Birthdays and Homeschooling

As your child grows and matures especially from age 9 to 10 they begin to see themselves as separate beings. As we celebrated the day together of her glorious birth I could see the beginning of independence and wisdom growing within her.

Simple Waldorf Style party!

In years past we have done many wonderful Birthday parties! Ranging from way to many people, tearing through presents and tons of chaos!!! It wasn't until a friend of mine shard how they do there birthday parties that things changed from chaos to quiet. I will share with you my sons seventh birthday and following a good rule, we allowed only one child per year of age, so it was a small and intimate affair....

I didn't purchase any "party favors" but instead we chose to make our own with Gabrial's help. We sought out polished stones, shells and healthy naturally sweet treats (carob raisins , nuts and granola bars from the local health food store).

We sewed beanbags with ribbon streamers coming off one end. We carefully wrapped the polished stones along with some glass pebbles in colorful tissue and ribbons.

Instead of store bought goodie bags we handmade our own bags out of fabric pieces we had leftover from various sewing projects! We also tried to remember how we "do" goodie bags at our home... well, Gabrial remembered that we don’t give them to each child as they come in, instead we wait until the very end. This is so that the children have something to take home and keep, and they are not consuming too much sugary sweets in such a short time! 

Guests arrived at in the afternoon. We had several games for the children planned: First we started out with a simple circle song. The children played several circle and movement games which kept them very active and moving for about 30 minutes. Afterward the kids gathered around for a special birthday story !

Meanwhile, I set up the cake, candles, and matches on a small table.

I passed out small cupcakes each with a small beeswax candle in it to all of the children. I explained to all of the children that the way we do birthdays is that we each get to have the candle on our cupcakes lit and we each get to make a wish for Gabrial, so my husband walked from child to child, lighting the candle and asking each child what they wished for Gabrial. "I wish you to get lots of presents", "I wish for you to play with me everyday", "I wish for you to be happy" were some of the wishes. Each child delighted in that they had the opportunity to blow out a candle and make a wish (and an important lesson is that they made the wish for someone other than themselves!) 

After that, We told the wonderful story of Gabrial's Rainbow Bridge As we told the story, all of the children (and parents) were in awe of Gabe. He sat tall and proud, after all, this is a celebration of the day of his birth! As we spoke of him coming over the rainbow bridge, he stood up, walked proudly to us and then sat with us. He was so pleased, he was squeezing my hand very hard because it had such a "ceremonial" feel to it. We then went on with the story and for each year of Gabrial’s life with us, and lit candles. When all of the candles were lit, we carried the cake to Gabe who made a wish and blew out the candles. We all sang "Happy Birthday to You" and the every one went off to eat cake, cupcakes, and play. 

The Children then had some free play time.

While, I did a quick clean up and set out a place for the opening of gifts. (Now maybe I just have a personal peeve here, but I have noticed that at each and every party we have ever been to, the gifts get piled high, the cards and tags fall off, and the child rips through from one gift to the next. I have always tried to teach that a person puts much time, care and love into choosing a gift, and that needs to be acknowledged) 

So, for that reason, at our house, the gift giving is done a bit differently... Each child (and parent) holds onto their gift. When it is nearing the end of the party, we sit in a huge circle and I ask that everyone please be patient as Gabrial opens the gifts. Now this may sound kind of tedious for many, but the actual experience is a great "lesson" for all of us home and unschoolers. Also, as each child carries and presents his gift, Gabe gives them the goodie bag. It’s nice because each child gets to open a gift, plus they don’t lose it during the 2 hours of the party... it goes home intact! I’ve taught Gabe to thank each person by looking into their eye and either offering them a hug or a hand shake and I truly believe that giving and receiving go completely hand in hand and lend themselves to the "breathing in-breathing out" rhythm. I am pleased to say that it went very well. 

Of course, we will now spend the next few days preparing lovely Thank you notes, and at our house... doing that is almost as much fun!

“A healthy social life is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living” Rudolf Steiner

Count Down to a Birthday!

I have been busy, busy planning our own little one's Birthday and here are some verses which I have found. I hope you enjoy them!

When I have said my evening prayer,
And my clothes are folded in the chair,
And Mother switches off the light,
I'll still be four years old tonight.

But, from the very break of day,
Before the children rise and play,
Before the greenness turns to gold,
Tomorrow, I'll be Five years old.

Five kisses when I wake.
Five candles on my cake!

* * * * * * * * * *

In heaven shines a golden star,
An angel led me from afar,
From Heaven high under to earth,
and brought me to my house of birth.

Welcome, welcome lovely day
With flowers bright and sunshine gay,
With painted birds that sing their song
And make me kind and good and strong.

* * * * * * * * * *

Someone's birthday is coming soon,
Someone who is in this room,
Our (Brooklyn) will be (Five) years old,
Shining with (her) heart of gold.

* * * * * * * * * *

The stars are watching for her birth,
A little child comes down to earth;
Angels do help her both day and night,
To fill her heart with love and light;
(Five) burning candles we did prepare,
To shine upon your birthday fair.

* * * * * * * * * *

Happy birthday dear (Brooklyn),
We sing now to you.
Happy birthday dear (Brooklyn),
May your wishes come true.

* * * * * * * * * *

We wish you a happy birthday
A joyful and celebrated birthday
To our friend _________
May she have a long, long life!

* * * * * * * * * *

Our Rainbow Bridge Story

There are as many versions of this classic Waldorf Birthday story as there are Waldorf teachers and children. This version of the classic story we wrote for our children. This one is about our daughter Brooklyn. Please be sure to change the story to better describe your child and history!

Long ago a little fairy flew from star to star gathering light and music, which came from all around her. At each star she met beautiful Fairies who showed her the way. One day one of the fairies said, "It is time to go to the Sun." Little fairy followed to a place of warmth shining like gold. There bees and butterflies sang to her of love. The fairy lead her to the moon, clean and crisp like new snow. From the moon she saw the most beautiful sight- a place of flowers, trees, rolling oceans, and two special souls who seemed to be smiling up at her. "May I go there?" little fairy asked the Beautiful Fairy "It is time," the Fairy said. "You may use the gifts of light and music you have gathered to carry you over the rainbow bridge. There a mother and a father have been waiting for you." Little Fairy carried her gifts over the rainbow bridge to her new home on the Earth.

(At this time Brooklyn walks over the rainbow silk to come sit with us)

From the very first moment her parents saw her they loved her and they called her Brooklyn Grayce. When she was born it was a crisp Autumn evening and a million stars were smiling down on her from the sky. She was absolutely beautiful chubby and round. She nursed and nursed and fell right asleep in her mommy's arms.

(light the first candle)

And then Brooklyn was one year old she loved playing with her older brother. Peek-a-boo was one of her favorite games to play. Her hair was a beautiful goldenrod color with curls.

(light the second candle)

When she was two years old she loved to help in the kitchen, kneading bread and making her own creations. She loved pockets and pouches and filled them with the many treasures which she found.One night she stood up on the living room table and did a dance with her hand out singing the most creative of lyrics "Awtch Awtch Awtch Awtch" then she jumped onto to the couch with a gleam in her eye!

(light the third candle)

When she was three years old she loved to play outside in the leaves and build forts with her brother out back in the trees. Swinging on the Willow tree vines was her favorite thing to do. Her brother showed her how to hold on tight. Brooklyn was very excited to find out she was going to be a big sister!

(light the fourth candle)

When she was four years old she moved to a new house, where she had her own room ! Her and mama spent much time fingerknitting and making crafts. She loved going to the beach, swimming and playing in the sand. She became a wonderful artist and began to draw pictures of all of the adventures she had and like magic, in ONE day she learned to ride her bike!

(light the fifth candle)

And now Brooklyn is Five years old. She has grown strong and is very smart and helpful, and a very good friend. We are happy to know Brooklyn and to be a part of her fifth birthday.

(make a wish, blow out the candles and sing Happy Birthday)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE!

Natural Parenting

There is a wide range of Natural Parenting sites available, but below are some of my friends and personal favorite sites. The information offered is both powerful and inspirational. The greatest thing is that we live in a time and place where we can choose, and making an informed choice is a great investment in your future and the future of your families. Each site below has a unique offering of information, stories, and some products... I hope a bit of something for everybody! As for me, and who I am and how I came to this lifestyle, well... I looked over some of the informational pages below and I decided what would be best for MYSELF and MY FAMILY. I made an informed choice and so should you!

Note: If you follow these links, you will be taken out of my blog site, please bookmark it now ,subscribe or remember to hit "back" on your browser so you can return..

Where Violence comes from

The Mother friendly childbirth Initiative

Vaccinations

Mothering

Circumcision

Alternamamas

Respecting our children

A Home centered life

Developing a Philosophy of homeschooling

Gaining confidence as a homeschooler

Vegan

How to avoid GM foods

Mangomama

Ecomother

Kellymom

Global Vaccine awareness

Better births and babies

Motherlove Herbals

Boycott Nestle