The Mindful Homeschool

Yesterday was cloudy and cold and everybody was dragging.  It has been a long winter here for which I have no complaints.  It has been great for ice skating and sledding and snowboarding and just plain playing outside.  But it is April and thoughts are turning towards spring and warm weather and the growing season.  We are ready to let go of the winter weather and move into a new season.  Papa had a bad headache and I was needing a good nap to perk me up.  And it was that time of the day when we usually stop and have a bite to eat and I indulge myself with hot tea and something yummy.  

The other night I had read something on the internet about HSers who regularly participated in Tuesday Teatime, a time when all else is put aside so that one can put on a special tea party for their children complete with china, treats and hot beverages.  During this tea time, the children are invited to read poems and of course, the moms, too, take the opportunity to read from some of their favorite poets.

 Yesterday, despite my low energy level, I was able to accomplish putting together a “Tuesday teatime” even though it was Saturday.  Somehow, I found the energy to lay out one of my late mother’s table cloths and busy myself with making the table look warm and inviting.  There were lighted candles, teapots, fancy china tea cups, saucers and plates.  There were lovely little decorated Easter eggs adorning the table and there was my family sitting around the table.  Even my dh, who had been lying on the couch, joined us and seemed pleased with the layout of food and fineries.   I was impressed that a little effort toward making a beautiful table for tea time could bring the family together and lighten the mood the way that it did.  My dear husband even added to the ambiance by putting Bon Iver in the CD player - a perfect match for our day.  I would like to do this Tuesday Teatime once a week, if possible.  I plan to read bits of poetry and maybe some other books to the kids during this time.  Saturday’s tea time was such a day brightener, I have got to do it again.