I’ve become very aware of just what a special season we’re in…the sense of our family shifting is clearer to me than to the others, certainly, but we’re all aware of it in our own ways. And it’s a beautiful thing.
I think the coming of a new life into a family stretches and changes everyone for the better, not just the parents, but the siblings too. I’ve now seen it several times, and as they get progressively older/more aware, the girls are able to understand just what a significant thing it is to welcome another baby brother–someone who will no doubt bother them at times, annoy their games, try to get into their legos and toys, but also always be up for an adventure, snuggles, someone they will get snacks for, and cuddle when mom is not around (Emma has put Ambrose to sleep, rocking him in the chair in his room–no joke–when Joel and I went away for the weekend last spring and my family was in charge). Their sense of tribe and unity shifts, and it’s something I’m so excited for, but at the same moment, I’m not willing to rush this stage. And this fall I set the intention to pour time and focus into my girls in the unique ways that I can right now, treasuring our special mommy and girls time, knowing that my focus will inevitable shift towards the baby/toddler side of the spectrum again when baby brother arrives…
So last weekend, after Saturday morning gymnastics finished for the semester (and that routine was fun, Ambrose and Joel generally scooting off for Saturday errands and boy time, and me with the girls at their classes)…I was ready to focus on some other neat activities we could do together. This one seemed like the perfect mother-daughter morning, especially combined with brunch at their incredible cafe (you HAVE to try)…so we jumped at it and gladly brought some fun friends along. I love that Terrain offers programs like this for kids–it’s such a magical store set up, and my girls wandered happily with me exploring all of it, before we began.
My girls–while as different as could be in so many ways–are such a fierce partnership, they love and accept each other deeply, and I LOVE seeing them approach activities like this is such completely unique ways, and both get maximum pleasure from it.
Emma was so delicate, precise and choosy with her succulents, decor and the whole process–Corinne was–enjoy the dirt, and cram as much sparkly stuff into her glass container as could possibly fit…hers is literally twice as heavy as a finished product…I had to laugh…and she was saying yes to everything, even when it couldn’t really fit. They both were SO pleased with their final product, it was the perfect amount of structured activity with the nature supplies and freedom to let their creative brains run wild, in a beautiful and inspired setting, while the rain and wind rushed by the window outside.
I love how much fun was had by all, how different each of the creations was, and that we have these incredible indoor treasures to remind us of the beauty of nature and green during these barren winter months.
Here’s a super quick and easy run down of how to make these with your littles at home.
You’ll need:
*A glass container, any size–whimsical is fun, just be sure you know how many succulents you’re trying to fit in, and what sizes they are.
*3-5 succulent plants, mini. These are easy to find at garden stores, and so fun how diverse they are in texture and shape.
*rich potting soil
*Gravel
*colored rocks (decorative)
*Optional add ins: berry branches (tiny), dried mushrooms, tiny twigs, dried bush branches, the more interesting looking the better.
Directions:
*Fill the bottom of glass container with gravel (1/4 full is what they told us)
*Pour the soil in over the rocks, just enough to be able to comfortably plant the succulents
*Remove succulent plants from containers and arrange as you desire
*Cover as much of the soil with decorative/lighter rocks as you can (helps with protecting soil and needing less water)…then fill in with other decor to their hearts content.
*To maintain: water succulents every 10 days to 2 weeks–just a bit of water. They can suffer and die from over-watering, but in my experience are just wonderful to have around, I have some I’ve left alone when on vacation for 10 + days and they do just fine–low maintenance but beautiful = perfect for moms and families.
And when we got home, they put it exactly where they wanted it to go–I’m thrilled with the results, we’ll treasure these for as long as they last us (and succulents are very forgiving:)).
If you make your own, share and tag me so I can see how they turn out.
For more info about the kids programs at Terrain, and to check out their incredible shop, cafe and blog, go here. I know how lucky we are to live close to one;)
My heart skips a beat when I think about them growing up–I know it’s happening and it’s a beautiful thing, but I also know how much I’ll need to fiercely guard and treasure these memories forever. Luckily we hopefully have a life-time of memory making moments together as mothers and daughters.
Enjoy making memories with your littles, no matter what the season–there are so many incredible things for us to create and learn about with them–it keeps me young and forever learning alongside them, as I watch the glow in their eyes and hearts as they try new things and create to their hearts content.