Grass stained knees

apple time...

Hello September, my it's nice to see you!

The arrival of this month means so many wonderful things: cooler weather, a brand new school year, college football, fall food and one of our very favorite things of course, the chance to spend the day in the fresh air surrounded by crisp apples.

We ventured to a new orchard with our co-op friends. It was a pretty spot and a much closer drive than last year's destination, however, I think I can say with much certainty that we will not be returning. Ever. Again. As it turned out, the proprietors were super grumpy and less than happy to see our children. As soon as we hopped out of the car, greeted our buddies and cozied up to the picnic tables to have a quick bite before picking, the grouchiest lady marched over to tell us that large groups of people were unwanted in their orchard and we would only be permitted to stay for one hour. WHAAAATTTT????? We just stood there looking at her, waiting for her to start laughing and tell us that she was just joking... What do you mean 3 mothers and their children were not welcome to spend time on your hillside??? We didn't even want to mention the 3 other mothers and their respective children still in transit, eager to join our gathering. Apparently, according to grouchy apple pants, the previous day a large group of families had descended upon the orchard and stayed for 3 hours (3 whole hours in the fresh air, can you imagine??) Well, they allowed their children to run around in the sun and probably even permitted them to laugh loudly. She told us she was sorry but they "ruined it for everyone else", honestly her exact words. I can't remember the last time I experienced something so absurd.

Regardless of our chilly reception, we managed to enjoy ourselves. I believe we actually lingered for about 2 hours and managed to avoid coming face to face with the orchard's bouncer.

 

We managed to keep our children close and "reined in". I think I actually announced more than once that "running and having fun was not permitted on this hillside".You can imagine the faces of the children, sure that once again mama had lost her mind!

It really ended up being a good time spent with good buddies, but I've got to be honest, I'm really looking forward to our family apple picking trip in two weeks. At least I know we will be welcome when we show up on that beautiful hillside!   

winter co-op

Our co-op friends have continued to meet weekly through the winter months, and while I wish I could say that our dedication has been unwavering, I have to admit that our attendance has been spotty. The weather has been uncharacteristically chilly and often times wet which just isn't a good mix for a day in the woods with two small babies. So as much as we miss our friends, and my goodness do we ever, we just haven't been venturing out.

Which is why it was so exciting to get a little warm spell about 2 weeks ago. It started out chilly but by lunchtime the sun had really warmed things well. By the time we hit the playground, layers were being shed left and right.

 

 

 

 

The big kids worked for the longest time constructing two forts. They worked together with the most wonderful spirit of industriousness and cooperation. It was awesome to see them so joyfully busy and it didn't hurt that it left us mamas a chance to really relax and visit.

And my goodness, could we ever use another warm day to gather together with our buddies again!

Oh did you think I meant the boys? Well yes, I'm sure they are in need of it almost as much as I am...well almost!

this week's co-op in pictures

We arrived late this week, taking things slow yesterday morning, waiting to see how young Samuel was going to be feeling. We missed circle and craft. Lora led and they made leaf crowns, which some of the kids kept on the whole day, so sweet.

 

 

 

 

 

It ended up being a brilliantly warm and sunny afternoon.

I am so glad we decided to head down and join the gang.

The fresh air, the fellowship of our good friends...it is by far, the most amazing way to start our week!

This week's co-op included...

little people running in the forest...

yoga poses...

 

meditation...

 

rearranging the woods...

 

leaf masks...

 

 

buddies walking arm in arm...

 

the gift of sweet, ripe persimmons discovered along our walk...

 

With each passing week, as our new friends and surroundings become increasingly familiar, I feel more and more blessed to be in the company of this special group of mama's and their sweet children.

Autumn Leaves...maybe even for you!

So it was a cold start for Waldorf co-op this morning. Some of the mamas were able to get a small fire going to help counter the chilly temperatures which I'm pretty sure set new records for this time of year in the Carolinas.

 

Most of us arrived bundled, but thankfully, the sun warmed things rather quickly, and just as fast, the layers were shed. This is a total aside, but why is it that little people desire to wear the least amount of clothing permissible, with little regard for current weather conditions? I feel like I spent the majority of a very chilly weekend repeating why shorts and t-shirts were not an acceptable choice for 50 degrees. Can't those little "skin and bones" arms and legs not feel that for themselves? Just asking.

        (above photo credit goes to Lora, thanks for capturing the moment!)

Today was my turn to lead circle. Oliver is on my front and Finn on my back, in the carriers that Carrie so graciously lent me about a month ago, which I still have not returned. That act of kindness has changed my life in unspeakable ways...Carrie, thank you again and I promise to give them back whenever you need them or as soon as mine show up, whichever comes first!

I just need to say that I think the photo above is both beautiful and incredibly funny. The sunlight and the color composition are so gorgeous, meanwhile, the smoke coming off of the fire and our hands frozen in mid-air, make it look like we are casting a spell over a bubbling cauldron. I think what we were really doing is a verse about falling leaves!

Our circle follows a format of seasonal verses and songs that change every few weeks, as well as the telling of a story. This week I told The Anxious Leaf. I can't begin to tell you how many times I practiced this story. In the car, in the shower, while eating breakfast. I was so confident and guess what happened? Mid-way through, I got distracted by the crazy boy sitting next to me who could not sit still and the whole story fell out of my mind like sand through a sieve. One minute I was in the zone and then, it was gone. blank. nothing. I got so flustered I didn't even know where I left off and I have no idea if the second half even made any sense. Everyone was unbelievably kind, I mean what could they possibly say... uh, you are the worst story teller ever!! Oh well, better luck next time, that is if they ever ask me do it again!  

  

The circle leader is also responsible for planning the craft for the day. There are so many great choices for leaves and Fall. I ended up settling on felt garland. It is an idea which I have seen so many times over the last few weeks, here, here, here and finally here. The boys and I were planning on making one for our family and then it ended up that I bought way too much felt, so it seemed like a good opportunity to pass it on. 

  

I believe I ended up cutting close to 150 felt leaves, in every spare minute I could squeeze out of the last several days. Believe it or not, it didn't feel daunting, but rather inspiring that I was able to accomplish such a task by carving out a few minutes here, a few minutes there. It left me with a renewed sense of confidence about my ability to squeeze crafting back into my life.

 

Here is a glimpse of our finished product. The boys and I are pretty tickled!

AND GUESS WHAT???

It would make me so happy to continue to pass on the leaf garland love...

It turns out that I have the supplies to make one more batch of leaves, complete with the yarn to hang them on. I am offering up the chance for your family to create your very own bit of felt, autumnal goodness to be enjoyed this season and beyond.

If you would like a chance to win the fixin's for your very own leaf garland, leave a comment on this post and a winner will be drawn at random. 

Comments will close Wed, Oct 21st at 9 pm. Good Luck!

Mud

This week our Monday adventure had a muddy start, when we found the water level at the lake receded, leaving behind this oozy, squishy playground. 

There is something so undeniably appealing about the sensory experience of mud, the feel, the sound, the slime, the smell and the sight, oh the sight of all those little bodies covered in mud. Thank goodness for the sinks of fresh water and dry change of clothes at the top of the hill!

Monday...

was spent in a magical place with some lovely little friends, wandering, imagining and exploring on our first day of Waldorf Co-op.

Sunshine streaming through the trees, muddy toes in the stream, encounters with snakes, salamanders, crayfish, a turtle and friends.

An excellent day indeed!