On Emma's Birthday Eve

 

Before Emma headed to bed tonight she asked if I would come up and say the birthday poem. I honestly was not expecting that, given that she turns eighteen tomorrow, so was rather unprepared/surprised when she asked but was so very happy to do so! I just love that these traditions have stuck and clearly mean something to her (and Grace and us as a family). 

After the birthday poem was said and Emma was in bed, gifts were wrapped and put out for the morning. It's hard to believe that this is the final night that we will have one non-adult in the house. Goodness, these years have just flown by so very fast! Time, you are truly a thief! xo 

On Emma's Birthday Eve

 

When I have said my evening prayer, 
And my clothes are folded on the chair, 

And mama has turned out the light, 
I'll still be fourteen years old tonight. 

But from the very break of day, 
Before the children rise and play, 
Before the sunlight has turned to gold, 

Tomorrow I'll be fifteen years old. 
Fifteen candles kissess when I wake! 
Fifteen candles on my cake! 

Can't wait to celebrate anotehr trip around the sun with our sweet Emma Faith! xo 

On Her Birthday Eve

It's crazy to me to think that tomorrow morning our sweet youngest daughter turns ten years old. One decade of Emma! How is that possible already?! In celebration of her birthday eve, as well as the glorious weather (68 degrees on February 20th?! What?!), we decided that a trip to Old Sturbridge Village was in order. As we walked into the Village Emma said to me: "Mama, this is the perfect place to celebrate my last day being nine!" 

Our first stop, of course, was the sheep. From the time she was one she has loved these sheep. 

 We stopped into the Fitch House where the girls made valentines, and where we also got to watch this very talented woman make some, too. 

 We also learned the history of the valentine and that they were not just given on Valentine's Day!

 After the Fitch House we stopped in to the Parsonage for some hot chocolate. It was made the way it would have been in the 1830s and was very delicious! 

 A quick stop into the Asa Knight store where we had a lovely chat with the shopkeepers before heading to the farm. 

 These two really need land and a barn of their own.

 After our day at OSV we came home for lunch and a bit of quite time before heading back outside in the glorious weather. We caught up with all the neighbors and stayed out until it was dark and we were all hungry! The girls had a quick dinner and then it was time for showers, bed and setting up the birthday ring. 

This year's additions are the fox and the bunny. Both a nod to Emma's Halloween costume this year (my dad kept teasing Emma asking her if she was a bunny)! I cannot wait for her to see these new pieces tomorrow morning! xo 

On The Eve Of Her Eighth Birthday

I am finding it very hard to believe that our baby turns eight years old tomorrow. She is so very excited to turn eight, and has been counting down the days (and then hours) until her much anticipated eighth birthday finally arrives! We have some very special things planned for Miss Emma Faith tomorrow (the most exciting being a brand new bike! Shh! Don't tell)! The box she is holding contains a vintage inspired pink champagne cake. Traditionally we bake birthday cakes from scratch, but this cake from Bella Cakes was far too yummy and lovely to pass up! 

 The birthday ring is ready for tomorrow!

Birthday Eve Poem

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

But from the very break of day,
Before the children rise and play,
Before the darkness turns to gold,
Tomorrow I'll be eight years old!
Eight kisses when I wake!
Eight candles on my cake!
-Traditional Waldorf Verse

On Her Birthday Eve

When I have said my evening prayer, 

And my clothes are folded on the chair, 

And mama has turned off the light, 

I'll still be five years old tonight. 

But from the very break of day, 

Before the children rise and play, 

Before the darkness turns to gold, 

Tomorrow I'll be six years old!

Six kisses when I wake, 

Six candles on my cake!

-Waldorf Birthday Verse

What a wonderful birthday eve you had today! From lunch with Gramma and Grandpa, to picking up a few last minute things for your celebration tomorrow, to baking your cake tonight, it was a glorious way to spend your last day as a five year old! Sleep well, sweet Emma Faith! We can't wait to see the next trip around the sun brings! xoxo

Last Day As A Four Year Old

When I have said my evening prayer, 

And my clothes are folded on the chair, 

And mama has turned 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 darkness turns to gold, 

Tomorrow I'll be five years old!

Five kisses when I wake, 

Five candles on my cake!

-Anonymous

What a wonderful last day you had being four years old today! 

Sweet dreams, sweet girl! I can't wait to see what this next trip around the sun brings!  xoxo