Winter snow blanket covers us

A blizzard blew in Monday and kept us home Tuesday, but didn't hit with quite the force they'd predicted.  And thank goodness for that - power stayed on, and the Northeast was covered in a perfect blanket of white.  While cold weather isn't my favorite, suffering with cold fingers and toes, and in a continuous search of clothing to keep me warm, I recalled this morning on my walk to the post office the delight in a brisk cold air hitting one's face.  The snow looks like powdered sugar, and crunches under foot with each step.

Memories of living in Saratoga Springs flood back, with each step. How this sound was heard when heading off to school, or romping in the snow with a sled over one's back, heading to a great hill in the woods across the street.  Cold weather was a way of life as a child - Winter lasts from November through March in full force.   In NJ, we get some reprieve as early as February, when a warm day may bless us and melt some snow.  The snowdrops ? crocuses?  pop through the snow or up from the cold ground and provide a glimmer of hope for warmer days to come.

For now we'll enjoy the heightened glow of the sun during the day, and the lights that shine at night  on the white earth.  And know warmer days are just around the corner.

Friendship that insists on agreement on all matters is not worth the name.
    - Gandhi

"Andy"

The other day the kids were finishing up playing before bed. K had headed up to brush her teeth and put on pjs.  Dad was listing things C needed to do to finish up and get upstairs.  And then he headed upstairs, saying "And he needs to brush his teeth."  C gathered up his blanket and dutifully started up the stairs asking, "Who's Andy?"  

We laughed and laughed!  C wasn't sure why so we explained - it was adorable.

R responded to something C said with, "You're a good person." (in a slightly slow, announcing it sort of way)  and C answered from the bathroom.... "Thank you old man."

Oh dear. :)  K and I thought it was funny... poor R, not so much. ash...

Gratitude

Getting ready for our vacation I bought donut holes and packed them in a food bag to bring and enjoy on our porch with coffee (or milk, depending on who's enjoying) and Christopher spotted them and said...or rather exclaimed, "Mommy, thank you!" I asked for what and her replied, "for getting us Donkey Donuts for vacation!!" Sometimes it's the little things... Gotta love it! 

Blessed moments to remember

Why is it that I often find myself mourning the past that is yet to come? I am melancholic of the future. It makes some sense as I watch my 2 beautiful children grow older, bigger, and more engaging each day. 

My little prince arrives at my bedside each morning with his three prized blankets in his arms. He's been calling them his "kids" recently.  Still sleepy, I invite him in between us to snuggle until its "wake up time."

He's taken to reading and deciphering the time these days, so I recently suggested he try to sleep or stay in bed until the clock has a 7 in the first spot. He has forever been our very own rooster, up before the break of any thought of a dawn... I told him maybe he needed a real clock in his room so he could keep track. But I realize this would also take away one of those exhausting but special moments in his childhood that I know isn't everlasting so I may just hold off on the clock. 

This morning all 4 of us ended up in our tiny queen-sized bed. What a lovely moment that was...squished but in just the right way. Little prince said he and dad would lie "sidewards" - little princess (who's not so little these days coming up to my chin basically!) snuggled up on my right on the edge of the bed nestled with my arm around her. And what a delight that was. 

As I fall asleep tonight, I am grateful for that moment and can only pray I am lucky and blessed enough to experience it again someday soon!

A few memories from my little guy

Rice kiss-me treats for Rice Krispy treats.

Smarshmallows are what we used to make them :)

He loves his sisters rainbow loom. He knows what a fishtail bracelet is...it's too cute. He makes sure everyone has their right bracelet.

The other day I noticed a vein on his neck... Took a closer look and then told him what I was looking at. I said veins take the blood from your body to your heart and arteries take blood from your heart to all parts of your body.  And then he said, "yeah, artries take blood around your body...and then to your nose where it sometimes comes out." (He's had a few bloody noses!)  too cute... :)