Winter Visitors

We went for a very icy hike on a nearby trail. It was a beautiful afternoon. Lots of animal tracks to follow, and the end of one such trail a half eaten rabbit (no pics despite one request). We fed the chickadees, which were abundant. A highlight for me was the Downy woodpecker who kept teasing us landing beside peoples heads.

A Sparkly Tradition

It's a must do on the holiday list. Sometimes before Christmas, sometimes after, sometimes with friends, sometimes without. Regardless, we always go, it's always the same, and it's always enjoyed.

Enjoying Time Off

Chris doesn't get any holidays given at Christmas except the 25th. Some years it means not having him home for the relaxing part we enjoy so much. This year he had holidays to take (yeah-double yeah). So we got to relax together, and no one whoops it up like Dad! There was tobogganing almost everyday.

Where does he get it?

One of the gifts Elias got in his stocking was semi-permanent blue hair dye. He has been talking about wanting to do it for along time. It was one of his favorite gifts, and early boxing day morning he organized Dad into giving him a mohawk and then me coloring it. Blue....its probably the only color I haven't tried....maybe when the pink fades!

Made with Love

Since our first Christmas together (which will be 17 years this year!!!) Chris and I have made gifts for each other. Even before that my family have crafted gifts. Some of my fondest have been those made with love. One year my mum put together some favorite poems, photos and stories as to why they touched her in context to our relationship. Special notes of love from my Dad, and the stable he made (which we joked violated all building codes and would surely have killed baby Jesus). A hand sewn leather journal, the hand painted Angel we still put on our tree, a story, and many more from Chris.

We have loved continuing this tradition with our kids. I find as the kids get older this just seems to happen naturally. I really noted this year how little direction or involvement I had in the creating process. I have often suggested ideas, or asked what help was needed. This year everyone knew what they wanted to gift, how it would be and was often finished before I even inquired. Included were decorated mirrors, jewelry, eye glass holders, a quiver, ornaments, stars, and more. My favorite was a magic show the kids put together. I received an invite complete with a wax seal. They worked hard on their tricks and set the stage. (photos to come:)

Some of the gifts I enjoyed making and giving the most were nature bags for the kids made of jean. We never leave a hike without pockets filled with pine cones, seeds, sticks, friendly creatures, which have led to some amazing discoveries. I love the collecting...not so much in my pockets:) So combined with the Dangerous Book for Boys and the Daring Book for Girls, it was a gift for us all. I made the boys survival rolls with pockets for their first aid kits, sewing stuff, paper, pencil, compass etc. Aria isn't as interested in the survival part for the moment so I enjoyed making her a full tulle pink tutu with bubble gum pink ribbon (part of me is a little jealous ;P). Shai received for his 1st Christmas a knot doll and a textured fabric cube, the latter he just loves.

Blessings and gifts really did surround us this year, and we were left inspired for gifts to make not just for Christmas but through out the year.

Relaxing

We had both sides of our family over for the holidays, something we haven't done in a long time. It was wonderful, actually relaxing. So much so, when our guests arrived Christmas day we were still in our pj's! Not because we were rushing around with no time to get dressed, but because everything was getting done at a comfortable time and we were enjoying the preparations that we kind of forgot!

The kids all got cameras from their Grammy and Grampy, so it was a little like the paparazzi! Every time you turned someone was snapping a picture (me included!). A sign of the times, I suppose, as a couple of the kids talked about different types of blogs they could start with their photos.

For many the holidays are difficult, trying and sad. I am thankful to have a supportive, loving and yes wacky family, who enjoy each other's company.(right guys?)

Although we have felt as though we would be gobbled by the crafting goddess, we are still alive and happily creating. We dried these oranges last weekend, they are one of my favorite decorations. Chris just got time to download the soft ware for our new camera...very exciting! I will start to post pics soon.

We are preparing for solstice tonight.

Blessings

I am truly blessed, in so many ways. Last night I went out for dinner with a group of friends, all of whom I met through La Leche League, when I had just two kids. We are a diverse group, yet share our love of mothering, friendship, laughing and loving. This sounds a little like a hall mark card, but I genuinely love my friends, those who were there and those who weren't. Perhaps it's the season, or maybe just an acute awareness of how rich my life is because of those in my life. (that includes those that hound me to update my blog ;P )

Well where to begin....

Elias has been whittling sticks since the summer. His favorite has been to make magic wands. After whittling and sanding them he has been decorating them with leather, beads and feathers. He has also been hand sewing some felt to make cases. He has been wanting a venue to sell them, the profits going to fund the world vision project our coop has taken on. We tried a few different ways but nothing seemed to fit. I decided to organize a Christmas Market with our homeschool group. It was a place for kids to buy and sell in a friendly environment, show off their talents and be encouraged by friends. It was all that and more. Elias, who was nervous at first his craft wouldn't be received well, was thrilled by the sold out response. An unexpected bonus was all the wonderful bartering that went on. My kids felt totally empowered to use there crafts to trade for others. There were some hard deals struck, we came home almost sold out and our box filled with new treasures.

















We attended a couple of Santa Claus parades, which are always enjoyed. It has become tradition that we watch our local one and then watch the one in Milton combined with a birthday party for my sister.























Another dance season, still loving it! We have really noticed how much Aria remembers the dance step names, how seriously she takes it, yet how much enjoyment she gets.

Another Christmas tradition that always seems to mark the beginning of the season is Chris' work party for the kids. It is literally something out of our 'world', filled with candy, dances, contests, flashy battery gifts, loud music, 200 children and Santa!

Shai has just turned 11 months. No one is more caught off guard then me! The past month has brought steady walking, signing words (daddy, more and all done being the most common), singing volume increasing, Elias carries him in the sling (melt my heart)and more interactive play. What hasn't changed is his big beautiful smile!

Felting,handiwork, sewing, weaving, baking....tis the season and not just the Christmas season but the whole fall/wintry season. I have always been a big crafter, having travelled to music festivals selling our wares. We have taken a little break with a new baby, but have been enjoying the ease of working along side my kids again. A few members of our coop got together to put shoe boxes together to be given to families around the world. Its become something we do every year and our wonderful Nana works hard gathering things through out the year!

The Guelph Homeschool Lego Team (a name formed by consensus) went to the Ontario Science Centre to show their wonderful creation of a Hydro Electric Dam. After lots of hard work and research within the community they presented at the Junior Federation Lego League. They enjoyed the whole process, left feeling proud and excited for more.

Nature centre programs(orienteering and predator and prey), lots of hiking, learning about animals in the winter and favorite trails. We were even in the river in the middle of November and found some frogs!