Happy New Year and Epiphany!

I must say that I am quite ready for the New Year! Really it is just another day for us in the Kleemann household, but we all have lots to look forward to as well as lots to be thankful for in the last year. 

Not only did I graduate with my BA and MAT, but that mean't no more college- and I could finally stay home full time. Really it was and is still a dream come true. My son had his first birthday and my daughter turned three. We moved into our new home and began once again our mini-homesteading adventure with our animals. This year was also the first year of homeschooling and co-op for us, and so far it has been a blast. Plus all of that is just icing on the cake. Most importantly, Craig and I are still as happy and steadfast as before. My love for him continues to grow each year. He really is my best friend. 

But as for 2012, who knows what it will bring? A new baby brother or sister for sure, but as for the rest, we will just have to wait and see! 

I don't really 'do' new year resolutions. There is not much I'd like to change about myself that I am not already working on with my God's help. I feel we continue to better our lives and lifestyle by eating healthier and living as green as we can. I suppose there are some new things I'd like to try or get better at in the world or crafting and teaching. But otherwise, I feel we're on a good path and hopefully we will continue to move forward on it. 

Today we are celebrating New Years and Epiphany at our house. We'll celebrate again this week at co-op. The kids and I are home alone tonight, as we are most nights, while Craig works. So I decided to have some fun and stay busy, since I really miss him on holiday nights. 

Over the past few days I have been needle felting the three Magi for the kids (my inspiration can be found here at one of my new favorite blogs Passengers on a Little Spaceship). This was my first time ever needle felting and I did it without a pattern, so forgive their primitive quality!!! Dionne's are much better than mine so please check them out!! I also made a felt star and treasure box. But I am pretty proud of them though!

Traditionally Epiphany celebrates, among other things, the arrival of the Magi to Jesus. We know they did not actually make it to the stable, since it took years for them to get there, but they certainly did get to him. Which in my opinion amazes me that they in faith continued on for so long. I really love the quote, "Wise men still seek him." 

In our book, All Year Round, the authors provide some neat ideas on how to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. We will be doing a puppet play with the set I made  tonight using the script in their book. Afterwards we will eat some special Epiphany cake and make floating beeswax candles. All in all, I predict we will have a blast!

So with that, I will leave you to your own festivities this evening! Happy New Year!