greenery of the trees. a light sweater is required for our evening walk and cool, dewy mornings. but, by midday, the summer sun is so prevalent. we explored a nature center and seized the opportunity for the children to swim in their pools.

on the top of my to-do list is to brush up on my picture taking skills. i continue to try and capture vince's little hands and toes playing with the rainbows around our house. if he would just sit still it would be so much easier. i am always a second too late in capturing the pic. i also never imagined how difficult it would be to capture a picture of both children together. i have my work cut out for me. i also have to search out some camera options. any suggestions?

do you know how to fly?

2010-09-18T21:13:00.002-04:00

do you know how to fly? well, i am trying to fly. but not up in the air, silly. i am trying to fly in my home. that's right. flying inside via help from the flylady.

i have searched around her website (she also has books) and i think i have the jist of what she is trying to say. basically, consistently do her suggested routines so that they become second nature to you. you will always be a step ahead in your cleaning, and you'll be dressed and ready for company at any time. you'll have a clean sink and bathroom all the time.

i signed up for the daily emailing list, which is rather lengthy, but i am just working on the daily flight plan and mission (it follows the daily flight plan) i am focusing on my bedtime routine, morning routine and decluttering in small increments. there is a weekly home blessing, where she wants you to set the clock and do all the sweeping, moping, dusting, etc in 1 hour. it takes me far longer to do this, but i think i will be getting more efficient as a practice this more? we'll see because i am not sure if this is possible and i do have a smaller house.

she has a monthly focus and this month is the before bed routine and beginner steps on her website.

anyone else try flying yet?

mandalas and the first days of school

2010-09-14T23:15:00.001-04:00

school was about to begin and homeschooling still was not in the cards for me this year so i chose the next best thing. we transitioned my daughter to a new school. it was a big decision to make. in making the decision, i sought support and i was able to make a decision from a calm and peaceful place. of course, some family was supportive and some family can not think of possibilities outside of what they know. in the past, i was one who let myself be overcome with stress in making such a big decision. this is such a huge progression for me. thank goodness i am getting more sleep.

coming up to the first day, i have been waking up earlier each day in preparation for the start of school. i wake up before the children and i am greeted by a rising sun that casts a warm glowing light throughout our downstairs. i am able to get a coffee, start breakfast and start the day slow. these are my first days of waking before the children and i remember how great it is to start the day this way and it is definitely a time that one can have a little mama time :) wink wink

my mind was busy and i could have found a hundred things to do on that first day, but i didn't. i was conscious to keep a slow pace. i spent time with the little guy, we started the dance between inhaling and exhaling, bring more rhythm to our day. while the little one napped, i enjoyed some tea, read a little and worked on some mandalas. the house was noisy, mostly answering the little one's calls to his "sissy" but yet the house felt quiet. i am missing my little girl terribly.

here's a link to the mandalas above
more mandalas here

drum roll please

2010-09-01T11:46:00.000-04:00

after 17 1/2 months, my son is sleeping through the night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it has been 10 nights or so, i actually lost count. my son's diet has expanded to include coconut milk yogurt, coconut milk ice cream and peanut butter and he has an upcoming checkup. my body has just begun adjusting to being able to sleep and the world is unfolding more and more each day. i feel alive, but i feel like i have so much to process, so many thoughts, so many feelings that i suppressed or not thought about logically because of my sleepless situation. i feel that i have so much to catch up on, so many things i would like to do, so many books i would like to read, so many things i would like to make.

but i tell myself to take it slow, allowing myself a new start by choosing healthy choices for my mind, body and spirit. allowing peace and calm to be part of my life. i am get back to a regular sleep pattern. i work on a slow and peaceful bedtime routine, filled with hot showers, steeping tea, a book (still reading simplicity parenting) i ground myself in the now and work at establishing new rhythms to my day (and my daughter is off to full day first grade, more on that later). i am trying out new recipes my little guy and my new found joy is sweeping. i used to pull out the vacuum out due to our 2 dogs and 2 children and our inside/outside routine. it was taking so much energy to lug the vacuum around and i was just so exhausted afterward. and the sweeping is light, playful, and very rewarding in many ways. i am also trying to commit to an opportunity to take some time for myself once a week. and i know i am worthy of the time, worthy of nurturing myself, i just have to put it into action. and i write it down as a little step closer towards my commitment to self-care. how do you find time to nurture yourself throughout the day?

juicy peaches

2010-08-06T19:15:00.000-04:00

i found this awesome recipe, just in time to enjoy some juicy, deliciously peaches in season. i lessened some of the sugar. it is so yummy i had to share.

wip - skirt for a mermaid doll

2010-07-15T21:29:00.002-04:00

:: this was an impromptu project my little one thought of, an hour before she was off to a sleepover with her grandparents. she has been engaged in play with her mermaid after our seasonal nature table changed to incorporated treasures from the sea shore. after fiddling around with her tail, she discovered the doll has legs underneath and her play has taken a new journey, full of adventure and new lands to explore.

:: my daughter drew a sketch and instructions were given in detail. the little guy was napping, we had the supplies and i could not honestly give my daughter a reason not to make a skirt for her mermaid.

:: an hour or so went by, my little one had already left for her grandparents' house, and i was cutting out the finishing touches on the double-tiered wave pattern. and this little project taught me a valuable lesson that i needed to relearn. to take a chance.

for years, i have wanted to make my little one a doll. and one day make clothing for my children and knit them sweaters to keep them warm. and to one day make a quilt like my grandmother used to make. i have long searched the internet for doll making kits, supplies and books, only to find a reason not to proceed forward with making a doll. afraid of failing or even worse, making a mistake and picking out the wrong yarn for hair (that darn perfectionism coming into play) and i have searched flickr for quilt patterns and inspiration, only to feel like the task was too big to take on. and i guess at times, we can put up road blocks or little speed bumps in our own path. but life, of course, is about learning to overcoming them.

:: and my first attempt at the mermaid's skirt did not work. i learned from it, adjusted the pattern and made another one. and here's the beginning of taking more chances.

2010-07-14T17:13:00.001-04:00

last night, my little guy needed his mama's comfort. i am still in my jams (pajamas) i have not looked in the mirror nor brushed my hair back, my body is achier than usually. my thoughts drifting and i gave myself TWO tasks today. to find and make a delicious new meal for this evening and tomorrow evening with my 2 beautiful eggplants. and my second task is to have a calm, peaceful ending to my day. giving myself time to savor some tea, mediate, think about what tomorrow may bring and curl up with a book this evening.

so, i went searching for some recipes and here's what i came up with, some will be modified to be dairy free:

grilled eggplant topped with goat cheese and tomato

rainy day rigatoni here

vegan muffuletta

stuffed foccacia with roasted eggplant and oregano

trenette with eggplant and basil pesto

15 dips and spreads for summer parties

10 vegan lunch ideas

10 vegan breakfast ideas

i decided to grill the eggplant because no matter which recipe i decide upon, the grill brings out an amazing flavor. and i remember how much i enjoy this part of the season when we have delicious eggplant to nourish ourselves with. i decided on the rainy day rigatoni for tonight and vegan muffuletta for tomorrow. and i look forward to the trenette with eggplant and basil pesto next. what is your favorite eggplant recipe?

a new plan

2010-07-02T15:14:00.004-04:00

our new journey is re-establishing our family rhythm and learning to nurture oneself. part of our plan is being helped through new services my son is receiving. the wonderful part of the program is that the occupational therapist comes out to your home, observes and offers suggestions. there was high hopes that after we determined his intolerance to milk protein and eliminated milk protein from his diet that he would start eating in a healthy manner and his poor feeding would discontinue. everyone also hoped that my son would outgrown his milk protein intolerance after his first birthday. so we have kind of been in limbo, until recently.

after introducing milk to my son's diet, very slowly, for the past six weeks, we determined that he can not tolerate milk protein. he also has tracked consistently at the 5% for weight on the growth chart, so we still are working with his poor feeding.

our new plan includes:

1. helping establish a healthy eating and sleeping pattern for my little guy. we have adjusted his eating routine where he will eat 5 times a day, instead of every hour and a half. (he needed meals every hour and a half back before. he was so small and constantly active. he now will take some time to sit and read a book and he also takes some time to cuddle so we felt we were able to work with changing his eating routine) now that we are establishing a consistent eating routine, with meals spaced out more so he could experience a feeling of hunger and the ability to feel fulfilled with food, it has already greatly helped his napping routine. he now sharing a bedroom with his sister, which brings us to

2. getting mama a healthy block of sleep. transiting my son out of our bed and into his crib was a very hard decision. i had too many people that love the both of us urging me to do this and ultimately i decided that this was the best decision for our family. i slept on the floor many nights and watched the sun rise, but this is getting better

3. cooking without milk protein and eggs. (eggs is something that we will try in his diet in the future. my daughter was allergic to egg until she outgrew it at 3 years of age, so this is why he has been egg free)

new waldorf kindergarten resources

2010-06-27T10:00:00.427-04:00

:: there are a few books that i use and reference quite frequently. first and foremost is the book, you are your child's first teacher by rahima dancy. i find myself going back and re-reading chapters time and time again.

i am finding simplicity parenting by kim john payne to be very useful. i am still reading it and have already utilized the book in simplifying my daughter's bedroom. i have started working on small sections around the house and we are doing our second round of simplifying the kids' bedroom and going through the bookshelf, which we did not get a chance to go through yet. kim john payne spoke on the waldorf connection. i jotted down some notes that i am hoping to post soon.

a real treasure is, a child's seasonal treasury by betty jones, which is out-of-print (the first part of the book could be found on google books. it would be wonderful to copy as much as you could) i am still introducing new ideas from this book and i have used it for years now. the book includes verses, poems, movements, fingerplays, games, activities, handwork, baking and cooking for each season. it also is a great introduction to mornings, mealtimes, cleaning up, evening verses, with roughly 2 verses for each. the treasury also contains the birthday anticipation verse as well as a number and alphabet verse that could be used for a first grade resource.

another great book that i can not say enough about is earthways, by carol petrash. the book includes seasonal activities and crafts and seasonal nature table ideas. it also offers valuable earth-friendly tips and ways to create a natural indoor and outdoor play space. there is also a tremendous resource section in the back of the book, included seasonal book recommendations. it is also on google books and you could definitely use the index to plan your projects.

for songs, there are nursery rhymes, folk songs and a series of songbooks that i really love is from naturally you could sing that i would recommend. the song books from naturally you could sing include a cd, which really helps if you do not know how to read music. we own sing a song of the seasons and i have used it for years, with movement and fingerplays in circle time or on our car rides. their website includes a list of contents for each of the songbooks, including this is the way we wash-a-day, sing a song with baby, lavender's blue dilly dilly, and the wonder of lullabies. i discovered some new lullabies that i really enjoy singing, as well.

for verses, i really like seven times the sun by shea darian, is a wonderful resources, which provides verses and songs for morning, mealtime, play, work, quiet, healing, bedtime, family time, personal renewal and peacemaking. there are a section of family rituals, a passageway for parents and book recommendations for each chapter. there are a few songs that i use all the time and really never would have thought to use at these times because i never really experienced someone singing at these times, in particularly for healing and quiet times.

quiet moments by shea darian

quiet as the wings of a butterfly

quiet as the gentle falling snow

quiet as the light of a firefly

quiet as a seed starts to grow

quiet as the clouds that are drifting by

quiet as the rocks by the sea

quiet as the mist cross a country road

quiet as the wind in the trees

loving arms by shea darian

loving arms that hold you

loving hands that care

loving eyes that see your pain

guide you back to health again

loving arms that hold you

loving arms that care

another series which is great for verses is the wynstones series, which i see cited all the time. we have gateways. along with verses and songs for morning, evening and birthdays, gateways also has a section of fairy tales that are shorter in length. at this time, i can not remember anything so i do use index cards (or cards from our watercolor paintings) or sometimes i only have short amounts of time, which makes this there fairy tale section a great resource for puppet shows.

for stories, of course, a grimm's fairy tales is an essential going into the first grade. we also have a tasha tudor's fairy tales, which has some abbreviated tales that might work well. an enormous resource for FREE stories could be found at www.mainlesson.com. 10397 stories to be exact. WOW. you can search the site by authors, books, stories and curriculum. here is the waldorf kindergarten book list.

i have a relatively young journey into waldorf and i have discovered the parenting passageway to be so resourceful. carrie is well versed in waldorf, homeschooling and shares valuable parenting information and book reviews. i am really enjoying the new energy that her postings are bringing me, i have so many postings bookmarked. you could spend hours over there. carrie has a bunch regarding resources, that you might find helpful:

which early years book should i buy?
fairy tales, books and storytelling with little ones

resources for the waldorf kindergarden years

favorite waldorf resource guide #1: joyful movement

favorite waldorf resource guide #2: simplicity parenting by kim john payne and lisa ross

favorite waldorf resource guide #3: melisa nielsen's be a beacon program

favorite waldorf resource guide #4: the files of marsha johnson's yahoo group

favorite waldorf resource guide #5: get more movement in your homeschooling

www.movementforchildhood.com , www.healingeducation.org , and the book, Movement Journeys and Circle Adventures by Nancy Blanning and Laurie Clark

review of a lifetime of joy

if you are like me, this is something new to me. there can be a lot that i feel i need to research and i could spend hours searching the web to find more information. it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right thing. but, i have learned that it just is about doing and being with my children, baking with them, cleaning with them, singing with them, being in nature with them, creating joyful moments with them and making connections. slowing down, taking time and nurturing relationships by giving, receiving and responding with love, warmth and truth. rhythm is also key, i am working at re-establish it here because i have experienced the harmony that rhythm brings.

marsh johnson, of waldorfhomeeducators@yahoogroups.com, can put you at easy with her words. she writes the following...

Playing, helping, resting, imagining, thinking, painting, modeling,
experimenting with blocks, logs, string, trees, mud, wind, cooking,
eating, sharing, giggling heaps of preschoolers in a rainbow house,
planting and gardening, sewing, fingerknitting, listening, singing,
playing with bubbles and learning to cut with scissors and use glue,
and sitting on a warm human lap…….hearing the stories, hearing
the words, creating the images inside those adorable curly and stick
straight haired heads………..this is the intellectual development
of the human child in the best sense of the word: addressing all the
aspects, the head, the heart, and the hands.

At home, you can accomplish this so much more easily, in a sense,
because YOU are the creator of your world. Your home, your schedule,
your possessions, your choices, your stories, your food, your tone of
voice, your joy and creativity, you are the queens and kings of your
child’s universe, the King Peter and Queen Susan and Aslan all rolled
into one! In a sense, you are the suns of your galaxes, and your
children dance around you in their own ellipses…as such, you can
select and create elements that will shine on all of us….now and in
the future times.

are there any resources that you love or find helpful? please share

summer solstice wet felted doily

2010-06-26T22:27:00.001-04:00

:: we made our doily using the wet felting process. here are some instructions on making it, from the other day. as the piece became firm, we were able to add some details to it. we added details to each side individually, using a small amount of fairy sprinkles:) and gently rolled in the beginning. adding detail to each side gives you two different looks and our doily could even be hung on a wall or used on our nature table. smaller ones would be great for coasters. wet felting is pretty fun and i really like the end result.i am still getting the hang of it and used to the process.

have you tried wet felting? if so, what have you made? i'd like to try something new

moments from our summer solstice

2010-06-24T23:58:00.004-04:00

:: magical floating flowers from all year round and a silk streamer i made for my little one. i also made up a little sun decoration the same way i did for rhythm of the home. our paper flowers flattened as soon as we placed them into the water, as i ventured off the directions. (i thought the beeswax would allow them to keep their cupped shape, but they did not) they were lovely for breakfast.

:: a fairy basket filled with treasures i found around the house.

:: the little guy discovering some rainbows from our sun catcher just before he went down for his nap. my daughter was so happy celebrating and asked about a treasure hunt. how could i say no. so, i quickly came up with a handful of clues, which took her on an adventure about the house and the yard. during the treasure hunt we enjoyed some orange tea, searched our gardens for newly blooming flowers and read a seasonal book out on our swing. the last clue brought her to a basket of golden hued roving for a wet felting project ~ a sun doily.

:: we started by laying out short pieces of wool roving to create a circular shape on bubble wrap. the pieces were fluffed apart and put down in thin layers, alternating the direction of the wool. to create depth used a bunch of different colors in the same colorway. we used yellow, golden yellow, pale yellow, tangerine, and pumpkin. we then we added some fairy sprinkles of soapy, warm water before we tightly rolled up the wrap.

::it was gently rolled on the ground then unrolled to add more fairy sprinkles. then we wrapped up the bubble wrap in the opposite direction and repeated the process a bunch of times. i completed the last few rolls with piping hot, soapy water which really felted up the edge.

:: zesting and juicing some oranges for our tea and muffins

my little one also loved this verse from a little verse from a child's seasonal treasury.

sunshine fairies by betty jones

we are the sunshine fairies

and with our sparks of light

we shimmer and glimmer in the air

hugging flower with colors bright

hope you having a beautiful solstice. we have a few more pictures of our sun doilie that i'll show you later. please stop by wonderment (my new community space) to share stories and pictures about your summer solstice celebration.

happy solstice

2010-06-21T21:48:00.000-04:00

:: happy summer solstice.

ideas for planning your summer solstice

2010-06-19T18:58:00.002-04:00

please join me over at wonderment to discuss and share ideas in planning your summer solstice celebration.

wonderment is a space that i created for capturing childhood moments of magic and joy. i hope that we could share and exchange ideas, stories, inspirations and moments of wonderment that bring us to look at the world in a different way ~ through the eyes of our children.

connect. share. inspire moments of magic and joy. visit wonderment

starting on a new journey

2010-06-18T11:58:00.000-04:00

with some help with the little guy there is a new feeling in the air and i am riding a new wave of hope. my life has revolved around my son's feeding schedule, it has been rigorous with feedings every hour and a half and it feels like i am still caring for a newborn baby. we are very fortunate to have some help that started coming into our home and offering suggestions to fit my son's needs, while finding balance with our family's needs.

help is coming just as i am unraveling. i have tried so hard to keep up with it all, but it has taken a toll on my family and on my health. my words would be better, if i said, that i let this take it's toll on me. you see, i am still learning how to truly care for myself and nurture myself. i really learned to take care of myself when i became a mother. and through learning about rhythm and waldorf, i learned to nurture myself and my family. through our baking days, gardening days, painting days, soup making day, and nature walks i begun to heal that part of myself that needed to be healed.

but on the days that i have had too much on my plate and did not sleep enough, are the days that i resort back to not taking care of myself. it has been off and on like this for the last 15 month, which has caught up with me and i can not deny it any more. there has been an intervention and i am so grateful to start on a new path. my work will be to establish a good, healthy rhythm for myself and my family. so this is my new journey.

a rose of hope

2010-06-10T22:41:00.000-04:00

:: i made a sweet little rose barrette for my daughter from this pattern for her school graduation. i am so looking forward to the end of the school year and for our summer... a big, endless summer where we feel the wind underneath our wings. some new rhythms are beginning to be established, some additional help and support for my son has begun and we are riding a new wave of hope. i hope you'll notice more of the old me back again. well, still me, only with new energy for adventures and challenges and creating. and more growing as a mother, woman, wife and nurturer. (more of that later)

simplicity parenting workshop

2010-06-10T12:20:00.001-04:00

kim john payne talked over at the mindful connection. he is the author of the book, simplicity parenting.

every child has a telos, a very special, divine intention when they come into this world. and when we give children an uncluttered life, the telos can be revealed. if fast-paced, stressed life, the telos struggles to gain expression.

simplicity parenting is about creating a vessel for the child's intention, for the telos of the child. allowing them to be what they are supposed to be or what they desire to become. the fast paced life get between us and our hopes and dreams for our family.

changes for a shift

1. simplifying toys, books, clothes

less books, if you want a child to delve deeply into books instead of skim through them.

2. rhythm and predictability in children's lives

children thrive on rhythm. rhythm is a prime vehicle for moving children beyond the primitive brain, fight or flight lobes. children have empathy, creativity, children interested in others, they see cause and effect. makes discipline easier

3. scheduling

to have a balance between busy time, creative time and relaxed time. "gift of boredom" be more boring than the boredom. hold back on the over-scheduling of kids. we have a life-time of socializing. socializing done through the family, caring for brothers and sisters, being with mother and father and being little workers in the home, doing meaningful things in the home. (posed question to a parent) did you ever have a play-date??? and you turned out alright

4. screening out the adult world and being very careful around media

being careful abut what you say in front of children. before you say something in front of your children, ask yourself, is it kind? is it necessary? is it true? young children need to love the world before they question it.

websites mentioned:

simplicityparenting.com/blog

gathering rose petals

2010-06-07T19:51:00.001-04:00

:: our annual trip to the elizabeth rose garden. there is so much to explore and discover in addition to the roses. there happens to be an amazing tree that is wonderful for climbing in the perennial garden and we are always so excited to discover a nest of baby robins. and weddings!!!

making a crown of rose petals

2010-06-06T21:46:00.001-04:00

:: we continued enjoying the beauty of our roses by making a crown of rose petals. this crown is very easy to create, all you need is some wire, rose petals and maybe some ribbon. we removed the petals from the flower and strung them through wire. after we filled up the wire, we twisted the wire together and covered the closure with ribbon.

this would be great for a summer solstice celebration, in addition to these ideas, including fairy baskets filled with moss, shells, rocks and gemstones for fairy gardens, fairy wands and sun candles.

anniversary love

2010-06-06T13:58:00.000-04:00

:: my husband and i celebrated our anniversary of 8 years. this year has been the most challenging by far, deep intense feelings that don't always bring out the best in us, but none the less bring us closer together in the end. we had served chocolate covered strawberries at our wedding and it's always nice to enjoy them this time of year.

treasure basket, part 2 - heuristic play for toddlers

2010-06-03T22:27:00.004-04:00

please note, the following text and images are taken directly from the website, little acorns to mighty oaks ... In Heuristic play part II we will look at how toddlers interact with and explore objects during heuristic play, and ways in which we can enrich these play opportunities for them, engaging their curiosity to enhance their cognitive development.

As babies grow they develop further curiosity about the world around them, and as the question of 'What is it?', is fulfilled with the exploration of the treasure basket, they are no longer content to simply hold, feel and mouth objects, they want to know what they can do with them! For toddlers, the question posed when participating in heuristic play is 'What can I do with this object?'. Toddlers have a natural curiosity to explore, and experiment with the different ways that objects interact with each other, a toddler will investigate with all the physical possibilities of an object, by rolling, filling, stacking, dumping, fitting things inside each other, balancing and manipulating an object in every possible way. Toddlers who are able to freely explore in this way can make satisfying discoveries about how the world works, by exploring area's such as gravity, spacial awareness, density, and simple physics, which builds their cognitive development, hand/eye co-ordination and fine and gross motor skills.

As with the treasure baskets, it is important that children are able to engage in heuristic play without instruction or interference. The role of the adult in this type of play is to support and observe children during their play. The types of materials that an adult will provide to children during heuristic play, differ slightly to what was offered to babies during the treasure basket phase. During this phase when a toddlers primary question is 'What can I do with it?' it is important to provide a range of objects that can be used together. It is a nice idea to make up a range of 'activity kits' with a purpose in mind, but then to let the children explore them and use them as they would like to, remembering that there is no right or wrong way to engage in this type of play. Try and think of all of the different ways that objects can interact with each other, and provide objects that allow your child to experiment with these different ideas:

Stacking
Boxes, tins with lids, cotton reels, cones, coasters, pieces of wood etc.

Posting
A box with a small slit in the top, tubes, pegs, shells, stones etc.

Balancing
Dolly pegs to peg around a box or a stainless steel bowl etc.

Threading
Curtain rings, paper towel holder, cup tree, bangles/bracelets, lengths of chain/beads, ribbon, scarves etc.

Rolling
Balls or different sizes and textures, tubes, a ramp made from a cardboard box, cones, pompoms, wooden door knob, cone shaped shells etc.

Pattern making
shells, stones, pine cones, leaves etc.

Matching
Containers and lids, pairs of objects etc.

Collecting
Baskets with handles, large jars, bags, containers with small and large openings etc.

Nesting
Baskets that fit inside one another etc.

Making noise
Metal objects, small objects to put in jars and be shaken, a wooden stick for banging etc.

By being able to use their imagination and explore without interference or direction, through sequencing, manipulation, anticipation and rearranging of objects children can discover concepts such as same and different, spheres roll in all directions, tubes roll back and forth and cones roll in circles. Shiny reflects, metal resonates, flat objects can be piled up, heavy and light, little and big, things of the same shape/size can have a different weight, floating and sinking and many many more basic scientific and mathematical concepts. Through this experimentation and exploration children develop their imagination, problem solving skills, concentration, fine and gross motor skills and overall cognitive development.

As with the Treasure Basket, other important factors in a successful Heuristic Play session include the when/where/how long and how often. Make sure that the time of day that you choose to implement an heuristic play session, is free from disruption from visitors, when your child is well rested and has eaten. It is important that the environment that this type of play takes place in is free from distraction and interruption, so it is a good idea to put all of your child's toys and books aside, and switch off the t.v, make sure it is a time that you can sit down calmly and observe your child during play and be available to them. A child will happily engage in this type of play for an hour, but try to limit the sessions to this length of time to keep your child interested in the contents of the heuristic play kit for future play sessions. It is a nice idea to have a couple of place kits which you rotate around to keep your child fascinated and engaged (if you can't afford the space to keep two play kits, try swapping with a friend week about). Offer this kind of play session 3-4 times a week, and ensure that you check over the play materials every time you use them to ensure that they are safe (a good time to do this is when you are putting everything away).

i hope you found something interesting here to bring to your home.

treasure baskets, part 1

making birthday ring decorations

2010-06-01T12:54:00.003-04:00

:: the new summer edition of rhythm of the home is out. i am very excited to show everyone how i made our butterfly birthday ring decoration over here. i have so many crafty mama visiting my blog. if you decide to make a decoration for your birthday ring, i'd love to get see a pic or link.

sunflower houses and more

2010-05-30T11:00:00.002-04:00

:: a while back, we were lucky to have won a book, sunflower houses by sharon lovejoy. there is so much inspiring projects and stories shared throughout the book, it was hard to chose which one we would start with. remembering our trip last autumn through a sunflower maze, i knew a sunflower house would be wonderful. i reacall a mention of 8x8 but ours may be smaller as i am still trying to figure out where we could plant it, until then we are tending to the seedlings and have some morning glory seeds ready to sow in the soil, which will fill in the canopy.

a fairy garden

2010-05-29T22:10:00.001-04:00

:: we gathered materials around the house for the past few days for our fairy garden. she gathered some beach rocks gifted from great grandmother for our walkway, a larger shell to hold water, gems, painted mushrooms rocks, marbles, acorn caps and wind chimes. i love hearing her imagination take flight.

we also headed to the nursery for a shade flower and an accessory (or two). lastly, we gathered some moss from around the yard and the finishing touch was some mica chips that my little one ground down. i had no idea what she was doing but i sat back. and a great lesson and experience unfolded in time.

i originally thought i would buy a fairy house like this, or make one like this or that, but my little one really enjoys making fairy houses so leaving it open allows her more opportunity for play. another lesson for me, to sit back and let things unfold.

what things do you children put out for the fairies?

10 Homemade Laundry Soup Detergent Recipes

2010-05-28T13:13:00.000-04:00

I had been searching for a recipe for a homemade laundry detergent recipe without borax and someone on the mothering boards gave me this wonderful link to tipnut. The following is taken directly from there site. If you try or have tried a recipe, please leave a comment with your feedback.

10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes

First Some Tips:

For the bar soaps required in the recipes, you could try Fels-Naptha, Ivory soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote. Don’t use heavily perfumed soaps.
Washing Soda and Borax can normally be found in the laundry and cleaning aisles.
Some people with really hard water or well water may have to adjust the recipes if the clothes look dingy.
Although several of the recipes have the same ingredients, the measurements are different–some contain a higher soap to water ratio. Test and see which works best for your laundry needs.
You can make huge pails of this at once, or smaller quantities. Also if you can get your hands on a few empty liquid laundry detergent bottles they work great for storing the detergent. Just make a big batch and pour in bottles, cap then use as needed–shake before use.
Some of the recipes call for large amounts of water. Check with a local restaurant to see if they have any empty large pails from deep fryer oil–that’s how many restaurants buy the oil. See if you can have one or two of the pails after they’ve emptied it–just wash them out really well before using. They’re big, heavy plastic and very sturdy when stirring the soap and hot water.

10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes

Recipe #1

1 quart Water (boiling)
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda

Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).

Recipe #2

Hot water
1 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1 Soap bar

Grate the bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.
Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Recipe #3

Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)

In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Powdered Laundry Detergent – Recipe #4

2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated – you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the top)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

Recipe #5

Hot water
1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory Soap – grated
1 cup Washing Soda

In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is melted.
Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot soap mixture. Stir until well mixed.
Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed.
Set aside to cool.
Use 1/2 cup per full load, stirring well before each use (will gel)

Recipe #6

2.5 gallons Water (hot)
1 Bar soap (grated)
3/4 cup Washing Soda
3/4 cup Borax
2 TBS Glycerin

Melt bar soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until soap is melted.
In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add melted soap mixture, washing soda, borax and glycerin. Mix well.
Use 1/2 cup per full load.

Recipe #7

2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Washing Soda
2 – 2.5 gallons hot water

Melt grated soap in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is dissolved.
Pour hot water in large pail, add hot soap and washing soda. Stir very well.
Use 1 cup per full load.

Recipe #8

2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)

Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent – Recipe #9

12 cups Borax
8 cups Baking Soda
8 cups Washing Soda
8 cups Bar soap (grated)

Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

Recipe #10 – (Powdered)

1 cup Vinegar (white)
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Washing Soda
1/4 cup liquid castile soap

Mix well and store in sealed container.
I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stirred in the washing soda, then baking soda, then added the vinegar in small batches at a time (the recipe foams up at first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring. There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure the baking soda isn’t clumpy when first adding). I used 1/2 cup per full load with great results.

Liquid Detergents Note

Soap will be lumpy, goopy and gel-like. This is normal. Just give it a good stir before using. Make sure soap is covered with a lid when not in use. You could also pour the homemade soap in old (and cleaned) laundry detergent bottles and shake well before each use.

*If you can’t find Fels-Naptha locally, you can buy it online (check Amazon).

Optional

You can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to your homemade laundry detergent. Add once the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover.

Essential oil ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil

within the cracks

2010-05-27T22:17:00.001-04:00

:: exploring and indulging our senses at a local nursery. the little one just loved running aside the stone walls. when i took a rest of the wall, i discovered some beautiful sedums growing within the cracks and along the top.

nurturing ourselves

2010-05-26T22:26:00.001-04:00

did you catch the mindful connection on nurturing ourselves as women and mothers with heather fonenot from rhythm of the home?

a few things that i took from the talk
that nurturing is nourishing every part of ourselves
- establishing a yoga practice
- choosing to honor your body with very good food
- spiritual aspect of nourishment and nurturing
- global aspect about how we choose our company that we keep
- how we allow others to define us and how we choose to define ourselves

real *nurturing* comes from being able to carry that with you the whole day
it is the attitude about why
why you deserve 5 minutes in the bathtub
why you deserve to go to the grocery store by yourself

- choosing your breakfast and how that starts your day
- choosing clothes and how that makes you feel
- choosing your routine and giving ourselves 10 extra minutes
- choosing the company we keep what kind of friendships are we developing? how do they play a role in our happiness?

the choices that we make helps to create a nurturing environment for ourselves as women and mother

- if you have taken to the time (to make choices that nourish yourself) to eat well, to listen to soft music, to take the long way to school with beautiful scenery, nourishing friends to talk they make everything more manageable
- and at the end of the day you have more purpose, more success, more happiness in the easy or more difficult situations
- if unexpected things come up, if you get basics in place, you can stay true to yourself

staying true to yourself
being okay with who we are
being okay with where our family is now
set boundaries for what you expect from others and expectations for yourself
be clear about what nurturing ourselves is
authenticity, be the best you
it is up to us to create a nurturing family enviornment
recognizing and defining self-worth is most important

fairy laundry

2010-05-25T13:25:00.000-04:00

:: fairy laundry. fairy blankets, fairy beds and fairies make their clothes from these. my favorite flower coming up in our gardens, allium globemaster.

finding sacred moments

2010-05-24T20:57:00.001-04:00

finding sacred moments in your life discuseed by elizabeth sterling on the mindful connection.

(these are just my notes, i recommend listening to the webcast over at the mindful connection.)

sacred moments

right now

just as you are

there are sacred moments you are meant to experience

to be the changing one to see in the world

- weave sacred moments throughout your day

- shifting an attitude or how you approach a problem

tools for finding sacred moments

tools to bring connectedness and wholeness into your life

1. mirrors in our lives - opportunity for us to start looking at the world around us a little differently and open our awareness to the idea or the role that we have in co-creating the world in which we live and we realize that we have help in doing this

- use people in your life as mirrors and messengers

- we co-create the world in which we live

- who we are, what we need and where we might want to go > everyone is our guide

- children are great guides, they tell it to us straight

- if you recognize something in someone it is a reflection

- example, you come across someone hostile person, acknowledge that what i see in this person is a reflection of some small thing in me that i can choose to release at that moment by engaging with that person in a more positive way or taking a few breaths to release that energy. it can have a profound impact, you do not know that type of impact that might have in the world

- will you look at the sign or listen to the message?

- if we start approaching the people in our lives that way, we become empowered and begin to make positive changes in ourselves that ripple out into the world

2. spiral of gratitude - a cycle for manifesting intention in small steps in using gratitude to see as a way to see that sacred is always revealing itself in our lives and that it is always there

- step 1. put out intentions, dreams or desire for change in our life

- step 2. we have to become aware and alert, looking for signs, guidance, opportunities are going to start coming our way that are going to help us on our path to this bigger dream that we have

- step 3. give thanks for each one of the signs or opportunities

3. keeping your vessel open - gentle reminded that we are given a lot of opportunity to make conscious choices everyday and a lot of times the choices are in unexpected ways and unexpected packages. if you could allow yourself to be open

- step 1. expect unexpected

- step 2. remove stagnation, stagnant chi from our energy system, ie. house organized or not organized, hanging onto stuff that we do not need anymore, even emotional things or routines not serving us any longer. shaking things up can be a good thing

- step 3. get out of the rut of habitual choices with simple changes. view all of our choices and everything we do as a conscious choice. a powerful way to create new opportunities for us

4. grounding and maintaining a balance - requires time and dedication

- step 1. seek our balance in nature

- step 2. using mundane activities as opportunities for mindfulness, repetitive activities, opportunity for mindfulness, focus attentively on task at hand, perform task with sense of purposefulness and mindfulness, like hanging laundry, weeding, washing dishes, folding laundry

- step 3. meditation, focus on breath, walking mediation with baby, walking mindfully focus on each step
- step 4. mind/ body practices. yoga, qigong, tai chi

9 sacred moment practices
1. tree of gratitude, root of tree as breath. be grateful for breath. limbs of tree reaching out for the light
2. breath prayers and mantras. choose a couple of words to focus on. love and gratitude. love and peace, ommm chante ommm, ahhh
3. savor sipping = a practice of sipping a beverage mindfully. with each sip give thanks to people, plants, animals that made the beverage possible. use tool of gratitude to make it a more mindful experience. fosters a great sense of connectedness to the world in which we living in
4. mindful cooking and eating. take time to prepare the meal from local growers or grow yourself. interact with growers and give thanks and visualize people, plants, animals and send them a little blessing
5. listening to gratitude's voice.
6. shifting our focus. so much beauty, joy, magic all around us. children can be wonderful to look at the world differently if we open up to them. view our intention as seeds we plant
7. use power of written and spoken words. expose ourselves to more life enriching words
8. meridan tapping, emotional accupuncture. emotional freedom technique. tap gratitudes
9. mandalas = universal symbols of wholeness. they can help us to create sacred spaces in our lives.

*workshops beginning on summer solstice. sign up on the threading light blog

websites mentioned:

so wabu sabi
threading light

tadpole check

2010-05-23T22:55:00.001-04:00

:: checking in on our tadpoles and seeing how much they have grown from our first encounter, when only a few tadpoles had hatched from the frog spawn. along the way, we discovered a frog, dragonfly larvae and watched a salamander patiently fish for tadpoles. we found some snail shells, a crystal and a hickory nut shell, which serves a sunhat for the little one's pocket doll. such a wonderful hat, if i don't say so myself.

:: i picked up a pocket full of small acorn caps that i needle felted with this vibrant green color and was inspired by the dragonfly larvae we discovered. i just love the color. they are up in my shop

jar of sunshine

2010-05-20T08:11:00.000-04:00

2010-05-18T11:26:00.000-04:00

:: i will say that my days have been pretty great lately. i've been packing up a picnic and heading out to enjoy the outdoors, parks, nature centers and local watering holes. i've been allowing more time for creative opportunities and i've been keeping the words from the mindful connection webcast from jennifer louden accessible, "there is nothing to do and no where to go."

obviously, there is always something to do within the home, whether it is the laundry, dishes, preparing meals, cleaning, etc. and to be honest, i feel like i have a never ending list that i never manage to complete before another week of duties gets piled on. it has been exhausting. so for me, for my family, i needed to get out, get out of my house, stop thinking about all i have to do.

as mothers we tend to take on everything ourselves. we tend to not take a break until our "work" is complete. initially, i felt guilty taking some time off, but now i need the time. and when i come back home, i have more to offer my family.

:: and while the chilly, rainy weather kept us inside, my daughter set out a picnic for us today. it was lovely to take a little break.

the mindful connection - children as healers

2010-05-16T21:25:00.004-04:00

i listened into the mindful connection webcast with kristie burnes of earthschooling. she discussed "children as healers"

at preschool level - parent modeling natural healing
- reflexology to heal headache
- calendula for healing burns
- herbal teas for stomach aches
- lavender essential oil on pillow to help them sleep

- use lavender oil on doll that is hurt
- plants herbs in garden and harvest them
- tea tins in play kitchen, mortar and pestle

at kindergarten level - bridge between family and school life
- play creatively, poems and songs
- snacks they help set table and light candles, seasonal crafts
- simple stories that feature healing or herbs ie. 3 bears>porridge is healing food, little red riding hood>basket of goodies with mint tea and herbal remedies, peter rabbit> chamomile tea
- adapt stories to be closer to home
- offer healing properties of food and herbs with meal, ie herbal tea, alfafa, berries, dandelions, salads with violets and clover you find in the yard, apples with cinnamon and honey, carrot juice, spearmint tea, hibiscus tea, chamomile tea
- drops of essential oil in watercolor paint
- simple sewing or make potpourri
- teach them to make herbal infusion - tea - certain amount of time and certain measurement

1st grade (7 years)
- complex fairy tales, Rapunzel, name of herb
- german fairy tale, children searching for herbal remedies or healing plants
- stories from nature, talk about plants
- when painting, beginning color therapy, how do the colors make you feel? what do you think about this color?
- form drawing, circles, iris, iridology chart
- advanced finger knitting, every 3rd one add a healing gemstones
- stories with the personalities of the elements, wind, fire, earth, water
- make aromatheraphy candles
- make your own herbal block crayons
- natural dyes

2nd grade
- fables and saint stories
- model for overcoming adversity
- how plants help overcome advesity too
- stories of healers
- painting plants, talk about what plants resemble
- form drawing, reflexology
- talk about how does the fire effect you? what is your relationship with the fire?

rules of safety
1. use only what is safe and you know
2. heal only small injuries and aliments
3. ask for adult help or guidance
4. ask permission before healing another person

3rd grade
- children wonder where they belong
- old testiment, spiritual literature
- learn about higher power
- healing garden
- edible flower garden
- make herbal syrups
- explore temperaments, painting and drawing, how the colors interact with each other

4th grade
- history / geography of their locality
- local environment, local herbs, farmers market, nature center, plant identification walks
- eating seasonal local foods
- visit local healers
- human/ animal kingdom, more advanced reflexology
- Norse mythology, a rich history of healing
- teaching temperaments, does hot pepper relate to wind, fire, earth or water

5th grade
- botany
- complex herbal identification
- kids to use herbal identification book
- what element do you think this person is?

6th grade
- temperament theory
- south america - rainforest and how it relates to healing
- geology, how healing gems are formed
- answer questions about how things relate in a scientific way

* it was said to start with what you know. begin at the preschool level and build from there

websites mentioned:
the BEarth institute

wip - old blue jeans

2010-05-12T19:00:00.002-04:00

:: i borrowed my mother's sewing machine months ago. it sat there. i looked at it. i was afraid of it. i wondered it i would remember how to use it. i have not used a sewing machine since the 8th grade. i set out on a new adventure. i had to use the seam ripper a few times, but we're having fun.

there is nothing to do and no where to go

2010-05-11T12:05:00.000-04:00

jennifer louden spoke on the mindful connection

she started off with a poem by marc nepo

"...there is nothing to do and no where to go

excepting this,

we can do anything and go anywhere"

living our soul's work

be present to what is

let me be with what it

what could i do in this moment right now to feed us

are you going to order out

what would i really love right now

this is our life to shape

this is our life to create

mindful questions remind you that you have a choice

remember that you have a set of glasses on at any set time

and you are seeing the world in only one way

but you are just a little fish to experience

you are a creator

you create your life, you do not have to around reaction to it

you have nothing to do and no where to go

what your natural strengths and talents

and strength them, repeat for positive benefit

build your lives around your strengths

a lot of freedom that comes from living your life the way

weaknesses are things that weaken you

drain your energy, exhausts you

come up with some creative things or simply don't do it

who says i have to cook dinner? who says i have to iron?

mindful questions

what do i want?

what would i love to do next?

what are your desires?

self-care becomes more of a way of life, not just at the end of the week after your "work" is done

i want to live a life that cares for me

what do i desire

what is interesting me

what is calling to me? what do i desire? pay attention to your desire and following it

let yourself be nourished by it

follow your desires, they nourish you

what our soul is hungry for

self care are simple and available and free

if you get 15 minutes, grab onto it whole-heartedly

1. if i am in hyper alert mode

dialogue with the parts of yourself that is hyper alert

these parts of you are afraid, what are they afraid of??

2. start at the level of the body

choose relaxing music to calm your brain down

choose something physical to transition yourselves

giving yourself mindful transitions

3. keep log or chart for taking care of yourself

how you felt before you took care of yourself

how you felt after you took care of yourself

exhasted?

if you need rest, get to bed early, make up your sheets, use lavender soap in the shower

do it with love and intention

yoga nigeria= relaxation technique

how do you handle something that exhausts you that you have to do, ie cleaning?

so much of what exhausts us in life is the conversation that it should be different than it is

get curious how you could lower your standard around "cleaning" and asking for help

we assume that there are things that need to be done by us, why?

sandwich it between things that strengthens you

what makes you think that the world will need?

get curious

self care = an attitude of lightness

get to a place where we can be deserving of pleasure and kicking back in the middle of the day, make a 3 column list

1. what do you have to do?

2. what could you do?

3. let go of?

(buddism) the problem is you think you have more time than you do

today may be the last day that you get

let's show up for it, let's enjoy it, let's stop and reflect

let's reflect , have a cup of tea, catch up with our souls, and then go on to do the next thing

i trust that the choices i am making right now are based on (what i know in this moment)

trust in your deepest experiences of meaning

i am living my purpose

my purpose is unfolding through these kids (homeschooling)

i am engaged and strengthened

i did something, i feel engaged with life

i feel alive

deflect negativity

websites mentioned:

thelifeorganizer.com 52 weeks of mindful questions,

the comfort cafe monthly subscription

comfortqueen.com

yes

2010-05-10T23:02:00.001-04:00

i am inspired by this posting at ordinary life magic.

happy mother's day

2010-05-09T21:04:00.000-04:00

every day is a gift in life to experience their loveliness. happy mother's day to all the mamas!

(trying to capture a ppic with my children still)

treasure hunter

2010-05-08T12:24:00.002-04:00

:: my daughter is a treasure hunter. she explores and uncovers treasures where ever she goes.

when we simplified her room and the play area, i uncovered a little collection of treasures she has found through the years. treasures i remember seeing when she found, but did not know she was holding on to each and every one. one of the first treasures she dug up in her digging area was a little colbalt blue vicks eye drop bottle. i remember doing a google search which dated the bottle back to around the time our house was built. there are pieces of brick and pottery, pieces of pennies and a broken plate. most recently, we were learned the techniques for panning and had the opportunity to pan for gold that came from a mine in angorage, alaska.

aside from these treasured that she uncovered with a shovel and rake, she has been gifted lots of treasures while visiting family, from volcanic rock from iceland, shark's teeth, polished gemstones, rocks and crystals from india, marbles to an oyster shell. and while sometimes family thinks they have to buy her toys and things, i wish they would know that these natural treasures mean much more to her.

cinco de mayo

2010-05-05T21:07:00.003-04:00

:: happy cinco de mayo todos

may day blossoms

2010-05-03T18:22:00.000-04:00

:: little blossoms grace our seasonal nature table. we gathered blossoms in the garden and around the yard and put them in small little bud vases and spread their goodness around the house. what flowers are you enjoying in your garden?

happy may day everyone

blissful simplicity

2010-05-02T21:15:00.000-04:00

:: my children are very blessed. blessed with people who love them dearly. blessed with family and friends to share in their birthday celebrations. blessed with family, who would do anything for my children and would give my children the world. and children just do not need a world of material goods, but it always nice to have a few special gifts for a birthday celebration. gifts that are chosen with much thought and consideration. gifts that are beautifully made and well crafted. gifts that have meaning and purpose. and sometimes myself, i am left wondering if what i have to give is enough.

many questions run through my head. should i make something more? should i purchase something else? will there be enough to fill up the easter basket?

after a wonderful birthday celebration, sweet memories shared and a bounty of new gifts, we shared the remainder of the evening building fairy houses, playing with the fairy trinkets from the treasure hunt, drawing some pictures with on her new drawing pad and reading. we read a story from her new grimm's fairy tales book and a second-hand copy of Miss Rumphius, which is a wonderful story with a message about doing something to make the world more beautiful.

and today, my daughter had been watching out for butterflies in the garden, listening to the little chirps from our bird house, looking at the ants in the sidewalk cracks, picking violets and playing with her wooden warbler water whistle. she is blissfully swimming in her pool, searching for some of her new birthday treasures underwater: a piece of granite, a foreign coin, a rose quartz point and a bracelet made from new beads her brother (and i) picked out for her. she is eager to hang her new wind chime and plant her sunflower seeds later on today and is excited about making more "fairy wands", which are the fruit skewers we made for her birthday party.

and it is a reminder to me that children do not need much. there have been a few gifts that have been played with, but mostly she is fully content engaging in the wonder and beauty of nature.

a very fairy birthday

2010-05-01T22:28:00.002-04:00

:: to my sweet little baby girl, who is not so little anymore. the time has gone by so fast and now you are 6 years old. words can not explain how your love and beautiful soul has brought boundless joy into my life. you teach me more everyday about life. i love you so.

:: birthday preparations coming together. some projects i was able to finish and others i did not. i mistakenly did not have a single piece of wool felt long enough to back the crown, so that will sadly be a belated birthday present. i am bummed about her crown but i did made a new decoration for our birthday ring. i have a special song that i sing to my little butterfly, which is why i made her a little butterfly. we also made some delicious wands from chocolate covered pretzels and skewers of fruit.

:: my little one has really enjoyed our valentine's day scavenger hunts for the past few years, so i made up a little scavenger hunt for her birthday party. this time, with a fairy theme. i had collected pine cones, acorn caps, dried echinacea from the garden and i added some geode slices, treasure eggs, little star sequins, little brooms and miniature wooden rolling pins & clothespins. we also had some fairy toad stools and i made up some tiny seeds packets out of waxed paper, in which i enclosed sunflower, snap pea and pumpkin seeds.

the children ran around with their fairy ribbon wands looking for the fairy treasures. they were pointing out all sorts of things around our yard that the fairies could use and it was great seeing them take a closure look into nature. they all had fun breaking open their treasure eggs, drawing and running around the yard barefoot.

i overhead my friends saying amongst themselves that our party was refreshing and that parties for children are so big nowadays... and i feel some sort of acceptance from our friends to some extent. a lot of times i really do shy away from any discussions as to why i do what i do with my little ones because it is just beyond their reality. but that's a whole other blog entry.

:: my daughter loved the echinacea wands so much. (the carved stick was a gift from one of my daughter's friends. the friend's grandfather did a little carving on the stick and he decided to give it to my daughter for her birthday. so sweet)

:: and i think these feet speak for themselves.

birthday song anonymous
found in a child's seasonal treasury

In heaven shines a golden star
an angel led me from a far.
From heaven high unto the earth
and brought me to my house of birth.

Oh welcome welcome lovely day
With sunshine bright and flowers gay.
With painted birds that sing their song
and make me kind and good and strong.

wip

2010-04-28T23:46:00.000-04:00

:: we have a birthday coming up - lucky number 6.

happy earth day

2010-04-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

we celebrate earth day exploring local history and nature. connecticut had 7,000 native americans prior to the eurpoeans coming over. we also discovered that the mystery insect was a caddis fly. the naturalist knew exactly what we had found the other day. and during the pond discovery, we ended up netting the same caddis fly. it was neat to be able to share that with all the other families.

happy earth day

corners of her room

2010-04-23T21:41:00.003-04:00

:: as i finished up simplifying and organizing her bedroom, i left a new book "fairy houses" with some tiny needlefelted acorns and hoped that it would be well received. i was very happy with the results of our hard work in simplifying. it brought a smile to my face, looking at the things that bring joy to my daughter. from her crystal and rock collections, the basket of shells that my mother made for her years ago to her amazing ability to find heart shaped rocks. to her handwork basket that contains the flower press that we have used for many years that makes me realize how much she has grown. to the weaving she did last year that she made into a rug for her dollhouse and the little nature corner that contains a little beeswax bluebird in a nest she made. and i am most excited about seeing how this new space will allow her creativity and imagination to take flight.

simplified play

2010-04-20T10:32:00.007-04:00

with my daughter at her grandmother's house for a few days, my husband and i did the first sweep of simplifying. in doing a big sweep, it might work better to have the little one's away. we have tried to do a little at a time in the past but it just did not work for us.

it was a challenge to change a play area for an almost 6 year old to an area that could be shared with a 1 year old. the first step was to remove all the small items which could be a potential choking hazard. we left toys that were safe for a toddler to play with, like wooden blocks, smaller-sized playsilks, a few musical instruments, a basket of wool balls and a basket of wooden eggs downstairs in the play area. and on the top shelf of the playstand, we were able to keep a few of our daughter's toys downstairs.

we brought one of the playstand upstairs into our daughter's bedroom. all her natural collections were organized. smaller-sized ones were put in canning jars and others went into baskets. the open-ended toys stayed and the commercialized toys were eliminated. the simplicity parenting book offered a few tips of toys without staying power:

1. broken toys
2. developmentally inappropriate toys
3. character toys like my little ponies, care bears, barbies, littlest pet shop, etc
4. toys with too many functions and buttons
5. hi-tech / over stimulating toys
6. offensive / annoying toys
7. "developmental" toys like smart boards type gadgets and leapsters
8. toys you are pressured to buy
9. toys that inspire corrosive play
10. toy multiples

this is something that is years in the making for my family and we really are not there completely yet. we really did eliminate a lot of toys that we accumulate from well-meaning relatives. i think our family tries hard to purchase what they believe our daughter will like, but unfortunately, the toys just are not played with and the toys really hinder imaginative and creative play.

i have not purchased from mainstream toy stores in years. the last time, my husband and i walked around and around the store, desperate to find a gift for our daughter's birthday. we knew none of the toys in the toy store suited her, but felt we had to purchase something. we purchased a set of fairy dolls (which fell apart) and a set of bugs encased in marbles (weird, i know).

i will say that my husband and i sometimes are not on the same page with this as well beacuse this past christmas, my husband felt that he needed to buy her "other" toys. in his attempts, he went off to toys stores numerous times, only to come home empty handed and his head spinning. he searched the internet tirelessly and spent a lot of time picking out some gifts. despite his well meaning purchases, the toys were barely played with. we'll have to see if he feels the need to venture out to the toy stores again.

has your family been able to simplify? is everyone on the same page? does your extended family support your efforts? what do you say to your spouse or family regarding this?

simplicity parenting

2010-04-17T22:18:00.074-04:00

i have had this book for a while, but i have not made it past the preface. today, i needed to have already read the book, as our little one's skills of climbing and moving furniture rapidly developed. (well, small furniture), so i had to jump to chapter 3 - simplifying the environment.

we are in the process of trying to rearrange our adjoining living room and playroom (intended to be dining room) to make it safe for a almost 6 year old and 1 year old to share the same space. we had our little guy sectioned off in the living room but he's able to hop up on the furniture that was acting as the barrier. now, we are in the process of trying to rearrange the blockade to keep him safe in the living room. i say blockade because today we started utilizing a smaller wooden kitchen as a gate and by lunchtime he was pulling and dragging the kitchen set over, in order to get to the playroom. with this pic and the fact that he took his first steps at 8 1/2 months, need i say more about my little guys's determination and strength!

we initially were going to move our daughter's smaller things to the higher shelves on her playstands, but looking over at her toys, almost all of them are too small for a 1 year old. she has lots of baskets full of treasures, like sea shells, rocks, pine cones, gemstones, beads, marbles, coins, tree blocks and sticks, wooden balls, beach rocks, acorns and fairies upstairs in the hall (the only other place possible) would take her away from where most of our family activities are and that would not work well for our family.

what i love most is that her treasures are that they are open-ended. from the first time she took some pine cones discovered on a nature walk and set them out to represent our family, i saw the light of open-ended toys. shortly after, flower gardens were created from colored blocks, sea shells were arranged into fairy paths, tree blocks and polished stones became the birds at our feeders and our overgrown Peegee hydrangea bushes became her "secret hideout". of course, along the way, her treasures have grown.

i do have to go back to the beginning of the book, but, what have you do with all your little older one's treasures? do you scale them back from time to time? do you rotate them?

another day, another nature center

2010-04-15T22:23:00.001-04:00

:: i am hoping someone could help us identify this. it looks like a cylinder clump of grass, maybe an inch in height. it was moving around on the bottom of a small spawning ditch. i caught a glimpse of some thin legs before it retreated back into it's home. any thoughts?

:: the bottom had a round hole directly in the middle.

:: a joyful part of my day, walking across a wood beam with my little one.

enjoying the journey

2010-04-13T22:47:00.000-04:00

:: allowing ourselves to be....what a wonderful gift

making flower children

2010-04-10T22:29:00.000-04:00

:: we wait in anticipation of each blossoms we will see unfolding around us. each day brings even more beauty into our lives ~ snowdrops, daffodils, magnolias, cherry blossoms, pear blossoms, rhododendrons, violets, dandelions, grape hyacinth, bleeding hearts and our hyacinths anyday.

:: my daughter and i made a little snowdrop in preparation of spring. we used the pattern in feltcraft. the little snowdrop has been sleeping under my little one's pillow every night and i can tell her love for him comes from us crafting him together. i especially enjoy these days when we can look at our festival resources together and decide what we would like to create. in the background is the flower book with beautiful ida bohatta morpurgo illustrations from 1946, which my little one found in her easter basket.

:: i found some violets and dandelions on my walk with the baby today. i arranged them on the nature table for my little one to discover. i hope you too are enjoying the beauty that is unfolding around you.

easter preparations

2010-04-06T09:13:00.000-04:00

wishing you a happy easter.

wet felting easter eggs

2010-04-03T22:48:00.000-04:00

:: wet felting easter eggs. in the past, we have wet felted some wool balls to make acorns and wet felted some hearts using cookie cutters, but this was our first time wet felting easter eggs together.

if you are using a plastic egg, i recommend taping the seam so that it stays whole throughout the entire process. i like to start off with wool batting, which felts really nicely when you use small wisps of wool. make sure you spread out the wool so it is thin and airy. alternate the direction you add the wool to the egg. add a few thin layers to your egg is covered with wool and now you are ready to start wet felting. you will need a basin filled with hot water (warm water for the little ones) and a little soap, we used an olive oil soap. cup the egg in one hand and then you are going to add "fairy sprinkle" (the littlest amount) of soapy water over the wool. be, oh so gentle and careful handling the egg at this point, to keep the wool in place. after you have sprinkled a little water over the egg, cup the other hand over the egg and give the egg very gentle "hugs" or pats. you will notice when the wool starts to felt and then you could add a little more "fairy sprinkles" and pat a little more, patting from hand to hand now. the wool will become firmer and now you could submerge the entire egg in the basin of soapy, hot water and rub on a washing board. to make the eggs firmer, repeat the process with a colored roving. allow to dry for a day or two and cut an opening, either 1/2 way across or 1/2 way zig zagged. finish with embroidery floss and a blanket stitch.

here is a little tutorial over at rhythm of the home that uses bubble wrap to help with the felting process, which would be great to use with younger children.

here is an excellent tutorial on making a felt ball, which uses a blanket stitch.

watch vince grow

2010-03-27T21:14:00.001-04:00

1. plant seed in dirt
2. cover with dirt
3. water seeds
4. let sun shine
5. watch sunflowers grow

our little guy is progressing each day, which is wonderful, looking at the big picture. our day to day feedings continue to be a little rough lately. it can be very frustrating and stressful, when our little guy refuses his food and drinks. it can make me feel so sad. but when he eats most of his meal or drinks well, it just makes me feel so happy, it makes me feel that he's going to grow healthy and strong.

first day of spring

2010-03-20T08:10:00.022-04:00

:: happy spring

happy saint patrick's day

2010-03-17T10:25:00.075-04:00

happy saint patrick's day. i was up a wee bit late last night, inspired by this posting from golden sun family from years ago. it is a fantastic idea.

the magic and wonder that it brought this morning was so beautiful. her initial discovery was the wee little book and she wondered where it had come from, who's it was, what was it going to reveal. she headed for the magnifying glass as the writing in the wee little book was very tiny.

she searched around the house for any other traces of the leprechaun and discovered the outfit. her questions, her thoughts, her wonder had my heart smiling.

then, just as we were getting ready to leave for school, she wanted to bring in the wee little book to show her classmates. but then, she hesitated and i asked why. she went on to say that the others at school did not believe in fairies. as we discussed it further, she figured out that the others had not opened their eyes wide enough to notice the fairies or the treasures they leave behind. and we left it at that.

a first birthday

2010-03-15T10:22:00.093-04:00

it was my little guy's first birthday.

to my precious baby boy, who has the sweetest smile and the most precious brown eyes. and did I say how I love your bashful side and all those mamas just melt my heart. and when you come running into my arms with a great big hug, those are just the best. and how your curl up to me at night. and how excited you get when your daddy comes home. and how much you adore your big sister and how happy you are playing with her. and i know she's pretty great, but boy you just love her sososo much and it is just a beautiful thing to be a witness to.

you have taught me to love and laugh in the toughest of times (or should I say at midnight, 2 am, 4 am, and 6 am) but the truth be told that this year has been the most challenging and the hardest year that i've had as a mama. and i've learned that i am stronger than i thought and our family is much stronger, as we work together, giving thanks for what we have.

making an acorn cap bird nest

2010-03-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

a wee acorn cap bird's nest. you may be able to gather the materials for this little activity along your nature walk. first, you'll will need some acorn caps, straw, v-shaped twigs. around the house, you'll need to gather some glue, beads and some wool (or tissue paper)

:: first, put a little glue on the inside of your acorn cap and glue in a little bit of straw and wool. next, we are going to add the bead eggs. i found it easy to dab one side of your bead with glue and then arrange into the acorn cap. lastly, attach the acorn cap nest to your branch.

i hope you enjoy this little activity.

shades of green

2010-03-10T10:06:00.004-05:00

i just love this time of year, birds chirping with the rising sun, the morning sun filling our house with rainbows and warming our faces, and blooms and buds starting to peak up everywhere. with the last piles of snow melting, we are almost ready to welcome spring and all the beautiful shades of green it brings. from the vibrant, chartreuse greens, a perfect combination of green and yellow, to the rich, velvety moss green.

it's can be wonderful to bring some of the outside in. some trimmings from a flowering tree or maybe making a garden dish. originally inspired here and here, by carol petrash's book, earthways, in making our garden dishes. this year, we started working with modeling beeswax, so that will be a fun way to add to our garden dish.

i have a fun little bird's nest project, i'll be sharing tomorrow. come back and see.

one small change - cloth towels

2010-03-07T13:34:00.001-05:00

one small change. it has been a wonderful reminder to stop and take a little inventory about our family's lifestyle. see what we could change. see what we'd like to change. our change is twofold this month.

paper towels have been a big convenience item. we buy them. they are readily available and therefore we use them. i purchased some cloth towels, they are the same size as the paper towels and i stopped keeping a roll of paper towels out. instead, i am keeping the rolls in our upstairs closet and if we do need them for a big baby or doggie mess, we have them. while, i have not stopped buying them, we definitely have made a change in when we will use them.

the second change is to try out some new natural cleaning recipes. a majority of my cleaning is done with straight vinegar. and baking soda for cleaning the porcelain. but, after trying a few recipes for dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent (minus borax), i am back to the big box brands.

would anyone like to share their small change?

your child at play giveaway

2010-03-06T21:12:00.001-05:00

our family was so delighted to be gifted with a giveaway from acorn pies. the wonderful book, sunflower houses by sharon lovejoy, is providing lots of inspiration for our outside gardening. so many wonderful ideas it will be hard to pick which one we'll try first.

with my little one's first birthday coming up, i wanted to pass along a book to a another family. the book, your child at play, discovering the senses and learning about the world, by marilyn segal ph.d.

please leave me a comment with your favorite lullaby to sing and i'll randomly choose someone on march 21st.

good morning sun

2010-03-02T10:54:00.082-05:00

after waking and coming downstairs, my little ones and i gather around one of our windows that looks out onto our bird feeders and yard. this room catches the light of the morning sun and our sun catchers are strategically placed in the windows. when the the sun shines in, our room fills up with beautiful rainbows. we have always enjoyed our sun catchers and i think it is one of those things that brings a smile to everyone's face.

it is a lovely way to start the day together, which surprises me that this fell out of our day. we never really told a verse or blessing in the morning, but i would like to. seven times around the sun is a wonderful resource for establishing a family rhythm and rituals. do you have a morning ritual or verse to share?

songs for march

2010-03-01T17:25:00.000-05:00

the first two pictures are from a child's seasonal treasury. the later two are from a book i came across at the goodwill, it was a treasure waiting to be discovered. i hope the images are large enough to read the words.

here are some more spring songs, verses and fingerplays

my lady wind by k.guilmartin, based on a traditional poem
(this one is great to sing around the house with a playsilk or scarf)
my lady wind, my lady wind
'round and 'round the house she blows,
trying to get in
whoo, whoo, ooo, whoo

through the key hole in the door
through the crack in the bedroom floor
in and out she blows about and 'round the house once more
whoo, whoo, ooo, whoo

we have snow in the forecast for later in the week, so we'll still be singing this one....
snowflakes by l.levinowitz
(you can be creative with your movements and hand gestures with this one. we usually bring each hand down alternating and on the last line, we put our hands side by side, palms down and then move hands together left and right as if we are wiping the counters)

snowflakes, soft snowflakes gently are falling.
magically making everything white

a new rhythm

2010-02-26T17:00:00.007-05:00

the feeling of spring being in the air (even though in between we are still having snow storms) and the recent series of the waldorf connection really inspired a few thoughts for myself and my family.

first, to slow down more, to take more time in my tasks, to take a little longer changing my little one's diaper, to play peek-a-boo more, even my almost 6 year old still enjoys it. to have more tickle time, to have more cuddle time.

second, to take an opportunity to get outside for my little one. she really does need it, kids really do need it (i need it). the baby has such a rigerous feeding schedule, which really keeps me inside. but, i feel it is important to find the time to get us outside.

third, in exploring the parenting passageway, is to get back to the basics in our family rhythm. i admit that i am somewhat all over the place at times. my mind losses focus, but with the baby is still nursing during the night, i'm going to pat myself on the back for still standing, at this point.

forth, to be gentle with myself and continue to make some time for myself, to reflect, to read, to relax, to do whatever i'd need in caring for myself.

fifth, to be more joyous and light-hearted and not so serious.

is spring inspiring something new thoughts in you?

waldorf connection - first seven year cycle & celebrating spring

2010-02-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

here are some notes i took from the waldorf connection webcast with carrie dendtler from the parenting passageway talked about the first seven year cycle. carrie's website has an immerse achive of waldorf and parenting information. it is a wonderful resource.

why we do the things we do:
1. love, basis of everything we do
2. holistic view of the human being
3. the first seven year cycle is the foundation for the being
first year-walk, second year-speak, third year-think
birth - 2 1/2 becoming upright, learning to walk.
2 1/2 - 5 speaking, memory begin, play begin, first self-awareness at age 3
5-7 children becomes more conscious of the thoughts to what they say

what you bring to your children in these early years is important and it does matter.
- if feeling a little pressure, moms should pat themselves on the backs for trying to having a mindful, conscious, gentler, holistic approach which was different then your raised or saw in your family and for working on their inner path
- as long as you are trying and striving and your children see it
- forgive ourselves for not being perfect, we all can fall short at times, be kind to yourself, show your children how to have grace when you make a mistake
- we are fulfilling a need in our children and they are fulfilling a need within us, together
- relax, more about enjoying the process, not worrying if it is all not perfect, it is not about perfection in the end
- it is about healing and going on from where you are

qualities to bring to a young child
1. love and warmth (physical warmth, warm clothes, warming foods, through a home. a home that is warm emotionally and through delight in your child
work as parent is to be connected and loving to a child who is being more difficult than normal. personal development of parent, inner work, be calm, meet child where they are
2. an environment that nourishes those senses. repetition, rhythm, developing the sense of touch, sense of balance, sense of life, sense of movement, everything a child sees or hears. child is seen as a sensory being, with no filters from the world. when child is taking in impressions we need to give a child something worthy to imitate
3. creative, artistic experiences, handwork, painting, modeling
*the first handwork and creative experiences for children is playing with sand, playing in the mud, being outside in all types of weather, polishing shoes, kneading bread, puppetry is a wonderful artistic experience for children (juniper tree puppets, take simple things, simple story lines, nourish a child's soul), look more at the practical things within our home
4. meaningful adult activity that the child can imitate in their play. do something with your hands. loving, rhythmic home life, show them practical work, do tasks for your family in a loving manner, in a joyful manner, sing. do these things because you love your family. let children help. no need to rush through the task. really get into that task and do it joyfully. so your child can see, this is our family and we love each other, this is how we nourish each other
5. free play. children are at the height of imitation. they need to see you doing practical work, they need to get outside to use some of that energy so they can settle down inside. may need to have you help them a little bit, set up play scenarios. how can I make my child's play more creative? arrange toys so they are inviting for play. all toys have a home, that we could really show gratitude and reverence for toys. get outside to get energy out (2-4 hours a day, experiment with the elements, nature stories nourishing to their souls, connecting child to nature) going outside, connecting child to nature, important for disciplining as well
6. growing gratitude, reverence, wonder. the way we take care of our family, the way we do our tasks around the home, the blessings we have before meals, having a place for everything in the home, the wonder of nature
7. humor and happiness. play with them, do silly things, hug them, pat them on the back, play with them, kiss them, smile at them, give them that warm gesture, not using so many words. work with your child, through their body, through movement, fantasy and imagination. what could you do to get their energy out, use that in a creative way and also lead to what needs to be done. the boundaries still need to be held. keep to what is important in your home, what is the flow in your home, what are the rules in your home, what is the rhythm in your home. your rhythm really should carry the disciplining stuff for the younger crowd. having realistic expectations for the age and what a child can do.
8. adult caregivers who are trying to pursue a path of inner development. our actions are worthy of imitation. developing our own will of taking children outside when we would rather be inside.

child inclusive = i am setting the rhythm and tone of my home because i have more experience living on this earth and you deserve so much love, warmth and dignity. and i am going to show you how our family should do things. i am going to include you in all these tasks. here is your part to help. we are going to have time to play, we have time to go outside, and we are going to have time to sit down and have a warm family meal together.
i set it with love and attention to what my child needs are and feelings are, the art of parenting. i know when to follow that rhythm. a flow to your day. lovingly take into account the things that they needs, getting their energy out, creative play, warmth, worthy work to imitate, creative experiences, free play.

disciplining 4 1/2 years = children have a lot of energy and opinions. outside time to diffuse that. strong, steady rhythm, things happen in a strong and steady flow so they know what to expect, to have those have warmth for the child. find support for yourself, finding ways to fill your own tank. if you want to teach a behavior to your child one of the best ways is to do it in front of them. preserving the dignity of the child, having respect for the child and where they are. have tools in your tool bag, use humor, no need to be so serious, letting things go, ignoring things, "picking your battles", use distraction, solve things with warm, protecting gestures, pictorial imagery, positive places with imagery "hop like a bunny over here", phasing it as positively as you can. look at your child sleeping, how innocent and little they are. have a good grasp of realistic expectation for your child.understand where they are coming from. use less words. use gestures. can i say something calming and peaceful to my child. is this worth it? does this have to be addressed right now? child is learning, new and different things.

- sibling rivalry. you need a bag of tricks. when things are falling apart, have something calming. gather for a story. when things are clam, you try and make restitution. give child power to fix what was going wrong. as parent, have your bag of tricks to hold the space more closely

-dad being a part of bedtime routine in a calming way. a warming routine. back rubs. rocking small child. telling a story, singing. dad to decompress on your way home from work. steady routine, cultivating weekends for roughhousing, rough play, outside play

books mentioned:
you're not the boss of me
how to raise your children without sibling rivalry

________________________________________________________

the waldorf connection webcast featured eileen from little acorn learning. here are some of her thoughts on celebrating spring

lent. think about sacrifice, think of something to give up. as adults, self-reflection, what you could give up or what you could give better of yourself. can you give up negative thinking, worrying, regret? as we prepare for spring, as mother's we could prepare ourselves, a rebirth, a new, wake ourselves up, inner work to start a new season in our lives with our children. examine our lives and where you'd like to be. maybe give yourself 15 minutes of quiet, maybe a yoga class.

preparing our homes. decorating within the season. different colors. spring cleaning. declutter. recycle old toys. go through clothes. get down to the basics. less is more. donate items. reuse some of these things. do i really need all this stuff? emphasis on less is more. children just need the space to just be.

spring cleaning with the children. make it a point to include them in our tasks. find the patience within us to include them in our work. it gives them a purpose.

seasonal nature table. display symbols of the season in your home. signs of life. small plants. seedlings. empty nests. display the four elements. earth=soil or plant. water, air=pinwheel or kite, fire=beeswax candle.

she went on to discuss spring activities, such as composting, growing corn. if you would like to hear the series on the waldorf connection, they could be purchased.

happy birthday

2010-02-21T22:48:00.001-05:00

happy birthday daddy. we spent the day planning for my husband's birthday. my little one put so much thought into the preparations, it was very lovely, she is very lovely. from making his card to creating and arranging a beautiful space for our festivities. she made a birthday banner from her finger knit chains (with a little help in cutting out the wool circles). another of her finger knit chains was used to wrap up his present. it is wonderful to see her love gifted in these thoughtful and beautiful gestures.

rainbow love

2010-02-21T21:43:00.002-05:00

:: wet felted acorns from the other day

waldorf connection - learning handwork together

2010-02-17T19:54:00.023-05:00

i was lucky to catch the waldorf connection webcast about handwork with heather from shivaya naturals. here are some of the notes i took from that....

benefits of handwork in Waldorf:
perseverance
patience
mindfulness
self-esteem
sustainability
accuracy
builds creative foundation
love of art
therapeutic
focus
connection for child to their whole person
connection to the whole process and their place in that process
development of character

understand the whole process from sheep to yarn: visit sheep farm, wash and card wool, watch wool be spun, creative play and expression with wool and yarn, move into finger knitting and knitting on needles

books that were mentioned:
all year round
the children's year
circle round
heaven on earth
family festivals and food

fabrics

2010-02-15T20:42:00.004-05:00

:: my little one has been asking to learn to sew, so we had a chance the other day to head down to the fabric store. we picked up some ball point needles and some fabric. she picked out a few softly colored cotton fabrics and just when i thought we were done, she brought me to see a shimmering iridescent fabric, she thought would be great for fairy wings and then we searched for a twinkling oceany blue fabric that caught her eye. for a mermaid tail, of course. this is our first, my first stash of fabric. and we have some very ambitious projects for a little one and her mama who does not sew. well technically, i do not, but i'll be figuring it out. any tips?

this is a sneak peak another one of her projects. more to come...

lots of love

2010-02-15T20:10:00.005-05:00

:: handmade valentines and a gift from our little one, a stone decorated with buttons and a string she finger knit. and a bunch of clues used in our valentine's day treasure hunt. we started this treasure hunt last valentine's day and my little one really enjoyed it. she dressed up, wearing her playsilks and was ready to go. she asked for it to be longer next year :) i love the simplicity of the holiday we shared together. breakfast made by dad, handmade cards, a treasure hunt, a few chocolates, a few candies, a few new plants and a handmade treasure pouch.

making upcycled valentine wreaths

2010-02-12T16:46:00.008-05:00

:: we made these the other day but i forgot to write an entry about them. we made these the day my little one lost her first tooth. notice the christmas ornaments still up in the background, thank goodness they are all packed away now.

to make the upcycled valentine's wreaths, i cut fabric into squares and we strung them onto wire. we filled the wire up with the fabric squares, twisted the wire ends together and formed the wire into a heart.

i sent a letter to my love

2010-02-10T11:27:00.012-05:00

:: my little one's heart banner

:: woolly treasures

:: tease up your wool

:: put wool into cookie cutter

:: add soapy hot water

:: use chop sticks to press down on wool. the wool will start felting and will feel firm

:: rinse in cold water. put between two towels and press down to squeeze out all the water. let dry.

a tisket, a tasket
a pink and purple basket
i sent a letter to my love
and on the way i dropped it
a little puppy picked it up
and put it in his pocket

(remembered from one of our music classes)

reggio insight

2010-02-07T20:02:00.006-05:00

i am able to visit camp creek from time to time and the entries often leave me thinking, contemplating & questioning education. what does education me to me and my family? what do i want education to be for my little ones? what education is vs what education can be?

limits can be so...limiting
in defense of reading...

a snowy day

2010-02-06T22:26:00.006-05:00

:: snapshots from our beautiful snow-filled day

outdoor ice pictures

2010-02-04T23:10:00.005-05:00

:: first we had a little walk outside to gather up some supplies. it has been in the teens and below zero with the wind chill, so it was a brief walk. inside we gathered some cranberries, bowls, and jute cord. we selected our material and arranged it in the bowl then we slowly added water. we submerged the ends of the jute cord in the water to allow it to be hung. then put the bowls outside overnight. in the morning our ice pictures were frozen solid and ready to be hung. they are beautiful hung outside a window.

candlemas blessing day 1 & day 2

2010-02-02T19:20:00.010-05:00

we had a two day candlemas celebration. we started the first day making some pancakes and singing a candlemas verse. we also made this song into a little fingerplay, which are always enjoyed with much excitment.

The Groundhog by C.Aldinger from Sing a Song of Seasons
Ground-hog in your hole so deep
Raise your head and take a peep
If your shadow makes you leap!
Curl back up and go to sleep

we read a story called, the sun is my favorite star by frank asch. but the mothering board had these suggestions:
the snowdrop adapted from hans christan andersen
the coming of spring
the candles by hans christan andersen

i really liked this family's day of celebrating, shadow tag and this little verse.

Little Candle
Little candle burning bright
You are such a pretty sight
Show us all you shining light
Little candle burning bright

:: with winter keeping us tucked inside, we cut paper snowflakes. we used nail scissors, which made it so much easier for my little one to cut with

:: using our new modeling beeswax to make a little snowman for our nature table.

moments with snowflakes

2010-01-31T22:22:00.018-05:00

with having a better understanding about what is going on with my little one and having a great start of getting him back where he needs to be, i have felt an awaken inside of me. i sense of renewal. and my eyes were open to all these wonderful moments. with my little girl, i was able to experience something wonderous. something that i had not witnessed in all my life, the lacey patterns of snowflakes. while i had seen them in the photographs of kenneth libbecchi and while amazed at them, i thought that they could only be seen with a microscope. and we sat there in the car while the snowstorm came in and we observed tons of beautiful snowflakes falling on our windshield, sharing with us their beauty.

and this is a fresh start to the new year for me. for i know that i have not been as patient or as kind as i would have liked, in these last months. and it seems like such a fitting time as i plan our candlemas celebration. as we celebrate the awakening of mother earth. to think about my goals in the new year...to be a better model for my little one's, to plan better for my family. and as i look through ways that candlemas could be celebrated, i share them with you.

~ blessing of candles
~ make pacakes or crepe (symbolize the round, golden sun)
~ have diner by candlelight
~ make beeswax candles, trim wicks, clean candle holders
~ polish shiny surfaces and doing some spring cleaning, making it easier to reflect the lights you display
~ plant bulbs

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come, winter, have another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go, winter, and come not again.

wishing you blessed candlemas,
christine

inching up the charts

2010-01-28T10:04:00.029-05:00

when we last talked about my little one's poor growth and failing to thrive, he had been declining on the growth chart over 5 months. i am so thankful for family who support led me to search out new doctors and answers to my questions. each doctor brought us along our path to the next, appointments opened up and the big questions were answered very quickly for us. poor feeding is what has been determined and we are working with a feeding team at the children's medical hospital. we have the support of a few doctors and i feel great about our plan moving forward.

while there are a few things that led to this, the main issues has been that my little one would rather be on the move. through the evening, he has always nursed very well, nursing every 2-3 hours. in talking with a doctor, he said that my little one is in a drowsy state of mind which is allowing for his good feedings. a light bulb went off and now, as soon as i hear the little one stirring from his nap, i run upstairs to nurse him. (prior, we were nursing before his naps) we are fortunate that my little one has taken to his solids and he gets 3 meals and 3 mini-meals a day that we mix in a 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and a high calorie formula in his food. we are focusing on high calorie foods (pumpkin, olives, hummus, pasta and potatoes) and foods rich in proteins, as well as variety and brain building foods.

my little one also has an intolerance to milk protein. my diet has also remained egg-free since christmas time and i am a little suspicious of egg seeing my daughter was allergic to egg through the age of 3 years. i have found this resource very helpful in ensuring i have eliminated my son's suspected allergens from the food that i eat, as allergens can be hidden within the ingredients. the document, how to read a label, if you suspect a food allergy or intolerance, i advise you to seek medical advice. allergic reactions can be life threatening) i have found that with my daughter and now my son's intolerance, that preparing and planning ahead are crucial. the great news is that there are so many resources on the internet. there are also wonderful blogs, dedicated to sharing their family's experience and recipes. the recipes are so so so helpful. thank you to everyone who shared their stories with me.

i am so grateful to the mothering boards and to those who respond and leave comments. mamas helping mamas, sharing their story and experiences. they really helped me to have prior knowledge when talking to the different doctors. they gave me hope and the feeling that i was not alone.

above all i encourage other mothers to listen to your inner voice. ask as many questions as you need to, seek out people to help your answer your concerns and questions and above all, ask your doctors what are ALL the options (something i learned with both my deliveries, a whole other story to tell one day. if you are going to be delivering, another critical thinking questions is to ask if the decision needs to be made right now or do you have some time to think about your decision) sometimes a doctor talks about only 1 option because in their mind they believe it is the best option. and while you can respect their opinion, i feel grateful to have learned to ask about all the options so that i can choose what is best for my family.

today, my little guy is back on the growth chart. he's in the 4th percentile on weight and he's reaching up to the 50th percentile on height. we are inching up the charts!

thank you all for your support and keeping us in your thoughts
with growing gratitude,
christine

springs a coming

2010-01-26T09:09:00.010-05:00

only a trace of snow remains in some spots. the weather mild. the sun was bright and warm. the skies were a beautiful blue. and there was a feeling of spring was in the air.

it brought an awaking inside of me. a refreshing feeling. a newness.

we head to a park in between the baby's feedings.

a visit from rosa lily

2010-01-23T16:19:00.006-05:00

prior to losing her first tooth, we had been discussing what would happen when the time came. we said that she would get to keep her first tooth and that the tooth fairy would come and leave her something special under her pillow. i really had my chance to keep this simple. i think that keeping it simple makes it very sweet and special. and magical.

i had a tiny tooth fairy card that i had been saving for a very long time from the silver penny. it had a place for the child's name, date and the tooth fairy's name, which i found some help over here with names. rosa lily left some magical sequin stars, 2 quarters and a rose quartz heart. my little one cherishes that she has a special tooth fairy and much excitement is revealed as she retells everyone about this special event in precise, sequential order.

...and so the magic continues as my little one leaves her fairy some trinkets on her windowsill and a drawing under her pillow this evening. i will say going under the pillow is mighty tricky. but the magic it brings is something i hope she holds with her as she grows.

a missing tooth

2010-01-22T21:09:00.004-05:00

:: her first tooth. it was a little loose earlier in the week and tonight it came out. she is very excited that she gets to keep her first tooth and that the tooth fairy will pay her a visit tonight. she left the tooth fairy a piece of concrete that she found today so the tooth fairy could build a house with.

one small change - reuseable sandwich bags

2010-01-22T10:18:00.004-05:00

our one small change is going to be getting back into using cloth napkins and towels, instead of paper. i am also just completing a trade for reusable sandwich and snack bags from here. i wanted to bring out the sewing machine (which i have not used in 15 years) to make these wonderful reusable snack and sandwich bags. but i just do not have the time to sew right now. in the future, i want to start making the things that my family needs and reduce the things we are purchasing.

from hip mountain mama...
"Recycle, use cloth napkins, try cloth diapering, replace your bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs, turn off your lights, use natural cleaning products or make your own, drive your car less, buy a hybrid, turn your thermostat down, use the sun to warm your home through passive solar heat, bring your own bags to the store, install a low flow shower head, stop buying bottled water, unplug it, bring more plants into your home, always print double sided, when getting rid of things consider freecycle, craigslist or ebay (do not throw out as someone else is surely able to get some use out of it), support local farms and try to eat local, purchase wind power if it is available in your area, purchase products made with natural materials and that can be reused, purchase recycled paper products, use rags instead of paper towels to clean up messes, use reusable lunch sacks, buy organic, landscape responsibly by reducing the use of water needed, donate time and/or money to green efforts, elimate the use of toilet paper by using family cloths, don’t flush every time, put a brick or something heavy it he back of your toilet so it uses less water when flushed"

haiti - make a difference

2010-01-20T08:53:00.006-05:00

i wish i could hop on a plane and fly down to help. to help bandage up their wounds, to hold, to cuddle, to make everything alright. and if only i could make their tears go away. thinking about the families is just heartbreaking. seeing all those babies and children who needs so much help. i chose to donate to the american red cross, knowing that together, we all could make a difference.

my little one gathered some of her money for school, which is being donated to the haiti relief fund.

natural process

2010-01-17T18:37:00.018-05:00

:: while our christmas turned more commercialized than i hoped, my heart smiles that all those types of toys are soon forgotten about and my little one chooses her shells and tree blocks for play. and i can not say how this little nature lover loves gifts of crystals, geodes and minerals or trips to museums or nature centers.

:: a butterfly created from a pine cone, feathers and pieces of corn husks.

:: this is what became of her carrots

:: prism play

:: a girls day out, playing with beads and patterns

my little one had a nice break from school. i did not realize how much paperwork she was being given at school. handouts and dittos that are passed off as learning. and handouts sent home that fill our time completing.

with some time off, we have a nice rhythm going at home. filled with many opportunities for learning throughout the day. it's more of a natural process. and i desire days where we let my little one's curiosities and exploration lead the way. i desire her learning from self discovery.

running in the new year

2010-01-08T11:43:00.015-05:00

:: peek-a-boo
:: gaining momentum while coming around the corner. you should see this little guy running. it is so delightful.

:: loving her new sweater. thank you uncle jim and aunt kathy

:: the sweet aroma of our paperwhites

:: creating a new window star (kite paper, contact paper and heavier paper for the cut out frame)

:: wet-on-wet painting
:: 3 kings day

this week has been filled enjoying time with my little one and visits to new doctors, and researching. and taking a relaxing soak each night, reading and going to bed early. i feel a sense of empowerment, taking matters into my own hands. for a mother who thinks there is something wrong when their little one is not thriving, one needs to search for answers. my ped seems to be on board now and i feel much better. i also feel a sense of calm (at times, as the sleep deprivation brings on a roller coaster of emotions), knowing that i will be able to handle anything that comes our way.

seeing i am still nursing, we had been following our nd's recommendation of eliminating soy, dairy (including goat's yogurt, which is similar to the protein in milk), egg and wheat from my diet and feeding the little one more throughout the day. i have found that "safe" food is about planning and preparing a head of time and reading the label on everything. when my little one did start going to me less and less to nurse, i had to cut back on his food to preserve that precious supply.

after some allergy testing (scratch test) we determined that there is not a true allergy to the suspecting foods. but, i feel strongly and know that my little one reacted to cow's milk products when i had them and more recently he reacted to goat's milk yogurt. it is safe to say that my little one has an intolerance to dairy, so dairy will be continued to be eliminated from our diets. i am uncertain about the soy. for the meantime, dairy will be cut out and i will bring back eggs, soy and wheat to my diet until we determine that they need to be cut out. up next we are off to a GI doctor.

while things may be difficult at times, i know that we'll get through this together... as a family. taking time to enjoy the simple things together. and i feel so ever grateful for my family...for family who offers unconditional support and parents and grandparents who offer their experience and guidance... for my daughter who is ever so patiently with me...for my little guy who makes me laugh and love in the most challenges times and my husband who handles his concern and eases my worrying.

happy new years

2010-01-01T14:17:00.014-05:00

.... wishing everyone the hope, joy, beauty & wonder of a new year.

9 months

2009-12-28T13:52:00.009-05:00

:: my little guy
:: walking at 8 1/2 months
:: loves bananas
:: he is sooo excited to see his daddy comes home
:: saying mama, dada, baba, A-a (for his sister) and we had a few uh-ohs
:: loves nursing morning, noon, and night
:: loves emptying baskets

it seems a fitting time to say that i have been having a difficult time here. while i know there are many new changes that come with a new baby, things should get a little easier as they get a little older. but, this has not happened here. my little one had been sick since halloween and thankfully has recovered a few days before christmas. as any mother would do, i have done everything possible to get him nursing and well. he has been slowly slipping down on the growth chart. he has gone from 90% in height to the 25% in height and his weight is below the chart. friends and family have been so kind to help ease my worries with their words. but in my heart, this has been very unsettling for me. another round of recently blood work came back normal, which my doctor is content with but it leaves me with so many unanswered questions.

... i held off from publishing but a recent visit to another doctor in search of answers to my questions and concerns has brought new hope and something positive to report to everyone. our doctor thinks that my little guy is reacting to something i am eating. so we are adjusting our diet. in addition to being free of cow's milk products, i will be gluten-free, egg-free, and soy-free. with that comes some changes to the family's diet as well.

and i wanted to thank you and this space for giving me a little escape and outlet. truthfully, i have not been taking time for myself, as i know so many other mothers have trouble finding the time, especially with a new baby. with my little one's last round of testing, i had to do some tapping techniques or eft that i learned years ago to center myself, release some emotions, and keep me in the now. i feel great gratitude that i was able to utilize this technique and it reminded me of a time when i was more at peace. and it is something that i need to work on, so i will be taking some time to soak in the tub and do some reading, to start off with. if you need some time for yourself, i hope that you allow yourself some time as well.

childhood memories

2009-12-26T21:06:00.017-05:00

from as young as i could remember, my family had the tradition of gathering at my great grandparents house to celebrate and rejoice in the holiday with food, good cheer and song. the house was filled with great aunts and uncles and lots of cousins and our evening went late into the night singing christmas carols together. when we decided on which song to sing, everyone would be flipping through their books trying to find song, some seemed to flip longer than others because back in the day, we all had different song books. these days, we all have the same song book which makes it very easy to help each other find the page. this year our helper announced the song and the page and gave us a 10 count. and i sit back, filled with great joy and gratitude to share these beautiful traditions with my little ones. and as we start new ones of our own, i know they are the beginning of new magical childhood memories.

the gift of light

2009-12-23T09:07:00.008-05:00

The gift of light

We thankfully take,

But nothing may be

Just alone for our sake.

The more we give light

To one and another

It shines and spreads life

Growing still further,

Till every spark is set aflame.

Till every heart,

Joy shall proclaim!

-M. Tittman

wishing you a wonderous and joyous holiday.

handmade for the holidays

2009-12-22T10:22:00.012-05:00

:: little glimpses of some of our handmade goodies

celebrating the forth week on advent

2009-12-20T10:18:00.006-05:00

:: as we celebrate the forth week of advent, i am reminded of so many things. i feel very very very thankful for my family, the time we spend together and for every little blessing we have. i am just not courageous enough to share all of my thoughts and feelings at this time, like my friend over here, who touched me with her beautifully words. today, we have some beautiful snow to be thankful for. a magical covering of sparkling white brings a silent stillness outside, keeping us tucked inside, creating new family memories.