We celebrated Martinmas a day late. The little one returned this morning and after our baking was done (molasses-honey cookies!), we set to work on our lanterns. We tried the paper-mache way, which was super messy, but super fun.
To make paper-mache lanterns (I got the instructions from here, but I'll write them out so I remember next year) blow up a balloon and place the tied end in a small bowl (to keep it steady). Make a mixture of half glue (we used regular old Elmer's) and half warm water. "Paint" the mixture onto the balloon and stick strips of tissue paper on until the whole balloon is covered down to the top of the bowl. Allow to dry and repeat several times. When the whole balloon is dry, pop it, and you'll have a hollow lantern to stick a candle in! We still have to punch holes in the top and loop a piece of yarn through for our evening walk.
We also started the tradition (inspired by Grace here) of setting out a tray with an orange and small piece of chocolate to share between the three of us, in honor of St. Martin. You can read the story of St. Martin here (scroll down!) which I told an abridged version of to the little one. We're still trying to weave our way in and around the religious aspects of Waldorf to help it fit with our family.
The little one and I sang our lantern song while we worked (her preschool teacher sent me this link to hear what it sounds like!) ::
I go outside with my lantern, my lantern goes with me
Above the stars are shining bright, down here on Earth shine we.
The cock does crow, the cat meows, la bimmel, la bammel, la boom.
‘Neath heaven’s dome till we go home, la bimmel, la bammel, la boom.
I go outside with my lantern, my lantern goes with me
Above the stars are shining bright, down here on Earth shine we.
So shine your light through the still dark night, la bimmel, la bammel, la boom
‘Neath heaven’s dome till we go home, la bimmel, la bammel, la boom.
And just some cute photos from today. Sasa requested a bike picture. He was headed to an event for work and had loaded up the bike trailer full of books. The little one was fascinated by this and as Sasa started to ride off she said, "Stop Sasa! Wait! I have to give you a kiss!" Those two are pretty darn sweet!
