Math Gnomes For Everyone!

One of the moments that Emma has been looking forward to finally arrived today; she was introduced to King Equals and the four math gnomes! 

Meanwhile, Grace (who's good friends with the math gnomes already), spent some time hanging with her pal Minus this morning. It made for a very math gnomey start to our day! xo

Before Bedtime

Some nights just call for a little Princess Magic Fairy and Herd the Sheep before heading to bed. xo

On Palm Sunday

A blessed Palm Sunday to those who celebrate! Hosanna in the highest! xo

A Saturday Of Sap And Snow

Fifteen gallons of sap boiled and two snowmen built make for a lovely last Saturday of March! 

We still have about five gallons to go but that will have to wait until tomorrow as both the daylight and propane are waning. We've loved every step of this process and cannot wait to see it fully become maple syrup. What a wonderfully sweet way to end winter and welcome spring! xo

{This Moment} A Dream Come True

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single  photo - no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you the loveliest of weekends! xo

Basket Kitty

It's impressive to think that this cat was in this basket upstairs in our room and stayed in it the whole way down (and then back up). Clearly, she was super comfy in there yesterday! xo

Six

Emma's beautiful main lesson book page from yesterday. It's quite possibly my most favorite page of hers thus far. xo

Evening Harvest

These two having taken to this task like a duck takes to water! Looking forward to the next stage of this process with our first boil this weekend! xo

A Word Wall For Emma

Now that Emma's reading she requested a word wall "just like Grace". A space was chosen, cards were cut, words were written and up they went! She couldn't be any happier! xo

After Sunday Brunch

A fun filled weekend with family. Sunday brunch at Old Sturbridge Village. A quiet spot to read afterward. A walk before saying "until next time". Thanks for a fabulous weekend, Grandma Joan, Grandpa Ron, Aunt Donna and Uncle Peter! We can't wait to see you in May (if not sooner)! xo

Welcome, Spring!

Spring flowers from the Root Children for Grace and Emma on this the first full day of Spring! May this season of renewal and rebirth be a blessed and joyous one for all of you! xo

Spring is coming, spring is coming, 
Birdies build your nests.
Weave together straw and feather, 
Doing each your best.

Spring is coming, spring is coming, 
Flowers are coming too. 
Crocus, lilies, daffo-dillies,
All are coming through. 

Spring is coming, spring is coming, 
All around is fair. 
Shimmer, quiver, on the river, 
Joy is everywhere.
-Traditional Waldorf

{This Moment} Maple Harvest

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single  photo - no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a sweet first weekend of Spring! xo

A Magical Afternoon

This afternoon after lunch we headed to the local movie theater to catch the days first showing of Cinderella. Friends, I am so very glad that we did as it was truly a beautiful version of this classic fairy tale and well worth seeing on the big screen! The cast, the sets, the costumes- were all spectacular, and the message of love and kindness is one that is very near and dear to our hearts. 

The theme of having courage and being kind is found throughout the entire movie, beginning first with Cinderella's mother telling her: "Have courage and be kind. For where there is kindness there is goodness and where there is goodness there is magic." and ending with the words of Cinderella's Fairy Godmother (played brilliantly by Helena Bonham Carter): "Be courageous and kind and all will be well." It's not to say that Cinderella's kindness and courage make things easy for her, but it was wonderful to see how the parting words of her mother became her mantra and helped her navigate the tougher times she experienced along the way.

When the movie was done the three of us left the theater happily chatting about how much we loved both Frozen Fever and Cinderella. We stopped for a quick picture (above) and then headed out, all of us hand-in-hand. A truly perfect ending to a truly perfect afternoon. xo

Wordless Wednesday::Legos

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

May the road rise to meet you, 

May the wind be always at your back, 

May the sun shine warm upon your face, 

The rains fall soft upon your fields, 

And, until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand. 

-Traditional Irish Blessing

Whether you're Irish or not we hope that your Saint Patrick's day is full of blessings! xo

On Tap

Last Thursday we stopped by my dear friend Sarah's house to pick up a few things she had for us. Sarah and I got to chatting while Grace and Emma waited in the car, and when I returned, Emma said: "Mama, what is Sarah doing?" I explained that she was out boiling maple sap to make into syrup. Emma thought about this for a moment and then asked: "If I shovel a path to our maple trees do you think Sarah would boil our sap, too?" Paths were created as soon as we arrived home that afternoon and the next morning brought a lesson in tapping trees and collecting sap. 

And just like, our born and raised New England girls seemed even more New Englandy to me. From that very fist day, and each day since, they have happily taken it upon themselves to keep a very close eye on the taps, transferring the sap to their blue buckets each time the jug is full (which is about two or three times a day). We have yet to start our first boil, but I have a feeling that from the moment David lights the fire to begin that process, that the girls will be there every step of the way carefully watching and helping and learning more about this seasonal ritual that seems to be part of their souls already. xo