Easter Activities with Children

I am reading a great resource for Waldorf inspired celebrations- Celebrating Festivals with Children by Freya Jaffke. It's a great little book that reminds us to celebrate the major festivals of the year by focusing on their history, symbolism and connection to nature.

She has some great ideas for Spring and Easter I will post over the next week. In the meantime here are some classic verses inspired by her book.

1) Verse:
Slowly, slowly, very slowly
Creeps the garden snail.
Slowly, slowly, very slowly
Up the garden rail.
Quickly, quickly, very quickly
Runs the garden mouse.
Quickly, quickly, very quickly
Round about the house.

This is a variation on what we do with fast and slow walking in baby Noah's Waldorf parent and child class. And is a fun way to practice his new steps. As well, a fun chant when we spot a snail outdoors.

2) This verse is by memory from Noah's class. Tie a piece of play silk to produce 2 big ears:
I saw a little bunny go hop hop hop.
I saw his ears go flop flop flop.
I saw his little nose go wink wink wink.
I saw his big brown eyes go blink blink blink.
I said little rabbit won't you stay.
But he looked at me and he hopped away.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Shoveling Sh*t

What a satisfying day. Kevin and I took turns in the rain/ under grey skies getting the raised beds ready. I loaded and unloaded around 25 or so wheelbarrow loads of very saturated manure. Filled in the front yard and brought round to the back. A fierce workout with luckily with the heavy loads going downhill!

Kevin installed and leveled our tomato plant bed which currently resides in what will be the hot spot beside the back porch. I hope someday to replace it with a greenhouse. He also happily dug out grass in the front yard and planted his new and long sought after Japanese maple.

Cutting Back on Garbage and Recycling

Here are some recent changes we have made. I plan to chronicle more.

1) Discovered the Soap Dispensary. Purchased bulk shampoo and conditioner. Also purchased glass spray bottles and made spray kitchen cleaner w Dr. Bronners, water and vinegar.

2) Now purchasing raw milk, yoghurt and local eggs in reusable containers!

3) Buying bulk flour, sugar, pasta, yeast etc when in Vancouver. Some in our reusable bags. Some in plastic or paper bags we can reuse or recycle.

4) Started seedlings in old toilet rolls.

5) Received bulk compost and soil delivery. Purchased 3 bare root fruit trees.

Garden Update

The sun has been out and we have all decided Spring has arrived. Peas, sweet peas, arugula and a few wild flower seed mixes will go into the ground soon. In the meantime I am posting photos of our garden prep.