Simplicity

Something stunning, that stopped me in my tracks, in the

midst of a busy day. Something that momentarily had me

transfixed, by its beauty. ~Rain drops on roses~

On being a Knight In Shining Armour......

You might recall some of my deliberations over weapons play
in this post. Its been a bit of an issue working out just how
it sits with me-and how I can balance that with who my children are.

It was after much thought that I decided to get my little
boy a wooden sword for his birthday recently. I guess there is
something mythical/ historical about a sword which somehow
softens the whole thing for me.

His response to it has been interesting. I had visions of the sword
much battered within a few hours, but he has been careful with it.
I made him a cape too and he immediately declared himself a
"Knight in Shining Armour". Although there have been a few
sword fights with his older brother, and(if I care to admit it!!)
the odd head chopped off, the sword seems more a symbol
of power than anything else.

The sword has been put through its paces, as you would

expect any knight's sword to be. But there have been some

outcomes that I wouldn't have initially expected too.

It seems that there are some things that a small boy is

more able to do with a sword at his side. Going into the

bathroom alone when it is dark, was a bit scary before (probably

because of trolls...) but with his sword its OK.

And at night, as well as his two much loved dolls, he also

takes his sword.

I now feel as though weapons are not quite so much

of an issue for me as they once were. Perhaps me letting

go of this, will allow my children to move through this stage

and flow on.

I have also found myself re-connecting with the girl I was,

in middle childhood. A girl who was frankly a bit of a

tomboy herself, quite partial to the odd gunfight or battle.

And -hey- perhaps it didn't do me any harm after all.

::7 Days of Happiness::

Thrifted happiness. What a piece of tailor made perfection
it was, for my older boy to discover this wonderful building set.
On day one of the school holidays too....what timing!



And the hours of pleasure (...and peace!) that followed, the
beautiful constructions and the careful thinking, all of which
has this rather proud mama scrambling for her camera!

A tiny bit of fun...

Leading up to Christmas, we looked at the not insubstantial
collection of wooden diggers, trucks and trains around the
playroom and decided something different was called for.
So this year, we took a bit of a gamble and
decided to give our two little boys a dolls house.

My dad very kindly agreed to make it and duly set to work.
The results were I must say rather lovely.....

I had a most enjoyable time making little bits and pieces,

buying a few items of furniture and a most beautiful tiny

family to live there.

And the result???? A dolls house that has been enjoyed by both

boys, perhaps a little more by the smaller of the two, but none

the less a welcome change from diggers....

Not in the least, I suspect for their mother.....

And the new little occupants you ask? How are they fairing?

Well its amazing what interesting little parallels develop......

Mama doesn't say, but I think she secretly wishes the

baby would go to sleep a bit earlier......

And the tree, now that the presents have been opened,

is looking a bit forlorn....

I suspect grandma and helper are planning

a bit of post Christmas fabric shopping

whilst the sales are in full swing.

Grandpa is quite frankly wondering where

his next meal is coming from....

And the boys have their own plans for the garden,

branches that need to be pruned and mowing to be

done.





All in all, I think they are hoping for a bit

of peace and tranquility to settle into

the new year and enjoy the beauty of their

new abode.

With two busy little boys at the helm,

I don't fancy their chances,

but we can but hope.......

Some little lovelies.....

Sometimes I have a week where everything
seems a bit overwhelming.....especially when
there is sickness involved.
More than at any other time, it helps me to
step back and look at the overall beauty and
privilege of this parenting journey.
To look around our home at all the collections of
little lovelies which as a whole become
something more........an overall impression
which I hope my children will carry with them...



... the cheery little things that encourage
me on my way.

I feel so grateful for: the beauty and integrity of the

Waldorf approach to family life.

For the collections of little handmade treasures

that surround us....

For the unexpected and wonderful little delights...



For the simplicity and beauty of the toys that my children

play with.......

And have done since they were tiny.....

I feel so grateful for all the little waldorfian things that carry

their own kind of magic......and inspire such varied play.

Sometimes it is just SO nice to stand back and reflect

on the integrity of the choices that we have made, and to

see the larger picture for a moment.

.....Before I disappear again into the ongoing reality

that parenting is.