Our Jack 'O Lanterns 2008

Thank you Miss Shannon for your help in activity and creativity.
...and thank you to the neighbor who was selling the organic pumpkins from your pumpkin farm in Central, IL (How cool it was to stubble across you)

The Busy Bumble Bee

Here is the costume. This was from our first event.
We have a quite a few more this week.




...and the start of mine and Kurt's

BzzzzzzTest Drive

Today we did a test drive in the busy bumble bee costume. I was checking for size and mobility.
So far so good...lost a seam and got it back together. Now to finish the antenna, and wings. Our first occasion to wear it is tomorrow at a fun spooky pot luck. Then he will be a busy bumble bee for sure...Daddy's work party is Tuesday night, then Hallo'een assembly at school, and trick or treating around the neighborhood on Friday.

Okay gotta get back to the costume making...I've got mine and Kurt's in the works too...and to figure out a dish to take for this pot luck. Whew.. Busy? An understatement.

In the Light of Hope and Gratitude We Walk

Earlier this evening Maxx, Allison, Shannon and I met many others at Uncommon Ground to light the handmade lanterns and begin our gratitude walk. It was magical. Many said they came to see the little ones and how important it is to see their awww and how amazing that is. There was a story about a lantern told and then songs began as we walked our 3 blocks to the garden. It was so beautiful to see those lanterns in the dark and enjoy the night in a magical place. How grateful I am to be able to give and have this experience with my beautiful son and my amazing friends who rekindle my spark every day.

At times our own light goes out
And is rekindled by a spark from
Another person Each of us has cause to think
With deep gratitude to those
Who have lighted the fire with in us
-Albert Schwitzer

Above is Maxx's lantern as he is walking around the dark garden. Beautiful.

I walk with my little lantern,
My lantern walks with me
In heaven, the stars are shining!
On earth, my lantern shines too.
In darkest night, it guides my way
Glow little lantern glow.

Ribbon for the Sophia's Garden

There has been wind that the University is not going to develop this piece of land the garden is on after all. Something about the development has been canceled. So instead of a new building or to keep the garden they are going to use this beautiful space as a staging ground for large construction equipment for the demolition of the building just to the east of the garden.

With this news has come some activism from not only the school, but the entire surrounding community and students of the University. We have joined in.

One of the University students came up with the idea to tie a ribbon on the fence to be your voice. Today we tied our ribbons.
Thursday is a lantern walk from the Uncommon Ground to the garden...starts at 6pm if anyone wants to join us.

Viva la Sophia's Garden!!!

Wet Day, YAY!!!

It is wonderful how your little one can change how you are seeing the day.

Me: "Awww man, it is raining."

In my head: In and out...wet and dry...the buses will be crowded...my hair will be wet...I need to invest in some rain boots...don't forget the umbrella...aww the umbrella...up and down...it is cold today too...cold and wet...pack extra clothes and socks for Maxx...

Maxx: "Cool! I can wear my puddle boots to school! Don't forget to pack an extra pair of Saaahhh-Oxx. Let's go, Moam!"

Me: "Cool! Let's go get wet!"

Maxx: "Yeah!"

He embraces every thing and has so much fun. Me too!

Lucky me!

Today I came home and had one beautiful surprise! No special reason, just because Kurt wanted to.