Deep Winter

I don't know about you but it's deep winter here and we've been hibernating.  Days are spent in imaginary worlds with tea and book breaks sprinkled here and there. We've been studying World War 1 and also Hungary and Austria around the beginning of the War.  In light of that we met with friends for a geography dinner (another in our series of Around the World in 80 dinners) and the children dressed up as best they could to look like Austrians.  We took a field trip to the Apple Butter Factory and  had our yearly History Meal. This time we cooked a World War II meal that included Leek soup, Welsh cakes (Bara Brith), Spam, Anzac Biscuits. We were dressed up in the style of evacuees (the children). We've had snow around for a while and freezing temps that have required full time wood stove attention and chicken care.  But a few days were especially fun and Narnia like.  (Otherwise we're pretty much ready for spring). Levi's latest favorite thing is carrying around cases of any kind. He loves to carry the violins (he calls them his cello) or lunchbox and feels like a big boy!! 

 

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Twenty Two Months

 This busy little boy is 22 months old.  He makes us laugh so much.  Right now he says "Merry Christmas trees".  His favorite things include salad tongs, flashlights, drills and magnets.  One just has to wonder what is going on inside his little mind.  He loves pickles, bologna, yogurt, bananas and whipped cream. He does not like being cold or sitting still.  He goes to sleep with "kitty" and holding 2 pacifiers (not to suck on, just to hold, mind you).  He loves reading books. He is fascinated by smells and after having a skunk spray in our yard he remarks "stinks like skunk" whenever he smells something he doesn't like.  Recently he's been enjoying cooking with mama but not as much as he enjoys helping Papa with tools and repairs. He is growing up so much and yet still happily cuddles up like a baby.  He is in size 24 month clothing and size 7 shoes.  His hair grows very fast and is still quite blond.  His favorite song now is Jesus loves me and he requests it at night "how aboup Jesus?" Indeed little man!!! Here's to just a little bit more of being one year old.  

Catching up

Our Autumn was full and overflowing with busy and good days. We had trio and ballet rehearsals, dressing up, hikes with friends, science experiments, painting and lots of canning of applesauce.  We've been meeting for nature journaling with friends and making candles and salves as we prepare to hibernate for the winter.  We also had to say goodbye to our beloved kitty Maggie (Marguerite) after an illness and we miss her terribly. Now we begin to prepare for Advent and quiet our hearts as we gravitate to sit by the warm fire and drink tea.  

 

Twenty One Months

This little monkey boy is flying his way towards being a two year old. But I love doing his monthly photos still because he is changing so much and I want to remember every little and sweet detail.  Here are things I want to remember:  Levi loves his "sleepers" (slippers) and wears them on top of his footy jammies.  He despises being cold but loves his tubby time and snuggly blankets and stories. He loves reading books with sisters at night and has a few favorite books such as "Little Blue Truck" and "Apple Pear Bear".  Levi is learning to sleep but still much prefers to be held during naps. Levi loves to fix things, especially with Lena's electric toothbrush. He finds screws and tries to be like Papa with his drill.  He loves things that make noises and is so happy when Papa brings in wood for the stove with his "tractor wagon" (wheelbarrow).  Trains are becoming increasingly interesting. Levi loves running laps around the house dancing to fiddle music with his drum.  He still struggles with his airway and a cold can knock him out for weeks, especially at night. But he is healing and growing and for that we praise God.  One of the silliest moments I've come across recently is Levi learning ballet moves from three big sisters. They think he will be a good Nutcracker someday.  As you can see below, Levi was born an old man baby.  He has a Winston Churchill expression. He loves to cook and taste and has discovered "Babypops" (Lollipops) which he tried for the first time when he had a sore throat. He knows his colors and has strong opinions about things. He also started making jokes, especially at bedtime.  How we love him.

 

Twenty Months

Levi is 20 month and is getting shockingly close to being a two year old!  This little boy is keeping us on our toes with near constant conversations and his pure delight in tractors, trucks and anything that goes.  He had his first haircut and is busy as a beaver taking things out of drawers, digging and hammering, scooping and running.  We lost Maggie our kitty last week and he has been searching for "Baggie" and though he isn't gentle yet, he loves well. His little personhood is emerging and he is the dearest mix of daredevil and tender soul. At bedtime he likes to list things he notices: "it's dark", "I see moon", "now a song" and then just for good laughs he makes a joke "Humpty Dumpty is stinky"!  This boy! He understands so much. He is delighted with the crunching leaves, with identifying colors, with tasting things like an acai bowl and whipped cream and with the sound of Papa's truck.  He is growing tall but is still my baby.  

 

Our Little Woman is Twelve

Emmeline, our darling little woman, is turning twelve.  She is our book girl through and through and is stout hearted and courageous. She is tender and gentle and was born an old soul.  She has a poet's heart and loves her music and painting. She has a wild imagination and can write stories like no other.  At the same time she is quite down to earth and can keep the home going when needed. She loves adventures and explorations, gardening, archery, biking, boating and quiet time to create paper dolls or pictures.  Emmie is not afraid of hard work and has quite the selfless heart.  She is also a second mother to her siblings, who love her ever so much.  At twelve Emmie remains consistent in her dislike of mushrooms and fish.  She does not like grammar or math too much, but history makes her come alive! She has beautiful blue eyes and long dark hair and enjoys tea and read-alouds in the evening.  She knows her herbs and wild plants and wants to drive the tractor.  She can do an oil change on the van and install wood flooring.  How blessed we are to have had our girlie all of these wonderful years.  She is a delight and a gift and we ask the Lord to bless her and keep her all the days of her life.  May they be many and joyous.