As surely as autumn follows summer and winter follows autumn, the cadence of the seasons alerts us to the passage and cycles of time. And for very young children, observing and celebrating the changing seasons helps them develop a better understanding of how days and months turn into years. It teaches them of life and nature, and it also makes them aware of the special attributes and joys of each season. They learn to appreciate the beauty around them all through the year.
One of the best ways to celebrate the different seasons is to create a rotating tablescape or tableau. This is easily done by designating a small table or shelf as a spot for a “nature or seasonal” display. Some people may even choose a windowsill to house their tableaus. The point is to set aside a special area solely for the purpose of showcasing a specific season.
The Waldorf, Montessori, and Charlotte Mason methods of education all encourage the use of “nature tables,” but delighting in the changing seasons is for everyone. In fact, many families simply call this display a “seasonal table” which can encompass and include a wide variety of things—from pinecones to pumpkins, handicrafts to photos and drawings, or even favorite books about the season. The possibilities are endless!
However, these seasonal tables are certainly not a new idea. According to Sarah Ban Breathnach in her book, Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions: “Victorian families let the four seasons weave the fabric of their family life together in harmony and creativity with handicrafts to beautify their homes.” (pg. 66) In fact, their seasonal tables were a place to display items they discovered on nature walks or things they’d made. Although simple, the table was a focal point for families to enjoy seasonal treasures and concentrate on specific times of the year.
Ms. Ban Breathnach went on to say of this old tradition that we can still enjoy today: “…the Seasonal Table helps children develop a sense of the year’s rhythms and an appreciation for the four seasons. We know that there will be paper snowflakes and evergreen branches in winter; ***** willows and a bird’s nest in spring; seashells in summer and autumn leaves displayed in the fall.” (pg. 66)
So why not take a lesson from the past and set aside a corner, table, shelf, or windowsill to designate as a specific place to exhibit seasonal displays? Children will take pleasure in finding, choosing or creating items for the tableau, and the whole family will enjoy this timeless and special tradition!
*Quotes taken from Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions by Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance Press (Scribner), New York, 1990.
Loving parents and a godly home are so important! I was blessed with both! And now my parents are celebrating their 49th anniversary today...so join me in wishing them a happy anniversary! Pop on over and read my mama's post!
Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to its parents. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
And love between parents is the best example for the children as well!
Happy Anniversary to the best mama and daddy in the whole world! I love you both! Thank you for all the sacrifices and hard work you put forth to give me a godly home, a picture perfect childhood, inspiration, encouragement, and unconditional love...not to mention a wonderful example of a happy marriage! You're the best!
Love,
Amy
I am absolutely shameless! I'm the mom who pirates photos and text from her daughter's blog to save time and effort on my own behalf. Yes...I am so guilty. But I did want to share about Erin and Elisabeth's beautiful graduation reception--so enjoy--courtesy of Erin. Of course, I did have to change a few words and pronouns since I'm not Erin and it needed to be in third person...or mama person! LOL
Chad and I also can't begin to express our gratitude towards my parents, Sis. Beth (see below), Sis. Kynnette, Sis. Lori, Jackie, and the Scott family and others for all you did to make this such a special day for the girls. Our hearts are full! We are also so grateful and humbled by everyone's kindness and generosity!
Erin and Elisabeth's Graduation Reception:
The Saturday that we had the reception was bright and sunny…a fact that we were grateful for since the reception was held outdoors in my parent's backyard/garden. They put so much hard work and time into their yards and also into the party…thank y’all!!
The tables and chairs awaiting guests. :)
The food table (um, without the food just yet) and the old fashioned popcorn popper!
A close-up of the napkins…
And finally…the cake!! Isn’t it beautiful? Sis. Beth’s sister, Rachel, made it and she and Bro. John and Sis. Wanda gave it to Elisabeth and Erin as a graduation present…I call that quite a delicious gift! :) Thank you!
Guests beginning to arrive. That's me in the royal blue shirt in the back standing beside Chad in the light blue shirt. We are the blessed parents of the special graduates!!!!
Wesley, you just look so right holding that pink napkin! LOL
Chad and our little niece, Cooper.
And here is the incredibly talented Sis. Beth…I can’t say enough of how much she did for this reception! Planning, organizing, traveling, cooking, and so much more!Thank you and Bro. Jabin so much!! *Hugs* (From Amy...words cannot begin to express my heart! You are the best!)
And on that note, thanks to EVERYONE who made this graduation reception so special…a list of all of you would be an entire blog post in itself! :) We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends who care so much!
Thanks for coming! :D
We shall be going to the beach this weekend, so Elisabeth and Erin will get to spend their 18th B-day (yep, June 5th is almost here!) with lots of fun in the sun…ooh, 18, they just love saying it! LOL ;)
Happy Valentine's Day to friends near and far. May your day be filled with lots of fun, tons of laughter, hugs and kisses, great memories...and chocolate!
Beautiful anniversary flowers from a very sweet husband! Thank you, Chad. You're the best! I love the flowers, and I love you! Here's to the next twenty years!
Now for some happy news!!! Today Chad and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary! So 'Happy Anniversary' to the best husband and daddy in the world! I love you, Chad!
February 4, 1989
I am so very blessed, and I thank the Lord everday for a husband who loves me and our children. It's been a great 20 years!
After things settle down a bit, we are planning a little trip to Savannah to celebrate our two decades of married life! I can hardly wait!
Hello, everyone! Just popping in for my 'occasional' post! LOL Seriously, we have been so busy that I can hardly keep up with myself...much less my blog! And on top of that, I was sick with the crud for over a month...that stuff would NOT go away.
We were also all involved in my niece's wedding in Savannah this past weekend, and it was LOVELY! John was the ring bearer, Chad had a 'preacher' part, I sang and helped host the bridal luncheon at Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady and Sons, and the girls helped with programs. Elisabeth also painted the old fashioned script "Just Married" sign for the 1960 Cadillac convertible 'going away' car. Alexander wasn't in the wedding, but when John got a tux...he wanted one too. His bow tie wouldn't stay on though! But I thought my little men looked handsome!
I was SO worried that I would not have my voice back in time to sing, and I DID NOT want to ruin Milly and Brent's wedding by croaking out 'Surely the Presence' and 'The Lord's Prayer'. But thank the Lord, I did recover and all went well! The ceremony was held at the Isle of Hope Methodist Church, and it was beautifully simple. The church is a Civil war era structure, and it was used as a hospital during the War Between the States. There is a small cemetery in the courtyard where unknown Confederate soldiers who died in the hospital are buried.
Friday night....inside the church before rehearsal
Confederate cemetery outside the church
Getting ready to hop on the trolley after the ceremony
After the wedding, the bride and groom and all the attendants hopped on a trolley and headed to Wormsloe Plantation for pictures. I went too, to keep my eye on John....who did NOT need me. He was having a great time. But he is only four...Mama was going! LOL But riding on that trolley was COLD. I think we had record lows for November on Saturday afternoon, and it felt ARCTIC. We rode the trolley all the way back to downtown Savannah (it seemed at least TEN miles) to the reception near River Street. I didn't have my coat, and I thought I was going to freeze!
The reception was something else....very coastal and classy. We even had grits in crystal goblets as one of the selections with all kinds of add-ins to choose from...shrimp, cheese, onions, etc. When I have more time, I will tell more about everything including the bridal luncheon, the rehearsal supper at Vic's on the River, and the wedding itself. But I'm pressed for time right now and I REALLY want to tell about John's experience at Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant!
While the girls and I were at the bridal luncheon on Friday, Chad took all the boys to eat at the above restaurant, along with my FIL and BIL. Well, while Chad was cleaning Alexander and his mess up, John was standing near the door with my FIL. John is very sweet and good....but he's also very curious...like his Mama! There was a RED pull handle at child level (!!!) that said FIRE. John can't read yet. He's a little boy! So guess what? He wondered what would happen if he pulled that handle. Let's just say that everyone in the restaurant got a nice LOUD surprise when the honkers started honking and lights started flashing! Chad didn't know what was happening...he thought a little fire must've broken out in the kitchen!
My FIL called out that John had pulled the fire alarm and my BIL rushed to the counter to explain. Chad made John go up and apologize and they thought that was it and headed back to our hotel.
Well, a few minutes later, all of us ladies were walking back from Paula Deen's restaurant and wondered why TWO fire engines were parked in front of Five Guys Burgers and Fries. When we got to the room, Chad told us what John had done. John looked at me with wide eyes and said...."I didn't 'wealize' what would happen!" We told them to look out the window. When John saw the fire engines, he dove on the floor. He thought the firefighters were going to get him! Then he hid in the closet! Of course, we relieved his mind...but I think he learned a valuable lesson about pulling red handles!
The next day, the fire alarm went off in our hotel. John hurriedly said, "I didn't do it!" We had to laugh, but it's an experience we (or John) won't soon forget! We left our mark on Savannah!
Milly made a beautiful bride and my SIL Karen looked gorgeous as well...she was a beautiful mother of the bride! I wish I had a picture of her and my other SIL Phyllis and also my nieces Magen and Steffany who were two fo the bridesmaids! In fact, ALL my nieces, nephews, and in-laws looked wonderful! There are photos of my FIL and MIL further down in this post.
We had a great time, but we're glad to be home. With weddings, it's rush here and rush there....but my niece Milly had that thing detailed to a T! It was awesome! Chad and I have about decided to go back for our 20th wedding anniversary in February so we can slow down and enjoy Savannah. It's been a long time since I've explored all those wonderful places and quaint squares in the beautiful city. Lots of history too! So we'll have something to look forward to!
Here are more photos from the weekend:
Bridal luncheon at The Lady and Sons...basement banquet room
Erin, Carlie (another niece) and Elisabeth at the bridal luncheon...you can certainly tell they are first cousins!
Famous Paula Deen food...yum!
Ellie and a cardboard Paula in the gift shop
Yours truly practicing with the pianist at the rehearsal on Friday night
Chad and his mama....the grandkids call her Gangy
John and our nephew Trey (brother of the bride)....handsome cousins!
Papa (Chad's daddy) and all four grandsons: Alexander, John, Wesley and Trey
at the reception
Well, I really must close, but thanks for all who still come for a visit when I post. And thanks also to new readers who've left me comments lately. I apologize for not responding before now, but it truly has been crazy and busy around here...so please know I appreciate your kind words and visits! I've also received a very sweet 'Butterfly" award from a new friend, Jenn, at Jenn's Nook. As soon as I can, I will share about my award and choose my recipients as well. Thanks, Jenn!
I have been a huge Anne of Green Gables fan for many, many years, and now so are my children! Sometimes around here, we use 'Anne-isms' from both the book and the Wonderworks movie... such as 'kindred spirit', 'scope for the imagination', 'Jonah days', etc. So I guess L.M. Montgomery's book has contributed richly to our family culture! LOL One of my great heart's desires is to visit Prince Edward Island someday!
And now to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables, there will be much going on around and about PEI. Check it out here. There are fun online activities for children, more about L.M. Montgomery, Anne, PEI, a list of events planned for this year to celebrate AOGG, and even contests. Fun!
L.M. Montgomery
It just goes to show, great literature is timeless! Thank you, Lucy Maude Montgomery (and of course "Anne") for such a wonderful treasure! Happy 100th Birthday!
Tasha Tudor
I was also saddened to learn about the passing of Tasha Tudor last week. I love her books and art so much, and I have always been inspired by her simple life and her lovely home and gardens. I think my favorite book of her illustrations will always be A Child's Garden of Verses!
Tasha Tudor
You can read more here at her regular site and here at the memorial site. The world has lost a great talent, and Tasha will be missed! I personally feel as though I've lost a dear friend! Isn't it amazing how art and literature can touch our lives so very deeply?
Anne and Tasha...a celebration of literature and a life!
About two years ago, I introduced my mother, Betty at Country Charm, to the blogworld. She was hesitant at first, but soon she was visiting around, making blog friends, and thoroughly enjoying the experience. And it wasn't long afterward that she took the plunge and started her own blog.
But one of the very first friends she made was Marion, a beautiful lady from Wales, whose blog Reflection of the Seasons is a feast for the eyes. To have a kindred spirit from across the ocean was a delightful thing, and Mama and Marion quickly settled into a friendship complete with daily emails, occasional phone calls, and the exchange of gifts. Of course, I'm sure that at first they never expected to meet face to face.
But sometimes dreams do come true! Marion, and her wonderful husband John, were able to fly to Georgia and visit with my parents for almost two weeks! Because we live next door to my parents, we spent a good bit of time with them. And y'all, I can honestly say...they were not visitors...they were like family...right from the very beginning! We didn't want them to leave today! Their visit was a highlight in all our lives, and we can't wait until they come again!
Last Saturday, we had a Southern "Hospitali-tea" to honor our lovely guest, Marion. My friend, Beth and I, had a wonderful time planning and enjoying our tea party. It was held in my parents' backyard, and even John and Marion got in on the fun...doing flowers, arranging tables, 'planting' umbrellas, etc. We put them to work! LOL
Church friends, homeschool friends, and neighbors were anxious to meet Marion (and John too! :o)), and a good time was had by all. Beth has the natural gift of hospitality, and she was key to our successful gathering. Thanks, Beth, for all your hard work!
Below is a little slideshow from our party. Just click on the arrow and enjoy!
A few days ago, I realized that I was almost at my 300th post...and here it is! So in honor of this auspicious occasion, I have decided to host a give-away for all my friends! Since the magic number has a 3 in it...I am going to select 3 winners! The prizes are 3 Gooseberry Patch 2008 Appointment Calendars. Yes...I know, January is almost over, but you'll still have eleven more months to use this handy dandy little planner. The illustrations are beautiful, and there are even inspiring quotes and delicious recipes throughout. And, there are both linear and full page calendars for each month. Since I love mine so much, I wanted to share with my friends!
To enter the drawing, simply leave me a comment on this post between now and Friday night at 9 pm EST. I will draw 3 winners, and announce them at that time. But do be sure to leave me a URL or email address. A lot of visitors don't realize that Homeschool Blogger doesn't work with Blogger, Xanga, etc. in that identities are not automatically listed unless you are signed in with a HSB account. Many dear folks leave me a comment, but I don't have a way of knowing who they are if the comment is posted by 'Anonymous' and there is not a URL or email included! So please let me know who you are, the URL of your blog, or how you can be reached if you win!
Thanks again for taking the time to visit my blog and for being such an encouragement and inspiration to me! I have enjoyed making many new friends over the last 18 months, and I count you all blessings! So this is my little way of showing my appreciation! Take care and let me hear from you by Friday night at 9 pm EST! I can hardly wait!
Every year in August (my birthday month), I purchase the next year's Gooseberry Patch wall calendar and appointment book. I love the pictures, and I always anticipate hanging the new calendar and writing in my new appointment book. So the tradition continues...on January 1st, the old calendar comes out of the frame, and the new one goes in!
And later today, we'll have black-eyed peas, turnip greens, ham, and cornbread...a true Southern traditional New Year's meal! My grandpa always said that the peas meant lots of pocket change, and the turnips represented 'green backs' (paper money) for the upcoming year. We better eat LOTS of them! LOL
What are your New Year's traditions? Oh, and I guess I'll make my list of New Year's 'intentions'! I'm not too faithful with resolutions...so I'll have intentions!
Have a great day!
From our home to yours...here's an old-fashioned Christmas greeting to friends far and near...
May the joy of the Lord be yours today and every day! I am so thankful for the precious 'Gift' that was sent to us so many years ago to be born of lowly birth...a Saviour who is Christ the Lord!! And I'm also thankful for the 'gift' of your friendship today and always!
We've had such a busy weekend, but most definitely a good one! On Saturday, we attended a wonderful birthday party for our little friend Lillie. Afterwards, our dear out-of-town friends Hope, Hannah, and Josiah followed us home for an overnight visit. We enjoyed having them stay with us, and the time passed way too quickly.
Then after church yesterday, they treated John, Alexander, and myself to a delightful outing...we were able to travel to and enjoy 'A Day Out With Thomas' at Veteran's State Park in Cordele! The children were thrilled to ride on the 'Thomas Train', see Sir Topham Hatt pass by on a golf cart (LOL), and even ride on a real school bus from the parking lot to the activity area. Apparently everyone else from the state of Georgia decided they wanted to 'meet' Thomas as well, because there were A LOT of folks there! LOL
But I know this was definitely a highlight of John's little life thus far! Alexander wasn't real sure about everything, and Sir Topham Hatt kind of gave him a fright, but he did enjoy the train ride! And they both enjoyed being with Hannah and Josiah! Good memories with dear friends! Thank you, Sis. Hope and Bro. Mike, for this special treat!
John decided he wanted a Thomas train whistle, and he didn't let me forget it for a split second! Hallelujah for the gift shop that did indeed sell train whistles! Alexander got a precious 'Thomas and Friends' sippy cup. I doubt he'll remember this day, but he'll always have his little cup!
Yes, although this mama was tired at the end of the outing, it was a joy to see the bright eyes and happy smiles! Indeed...a delightful day! And last night before he went to bed, John cuddled up with me and put his arms around my neck. Then he whispered in my ear, "I love you, Mama!" Those precious moments are worth it all!
On June 19, 1960, my parents began their married life together! They have loved each other and stayed together for 47 years now. I have been so blessed to have such a fine example of what a happy marriage looks like, and I am grateful for my heritage!
In a world where the institution of marriage is not revered and honored, it is always such a blessing to know that there are still people who, when they take their wedding vows, really mean what they say! Commitment! It's so very important! Important for the couple, but also for their families! I have never doubted that my parents loved each other or us. That's reassuring, not only to the little girl I used to be, but also to this grown up daughter (and wife and mother) that I have become. Not everyone has had this strong, stable foundation--so I am truly, truly blessed!
I'm a very happily married pastor's wife, former schoolteacher-turned-homeschool mom of six wonderful blessings, and freelance writer--and we live in the great state of Georgia! I'm a southern girl through and through...but most importantly, I'm a child of the King! We have just finished up our twelfth year of homeschooling, and our two oldest have now graduated! This is my place to record thoughts about homemaking, Classical-Charlotte Mason based homeschooling, writing around the fringes of family life, and more...so welcome to my little corner of the world!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS! MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ALL REAL GOOD IN 2009!
Friday night....inside the church before rehearsal
Confederate cemetery outside the church
Getting ready to hop on the trolley after the ceremony
Bridal luncheon at The Lady and Sons...basement banquet room
Erin, Carlie (another niece) and Elisabeth at the bridal luncheon...you can certainly tell they are first cousins!
Famous Paula Deen food...yum!
Ellie and a cardboard Paula in the gift shop
Yours truly practicing with the pianist at the rehearsal on Friday night
Chad and his mama....the grandkids call her Gangy
John and our nephew Trey (brother of the bride)....handsome cousins!
Papa (Chad's daddy) and all four grandsons: Alexander, John, Wesley and Trey
L.M. Montgomery
Happy 100th Birthday!
Tasha Tudor
Tasha Tudor
