Reconnecting and Planning

The kids and I rang in the new year by ourselves. Craig was working, as he usually is, and I am so grateful that he is willing do to so. His hard work allows me to stay at home with the children, which at times makes me feel guilty because let's face it, my job is a lot more fun than his. 

Every few months however I begin to feel a bit anxious and then he and I have a sit down to sort out our plans for the next few months (like things that need to be done) to even long term goals (like deciding to not put Deirdre in public pre-K next year). I really love these times because it really reunifies us in out joint endeavor to raise our little ones and care for our home. 

So last night we got to have one of the reconnecting evenings and this morning I feel so so much better. I was beginning to pile a lot up on my plate, when we both knew what I wanted and needed to do was be focused on the home, the kids, the impending baby, my one mother's ministry outreach, and their schooling. I guess I just needed him agree that those things were most important before I would allow myself to let go of the rest.

This morning in turn I woke up feeling quite refreshed and unburdened as a result. 

So here is to a new reaffirmed direction! I have a few projects in the works and lots of list making to do. I can't wait to share them all with you! 

Below you'll find a mini-tutorial on how to make floating beeswax candles. It is very straight forward if you already have molds and a double boiler. We enjoyed it so much that we will be making some more again very soon! 

The kids in their New Year togas- Jonas of course wanted to copy Deirdre.  I love his over zealous cheesing in the photo. 

Their New Years painting of fireworks with our plant based water colors. 

Daily Verse or Quote: 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

– Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Little Friend Doll Sweater Tutorial

I am joining Ginny from Small Things this Wednesday for a Yarn Along. Hop over there if you want to join in too! 

A while back we purchased this doll for Deirdre from Nova Natural. She was our first Waldorf doll and is quite well loved. So well loved that her arms began to fall off and she went out of commission for awhile. Amid my hyperemesis this Fall and a move this Summer, poor Vera stayed in my mending basket for far too long. When Christmas rolled around I was determined to mend her and also make her some new clothes. 

I adore Waldorf doll clothes. They are so cute and well made. However as much as I love them, I am not willing to pay $20-$30 for one outfit plus shipping. I have had a hard time sewing clothes for dolls as well so I decided I would try to knit some. 

Then enters this dolly sweater. I am by no means a talented knitter. I'd describe myself as passable, mainly because I am self-taught. I have lots to learn still and little time and patience...haha... so I need to work with what I got. 

So I devised a super simple, super easy pull over sweater for Vera. The head  and arm openings are extra wide so children can put the sweater on themselves. I also knitted with large needles and bulky yarn so that the sweater would give a little (again to make it easier for my daughter to pull it on). 

Vera is 11 inches tall. The pattern is designed for her and other "Little Friend" dolls or 11-12 inch Waldorf dolls. If you have a larger or smaller doll and want to make one for them as well, message me and I can do the math on how to adjust this pattern to fit your doll. 

Supplies:

-Size 10 Needles

-Bulky Yarn that knits up to 4=14 stitches on size 10 needles (I used alpine wool)

-Yarn Needle

1. Cast on 30 stitches 

2. Knit 10 rows 

3. Cast off 7 stitches

4. Knit 16 stitches

5. Cast off 7 stitches 

(At this point you should have 16 stitches in the middle still on your needle)

6. Knit another 20 rows. 

7. Bind off loosely at the end. 

8. Then knit another identical piece following the same steps from above. 

Once you have your two pieces...

1. Sew up your seams along the outside of the sweater, except for the bottom, the ends of the sleeves, and the neck portion. Make sure to leave the neck portion wide. (See photo below)

2. Turn your sweater inside out and weave in any loose ends. 

3. Viola, you should be done and ready to put the sweater on your Little Friend! 

Enjoy! And please let me know how it goes if you knit one ;) 

Daily Verse or Quote: 

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

– Proverbs 1:5-6 (NIV)

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! 

Regaining our Rhythm

Who knew that the days following Christmas would be just as busy as the ones before? I never remembered them being that way before,  but that it is how they felt this year. Next year for sure we will be taking it easy and staying very close to home, especially since I will have a new baby as well as my two toddlers! 

From all the family visits with great Grandparents the days before Christmas and afterwards going to see family in my hometown, my little ones were frazzled! The past three days have been spent getting them back into our normal daily rhythm as well as reorganizing my home. (I let quite a lot go plus my animals don't feed themselves!)

While some of our relatives are very understanding of our children and adapt to their schedule (since they know that if they do then kids will be a lot more fun to be around), others do not. Which is fine truly, but it also means that we cannot spend as much time with them due to meal and nap times. And while many of them totally understand, yes my dear cousins, Aunt Meeta, and Rosa- you all rock, others don't. 

I don't mind having to bow out of events early either. I know full well that this is a time in life and soon it will pass. My children will get older and then we will be able to be around more and travel with greater ease. I know what my children need and when they need it. It is my job and spiritual commission, one that I take very seriously. 

Sadly though some relatives take this as a snub or judgement against how they parented in their day. I am questioned as to why my children need to nap and pressured to have them "skip just this once". When I explain how if I do that, I have to take care of two very unhappy toddlers the rest of the day alone while 22 weeks pregnant (since my husband works nights)...  then I am told "there must be something wrong" with my kids...

As you can see I am just a bit frazzled too! But fortunately I have a steadfast peace and assurance that doing what is best for my children is better than doing what is most popular. If face time is truly the motivation for wanting my children to skip their naps and eat their meals three hours late, then by all means- come visit us anytime! I am sure it is easier for them to get out and about than it is for a pregnant woman with a 1 and 4 year old :)

As you can see from above, I have been mulling over my parenting choices that past few days as well. It was this time last year that I began my Waldorf and peaceful parenting journey, and I have to say it has been the happiest year yet for me as a wife and mother. Not only have a I grown tremendously in these roles but I feel I have also grown spiritually- which also lends itself greatly to imbuing happiness. 

So these little conflicts, holiday related or not, don't really phase me or cause me to stumble. They annoy and confuse me, but in the end my husband and I know that we are right where we should be (by God's merciful grace). 

So here is to year two of my Waldorf journey! Thank you Sarah L for giving me that Nova Natural catalog- who knew what transformation it would bring! 

And since we are on the subject of 'new' things- here are some photos of our updated playroom! We reorganized and donated some toys this past week to make room for the new. As staying with the Waldorf tradition, we strive for natural open ended toys in warm open spaces. If you would like to learn more about Waldorf play and toys, these are two great articles written by a sage in her own right Sarah Baldwin of Bella Luna Toys (What are Waldorf Toys & Bringing New Consciousness to Choosing Children's Toys).  I must say I find it to be a lovely place. My kids don't want to leave it! 

Daily Verse or Quote: 

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.  

~Charles R. Swindoll, The Strong Family

Merry Christmas with a bit of our day (and a Yarn Along!)

Opening her Ostheimer reindeer set

Loving her beeswax in her stocking 

Santa brought a playstand with a silk scape

Santa also had Mommy mend and knit her dolly a sweater!  It was a very simple pattern, and it was done in a day! I will post a tutorial later this week. In the meantime join some fellow knitters over on Ginny's blog, Small Things, for a yarn along! 

Jonas' favorite present... the crayons, haha! He liked his truck too but man did he love the crayons. 

Deirdre's sky scarf knitting supplies. Inspiration from Wee Folk here. Her Christmas wish to me was to learn how to knit. How could I not try? Two rows a day all year long, we can so do that. 

Now for my favorite Christmas song! I hope you and yours had a blessed day, however you celebrate! We sure did- despite my husband having to work all day since Thursday. 

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day?

And what was in those ships all three,

On Christmas day in the morning?

Our Savior Christ and His lady,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

Our Savior Christ and His lady,

On Christmas day in the morning.

Pray whither sailed those ships all three,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day?

Pray whither sailed those ships all three,

On Christmas day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day,

O they sailed into Bethlehem,

On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

And all the bells on earth shall ring,

On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the angels in Heav’n shall sing,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

And all the angels in Heav’n shall sing,

On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the souls on Earth shall sing,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

And all the souls on Earth shall sing,

On Christmas day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain,

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

Then let us rejoice amain,

On Christmas day in the morning.

Much Merriment

Gnome Sleeping Bag and my original creation- a bed side spool table

A pair of Wee Folk Art inspired gnomes and another original creation- a padded mushroom spool table

Ready to see Santa

Momma's cookie helper and taster

Momma's cookie theft (look how guilt yet innocent he looks!) 

Opening their annual tree ornament

The tree is done, phew! 

Crafting a snowflake garland

Gingerbread house with Daddy

Greenery from our yard for pillar hangings- we made 6... we have lots of pillars. 

and they were free, all materials from our yard. Beat that Traders Joe's for $7 a pop! 

I am going to take a break until after Christmas. I would encourage you all - and at times even myself-to enjoy this time with your children. Include them in everything. It doesn't have to look perfect or pretty. The memories and experiences are far more valuable than a nice photo. I also am pretty sure that no children were included in what Martha Stewart makes either! What fun is that? Children learn through being included in all aspects of our lives. Let them enrich yours as well. They will remember it always. 

I might pop in to post a few photos of any last minute elfing, but until then- Merry Christmas!  

Here is a poem I read the kids today. They loved it! 

'Christmas Bells' poem by Henry Wadsworth

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The Carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;

‘For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Weekending

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.  

~William Blake

Two winter gnomes, the red has mistletoe on his back and the blue has the nativity star.  Inspired by Wee Folk Art!

A new creation. A stuffed felt mushroom wood table for the gnomes. 

Drooly from teething! 

Fresh cranberry and dried orange garland. 

We are certainly busy over here. Quite a few last minute gifts that need to be completed for the kids. My Christmas cards are finally all addressed and stamped. They'll go out on Monday. 

However amid this self imposed hustle, I found time with Jonas today to string some garland. He sure loved helping and he is quite precise for an almost 2 year old. Poor fellow though, he is getting his 2 year molars in right now. No fun for Christmas. 

We also gave Deirdre an early present today, a new pet Dutch rabbit. She named him 'Hoppy'. He is only six weeks old and adorable. He is inside with us in a cage for a few weeks until he is older. He was just weaned. Hopefully he will fill the hole in her little heart that Snow White- the hen which a predator got- left. 

My broody mother hen, Precious, still seems to be a good mother hen and is setting on the nest. Please pray that this lasts. I would really hate to see the entire clutch go bad. 

Tomorrow is Deirdre's official birthday, even though we celebrate it earlier in the month. She is spending the day with her Omi and Grandfather. They are going to a special kids concert. I should have some time then to finish up her  and Jonas' quilt (plus some other goodies). Then on Monday I am taking her ice skating. Really it is Craig who will be skating with her.  I think this pregnant lady needs to stay away from the ice. 

I hope you all are having a relaxed and productive weekend too! Feel free to share the gifts you're working on!