A Special Day

It seems like I dropped off the face of the earth, right? Nope, I'm still here. I just don't know how some of you manage to keep up on your blogs even in the midst of busy holiday weeks. I even have a backlog of ideas for posts. But ... well, at least I'm here right now!!

I was informed on Monday that "April threeth" was Claire's birthday, which was the very next day. So, a birthday party was held on Tuesday afternoon, complete with birthday crown, of course.

We made Elisabeth's "Secret Recipe" for chocolate chip cookies (see below), and enjoyed birthday festivities fit for such a special dolly.

When I created these dolls for my wee ones, I made them partly because I wanted them to have this style of doll and wasn't in a financial position to buy them for full retail price, and partly because I wanted to try the project. I figured that they would be enjoyed and played with, but I did not anticipate how much of a companion Claire would actually become. She is in Elisabeth's bed every night, and she is the first doll for whom we've had to have a "real" birthday party.

I know that I could gloat about how much this thing that I made for my child has become a treasured possession, but, truthfully, it isn't about me. Those dolls carry a magic beyond what I could have imbued them with; they are as magical as if they had been made in the real elves' shop (they were a Santa gift) and not in my tiny workspace in stolen moments. I have relinquished the credit for them, and it's not difficult or bittersweet for me at all. In fact, I am grateful for the opportunity it gives me to step outside of myself and believe in magic that much more.

Elisabeth's Secret Recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mix together:
Eggs
Milk
Vanilla
Butter
Powdered Sugar
Flour
Chocolate Chips

Flour rolling pin; flour mat; roll out. Cut into teeny and big circles with a cookie cutter. Put on tray. Bake for 2 seconds; they will be poofy and hard.

Welcome, busy April

It seems that April is one of the busiest months of the year for our family. Of course, Elisabeth's birthday on the 10th is huge. But Easter also falls in this month (most years), and there are a slew of other birthdays -- from my brother, to nieces & nephews, to two of our family's closest little friends -- to prepare for and celebrate.

So, I'm spending a lot of time looking over my "lists" (don't laugh -- I go completely crazy without them), planning & making gifts, cards, Easter goodies, and birthday party fun. There has been much knitting going on over the last week (the vest will be completed in time!), and there are still some sewing projects to complete before Elisabeth's birthday. And we'll dye eggs, of course, and probably do some other Easter crafties ...

Of course, during all of this busyness (yes, I know that is not the correct spelling of that word), spring is sneaking up on us, and my wee ones are getting off to bed before dark. After their bath the other night, this fact really seemed to feel "real" to all of us, and there was some impromptu frolicking on the grass in summery pajamas before going in and settling down to some poems.

And then it's back to work for Mama. But not without a treat.

{Edited: I so rudely neglected to share what this treat actually was. It was strawberry sorbet topped with vegan chocolate chips and some coconut that I toasted in my toaster oven. I don't know how many times I've mentioned our allergies on this blog already ~ maybe 70? ~ but, James and I are both allergic to milk. So, no real ice cream for me, and no milk chocolate, either. Although, honestly, I don't really mind about the chocolate bit, at least. Chocolate is neither here nor there for me. ;)}

Just a bit of joy

Last night was my sister's wedding reception. They got married privately (some would say they eloped) a while back, but really wanted to celebrate with a party for family and friends. I was the "event photographer," a task made quite challenging by the fact that the lighting in the place was really bad ... I ended up having to resort to built-in flash by the end of the night. (I think more disappointing to me than anyone else, of course.)

To say that my sister and I are extremely different would be a huge understatement. I think the characterizations "earth mama" and "glamour goddess" would not be too off the mark. But anyway, she was the first sibling I ever had, and we shared a room, along with much play and many secrets, growing up. She has had a very, very hard road over the last 10 years or so, and the fact that she has found someone to love, who truly loves her, is so huge that it's difficult to express in words. I am deeply thankful that this has happened for her.

Last night, at the very end of the party, my mom and brother and I asked the DJ to play "Footloose", a song that we had choreographed as children, and used to dance around our living room to it over and over. (The DJ at first refused ... long story ... and had to be strong-armed into it by the venue manager. Not a way to get hired back by a venue, let me tell you.)

Anyway, there we were: me, my two sisters, our brother, and our mama standing in the middle of the dance floor, arms around one another, huddle-style, crying for joy to "Footloose" because our sweet sister is finally happy. (This is supposed to be a joyful post, not a crying one!) It was a wonderful, crazy, fun, sad, amazing moment, one I will never forget, though it's not captured on film (or digitally!).

It was one of those "big" moments in life where no previous amount of struggle or anger could even begin to touch the awesome joy of that moment. (Moments like those make being fully present easy!)

One year old!

Today is James's first birthday! I just cannot believe how fast this year has gone.

One year ago, I was cradling my newborn boy. He was born first thing on a snowy morning. I awoke with some mild contractions, but I wasn't really convinced it was labor at first. I wasn't due for almost 3 weeks! Within a few minutes, though, the contractions began in earnest, and we called my midwife and my friend Rachel who was coming to be Elisabeth's support person. Fortunately she lives very close! By the time Rachel and my midwife's assistant arrived, I had been in labor for about 30 minutes, and I was already pushing. My midwife came in just in time to catch him, 60 minutes after the beginning of labor.

James entered this world peacefully, gently, quietly, and his birth seems to have been a foreshadowing of his personality. He is a quiet, tender little soul who amazes me constantly. He's remarkably mellow (especially when compared with the powerhouse of Elisabeth!), and almost always seems to be in good spirits. He has been such a blessing to our family, and especially to Elisabeth, who completely dotes on him. Witnessing the unfolding of their relationship has certainly been the greatest blessing over the last year, though it has been a year of tremendous growth for all of us, especially me, as I've grown into my role as mama to two indredibly different wee ones.

There has been much celebration today, and more to follow this evening. What a joy to celebrate having this little boy in our lives!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

more birthday goodness

Here's some more birthday goodness. Natural Knits for Babies and Moms, a gift from my friend Laura (who happens to be sweet C's mama, as well). This book has become an instant favorite. I am just not sure what to make first!

First off, I absolutely adore these booties. They are just perfect in their complete simplicity. I love the garter stitch on the soles.

Awww, look at that peaceful wee dreamer.

I instantly loved these mittens. Look at that stripey, mitteny goodness!

I cannot resist the cuteness of these kimono sweaters. Oh, so yummy!

And finally, the vest. I never really thought I was a vest person, until I saw my son in one at Christmas, when I promptly changed my mind. I love the subtle striping on this one. So cute! Is it calling my name for Easter?

two of the three

Mmmm. Cherry pie. Courtesy of my mama. (An aside: it's only been since I started this blog that I began to refer to her as my "mama" -- we've always just said "mom" -- but then I found out that she'd always wanted us to call her "mama" but my dad couldn't break the habit of referring to her as "mom" around us. I have been very insistent since Elisabeth was born that I am to be called Mama and nothing else! I hate the name "mom"!)

Anyway, by now I'm sure no one wants to hear me complain some more about my slow internet connection. But really, I've been trying to upload these pictures for two days, and the session just keeps timing out, and I keep giving up. So, at least one birthday goodie is going to have to wait another day.

Thank you all so much for your very sweet birthday wishes! I am just overwhelmed with gratitude. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I ever got 492 comments to a single post!

So, there was no snow on my birthday (though it's snowy today -- a belated birthday surprise from the heavens, no doubt), but plenty of cherry pie and these wool gifts. The pink is locally spun and handpainted (sorry, can't give away where "local" is) and the blue is just Lion Brand, from the craft store, but I was immensely thrilled with Elisabeth for picking it out on her own when taken to the craft store to choose something for me. She knew it had to be "100% wole" (as she says). She also made this for me:

It's a "hair tie." Obviously.

This was also a good year for book-gifts. My husband gave these two to me. The left one has already helped clarify some things for me (I have a new-to-me serger), and I already have many plans and ideas for the one on the right!

And these, along with this, were from my parents. I love taking pictures, I love my camera, but I want to be able to photograph objects better than I've been able to so far. I am happy with my pictures of my wee ones, but I have not yet discovered how to "style" a photograph of food or my own creative works so that the photo looks really beautiful. These books are good photography books, but not quite in the exact vein that I need. Any recommendations?

We had a lovely, quiet dinner out with my parents and the four of us at a small family-owned Italian restaurant where they still serve the old homemade spaghetti, and plenty of good wine. Then we came home, ate pie, and enjoyed the Academy Awards. Because what could be more fun on your birthday than a night at the Oscars, right?!!

Happy Valentine's Day

I have never really been a huge fan of Valentine's Day. Maybe it's because being homeschooled, I never did that whole exchanging-cartoon-character-Valentines-with-classmates thing. Or maybe it's because my birthday is less than two weeks later, and given a choice between a "big" Valentine's Day or birthday, I'd definitely prefer to have a fuss made over me on my birthday, so Valentine's Day has always been downplayed in relationships I've had. At any rate, I've never really cared about day one way or the other.

When Elisabeth was a tiny baby, I came across this book, which has been so very influential in many of the choices and traditions we've instituted in our family. What struck me about its discussion of Valentine's Day is that for many adults, it seems like a silly holiday to celebrate, but for children, it is a very special day. So we make it a family-centered day. Elisabeth is so thrilled about our special family party tonight after I get home from work (you know, teaching cello lessons ... I job I sometimes groan about "having on the schedule," but one I really and truly love).

I am so thrilled about the joy my daughter takes in being with and celebrating with her family, and about the opportunity that each holiday & festival (no matter how minor) offers to mark the passing of another year in the lives of my children; to remember what they were like and doing last Valentine's Day, and to look forward to what they will be like and doing next Valentine's Day.

No matter what this day means or marks for you, I hope that it is filled with love and sweetness.

Claire and Peter

I'm back. I'm mostly recovered from my awful cold. My camera, however, has had some sort of issue and is being sent on Tuesday to be serviced. So, I'll be posting about Christmas for a while yet. :)

We had the merriest Christmas ever this year. (In spite of my cold.) The children were delighted with their gifts, and it was a very mellow day. We made the (difficult) choice this year to stay home and have a "just the four of us" Christmas. I am so glad we did.

The children loved their dolls. Elisabeth has named them Claire and Peter, which I just love. I love that she chose such classic, old-fashioned names for them, and that clair means "light" in French -- so appropriate for a doll "born" at this time of year.

In my last, delirious post, I omitted much of the doll odyssey, and have been getting comments and emails with questions about them. So, I'll try to give a shortened version of the whole adventure.

I've wanted to get Waldorf dolls for my children for a long time. I made a Baba doll from a Magic Cabin kit for Elisabeth's first birthday, so I knew the basics of sculpting the head and so forth, but had never really pursued making or buying them. This summer, I was dreaming about these and these, and I finally decided to jump in and make my own. First, I ordered the 12" doll kit from Magic Cabin. Once I had the body stuffed and pinned together, though, I realized that I really didn't like the 12" size and decided to make 16" dolls instead. So I bought a copy of Making Waldorf Dolls, some more supplies, and started afresh. This was in August. I had their heads made and their bodies stuffed by October (having to do this all in secret, while in the midst of my depression diagnosis, slowed things down somewhat).

Then came the hair. Oh my. The Hair. Claire's hair was not too terribly difficult. It took about 3 (post bedtime) work sessions. And then she was done, albeit naked. But then came Peter's hair. I am not exaggerating when I say that rug-stitching his hair, loop by loop, using pliers to pull the needle through, took more than 24 hours total -- maybe closer to 30. By the week before Christmas, I was really afraid I wouldn't finish on time. But my sweet husband stepped in and spent a lot of time with Elisabeth -- playing with her in the snow, taking her along on errands, etc., so that I could work during the day. (Thankfully, his semester had ended, so he was able to help a lot.) I finished Peter's hair on the 23rd and then made their clothes that day (except for Peter's sweater, which I had knitted several weeks before).

It was down to the wire on this project. But I got it done! And Elisabeth is terrribly delighted with Claire. James has shown some interest in Peter, but he's very little for this type of doll yet. (I know that a simple knot doll would have been the more age appropriate choice for his age, but you know how it is with siblings. Sometimes appearances must be kept up for the older sibling if for no other reason.) I'm just so proud of myself for completing something with my own hands that my children will have to play with for (hopefully!) a long time to come.

Is it time for bed yet?

Today is (or, I guess, more accurately, yesterday was) my husband's 39th birthday. (Before you start trying to figure it out: yes, we're 10 years apart.)

It's not just his birthday, however. It's also a Saturday night. So, instead of our spending the evening doing something fun and charming together, he had a gig. A pretty nice one -- it's his trio at a really great local coffee/wine place (much preferable to a smoky bar these days). Ah, the glamorous life of a musician. And instead of my going with him to his charming gig where he'll be playing jazz renditions of Christmas songs, I am home, sick, with two over-stimulated, over-tired children, looking at this:

I love winter. I love winter holidays. I love winter holiday crafting. I apparently even love (or simply can't avoid?) working on deadline. But I am definitely looking forward to a long winter's nap come Tuesday.

I would, however, like to reveal the dolls that I have been working on and talking about to so many of you for, oh, months now. I finished them both today! Here they are, rosy cheeks and all:

I am really, really loving them and so amazed that I actually completed the project. There were moments where I wasn't sure that I'd be able to finish them. But, thanks in large part to the help of my lovely, wonderful, birthday-boy husband, who was fabulous about keeping Elisabeth away from my studio this last week, I was able to get them finished. With a day to spare!

I will be signing off until after Christmas, perhaps until after the New Year if I haven't recovered from my cold by then. I hope you all have/had a wonderful holiday.

Catching up (sort of)

I feel so behind with this blog! Putting unnecessary pressure on myself as usual. Isn't the point of this thing to recognize and enjoy the beautiful things in my daily life? Hmm ...

I have some fun mail and crafts to update, as well as the long-awaited reveal of my big doll-making project. But those will have to wait another day.

I do need to add that in the previous holiday reading post, I cannot believe I forgot to add Christmas in Noisy Village -- a huge favorite of ours! We love the Noisy Village books a lot.

And speaking of previous posts which require addenda, Elisabeth cut her hair again. This time, it was not so easily repairable. Actually, not repairable at all. She cut a huge chunk right out of the front center, almost down to her scalp. I've been trying to do a comb-over to camouflage it, but I really should try to get at least one picture of it in its short glory. The fortunate thing is that her hair grows faster than anyone I know, so in no time she should have some thick, stacked bangs a la Audrey Hepburn. ;) When asked her motivation for cutting her hair a second time? Well, I was nursing James and her hair was bothering her, so she just cut it off. Ah.

Finally for tonight, some pictures. I have been meaning to post these each week, but, well, it hasn't happened. Also, I don't really have a good one from week one. so here are week two and three of Advent; we've been enjoying candlelit dinners together as a family. Elisabeth loves it and rushes to turn off the hideous ceiling lamp each night as we're getting the table set and lighting the candles. It's taken me some time, but I'm finally getting to a place where I believe that there's no point in having nice things (beautiful dishes, candles, etc.) just to save them for some theoretical time that guests might be with us, and we should be using them with the people who matter most to us.

Wishing you many evenings of peach and joy this season.

O, Christmas Tree

We got the tree last Sunday (the 10th, so more than a week ago ... I told you I'm behind!). I really love our Christmas tree. Every year it's completely familiar and totally new.

Here are a few favorite parts:

Breakfast x2

Wednesday was St Lucia Day, and although I'd read a bit to Elisabeth about the Scandinavian tradition, we hadn't really focused on it at all. I'd been planning to make the traditional saffron buns with her on Tuesday, but a friend was in town for just a couple of days, and we ended up visiting with her instead. Actually, the entire St Lucia thing basically slipped my mind until Tuesday night's advent stocking when I looked in the bag and realized that the next morning's gift was a St Lucia crown. I put it out anyway, since it's a great dress-up item if nothing else.

The next morning, I was checking my email, and Elisabeth came into the room, wearing red and white, St Lucia crown on her head, and a bowl of granola for me in hand. She had climbed onto the counter to get the bowl and the granola down, and gotten the milk out of the fridge and poured it herself (she apologized when she brought it to me that cow's milk was all she could find -- James & I are allergic to cow's milk -- so I just ate a couple of bites).

This might not seem too terribly impressive to many of you; I mean, the child is 4 1/2! But she's a cautious firstborn, and this was a first for her. She was beaming with her self-sufficience. Sweet wee angel.

Yesterday, everyone in the family (except me) was sick. So, Elisabeth had breakfast in bed. And just to show that, contrary to popular belief, I am not always a perfect earthmama, here is what my daughter had for breakfast on her sick day:

Yes, that's right. Your eyes are not deceiving you. Ice cream. OK, it's sorbet. Maybe slightly better, but just as refined-sugary. Also pancakes and kiwi. Yum.

Holiday reading

I keep meaning to update my reading list in the sidebar with holiday favorites. I will do that, too, but I thought I'd post about them first, and give a little description of each.

In addition to a winter or Christmas-themed book on one day of the advent garland, St. Nicholas also brings a Christmas book every year for each of our children, so we really have a lot more than this. But here's a selection of our favorites:

First, Winter, one of the Wynstones series of Poems, Songs, and Stories.

We have all six books in this series. I just love all of them and have used them quite a bit in our daily lives. We're really enjoying a lot of the stories and songs in Winter right now.

Tiptoes is new to us this year. Elisabeth absolutely loves these stories, although I think they're a bit simple and trite. But they are really perfect for a four-year-old, if not a mama!

Elsa Beskow is our favorite children's book illustrator. I'm always thinking that's kind of cliche, but then whenever we open one of her books, they are so beautiful. The children she draws are so soft, warm, and child-like. Truly gorgeous.

This is my favorite nativity book. Jane Ray's illustrations are breathtaking. And Mary is nursing Jesus in at least three of them!

This is, hands-down, Elisabeth's favorite wintertime book. I'm rather liking it lately, too. I've always enjoyed Jan Brett's illustrations, but lately I have really appreciated them because I'm kind of in a "Scandinavian-ophile" (?) phase -- probably because I'm knitting more now than I ever have in my life.

Another great Jan Brett favorite. The illustrations in this one are among my favorites of hers, though the "lesson" at the end is a little bit contrived and the book would still be cute if there weren't a "lesson".

This is also a favorite of Elisabeth's. I really like Karma Wilson's use of alliteration and rhyme, although I thought it was probably best in Bear Snores On, which is still a favorite of mine years after I first saw it.

I originally got this book for the transparency stars, but there are so many good and beautiful ideas in it. It's a true holiday winner. (Many of the crafts in this book are for older children and adults -- such as folding the complicated stars -- but even the littlest wee ones appreciate the finished results!)

I have all four books in this series, too, some of which I got before even having children (the first was Halloween Treats, which is still my favorite in the series). Parts of this book are just OK, but there are some sweet crafts that Elisabeth can do, and a few recipes worth trying.

Slippers

As promised, here are the photos of the slippers we made last week. They were really easy, and Elisabeth loves them. We're definitely making several more pairs.

We have had a hideously busy weekend, and it makes me ask myself why I'm constantly trying to "do it all." But then, what could I realistically give up? Sigh.

It's Advent time!

First off ... the Advent stocking garland. I made this two or three years ago (it's troubling that I can't remember!) using this kit from Magic Cabin. The idea did not even cross my mind at the time that I could design my own! (I sometimes think I am better at following a pattern or recipe than inventing one for myself.) But I like the results, anyway.

I was working outside the home last year and the year before, in jobs that required me to be away during the night, and my dear husband had to be responsible for doing much of the filling of Advent stockings. Last year was really tough, and there was many a night that we almost forgot to fill them. So, this year, I resolved not to have that problem again. I have accumulated all of the gifts already, and put them into these bags that I whipped out in the last two days. We have been thinking a lot lately about the "footprint" we leave on this earth, and I just didn't want to use plastic or paper bags for this when I didn't need to, so I decided to sew some that we could reuse again and again, even though we're the only ones who will ever see them.

Many of them have "coupons" in them for outings (seeing lights, a holiday performance, carriage ride, etc.), and there are some actual gifts: some Ostheimer figures (we're collecting the farm figures), locally-made ornaments for each wee one to get the day we'll decorate our Christmas tree, and some craft supplies for days we'll make holiday crafts (today it was decorating an Advent candle -- pictures later, I'm sure!).

(SouleMama has a post on Kiddley with even more suggestions if this idea appeals to you. I also added a lot of suggestions to the comments on the flickr page for the top photo.)

Our Advent wreath form - just waiting on a delivery of a fresh evergreen wreath we get from a friend.

I haven't shown our nature/seasonal table here yet, and it's kind of in a state of transition right now (we had to move the objects to make room for our nativity), but here it is in its current state:

OK, back to the decorating, the Christmas music, and the fun!

Martinmas lanterns

One of the things that I like about Waldorf education is its seasonal focus; the emphasis on traditional festivals throughout the year and the way that the natural world is part of this. Some of the festivals seem so far removed from our modern, far-too-fast-paced lives, but I believe that celebrating them and letting them resonate for us today helps to ground us, and to understand where we are coming from and where we are going.

I found myself being especially drawn to Martinmas (Nov. 11) this year. For our ancestors, this time of the year, falling almost exactly between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice (or the natural "new beginnings" of autumn and the quiet and peace of winter right at Christmas), was an important time to remember that the light would yet return. Because I have been struggling with my own "inner darkness" this year, holding onto the belief that there is light, and it will come back to me, has become very important indeed.

Of course, I don't go into my struggles with inner darkness, etc., with my children. For my four-year-old, this was a fun craft project and a charming holiday celebration which involved getting to go on a walk after dark and receiving a gift. (Inspired by an idea in Festivals, Family, and Food, we have a tradition of setting out a little tray for her which has an apple, an orange, a new warm woolen item of clothing [this year, a pair of cozy wool socks], and a little piece of chocolate for her to find on the morning of Martinmas -- it's always so thrilling!)

So, here we are in the process of making the lanterns. It took four work sessions over the course of one week.

Painting:

Oiling the paintings (we used cheap cooking oil):

(Elisabeth did not want to be in this picture)

Gluing:

All lit up (behind them you can see the remnant of our Michaelmas candle):