Julia's Birthday Circle

Today was a confirmation of how amazing Waldorf is. Julia was so excited about her birthday circle and I could see why. Of course the parents bring in a "healthy cake" for their birthday child but what I saw and experienced with the class exceded my expectations. Everyone was seated in a circle and everyone had a flower from a bogenvilia. Next the song came about Julia's birthday and love from everyone while we each went around the circle giving her a flower in her basket and then a hug. Julia wore a cape and crown and three of her friends wore the same. Her teacher went through Julia's years and the parents were supposed to come up with a memory for each year. I wasn't prepared of course but came up with a few things and her teacher did a beautiful job. Then their was a story about an angel who found a family especially for Julia while her friend came dressed as the angel going around the circle and dropping her off back to us. Then she put out 5 candles 1 at a time with a song to symbolize each year and next finally came the regular birthday song. The class made her a card book with a picture from each teacher and child, she got magnets and a cape. It was much more of a ceremony and it was so touching and meaningful. I hope we can carry this tradition throughout the rest of her life. I like the idea of making a card and sharing stories of her life on her special day to celebrate it.

Spring

Sarah did an amazing job at her recital and of course she was adorable as ever. She kept telling us about her "play" and that it was her first real one on stage during the week leading up to it. She was a little nervous but told me she would follow what the other kids were doing if she forgot the steps. She did really great and we had a celebratory Burger King meal afterward. I asked her if she had fun and she said that she was so happy that she finally got to perform. My Grandma got her an Angelina Ballerina movie to watch as a gift for a job well done and Sarah and Julia both wanted to take lessons after watching it. So the Gymnastics and everything else will just have to wait.
Spring Break was off to a great start until yesterday when I decided it was time to start a little Spring cleaning. We moved a bunch of furniture around until the space started to make sense. Sarah ended up cleaning her room and there was a lot of clamor. Julia was being her cute but very loud and energetic self and as a result of all that Sarah and I were starting to get headaches; mine went away but hers turned into a full fledged migraine. So she's been throwing up for the past 24 hours; not fun at all. Hopefully she'll be ready to eat again and enjoy the rest of her break by tomorrow!
... she was better the next day and back to eating like there was no tomorrow. I stayed at home with the girls most of the week. The girls were aloud to watch one movie a day and boy were they excited about that. We spent some time with Jenn and Beth and the girls were very lucky to be read to by Jenn more than a few times. They got to ride in their Mystery Mobile to the beach; it was a little rough but we enjoyed the water none the less. We went to the store last Wednesday and the girls picked out a really pretty kite. It's been very windy here recently so we took it to the park and watched it soar. It was really exciting for all of us.
We spent Saturday night at my grandparent's for Julia's 5th birthday celebration and then the next day we went to Chucky Cheeses for her actual birthday with Jenn and Beth. Julia loved playing in what I think of as a hamster maze, eating pizza & winning tickets. She got some cute trinkets, cotton candy & was as happy as can be. After all the excitement it was time to head home for her steak dinner of birthday choice; Dann pan cooked it with delicious herbs, big hit for all. So great birthday weekend and Thursday her class is doing a morning birthday circle for her. I get to make a "healthy cake" and join in the celebration. The girls are back to school and enjoying their friends and activities. We all had a much needed rest from the rush and are ready to start again.

Spring Break!

It's a half day for the girls today and I'm sure they are about ready for a relaxing break. Hopefully the relaxing can ensue even with two kids at the house. Dann will probably do most of the supervision since my dad has needed me at work a lot more recently.
Our awesome friends Jenn and Beth are on their way on a plane for their Honey Moon in Hawaii! We will pick them up from the airport this afternoon! So exciting and I know they are going to have a fantastic adventure while here. I'm hoping I can play tour guide at least a little bit; one of my favorite things to do! Hopefully I'm allowed some time off for their visit!
Another great start to Spring is Sarah's 1st Ballet Recital this Sunday! Which reminds me I have to charge my camera. She was practicing her routine when I walked past the living room yesterday; so cute! Dance has been a really great thing for her; she's definitely began to literally find her own space in the room. After this class she wants to try gymnastics, hula, and then tap; in that order. I think that's a great idea to keep her options open until she finds something she really likes.
So heres to a successful Spring Break!