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In the “blizzard of ‘09″ a few weeks ago… I looked out the front window to see this little cardinal playing in our climbing tree.

Only a few months ago, we spent many hours every day catching leaves as they fell from this lovely tree.

I love the contrast in these two pictures- the radiance of the red and green, the softness of the snow covered tree- with the bright red bird.

I am excited to see what Spring brings to the colors of our climbing tree!

Have a great weekend friends! Spend some time playing outside!

Is there a special place in your yard that you notice as it changes through the seasons?

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Before I became a mother, I was a perfect parent; even in my early mothering days with a little infant, I still felt I had a lot of the answers and few problems.

I made a lot of great decisions for my son and our family:

Although he was born in a hospital, I labored at home till I was in transition (imagine driving to the hospital in transition- I so wish I had a home birth!)

We had a “natural” birth. The first time my son suckled at my breast, his umbilical cord was fully attached.

His grandmother (not a nurse) gave him his first bath.

We nursed… and the advice my midwife gave me was, “if you put a baby and your nipples in the same room, that baby’s gonna figure out how to nurse. Don’t listen to the lactation consultants, they are looking for what’s wrong, not what’s right.”

We took a mommy-baby yoga class and started forming lasting friendships with dear friends who are still in our life.

I wore him around the house in a sling, then a wrap, then a back carrier.

I think I followed the “attachment-parenting” model almost to a T without knowing what it was. (I refused to read books or go to classes- I wanted to parent intuitively).

My son met all the bench marks perfectly or early. Infancy passed (he was walking by 10 months old) and with toddler hood upon us, life got a lot more difficult. 

My very confident baby, was now a very confident little person with a mind of his own and the physical ability to accomplish his wishes.

Since that time, I have made so many mistakes: I have yelled, thrown things, slammed doors, let him watch TV- all sorts of things my pre-motherhood perfection would totally snark at.

And sometimes I become hyper-critical of my mistakes. But really, I am great with kids.

Bring me a behavoral problem with a little background, I’ve got some viable ideas for how to attend to it…

I am temporarily a foster mother to a little girl and she is thriving in my care. But I do still need moments of reflection for better ways to attend to my own son.

Then last week, my son and his friend were playing with our little baby girl.

My son said: “I’ll be the daddy and you be the mommy. That means we hug her and kiss her and feed her and love her a whole bunch. And she’ll be okay.”

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One of my favorite rituals of the day is putting my son to sleep. First, we make his special night time tea- Yogi Bedtime tea, with a little honey, made in his special strawberry cup. Then, we read a couple books and finally we turn out the lights and I tell him a story.

These stories are about a little boy and his mother (guess who the characters are?) and all the adventures that they go on together. They start out, “Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved………………. (Birthday parties, snow, gardening, adventures etc.) And so his mother………….(did something to make sure the little boy got something he loved).”

The look on his face when I start the story is priceless.  The stories always finish at the end of the day when the mother gives the little boy a big hug and kiss and tells him how much she loves him. Then I say, “And that’s what I am going to do right now.” And I do.

Then, he gives me a big hug and drifts off into dream world. He’s not always the best sleeper, but these stories help him through a tough transition. I really like giving him the chance to add parts to the story. I also like that he knows I make them up right then.

The other day, he sat on the couch “reading” a book to him self. I didn’t want to interrupt, but I did ease drop a wee bit, and he was telling himself a story… and it wasn’t all that different then a story I might have made up.

This is one way children learn, through the oral tradition of stories passed down for generations.  It brings such joy to my heart, and butterflies to my belly when I think that perhaps one day, he too will do the same for one of his children.

How do your kids go to sleep at night?  What oral traditions are you handing down?

This post is part of the 30-minute blog challenge of Steady Mom. I almost skipped posting this week, but I enjoy participating so much that after putting my little one down for bed I decided to write this post. Thanks for reading!

Post start to finish: 20 minutes (ish).

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Little children are wonderful scientists. They ask “why” all the time.  They are curious about what is under every rock, why the stars are so small, where the sun is at night,  why birds like bread, etc. (I’ve been asked these questions in the last 24 hours).

This morning, when we came across some deer tracks in the snow one little girl asked me “why was the deer here and where was it going?” I said, “It might be going to find some food or get warm.” The response, “but it’s cold out here; do deer go inside?”

Mountains of snow caught our attention and the conversation was dropped. But I was so excited to be engaged in this conversation. To me, this is learning.  This is the creative process.. walk outside look around and ask questions.

Darwin, Einstein, Galileo…(to name a small few) did this too and came up with some profound answers that shape the way we see the world today.

This is why I love to take children outside and although I am so excited to share games, songs, and stories with kids to jump-start play time, I really think the best thing to do is open the door and let ‘em outside.

We are in the age of information… after I publish and tweet this post… tons of folks will have access to it. There is information flying around the airways so quickly it is unbelievable.

Well, I believe that there is innate wisdom, knowledge and information in each of us and that children are most connected to that intelligence. My work has given me the opportunity to observe children accessing this innate intelligence, and I see kids get so excited as they discover new things.  To me, as an adult, I might chalk it up to some scientifically explained whatever but to my little preschoolers it’s new knowledge and experience.

This is why I think that the outdoors is the best kind of classroom for children.  For young kids, their experiences lead to new knowledge, as they access this new knowledge from within themselves and their own observations, they become more confident to pursue new ideas.

For instance… my son went outside to build a sandcastle today… with SNOW.  Imagine if I had told him “you can’t build a sandcastle, the sand is covered with snow.” He probably would have looked at me like I was an idiot and went on about him business. Instead, he experienced some similarities in two substances that are different but have some similar properties.

Here at Backyard Mama I plan to give you more of my observations of young kids learning in nature. Why? So that nature play seems less like something we need to prepare for or think about and more like a natural occurrence in the day.

I love all the blogs I read about activities to do with kids outside; I write a fair amount about it too. Then I get all the stuff together for my “plan” and out we go to do one thing and then nature has it’s own plan: baby turtles, or icicles, snow mountains, deer tracks, crocuses blooming in the snow, a red hawk.. and I have to switch gears to go with the natural lesson.

It’s through this flexibility and spontaneity that I see children thrive and grow and become curious, confident little boys and girls.

And that’s my focus for this year. Happy New Year Friends. 

What happened to you the last time you canned a plan cause a better opportunity presented itself to you?

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A White Christmas.

And here’s what I want to do:

1) Make maple syrup “snow cones” with fresh fallen snow.

2) Make a snow angel.

3) Look for animal tracks or human tracks.

4) Use the tracks to “tell the story” of who walked on the snow first.

5) Shake the branches of a pine tree and wait for the snow to fall on my head.

6) Have a snow ball fight.

7) Build a snow man or maybe a snow woman!

Put out bird food and see who eats it first.

9) Make an igloo.

10) Dig out a fire pit and make a winter bonfire.

11) Drink hot chocolate outside in the snow and look up at the stars.

12) Make a list of all the great things I want to do in the next snow storm.

What do you love to do in the snow?

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Happy Advent Friends!

I remember as a child advent was a very special time of year.  At Green Meadow Waldorf School  we had an advent garden. The auditorium floor was transformed into an evergreen spiral and each child was given an apple with a candle stuck in it to light and then place along the spiral pathway. Individually, we walked to the center of the spiral where a large candle was used to light the single candles. Each child placed her candle along the evergreen spiral as he walked out of the spiral.  It was magical.

When we arrived in the auditorium, the room was almost completely dark with only the one candle lite at the center of the spiral.  Then, each of us picked out an apple with inserted candle, and walked to the center of the spiral to light our own candle.  Kind of like the journey of life where we go the the center of ourselves to find our inner radiance to share with the world. Gems and crystals danced in the candle light; in the end, the room shone with such light. When our inner light shines it is always reflected back!

Many have seen or heard of advent wreaths {I still need to make ours} but each year I mark this special time of bringing my light into the world by acknowledging advent- a time of inner transformation.

As a child we sang a lovely song that I still remember today:

Advent! advent! our candle burns;

Advent! advent! our candle burns.

First one, then two, the three, then four,

Then stands the Christ child at the door.

May we each “light a fire” in our hearts this Holy Season.

This is part of the 30 minute blog challenge brought to us by Steady Mom! Spend 30 minutes writing your post… then get outside to play!

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Rhode Islanders

This could be the perfect kid activity while the cook’s in the kitchen.. get ‘em outside! Letterboxing with kids in Rhode island.

Again, All that Matters is hosting yoga t-day morning with Coral Brown… stretch before the stretch and don’t forget to dedicate your practice!  A nation united in Thanks Giving is a powerful moment. Community yoga at ATM is this Sunday.

Schools in South Kingstown, Rhode Island are inspiring children to learn about the great outdoors. {It’s this a great program… my delightful yoga teacher Rebecca is at the helm too.}

The Yoga School of South County offers a variety of wonderful classes, including mom’s yoga with childcare.  Rebecca teaches there… check ‘em out!  They are located right next to the guild and the kiddos can enjoy the park while mom {or dad} “gets centered”.

This Saturday the locals can attend the  Coastal Growers Winter Market  in North Kingstown… we went last week and I had a hard time pulling Jeremiah out of there; he loved the music and the energy. Not in South County? There’s always the Wintertime Farmers’ Market in Pawtucket.

Around the Blogosphere

Keep that wallet locked-up this Friday and honor  Buy Nothing Day. {I will confess I will have to go purchase a few things for my sons birthday, but I fully support this event and this confession is with my tail between my legs}.

Another reason it’s only a myth that city folks can’t be homesteaders. These folks raising shared urban chickens are really using their full brain capacity. Yeah for community!

For those of you like me scrambling for the perfect Thanksgiving table decorations these eco-kids are awesome- wouldn’t you say? Here’s to a crafty Thanksgiving… or translate it to the upcoming Christmas season! The Green Hour blog also has wonderful ideas!

Jump into the holiday comsumer spirit by checking out hese top 10 eco friendly toy manufacturers before heading to Wal-Mart. {Please}.

Back home in my Backyard

Our chickens are producing lots of eggs… great for upcoming cookie baking.

The kids planted garlic on Tuesday and there’s a thick bed of nice rotting hay over it.  I can’t wait to harvest next summer!

My friend Andrea found local grown and milled corn meal.  I think it might make the perfect homemade cornbread mix for Christmas gifts.

THIS FRIDAY, my adorable, handsome, smart, nature-boy turns three.  We are celebrating by pressing cider, roasting hot dogs {local grass-fed beef dogs} and having a fire-work display.  We might make some lanterns too.  It’s an evening outdoor party so we can enjoy the splendor of the late fall night sky.

And now, this Backyard Mama, is off to make some pecan pie! { Using agave- I’ll let you know how that goes!}

Be safe, be happy, and ENJOY this lovely day of THANKS GIVING.

May there be adundance, grace and peace everywhere.

Stay tuned for What’s Happening Wednesday next week too… and remember to share great links with me at {shannon [at] backyardmama [dot] com}.

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Taking a walk in nature can be the most rewarding, inspiring, relaxing, bonding time for families.  So this Thanksgiving give one another breathing space. Take sometime to walk on the fresh solid ground; feel the depth of the soil, the firmness of the rock foundation, the lightness of the air, the coolness of the breeze.

While on your nature walk, collect beautiful natural treasures to share as decorations for the Thanksgiving table.

Try to remember not to ambush one another, as happened on the first Thanksgiving.

Be truthful, be grateful, be wonderful.

I feel grateful for the coziness of the forest and for the time I can spend in the place out of time.

I feel grateful for everything that was, everything that will be, and all that is right now in this moment.

{This is part of the 30 minute blog challenge brought to us by Steady Mom… take sometime to check out all the great posts!}

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Rhode Islanders kick of the holiday season with some fun local events.

Local foods can still be purchased in time for Thanksgiving!  Attend the first Coastal Growers Winter Market this Saturday in North Kingstown.

Not in South County? There’s always the Wintertime Farmers’ Market in Pawtucket.

For local made handcrafts the Meadowbrook Waldorf School holiday faire  is this Saturday evening and all day Sunday- great fun for the kids and lots of neat stuff for the ‘rents. (I LOVE the bookstore).

Shakta Kaur Kalsa, author and yogini, is coming to All That Matters this weekend, learn about yourself, learn about your children… Kundalini yoga will take you places you have never been.

Get ‘em outside! Rhode Island Families in Nature is taking a hike this weekend at Ryan Park, Oak Hill Road, North Kingstown. 

Stay Healthy.. Stay Happy..

Concerned about the flu? Stay away from the doctors…. and take a hike instead.

Around the Blogosphere

Suna {LobsterMonkey} is an friend from college and an outstanding mother, blogger and crafter. Still looking for the perfect homemade centerpiece for Thanksgiving?  This just might be the answer.

Why do we blog? Here’s one blogger’s answer. (Isn’t she cool?)

Maybe while outside hiking this weekend, you can take some time to reflect on celebrating.  What’s your 5ives?

And I’d be deficient if I went without mentioning these great posts… so get ready for winter tracking or plan a meal (in Kansas).

Back Home in My Backyard

We’re getting ready for Jeremiah’s 3rd birthday…. (how’d he grow so fast?).

We’ve got lots of leaves ready to spread in the garden… and we’re harvesting seaweed and planning another trip out for manure.

Flower seeds abound… seed saving/ spreading is in order.

We’re gearing up to make some potato stamps to decorate name place cards for our Thanksgiving dinner table.

What’s happening in your backyard?  Please send interesting links to post here next Wednesday. {shannon at backyardmama dot com}. Thanks for reading! Now go enjoy the sunshine..

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Somethings you (might) not know about my blogging history:

1) The Grass Stain Guru, Bethe, was the first complete stranger to comment on my blog. {Thank you Bethe!} I felt like a little girl in a candy store when I read it.

2) The first blog I started following was Metropolitan Mama.

3) As a result of Stephanie’s Tuesday Tours {on MM} I started contributing to 5 Minutes for Going Green. {And have a post Timeless Toys featured there today}.

4) Alison of Loving Natures Garden gave me a ton of advice for plug-ins and info on how to use Twitter. She’s loaded with wisdom about nature.

5) You can follow me @backyardmama {but I am learning so be gentle- please!}

6) Carey Baker of Midnight Son Designs is a great website/ blog designer and he’s given me a lot of great advice about blogging.

7) Carey also blogs at North East Abundance.

This is my 50th post… to  many more. Thanks all for the encouragement.

I look forward to sharing more about me as time goes on… I am off for some fresh air and cloud cover. Ugh…

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