Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah Where did the time go?

Father Winter and Father Time Have Been Transpiring

That was fast!

There's only one week left before the holiday break and we haven't even hung the stockings!!!

During the month of November the kids created gratitude trees. The trees were part of the "gratitude forest" and visits were made every day to drop "gratitude acorns" on the trees. Every day the kids received a gratitude and now that the holidays are here we wanted to keep the tradition alive and hang stockings for receiving "gifts".

The stockings were created from red letterhead and company envelopes that were turned into places to receive words of kindness. The front of the envelope was glued to the "stocking" and the back of the envelope became the resting spot for sweet notes.

Since we are privledged to take full advantage of Dinosaur Bob, we decided to make a "fireplace" out of boxes, donated architect prints and toilet paper rolls. To take a sneak peek pictures will be posted next week of our fireplace and stockings.

There are some parents who have taken advantage of the communication system and slipped notes to their children and their childrens friends. One little forest elf in particular has implemented this system at home!!!!

Holiday Drive

We are working with Social Issues Inc who work directly with local homeless individuals, families and vets. I inquired on what the real need of the homeless community is.

Food, water, blankets, bags, clothes.

Social Issues Inc. delivers these things one on one to individuals so there are no facilities to help hold and assist with the givings.

So that means the collection of the items need to be more mindful.

Trish the founder, president and director of Social Issues Inc made a very direct and excellent point regarding collections.

The homeless don't have can openers and tools to assist in some of the things regularly donated to food banks.

Here is a list of things desired and required!!!

Easy to pull off lids

(applesauce, fruit, nuts, raisins)

Water

Clothes

Blankets

Bags

Remember to support your local community and those who lovingly support others in need!

Community

We are so lucky to be a part of an amazing community and it's no one's fault but our own if we don't take advantage.

Remember to stop by Aristree/Infusion Tea in College Park this Saturday. Artistree is an art co-op that features many talented aristisans and inspirations.

One of our very own parents, Ms. Hannah Braden will be featured as the Artist of the month. Her show begins at 7:00pm with live music! Oh and you know those cool coin necklaces you are seeing all over O-town, made by our very own lovely Ms. Angie Ramos? Yes, they are making themselves pretty at Artistree too. You can support Misty Forest families, local artists and the economy just by picking out something pretty for a loved one this holiday. ROCKIN I TELL YOU, ROCKIN!!!

Have fun with your little one this holiday. Make a day of it!!! After an afternoon at the forest, drop by Seven Sisters Coffee House for some yummy holiday cheer and head to Lake Eola for ice skating in the park!!!!

Wishing lots of snuggles under the mistletoe and lots of mistyical magic this holiday season

-Misty Forest

It's December!

How much turkey/tofurky did you have??!!!!

What did everyone feed the kids? Is it the turkey or tofurky that dulled them to this degree?
Yesterday I was worried I would have to start checking pulses.
The kids were stagnant, staring, almost serendaded to quiet. I thought where is he?
The pied piper?

I soon came to realization that they were just calm, happy and peaceful......was it because they've been stress free for 4 days and some celebrated 7 days of vacation? Maybe.

Keep The Peace Man!
Fortunately or unfortunately, for that matter I have first hand experience on how stressed out kids are daily. Homework, less creative time, less active time, more testing, more pressure....and now it's the holiday season.
With 18 days before the kids holiday season begins the holiday stresses and excitement will start building up. Sometimes the kids turn into little gremlins seeking the highest satisfaction and sugar-store fulfillment possible.
The magic, the "mistyical" and the wonderment of the season is so much more than decorations and candy canes. Historically it's a time to reflect on peace, togetherness, harmony, rebirth and new beginnings. Remember to keep the peace.

December Celebrations
There are so many traditions and celebrations in December we are taking advantage of them all.
The Forest will be studying, creating and elaborating on some of the amazing rituals people from around the world take part in this month.
This Sunday, December 6th is St. Nicholas day. The kids will see a short film today and I'm going to find out just how many kids are expecting gifts to be delivered to them on Saturday. Check out this website for more info:
www.stnicholascenter.org

It's Play Time!
Check out the new issue of Playground Magazine by picking one up at Misty Forest.
Our very own Mr. John Hurst is featured in it. Everyone loves Mr. John and his squiggles!

Give and Let Learn
How often do you preach to give but don't teach to give?
At the forest we are teaching, doing and giving.
Become part of our charity drive.
More will be posted this week so stay tuned!!!!!

From the friends and fauna of the forest have a great week and a wonderful beginning of December. Do some full moon hooting and hollering while you are at it tonight!!