Special Time

With all three children, as infants, it always felt right to hop in the tub with them at bath time. Those cold, plastic baby bath tubs never made them happy, and it was so comforting for both of us to be enveloped in warm water. Safely, as in the womb, with Mama's gentle hands for security, they could relax and the time was pleasant for all. As they grew, mama stopped climbing in and let them splash and have fun on their own with Mama nearby to help wash and keep a watchful eye.

About two years ago, when I was barely pregnant with our baby girl, my oldest daughter and I started a ritual. Founded on the desire to hold our bond, to be sure that we had special time together, our "Girl Baths" began.

We went to our favorite herb store.. here, and filled our basket with fine bath items, bubble bath, facial masks, foot scrub, and lavender shampoo.

Since then the products have come and gone, but the intention is still the same. When my daughter needs that spcial Mama time, she simply asks. Dad keeps the other two occupied and we start the bubbles, we wash each others hair and scrub each others feet. This gives that necessary space to let communication just be, or not.

The little one began asking last night to join our bath, and after we had some quiet time, we let her in. She repeatedly requsted water be ceremoniously poured over her back and shoulders, and even received the final touch of a spritz of uplifting rose water to close the space.

I hope this ritual lasts forever (although we might need a bigger tub soon :-) But even if it doesn't, the memories and connection will surely outlast a lifetime.

Mama Tip

A friend gave me a tip recently, and I followed her advice this afternoon.
While the two older ones were painting, I set the little miss (17mo) up with a paint brush, construction paper and a container with water just barely covering the bottom. It amused her for quite some time. And Mama got a FULL load of dishes washed.
Thank you for the idea, B!!

Sugar Season

Sugaring Season is just around the corner. In these parts, the sap has started to run...

And we have our own tap, courtesy of the little man..

The bucket's getting full...

And the sugar shack is in full swing.

Pouring off the syrup after it sheets...

And bottling it up for the anxious customers.

The Story of the World

As far as homeschooling goes, our "curriculum" is all over the place really. I use a little of this, a tad of that, a mashup of here and there, unschooling and sit down and get to work, work.

One curriculum, however that we have come across that I really enjoy is "The Story of the World" by Susan Bauer. The text is very readable and the activity book is so much fun. I'm not sure which of us loves it more. I always found history simply boring, and am for the first time seeing it in a new light.

The first handful of chapters focuses on ancient Egpyt, simply enrapturing for all of us.
Today we learned about Pharaohs, and when Upper Egypt finally concurred Lower Egpyt (which happens to be north of Upper Egypt). King Narmer combined the white crown of the Upper with the red crown of the Lower to make the first Pharaoh's crown.

As I was typing up this very blog, I was led away to the kid's room where I found my very own King Tut lying still for, possibly, the first time ever.

The Story of the World

As far as homeschooling goes, our "curriculum" is all over the place really. I use a little of this, a tad of that, a mashup of here and there, unschooling and sit down and get to work, work.

One curriculum, however that we have come across that I really enjoy is "The Story of the World" by Susan Bauer. The text is very readable and the activity book is so much fun. I'm not sure which of us loves it more. I always found history simply boring, and am for the first time seeing it in a new light.

The first handful of chapters focuses on ancient Egpyt, simply enrapturing for all of us.
Today we learned about Pharaohs, and when Upper Egypt finally concurred Lower Egpyt (which happens to be north of Upper Egypt). King Narmer combined the white crown of the Upper with the red crown of the Lower to make the first Pharaoh's crown.

As I was typing up this very blog, I was led away to the kid's room where I found my very own King Tut lying still for, possibly, the first time ever.

Spring is in the Air

Today, Father Winter reminds us that he is still lingering, but yesterday, AH YESTERDAY. Yesterday the glimpse, the promise of spring tickled our senses and we enjoyed Audubon trails on a homeschool hike with some new friends.

A walking stick with training wheels..

The view from the back

"I wish we could take this home and use it as a rug..."

A Maple print in the ice.

Mama needs a new pair of shoes... (but oh how I love these!)

Ferns, really? In a New England February?

Someone's lunch?

And then my wonderful Mother-in-law watched not one, not two, but ALL THREE kids while I was able to take a magnificent walk through the park with my two ladies.

Oh, I love them!

Queens.

Valentine's Day Love

Spread your Love today and everyday.
Love and Blessings to all.

Snow Day!

Dad took an early day yesterday for the storm and we braved the roads and headed to the park for some boarding. Always a skier, never a snowboarder, Mama even strapped in for her first time! Can't wait to actually try it out on some bunny slopes!

Bringing Love and Warmth in the home.

We've been busy adding some color to the house. We needed a little flair after the Christmas Crafts were taken down.

We started with a Heart garland, which I found here

First we cut out 20 - 2 1/2 " or so hearts..


Using my favorite new toy, I sewed across the top of the hearts, attaching it to newspaper, leaving 2" or so in between hearts, creating the garland.


Some little hands, gently tore the newspaper off the garland..


and Viola!

Next we created a Hanging Paper Globe, which I found here


And my favorite, "Stained glass" Crayon Hearts found here. I happened to have made these with a very dear friend, which makes them all the more special.