Gift #3: Simplicity

I learned to appreciate the simple life this week. Not everything was simple (or enjoyable), but those moments made the simple ones even better.

Sadly, the snow melted. We simply improvised and used blankets to sled inside.


Last year, someone in Chad's class taught him to play chess. Sadly, no one in our family knows how (not a simple game). I simply dropped Chad off at a chess club at our local library. Oh, how I wish I had my camera then! I can just imagine those same little boys, at a park, 60 years from now, playing chess together. In the meantime, Aubrey and I spent a quiet hour in the corner of the library. I have not read a book (of my own reading level) in a library since college. I enjoyed it immensely!

Gift #2: Precipitation

I'm thankful for precipitation, but not just any precipitation. I speak of snow. Earlier this week, we heard rumors of white bliss. We take such matters seriously, since we get maybe one good snow storm every year. We watched and waited, and finally it came! I took a few pics of Sam observing at the window. A few things to point out: 1. Sam's face is very dirty (regular occurrence around here, he even made it halfway through church looking like this). 2. The jar in front of him is his constant companion. It contains his most treasured possessions - automoblox toys. 3. The second pic shows his distress when the snow stopped. No worries, it started again. We should have a light dusting waiting for us in the morning, just enough to sled on.

This reminds me of a story, one involving a certain child of mine. A few weeks ago, we awoke to heavy frost. So heavy, that the grass and street were glistening white. I casually remarked that it could be possible to sled on, and Chad was ready to go. I'm sure most wouldn't consider sledding on frost, but we do.

The backyard worked really well, he just had to get a running start. Since the hill in the front yard is a little steeper, it's only natural that he would want to try sledding there as well. A little foreshadowing, the sun is more intense in the front yard. Chad climbed to the top, got a running start, belly jumped the sled, and hit a patch of grass (sans frost). The sled stopped, but Chad kept going. His feet seriously went over his head. Once I realized he was okay, I laughed until I cried. And now we know the dangers of frost sledding.

New Year!

Christmas is over. We had a good one, but it went all too quickly. And now we are left with January. This is not usually my favorite month. After all of the parties, events, shopping, cooking - it feels a little empty. Perhaps, I should really consider it a break. A moment of peace. Yes, I am going with it.

I would like to do another photography project 52, but a little different. This year I would like to combine efforts and do a personal and skilled challenge. A few months ago I started a book called 1000 gifts. It's about finding joy and gratitude in everyday life. I know this because I read the back of the book. Admittedly, I only made it to page 30, but I love the idea! So this year, each picture will be something I consider a gift in my life.

Gift #1: Kinship

My kiddies are getting along really well. Our biggest problem as of late, is trying to keep them from going into giddy mode when it is socially unacceptable. They honestly have more fun with each other than with friends. I'm not sure if this is a phase, but I like it!

Christmas Prep

We are getting ready for the big day! Baking, wrapping, decorating, santa visiting, all around mahem.

We took the kids to visit Santa at Storybook Lane (a local dairy). They have a play town called Dairyville, with an old bank, school, candy shop. They also have an old theater that plays Christmas movies. It was lots of fun.

Here the kiddies are in a no-horse open sleigh:

Merry Christmas!

Northwest Winter Morning

We don't often have a winteresque landscape, so on our way home from iceskating, I had to pull over and take a few snapshots. Can you see the frost? That's as close as we get most of the time!

As a side note, the kiddies tried twinkies for the first time this weekend. I love introducing my children to such delicacies. Twinkies have kind of taken the blame for the whole obesity epidemic. In moderation, I kinda like 'em.

Trimming the Tree

After a great deal of pleading, we finally put the tree up! They were so giddy, all night long. It was quite a relief when we finally put all that giddiness to bed. Actually, I'm glad they get excited, it makes it all worth it. And for the record, if Aubrey asks if I did her hair on this particular day, I will tell her that I did it exactly three times, and finally gave up.

Sam, was mostly quiet and thoughtful. I wonder how much he remembers of last Christmas. It will be fun to show him all the traditions once again!

Giving Thanks

Turkey day was good to us this year! James's parents flew in for the week, we always love having them. We broke tradition of a home cooked meal, and went out to eat. It was awesome - no cooking, no dishes. We went to this log cabin restaurant in the middle of the forest and had some really good food.

When we came home, we watched a movie, pulled out the train set, and ate some pie. I hereby declare this a good one.