Wednesday, November 10, 2010

nature table freshen-up

The nature table was much in need of a rather major "freshen up!" It was full of dried leaves and dusty acorns. When it gets all jumbled and messy like that, I like to get a completely fresh start. Just for fun, Dieter and I did a little "leaf" painting project (inspired by this one), and although we didn't have all the supplies called for, we just winged it and I think they turned out pretty cute nonetheless. Everything else went away, I rotated in a lovely Elsa Beskow book, "Around the Year," and the children helped me select some fallish animals from the farm. Perfect! Of course, over the last few days the table is re-heaped with natural treasures, but I think that's part of the beauty of it too.

Speaking of freshening things up around here, I'm in the mood to get rid of a bunch of old toys and donate them before the holiday season is upon us. Some of our old things might be a wonderful thriting find for another family, and we need to make room for whatever gifts might be coming our way. As much as I do try to keep the holidays simple around here (with much success overall), there is still an influx of new belongings around December and January, the holiday and birthday season for us, so it will be good to do a little pre-holiday clean-out. I hope the boys go along with it!

We have the day off tomorrow, and I am so looking forward to a little knitting and baking!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I have just come across your blog and have enjoyed reading some of your posts. Today's post seems very timely; we are undertaking a cleanse in our home at the moment - making an attempt to clear out the excess, having just moved into a much smaller space. I have a lovely three year old son who has FAR too many toys, a situation that seemed to get out of hand all to quickly, and we are now eager to make some changes. I wanted to ask - what toys do your younger boys play with the most? We are interested in expanding our son's current interests (which are heavily focused on trucks and trains), while keeping things minimal, and are not sure what would be best to start with, once we clear out some of his favourites (he says they are all his favourites!)... Any suggestions would be so much appreciated.

~V

kera said...

love your nature table! i just (even though we are in the middle of november!) bought some gourds and some very imperfect pumpkins to sit outside the front door along with some for the table and i love it! sounds like a dreamy day you have planned, knitting and baking and NO WORK! enjoy!!

Carrie said...

On so many blogs, they only inspire you to buy something (whether it's ads or posts about material things)but I always feel so good after reading your posts because you truly inspire everyone to make do with what they have, and the beauty in the little things(whew what a run-on sentence)! Thank you for that.

Aimee said...

am going to pull out a little book stand that I have and use it now that I see your lovely inspiration! the homemade leaves are precious and warm...where did you find that darling little turkey?

Anonymous said...

That is a very sweet nature table. Enjoy your day off!

Ashley said...

Oooh, if you are getting rid of any of your wonderful wooden toys, I'm interested!!

I'm thinking about Christmas for my own two baby boys and I'd love to know which of your toy purchases have been especially worthwhile.

Luisa said...

Haha I do the yearly toy clean up once in summer and then again in Nov. I like the leaves on the nature table.

Tonya Gunn said...

Your new seasonal shelf looks wonderful.
Warm wishes, Tonya

Mary Beth said...

V--my boys have gotten the most play out of their blocks and construction sets. I highly recommend investing in good quality blocks of various types and sizes. We also love Brio Mec building sets, but alas, they are not made anymore!

Carrie--thank you so much for your kind words! Your comment is so meaningful to me. I really want to convey (and encourage in myself) that sense of warmth of being happy with what we have and with our lives just as they are.

Aimee--the little wooden turkey comes from Holtztiger. I love their wooden animals!

Ashley--alas, the boys (so far) aren't will to give up anything! I'm still hoping they might give up an old wooden mailbox that is no longer very used, but it is so heavy I fear it would be cost-ineffective to ship it. I actually found as I cleaned the toy closet that we've done a good job through the year of not accumulating too much stuff.

Heather said...

I love love love your blog, I have to tell you! I've been trying to read it all bit by bit. Your home is beautiful, and your family too.

You don't have it in your pictures of your current nature table, but in the past nature table posts you had a beautiful wooden frame with a curved top that you had drawings in -- where oh where can I find one??

Mary Beth said...

Heather--it is from Nova Naturals Toys. I got the little postcard inserts there too.