May Celebrations

Strong traditions... I want my children to think back on their childhood and remember those sweet little things we did around important days throughout the year. Solstice, birthdays, Imbolc and so on... I feel like that will be the pull to center them as they set out in the world and the chaos it might bring. This month - May! - is full of my special days, yahoo! As always on holidays we do a quiet breakfast with baked fruit and nut sauce that is simple, delicious and easy to prepare so the kids can pitch in. So that happened on Mother's Day and my birthday. On Mother's Day, I always ask for everyone to gather and help me with a significant, around the house project. This year we continued building the garden beds around the house and Far gifted me with many beautiful plants. And on my birthday, as with all birthdays, we do a "family day" of the person's choice. For me, it was a trip to Sand Beach and just soaking in the sunshine and warmth while watching the kids be free and happy. Pure bliss.

Arrival of the Ladies

 A very happy boy arrived at the post office after an early morning call that our girls were waiting for us...

 And in just a few moments a little farmer in chicken patterned pants was born. He could hardly carry them out the door in all his excitement!

 At home, the 15 new charges were quickly given the lay of the land and hovered over by three loving "parents." Names such as Poopstack, Eagle, Houdini and Cutie Pie were suggested. I am worried they all just might stick...

 

 

 After a few days inside, it was decided the girls would like to see the big wide world too. Oh how they loved it!

And so it begins.

My kids...

I heard of a turtle who accepted a dare

To run a mile race with a mad-cap hare,

With never a glance at the world about

He plodded along on his chosen route.

While the hare watched cloud ships sail the blue,
Admired a spider's web diamond with dew,
Played with wee bunnies, teased a fat toad,
Then kicked up his heels and danced in the road
Played tag with the wind, smelled a wild rose
And found at the goal post he'd lost by a nose.
With his eye on the goal, at his own steady pace.
Had plodded that turtle to win the race.
But I wonder anew, as the race was done,
Which of those two had really won?
- Audrey C. Hague

My kids... They create, invent and imagine...

 They act silly, laugh and enjoy...

 They love fiercely...

They notice the tiniest of treasures (a baby horseshoe crab)...

 They are free, unencumbered and still (for very brief moments)...

 And when they sleep, there is nothing in the world that worries them...

 I have so much to learn from them...