Bundling

I'm not as good as I should be about taking the little people outside in the winter months. I'm more of a hunker-down and keep busy inside kind of person... especially where the little people are concerned and doubly when the weather forecast involves snowing and blowing. 

Monte on the other hand is great about getting everyone bundled up and outside. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the long and arduous process of bundling and unbundling, the tears of frustration that inevitably accompany donning boots and mittens, or the piles of sopping wet gear that lay strewn across the entry way floor when everyone gets too cold to remain outside a second longer.

The fresh air does everyone so much good and I certainly notice a huge difference in the boys when they've had a chance to burn off some energy outside. Ellie is a trooper about being outside, even though her cheeks turn a bright shade of fuchsia after 30 seconds in the elements. (Forget about a scarf either... she has a thing about knit-wear on her neck... I think it brings back bad memories of an over-zealous brother who's hugs used to more resemble strangle holds.)

Today, however, the weather is just about perfect... perfect in a wintry-warm kind of way. So we're going sledding at a local hill. It is a surprise for the little people. Just knowing that they have a surprise later today is a thrill for them. I think we'll have fun too... but just in case things get dicey when it comes to pushing double-socked-feet into boots, I've mentally prepared myself. There will be no tears of frustration on my part.

Lost

This sight of Gavin is not uncommon in our house. Much of the time, we find our biggest little person lost in a book. I love that about him... yet it's surprising to me that he enjoys reading as much as he does... You see, he seems to contradict himself in that he is so distractable and full of energy most of the time; that is until a book is placed in his hand. With a book in hand, he won't pay anyone attention, let alone look up, until hunger strikes.

Don't get me wrong. I'm thrilled and proud of his love of reading. I feel like he can do anything, if he can read. Not just 'can' read... but a real willingness and eagerness that comes from the sheer enjoyment of the act.

I used to think that he learned to love reading because he was so darn nosey. He seems to be on a constant quest for information... as a smaller child Monte and I would spell things that we didn't want him to hear in conversations we had in front of him. (How rude of us... I know.) We did that until he started sounding those spellings out and proudly telling us the word.

That nosey spelling gradually turned into our night-time ritual of reading the Paddington Bear chapter books. Gavin loved the stories about the mischievous bear. I enjoyed reading the stories too. We talked about some of the words that were different or challenging, which I really enjoyed as well.

Then last year, his teacher introduced him to Harry Potter and it was all over. Gavin poured through the first three books at which time I cut him off... feeling as though the story was a little dark for my second grader. He moved on to other books, undeterred and discovering new authors to enjoy.

Now he has a stack of books near him most of the time, mostly Rick Riordan. It drives me crazy that he has three or four books half finished... but I guess that's the contradiction coming out in him. Distracted by his distraction...

He's consumed more than two million words since the start of school. (We have an actual count because he tests on every single book that he reads.) I can honestly say that Gavin has read more in 2012 that I did. I'm not sure if I should feel proud or sad... Maybe I'll use it as motivation, motivation to put a book in my own hand and become lost, not looking up until I'm hungry... or more likely until someone else tells me that they're hungry.

Savor

This year, I had plans to savor the holiday season. I finished my work assignment just a few days before Christmas which meant that I had a time to focus on getting things wrapped up (literally). I could also spend extra time doing all of the fun things that we only get to do around the holidays. 

It's true, I baked a bit; decorated more than in years past and even hosted an extended family gathering... all at relatively minimal stress levels. A minor miracle.

We kept the Advent calendar tradition this year, which the little people enjoy. And the gifts were all wrapped in time for each of the little ones to jostle and shake and guess what might be inside for a few days... building anticipation for our Christmas morning celebration.

I'm a little bit dazed that Gavin is back to school and we're settling back into a normal routine already. I think I had unrealistic expectations, hoping to freeze time a bit more. But even though I was unable to freeze time completely, I did indeed savor the time spent with my family. My gift was the blessing of each and everyone of them. It's a gift that I am so happy to carry with me into the new year.

Hardy

If my fingers hadn't been transformed into frozen appendages, I would have snapped a picture of  the gigantic drift that surrounded the hen house. Although we'd been marveling at the drift, from the warm comfort of the house, I took my time getting out to check on the gals this morning. I was procrastinating, it's true. It took some time and self-encouragement (and maybe a little chiding) before I bundled myself against the cold and wind and made my way to the coop.

I figured the gals were tucked safe and snug inside their refuge, not needing me in any urgent way. When I reached them, our hardy gals were indeed inside, but I'm sure that was due less the peaceful nature of the place and more a result of the drift that encapsulated their home.

When I was finally able to liberate them, all eleven of our feathered friends indignantly made their way from the coop. It seemed like they enjoyed their new freedom, until they discovered that their water and grain were buried somewhere in the epic drift. I'm pretty sure I could tell they were wondering why they wanted so badly to get out, when there was just more of the cold and snow outside.

After we found their feeder, the flock made quick work of the grain and then filed one by one back into their cozy little home. After all, they each have a job to do. There were three eggs neatly laid in the top-most nesting box. That place also happened to be the only spot in the coop that didn't have remnants of a blizzard. I imagine a few of the gals had a keen eye on that spot, which looked 'comfortable.'

I'm a bit surprised that the flock is as hardy as they've proven to be thus far... seemingly unperturbed, they continue to lay their precious eggs through the cold and blustery weather. I feel much less hardy... could it be that I'm getting soft-ish in my older age? Maybe I'm beginning to understand why people (and birds) long to fly south in the bitter cold and dark of winter.

But since there is no flying south for me, hardy I will become, for I too have work to do.

Conflicted

Santa has been a bit conflicted as of late, when it comes to the names of two little boys. You see, these boys are also conflicted... they say that they want to be on Santa's Nice list, but their actions put them firmly on the Naughty side of the margin.

I know that Santa would really like to stop at this house and bring a gift to each of the three little people that live here... but I'm not so sure that will actually happen. That's never not happened... but this year may be the first.

Santa doesn't want to hurt any feelings, but there is a reason for the list keeping. Santa is no different than anyone else... he knows the power of incentives. His incentives aren't complicated... there are no points or black-out dates. No coupons or card punches required. His plan is simple: Be honest, Follow the rules, Love one another.

I understand that sometimes those things can be more difficult to remember... and so, we parents can help to pass along reminders. Starting in late November, mine sound a little like: "Oh boy... it's so sad that Santa has to see (and hear) all of this fighting..." My volume level may fluctuate, but the message tends to remain pretty constant.

Even with all of those 'helpful' reminders... Benett and Gavin both have their work cut out for themselves, and will have to make a very concerted effort in the next several days. We've been talking a lot about compromise. But that's tough to grasp sometimes... and when competition is so fierce. I think for Gavin, compromise means "losing." Sometimes that's just what it is... and when you're nine, losing is never okay.

And then there is Ellie. She deserves a visit from Santa. She's been such a darling... helpful as can be (most of the time). Even if she tends to get noisy and bickers with Benett a bit, she's doing a great job for a two-year-old. (Even when not compared to her brothers.)

So, Santa is conflicted... will he bring a gift for only one child? Will the boys shape up and turn things around in time for a visit from the jolly elf? I'm not sure; there's only one person who knows for sure... and I hope he has an eraser on that magic pencil, because a week is a long time.

Santy

Last night, Benett and Ellie got to show off their singing skills at the holiday concert that their daycare hosts. Or perhaps they mostly just showed off... I'm not quite sure... Actually Benett knew all of his songs through and through. And, he's been singing them at every opportunity that he gets. I love the way he bursts into song in the middle of some seemingly random moment.

Of course Monte and I enjoyed watching both of them strutting their stuff. Ellie, being the oldest child in her class, stood out. The other kids are so small compared to her. I remember when she was that child, standing up front with other kids that looked so much bigger and older than her. She was just a baby. But now, she's the big kid who knows all of the hand motions to the songs and dances and wiggles up front... hamming it up for all to enjoy.

Benett was his usual self. Someone said to me, "He sure is a spark plug." That pretty much sums it up. He is indeed a spark plug. My little spark plug. I only wish he was a little less sparky every once in a while...

All of the little people, Gavin included, were on pins and needles waiting for Santa. When he walked in the door, every child in the room formed into an instant line. Nobody wanted to miss a chance to sit on Santy's lap and tell him how good they've been and list all of the things he should bring.

Even Ellie took her turn this year. She was so excited, calling out to Santy from her place in line. I was just sure when the time came, she'd lose her nerve and come over to me, not wanting to sit on Santy's lap. But she surprised me again. She sat on his lap. Told him that she wanted a baby and then asked for a candy cane. He obliged with the candy and she was happy.

When I asked Gavin to share what he said to Santa, he refused to tell me. Holding out hope that Santa is real means not telling Mom or Dad what he really wants, because Santa knows and that's all that matters.

The spark plug, being true to form, was full of the dickens. I'm not sure Santa needed to ask if he's been a good boy or not... he knows... he knows...

Twelve

In honor of today, 12/12/12, I'd like to list twelve of the thinks I'm most thankful for.

Since the people in my life could fill up the list a few times over, I'll keep this list to other pleasures. In no particular order:

1. When the little people crawl into bed, not too early in the morning, snuggling in to catch a few more zzzz's.
2. A meal with friends.
3. Watching an old movie, snuggled under a blanket and falling asleep half way through.
4. Starting a sewing/knitting/crafting project.
5. Finishing a sewing/knitting/crafting project.
6. Finding a dollar in my coat pocket.
7. Chocolate
8. The loyalty of a beloved dog.
9. Giggling
10. A great book that just can't be put down.
11. The love of my husband.
12. Silly, funny, genuine comments that come straight from a little person's heart.

Cocoa

I think this is the only chicken, at my house, who appreciates this change in weather. The remainder of the gals have decided to keep themselves sequestered away for a bit, only venturing out into the snow for a moment or two, before quickly making tracks back to the warmth and protection of the coop.

The little people on the other hand, couldn't wait to get out into the snow. So after breakfast we began the task of bundling everyone up into double socks, snow pants, coats, mittens and hats. The first 'bundling' of the season is always funny to me... everyone seems to forget how much work it is to get dressed for the cold.

All of the kids enjoyed themselves today. Playing in the first real snow of the season is something special. They shoveled snow for quite some time and only gave that up so that they could sled down our little hill. The snow conditions are perfect for sliding... and snowmen. The snow is sticky and holds shape just perfectly.

If you ask me, the best part of spending time outside in the cold is coming in for a warm drink. Cocoa was on order... with a handful of "smarshmallows." I fixed a mug of the warm brew for each of the little people as they came into the house.

Ellie was first in. Her cheeks were bright red, and she was a bit chilly, so Elle was excited for a warm drink. Her technique was to count and drop each marshmallow into the cup one at a time. She stirred them all up and then plucked each marshmallow out one at a time, with her spoon, to eat them.

Next into the house was Benett. He just couldn't wait to get out of his snow pants... he can be really fussy about his clothes, especially when they feel "funky." Without his funky snow pants, he was happy to sit and slurp is drink. By the time he was done, half of it was dripping from his chin.

Gavin was the last to give up the cold. When he walked into the house he was wet from head to toe... seemingly un-bothered by the wet state that he was in. He promptly sat down at the counter and dumped all of the marshmallows into his cup at once. Stirred the whole concoction up, guzzled it down as fast as he could and then ran off to watch the football game. That child is all boy and football is very important to him.

It looks like we'll be getting our share of snow today. As a result I have a feeling we'll be outside again, after naps... Actually, they'll most likely ask to go out again just as I get all of the snow gear dry and put away. But that's okay... because it will give me an excuse for another cup of cocoa later.

Knitting

There is something about the chill in the Autumn air that makes me more eager to knit. I caught the bug early this season and started knitting up a few things... but that enthusiasm has tapered off. I had high hopes of knitting up a whole stack of things before Christmas, but that doesn't look to be in the cards.

In reality, there are a whole host of things that I pictured myself doing this fall and winter, but somehow none of that has come to pass. I may have slightly underestimated the amount of work it takes to stay home with little people. I'm not quite sure what I do each Monday and Friday... but I can tell you that I'm exhausted by the time everyone is tucked into bed. (And maybe even a little bit excited about going to work, so see and talk with adults...)

I can also say that my house is no where near as neat and tidy as I'd imagined it, in my idyllic little vision. But despite any of these things, I'm glad for this time with my kids. I'm appreciative of the opportunity to see a side of them that I didn't see before. And although I know this will come to an end at some point, I'm thankful for having had the chance to change my life, no matter how tired I am or how messy my house has become.

Elusive

This picture is completely out of focus, but I think it will be one of my favorite pictures of Ellie for a long time to come. This smile, this girl, is my heart.

If you meet Elle for the first time, she seems serious. Actually, if you've lived with her for the last two and a half years, she seems serious much of the time... 

But this little girl is so very sweet; she’s a happy child who’s great at going with the flow… a requirement with two big brothers who can be significantly less go-with-the-flow-ish…

But when it comes to flashing a big broad smile… well that’s a little more elusive, especially when the camera comes out. I think that is due less to her serious side, and more as result of Ellie's natural reaction to a camera, which is saying, "Macaroni and CHEESE, now can I see the picture?" Needless to say, the majority of our pictures are her either not smiling, or clearly talking. 

It's funny... even though we have so many pictures of her where her mouth doesn't seem to be smiling, her eyes clearly are smiling as big and as broad as the image above.

Grown

I'm just now getting a chance to review the school pictures that I purchased for Benett and Ellie. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that they're six weeks old and I hadn't even taken a peek.

I just can't believe how old both B and Elle look! They're not babies any more. I'm not sure when that happened... I'm not sure that I'm fully on board with this grown-up-ness.

Someone needs to tell Elle to slow down in the growing department. She's 18 months younger than B and as you can plainly see, she's just as big as he is. Ugh.

I'm finding myself caught between enjoying the little people at this stage and missing their smallness. Enjoying their new-found skills and silliness. Missing their tiny arms wrapping around my neck and the soft breath on my cheek as they drift off to sleep at night. It's funny how a single picture, like this one, can make a mama so proud and so misty all at once.

Whipper-snapper

Raising kids, actually dealing with kids in general, can be a difficult thing. I want nothing more than to raise a group a kids who are strong enough and smart enough to do what's right. To be able to swim against the stream, and friends, when necessary.

Yet kids need to do dumb things, sometimes, in order to learn. I can only hope the kids who decided to throw yogurt at my car tonight are learning such a lesson. Not that they got caught... despite my transformation into a ranting old lady, lamenting the state of today's youth at the side of the road... I'm hoping they have decided on their own that they did a dumb thing, a thing that shouldn't be repeated.

I was a whipper-snapper who did dumb things once... heck, even as an adult I would like do-overs from time to time... Not being your best is a crumby feeling. A feeling that makes transforming, learning, an easier thing to do. So I'm hoping tonight there is a repentant kid who has decided that yogurt is for eating, and not for throwing. And for that kid, it seems a little bit easier to say, "that's okay... we all make mistakes... my car needed to be washed anyway."

Luck

Yesterday, I really thought a lot about being thankful... what that means to me and how to try and carry that feeling of gratitude forward in a more prominent way. I didn't spend much time thinking about the luck quotient and how being just plain lucky is something that I'm extremely thankful for.

You see the day started the way most do; nothing out of the ordinary to report. We were excited to see family and have a big Thanksgiving meal. Kids played, adults chatted... it was a beautiful day and all of us spent some time out in the sunshine enjoying the mild weather.

It was time for pie when the day began to take a detour from the ordinary. The big kids came running into the house. Gavin's cousin first. She had an urgent look on her face and sought out her father for a hushed conversation... when she pointed to Gavin, who was rushing into the house. He was holding the side of his head; blood streaming from between his fingers. He wasn't crying. He had a similarly urgent look on his face.

It seemed to be playing out in slow motion. Everything was quiet. He was trying to explain what happened, but I didn't hear him, and I couldn't figure out what the big red thing was under his hand.

That's when slow-motion stopped. Everything got noisy again and I jumped from my chair. Gavin had a big gaping wound on the side of his head. He wasn't crying...

I would have liked to have freaked out... but having a melt-down didn't seem like the thing to do. And Monte's aunt, well she's amazing. She calmly moved Gavin's hand to reveal a sizable wound on his left temple. She applied pressure and guided us to the bathroom to clean up and get a better look under the light.

It seemed to take forever to get to the emergency room. When we finally did, we were ushered right in. The pediatric doctor did an assessment and determined that there was no nerve damage and that the wound would be easy to repair. A few hours and seven stitches later, I was fully aware of the luck quotient.

Gavin was lucky that the tree branch that hit his head didn't make contact an inch to the right... or that he wasn't up in the tree when the branch gave way... or any other number of scenarios didn't come to pass.

Even though I say he was lucky, Gavin has always had a guardian angel watching over him. We know it's more than luck... luck is just an easy word to use as a description.

So, we've been successful in our attempt to carry our gratitude and sense of thankfulness with us. Although our list of things we are thankful for has grown to include luck and guardian angels.

Abundance

I am indeed thankful for many things. I’ve been blessed to have a great abundance; treasures that take the shape of people… people for whom I care a great deal.

My greatest treasures are my little people. They keep me grounded in love, if not patience. And on a day like today, when I make an effort to really think about what they mean, instead of running through the day doing all of the things that need to be done, I can feel my heart overflowing with gratitude. I need to make a conscious effort to remember this feeling on the days when they are bickering and whining and making such a ruckus that there is no longer a quiet place in this house where I can retreat to for a second of peace (if not quiet).

I am guilty of not appreciating this abundance… recognizing the blessings which have been bestowed upon me and my family, on a daily basis. It takes a special day, one dedicated to giving thanks, in order to see how many gifts we’ve been given. I wish life weren’t too busy for true thanksgiving on the other 364 days throughout the year. But perhaps even if my weary mind is too tired on many nights to thank God for all that I’ve been given, my contented heart is surely giving thanks with every steady beat.

Double

My kids are generally healthy little people. I'm very thankful for that. I've never had to deal with chronic ear infections... which some of my friends have suffered through with their children time and again. Actually in the ear infection department, we've had two total, between all three kids... until today.

It never really occurred to me that older children can get ear infections too. And that's the case. Poor Gavin has such a sore ear. He actually mentioned it last night, when I went down to check on him, before I turned in for the evening. When he said his ear was sore, I thought that maybe he just laid on it funny... never really giving it much thought, instead chalking it up to the excitement of the night. Perhaps a sugar induced ear ache...

But when he came up stairs in the early morning hours, fighting back the tears, I knew it was something that would require a trip to the doc's office. Yep... a double ear infection. So, in one day, we doubled our nine-year ear infection tally.

It's not really how we wanted to start off our November... but, Murphy's Law always prevails... so we'll just go with it.