Playing with Fire

We did a "dangerous" art project; I let the kids decorate a heart using dripping candle wax. Part of the allure of this project is that they got to hold a lit candle. We had a safety talk about fires and matches, let one child go at a time, and had a bowl of water near by-just in case.

The kids took not burning themselves very seriously. Not a smile on either of them...
When the hearts have cooled you hang them on the window. When the sun is shining, the light comes through the wax drops and has a stained glass effect.

Family Photos

Sadie drew this picture of our family for me when I went for my Lasik surgery. I had to take it to the Drs. office and I could only look at it if I was being brave. I think we look like a Mr. Potato Head family, but this is great work for a three year old.

Eli just drew this picture today when I was scanning in the previous picture. He wanted to have one scanned too! Usually in the pictures he draws we have little mounds of spiky hair on the top of our heads.

Eli at School

Once a month, Eli's teacher sends out pictures of what they've been busy doing at school. So, I can't take credit for any of these pictures. I love receiving them as it gives me a little glimpse of Eli at school. A little background: Eli goes to a Waldorf preschool, so there aren't any academics taught. It's mostly creative play with natural materials with the main idea being that they expand their imagination. You would think those things would come natural to a kid, however, in today's society there is so much focus on academics that sometimes kids don't ever learn how to be kids. Plus, there's tv, computer, and too many toys to deal with not to mention that neighborhoods are changing and that kids aren't allowed to just run around outside all day with other neighbor kids that kids never learn to be creative or imaginative because they just don't have to be. There has been a dramatic difference in the way that Eli plays since he's been at Frances', it's such a joy to watch. There is a quote from Albert Einstein that I love that helped me realize why playing, creativity and imagination are so important not just for children but for everyone: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand."

The great thing about Frances is that she takes the kids outside everyday no matter how cold it is. Which is awesome in my book, because Lord knows I don't want to take the kids outside when it's 5 below zero! This little patch of ice is on Lake Bemidji just down the hill from where Frances lives.
These steps were built by the CCC in the '30s and lead from Frances road down to the lake. It's crazy when you leave the road and go down the steps, it's like a little secret magical kingdom. It's pretty cool.Once a week, the kids make soup. Each child brings an organic vegetable and they all chop the vegetables and add them to the soup. Sometimes there are some pretty crazy soup combinations. Eli still doesn't eat his vegetables but I do notice that he says, "I'll try it because maybe I'll like it this time."When I showed Eli this picture he said, "I was playing a really beautiful song and all the kids were dancing with the scarves to my music."A little ball playing:Eli and his favorite friend, Leanna, who he claims is going to be "his Valentine."
The gathering drum:Outside candlemaking:

Staying Indoors on Winter Days

There has been way too much indoor playing around here. I wish they wanted to go outside more but I do have to say that they are very good at keeping themselved occupied inside. I made Sadie this puppet theater for Christmas, though here it is being used as a drive-thru window! A budding Picasso:

Lakeside Sledding

The weather has been beautiful by Minnesota standards so we braved the sledding hill. My commentary isn't the best, but I wanted to show a little bit of Northern Minnesota Life. I show a bit of the lake which is covered with ice houses and looks like Bemidji's little shanty town. I just love it. Minnesota is starting to feel like home. I love how active everyone is even when it's 30 below. People here just enjoy being outside doing whatever it is that they do.

We had four family's over to our house last night for potluck and I was thinking how blessed we are to have met some really awesome friends already. Friends for us and friends for our kids. We couldn't ask for anything more!!

Tongues

I haven't been taking many photos lately so these are from the archives.

All Geared Up

Eli asked Santa for a hockey stick and puck for Christmas. Mom and dad got him the helmet so he wouldn't have to wear his bike helmet on the ice anymore. He's a pretty proud skater now and getting more and more confident each week. Sadie, on the other hand, would prefer to sit in the warming house!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

"It's cold in Minnesota" has been our mantra since we moved to Bemidji in July. Well, it's actually quite true. We've been hunkering down, wearing lots of layers, and staying inside the last few days to stay warm. I forgot how cold it can get in the north country. The good thing is that I don't have to fight with the kids to wear their hats, mittens and boots; when it's minus 31 the kids want to wear their hats and boots and long johns and sweaters...
If you need us, we'll be hiding under the blankets with a cup of hot chocolate watching movies and hibernating!!

#7

On December 28, Dennis and I celebrated anniversary number 7. I must say it's been a good 7 years. Here's to the next 43!