This is Melanie Fillmore, a Native American from the Lakota Tribe of South Dakota. She came to our home school group and shared with us her Native American history, traditions, and culture.
Here is a beautiful quilt made for her when she was married. The colors, shapes and layout are all symbolic of her personality, tribe, tradition, etc. They are a very sentimental people and cherish these priceless gifts, and look for opportunities to give them as well.
These are several things she brought for the kids to see... a child's regalia, sweet grass, a sage bundle, eagle feather, moccasins, tribal rattle, bead-work, jewlery, and charms.
This is Melanie's dream catcher which wards away bad dreams. She showed all the kids how to make their own smaller version which they made and then took home to put above their beds.
Melanie, then dressed into her tribal Regalia. All Regalia are gifts given by loved ones who create and then hand make the Regalia specifically for the loved one. It is beautiful and all very symbolic. Melanie said the materials cost well over $1500. The beadwork alone is something to marvel over.
She performed a couple of tribal dances for us. It almost brought me to tears. I'm not sure why. I suppose it brings back many memories of my youth in Arizona and New Mexico. I think that these dances and symbols and traditions are beautiful and very spiritual.
What a great experience for our kids!
This morning we blessed little Noah at Joanna's home. Russ and Rog came to join Geoff in the circle, while the Grandma, Nanna, and Cummings joined the group. It was a very simple and special moment in time. I especially enjoyed the opening song, "I am a child of God." How appropriate!
Geoff and I were grateful that we blessed Noah before he started walking!
Tonight DeMordaunts came over for FHE. We joined forces to make Christmas presents. I'd like to say more on that subject, but cannot as our gifts will be going forth to a few privileged blog viewers :).
As tradition has it, we had a HOOT of a time! 
We went to Valerie McCauley's home today for ART FUN. Emily is in charge of this class, and today we collected leaves and made Christmas displays with them-- elaminated them for preservation. This is Justin's.
Then it was outdoors to the big hill where the kids made a fortress on the big compost hill. Every child should have one of these...what fun!
Max kept busy shooting every one with his re-bar gun! He's got quite an aim!
We LOVE playing with McCauley's!
This is Melanie Fillmore, a Native American from the Lakota Tribe of South Dakota. She came to our home school group and shared with us her Native American history, traditions, and culture.
Here is a beautiful quilt made for her when she was married. The colors, shapes and layout are all symbolic of her personality, tribe, tradition, etc. They are a very sentimental people and cherish these priceless gifts, and look for opportunities to give them as well.
These are several things she brought for the kids to see... a child's regalia, sweet grass, a sage bundle, eagle feather, moccasins, tribal rattle, bead-work, jewlery, and charms.
This is Melanie's dream catcher which wards away bad dreams. She showed all the kids how to make their own smaller version which they made and then took home to put above their beds.
Melanie, then dressed into her tribal Regalia. All Regalia are gifts given by loved ones who create and then hand make the Regalia specifically for the loved one. It is beautiful and all very symbolic. Melanie said the materials cost well over $1500. The beadwork alone is something to marvel over. 
She performed a couple of tribal dances for us. It almost brought me to tears. I'm not sure why. I suppose it brings back many memories of my youth in Arizona and New Mexico. I think that these dances and symbols and traditions are beautiful and very spiritual.
What a great experience for our kids!
Justin made this with a food storage can and scrap leather. We love the way it turned out. TOO FUN!
Noah gained 12oz this week alone. We think he's on a diet of pure ice cream. People always comment on his beautiful skin. He's got Geoff olive tones for sure!
