Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The Legend of Snowbeard

While deep in the midst of assessing our Christmas this season- I happened upon a blog post that was so eloquently written and calling in it's simplicity. It was written by the lovely Kim of Mothering with Mindfulness  and based on a tradition she plans for her son involving a gnome bearing scrolls with daily wishes  to integrate into the day.



Straightaway, I knew this was what I had been hoping for. Now, I'm not ever going to be as thought out, organized and crafty as Kim is, so I knew I needed to let all preconceived notions about that go and find my own way. Kaleb assured me we could plan and be prepared for next year, but that simply would not do.


This is the trouble and the beauty that lies in parenthood. It's quick. The thought of it's passing can literally render me immobile, and the idea that I would need to wait a whole year, was too much to bear. I needed to partake now, lest another missed opportunity pass me by.

Blessedly, I had the perfect little elvish ornament, given to me by my Dad- which I had been saving for something. . . 



We dubbed the little man with rich white facial hair and golden attire Snowbeard, and as quick as that, we were on our way!

Each morning the feisty little fellow is hiding somewhere around the house, clue in hand as to what our treat may be for the day. We've kept it fairly elementary: crafts, hikes, fishing, slimes, baking, bonfires. Much would have been part of our festivities regardless, but this makes it so much more fun.



With the sun just barely peeking over the horizon- the sounds of wilds not too quietly traipsing around, reverberate thru the house. Occasionally, it brings them single file into our room to tap, tap, tap us on the shoulder. With a smile, I'll creak open an eye to peek. "Can we have a clue?" they chant as I pull my covers up higher and close my eyes tight. Out they go, the pitter patter of padded feet on the hunt again. This is all proceeded by a loud peel of jubilation as someone (usually Zain, that kid is a finding genius!) has finally spotted the illustrious Snowbeard- and I'm up.

This is one of those activities that posed the potential to be overwhelming, but it's been the complete opposite. It's carried a weight of ease and peace- Kaleb and I enjoying it every bit as much as the little bugs. It fit perfectly. Exactly what we had yearned for in a holiday, bringing us together in excitement and doing.



p.s. I love me some pinterest, but unfortunately rare to never have time to simply browse. Mainly, it's used as a tool to search for what I need. Regardless, a lot of the small art projects, slime, and dough recipes are on my board cleverly titled- Crafts. If you find yourself in quick need of simple ideas to entertain your wilds- help yourself.

23 comments :

  1. Mr Snowbeard is perfect, and I am so happy you guys are enjoying yourselves with this. Enjoy the last week of activities.

    Thanks for the shout out.

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  2. This is such a fun tradition to start. Snowbeard is really cute. I like some of the ideas behind elf on the shelf... but often they seem to be becoming more and more ridiculous.... I just don't know that having your elf grate a snowman into marshmallows is the best choice for your kids... I dunno. It's just getting kind of silly. This is sweet. I like that he could also carry some sort of wish for the day, like today do something kind for your sibling.. etc. That's really cool there is room for play in this too. :) I hope that it continues to go well for you guys! XO -Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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    1. I hear you- this is has been fun and really fits for my season of activities together. Next year I would like to do some different kinds of outreach with it- giving to others, and what not. But, yes like you said- so much room to play.

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  3. This is such a wonderful idea, and one that will surely make some great memories. I am going to have to save it for the future.

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  4. What a creative and thoughtful project! I don't have children yet, but will definitely pass this on to my friends with kids! :)

    lovejoanna.com

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  5. Love this idea my little brothers would absolutely love this! xx

    www.lulabelloves.com/blog

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  6. Twice this week you and your family have made me smile. What a lovely activity and I bet listening to them hunt is so unbearably sweet. I'm not great with crafts, so I'll just admire the excellent workmanship of your kiddos!

    Texas Jak
    http://www.novermyhead.com

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  7. both parenthood and childhood pass entirely too quickly, good for you for letting go of those self-imposed desires of organization and perfection and finding your own way. the result is so unique and sweet, i love snowbeard! ;)

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  8. Awesome Idea. I am always worried about passing opportunities and time and I don't even want to imagine how I will feel about this once I will be responsible for my children. Frightening haha.your oldest daughter is such a cutie, she will look just like you one day.

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  9. The snowflakes are so perfect! I want to make one!

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  10. im in love with this idea! i bet it is so very magical to your babes!

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  11. What a great idea! The snowflakes are very cute!

    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

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  12. I love this idea! I have such a love for scavenger hunts that my childself is just LOVING this! Is it weird I kind of want your kids crafts to decorate my house? Haha - they're so cute!

    - Sarah :)
    www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com

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  13. This is such a cute idea! I am sure it adds so much excitement to the day to have them find a clue each morning. I also love that snowflake art. It looks like a simple and pretty craft to do with littles. This will be such a special year for your kiddos to remember all that you did (and all that they did together) leading up to Christmas.

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  14. Aww, what cool little projects! I bet finding a new message each day is really fun for the kids. And I love how the snowflake panels turned out!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  15. sounds like a wonderful tradition - i'm excited to start my own once i have kids. maybe we'll do this? the clues seem just my style :)

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  16. Snowbeard is such a cute idea! And I love these snowflake paintings! :)

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  17. What a cute gnome! And such a sweet tradition to start with your family!

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  18. Aw such a sweet idea, you are an awesome mommy! So glad to be back to reading your blog, it always makes me smile! Happy Holidays lady!

    xo

    Michaela

    http://michaelajeanblog.com

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  19. Hi, I was just going to write and tell you that I thought of you with a giveaway on my blog! It is of a charity album by Brooke White this awesome folksy singer and her friends. It is called 'never grow up' and is described as 'lullabies and happy songs' - but not traditional lullabies. :) The money from the record funds 2 missions to rescue children trapped in lives of sexual slavery. It's a great cause and what I have heard of the album is sounds so good!! Click this link ( http://tinyurl.com/ntodf2s ) to read more about it and enter to win the autographed copy that I am giving away. :) I would love it if you would share it with people who you think would like the album as well. The giveaway and fund raising site are only up for 3 more days. :) XO -Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  20. Brilliant idea (not had time to read the post you linked to...will do so on Sunday - pending littles not waking up really early!!!).....loved your post, loved your writing (as always)...."This is the trouble and the beauty that lies in parenthood. It's quick. The thought of it's passing can literally render me immobile"...so glad I'm not the only one ;) Have a LOVELY day, and a LOVELY weekend!!!

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  21. What sweet memories your children will have! I love the snowflakes!

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