Happy Martinmas!

You know what they say about the best laid plans...

We had every intention to spend today on a tour of our local dairy farm. Unfortunately, we awoke to a cold rain and bitterly howling wind which made the dairy tour next to impossible. With 4 disappointed kids, I knew I needed a new plan...fast. While I regrouped, the kids had some art time at the kitchen table.

Then we attempted these yarn pumpkins. I think we needed thicker, poofy yarn or something because they ended up looking like '70s shag pumpkins. :)

Once we had a good laugh at the shag pumpkin's expense, we read The Apple Cake.

Then started making apple cake of our own.

While Finn was napping, we read the story of Martin of Tours and the beggar with whom he shared his cloak, then we started the messier task of making jar lanterns for St. Martin's Day.

The lanterns represent the light of Christ that shined from Martin as he shared his cloak with the beggar that day and the lantern walk represents the light that we shine unto others in need.

After sharing some apple cake by our lantern's light,

we shined

our lights

throughout our house

because outside

it's still raining, of course!

So much for the best laid plans...I think our first Martinmas celebration worked out quite nicely.

PS. I also just want to say a special thanks to all of our veterans this Veteran's Day. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate all you've done for our country.