The Story of the Bodhi Tree

Opa Amaro arrives home

My stepfather is a Rolfer/body worker and spends months at a time in Germany (where he is originally from). This past trip was especially long - from the beginning of October until today.

Bodhi was very excited to pick him up from the airport this afternoon. He was even more eager to open up his gifts from Germany! Although most of the things that Amaro brings back are now available in Canada, there is always something special about getting them right from the source!

These masks are something that I had as a child and always loved. When I lived in Germany there was an amazing store in our neighborhood called Berg's Tea Laden that sold these, along with many other beautiful treasures. We had quite a hoot trying these on today! Fun for the whole family.

A sweet Ostheimer wooden horse

A set of Lyra pencil crayons (the Waldorf selection). We have many a set of these, but it is always nice to have a fresh pack!

Thanks Opa!

Park play

A beautiful day in the cold. It feels great to have a full day of play outside, especially with some of our most favorite peeps. We had a quick visit with Ella + Arlo as well as a big play with Jane and Cedar. Bodhi and Cedar are pretty funny together. Lots of running around being very boyish in my opinion!

By the way, if you have not visited Jane's new Etsy shop, then go over and take a peek. Her talent is undeniable and her sewing impeccable. Who wouldn't want to bundle their little folk up in one of her one-of-a-kind kimonos? I am just waiting until this little sprout is earth side until I decide!

What a day

Usually Saturday is a huge resting day for me. Randy is home, and B and him often hang out together to let me catch up on sleep! Today Randy had to go to a workshop, so it was just B and I. Man was I tired. It is like by body and mind are programmed to know that when the weekend comes I get space and quite time. At first I was feeling at a total loss of what to do, and then I made a yummy coco and whip cream for us and I perked right up!

We spent most of our day inside playing, building villages and homes. Driving trucks around and using the tool set. All of the toys we buy have been carefully picked out and are used with love. B is at an age where he really enjoys all of them, and our place is quite open so when he is in his playroom he still feels like a part of what is going on.

Indoor activities

This winter Bodhi has more activities than he ever has before; school, swimming, and art class. I do not believe in having too many things outside of the home, but I have to admit that with this cold rain that keeps us indoors it is great to have something for B to look forward to. This is especially so, since he no longer naps.

Today was a school day, and after that we were indoors. Most of our home activities consist of crafting, art making, cooking, baking, having baths, reading books (over + over again), playing with toys, and playing hockey or soccer in our hall way.

Most days I have to insist that we have a "quiet" time were I lay down and he plays in the room. So far this has worked really well, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have a rest.

Before we had our quiet time today we did some painting and chalk drawing with B's easel. We have a lovely set of blackboard chalk. The colors are really nice, though they break easily and are a little messy.

What are some of the fun things that your household does on rainy days?

As Bodhi gets older it is not as easy to convince him of certain things. For instance, he always used to wear wool longies, hats and mitts. This year he declared wool to be "too itchy". He will wear wool socks, and if his hands are really cold, he will put on a pair of mittens. So now we have a huge amount of beautifully knit items that never get used. He has also stopped wearing any pants that are not made by me (how flattering, but challenging). Last week I made him a pair of flannel monkey pj's and he has barely taken them off! He is also a picky eater... but last night I had carrot sticks and cucumber out and he actually ate them (I was literally over the moon). I love watching his fiery and energetic personality emerge, he is constantly reminding me to embrace my wild and free spirited side!

new pj's (I always just make my own pattern up)

posing for the camera

This is the sweet baby cap that I was working on. It was a great pattern and I found it quick and easy to knit up. The only thing I have to complain about, would be that the sizing is a bit off. I knit mine in the six month size and it is more like a newborn size.

front of hat

side of hat

Harvest Pasta

Monday seems to have become my favorite day to cook. If I am going to make a sauce or stock it is always on a monday. Anyhow, lately I have been having that feeling of not knowing what to eat and nothing seems appealing. However, tonight I decided to do a pasta dish with roasted squash + walnuts, steamed chard + goats cheese and it was so yummy. It is a dish that I have made year after year with variations, and it is always good to remember something that you enjoy making + eating! After supper I made some apple sauce to accompany the oatmeal in the morning.

I know that when I start making things with squash and making oats in the am, that fall has most definitely arrived. It is a wet one, but beautiful none-the-less.

Pumpkin Patch

Despite the rainy weather today, we ventured out to the pumpkin patch to pick up our pumpkins. Bodhi had a total blast in the rain, jumping in puddles and squishing his boots in the mud. He also enjoyed the process of picking out his pumpkins. The pumpkins had been picked over and lots of them were rotting, but we still managed to find a whole wheelbarrow full.

Birthday book bag + book

This gift is for one of B's park buddies who is turning three tomarrow. Inside the bag is The Seven Silly Eaters, which is one of our all time favorites over here.

We bought a copy of In the Night Kitchen to add to our collection of books.

Unexpectedly, we bumped into friends at the book store, looking to fill birthday book bags as well.

Happy reading!

It has been a fairly busy week for us. Lots of playtime with friends, birthday parties, and no naps. Bodhi has not really napped for a couple of weeks now. I still put him down for some quiet time though. I keep waiting for him to get to this place in the day where he is exhausted, but lately he is in such a good mood. I have to admit, so am I.

Last night I purchased a beautiful bag from little bird designs. I have been waiting for the "right" one, and I *love* the one I scored.

Bodhi helping Nana open up here birthday gift

Climbing trees today at the park

When I was at my mums the other day I noticed an old blanket/quilt in her storage closet. It was one that she had made for my sister in the 70's. It is stained and ripped. I remember that blanket. It was always around. I picked it up and examined it closely. My mum had hand stitched over the design. She use to do that with alot of our things. I asked my mum what type of fabric it was (as if I thought I would get a response). Indeed she did answer. "Oh! Marimeko fabric." How cool is that? Yep, I have a neat Mama. Needless to say, I am repairing it!

This is my tired guy after a full day of friends and play and no nap. I asked him to smile for the camera and it was a no go.